Reviews of Lake Manze Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
222 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Lake Manze Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Aug-2018, 31 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Lake Manze Camp.
Lion
94% success
Leopard
34% success
Wild dog
50% success
Buffalo
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Hippo
100% success
Spotted Hyena
100% success
Wildebeest
100% success
Zebra
100% success
Elephant
97% success
Eland
93% success
Striped Hyena
7% success
Aardvark
0% success
Black Rhino
0% success
Pangolin
0% success
J & P
Ireland
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 2 Nov 2008
"As first timers we may have been spoilt! We found out later a sighting of 4 wild dogs on our journey from the airstrip to the camp is not a normal occurance - in our innocence we didn't realise how privilaged we were. And on the retrn trip the airstrip some days later we wintnessed a large pack of these dogs feeding on thier prey - the guide was so infomative on thier habits as we watched the young ones being led to thier dinner!
Food and accomodation couldn't be faulted. I t was such a friendly place when I decieded against a full day game drive, it was no problem when Jmy partner did want to go off on it - I was quite comfortable to stay behind and join in the walking safair - and then read my book for the afternoon. Richard was concerned when I expressed my feeling of claustrophobia about not being able to wander down to the lake - he even offered to send a Maisi down to accompany me if I wanted to put a chair there to read my book! personal service eh? nothing was too much trouble." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Food and accomodation couldn't be faulted. I t was such a friendly place when I decieded against a full day game drive, it was no problem when Jmy partner did want to go off on it - I was quite comfortable to stay behind and join in the walking safair - and then read my book for the afternoon. Richard was concerned when I expressed my feeling of claustrophobia about not being able to wander down to the lake - he even offered to send a Maisi down to accompany me if I wanted to put a chair there to read my book! personal service eh? nothing was too much trouble." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr N
Denmark
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 2 Nov 2008
"Richard and the staff created a good atmosphere among the guests and my wishes were fully met by Richard.
The quality of the roads around Lake Manze could be better as fx. the roads around Impala Camp, but the camp is not to blame for that." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
The quality of the roads around Lake Manze could be better as fx. the roads around Impala Camp, but the camp is not to blame for that." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Kent
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 25 Oct 2008
"Located in a large patch of doum palms the tents are large, very well spaced and nicely appointed. The management make an effort to seat compatible groups together and there was a nice communal atmosphere. Lake Manze itself is not spectacular but its a nice place to be.
The camp has a couple of resident male elephants which makes for excellent entertainment and adds a frison to the longish walks to the tents. The masai do an excellent escort job.
Again the manager makes a big effort to get the right trips sorted out & they are very flexible on timeing. Very good walks. Boat trips not as good as Rufigi but more game close to the camp. We caught the start of the short rains and the lads did well to get us back. Friendly green snake in the bar." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
The camp has a couple of resident male elephants which makes for excellent entertainment and adds a frison to the longish walks to the tents. The masai do an excellent escort job.
Again the manager makes a big effort to get the right trips sorted out & they are very flexible on timeing. Very good walks. Boat trips not as good as Rufigi but more game close to the camp. We caught the start of the short rains and the lads did well to get us back. Friendly green snake in the bar." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Ms J & Mr J
London
"A long way to go"
4 nights Arrived 11 Oct 2008
"There are some things which are quite good about this camp: the management are friendly, the food is reasonable and the tents fairly comfortable. That said we would never return and would advise that this camp really isn't up to standard yet for inclusion by Expert Africa.
The guiding was the worst we have ever experienced by a long way. The guides were young, inexperienced, often forgot to collect their binoculars and had to borrow ours to identify the birds (which they weren't very good at). They seemed mainly to be interested in finding cats and on one occasion pursued a leopard (we had seen the tail) into a thorny bush so enthusiastically that they had to be stopped as we were in danger of being scratched.
It was obvious that for part of the time on each drive that one guide wasn't even looking for animals/birds as his head never turned. Unfortunately there are so many first timers at this camp that they think the guiding is good providing they can tick things off their list. As a final probelm they got the meeting place for our Beho Beho transfer wrong so we sat around in a very hot and empty part of the bush for over 1 and a half hours and seemed quite happy to sit there for the rest of the day until we took action. This camp marred an otherwise excellent trip." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
The guiding was the worst we have ever experienced by a long way. The guides were young, inexperienced, often forgot to collect their binoculars and had to borrow ours to identify the birds (which they weren't very good at). They seemed mainly to be interested in finding cats and on one occasion pursued a leopard (we had seen the tail) into a thorny bush so enthusiastically that they had to be stopped as we were in danger of being scratched.
It was obvious that for part of the time on each drive that one guide wasn't even looking for animals/birds as his head never turned. Unfortunately there are so many first timers at this camp that they think the guiding is good providing they can tick things off their list. As a final probelm they got the meeting place for our Beho Beho transfer wrong so we sat around in a very hot and empty part of the bush for over 1 and a half hours and seemed quite happy to sit there for the rest of the day until we took action. This camp marred an otherwise excellent trip." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Activities:
Terrible
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Average
Feedback Response
We’re pleased that overall these travellers liked Lake Manze’s friendly management and its comfortable tents, even if they felt let down by its guiding. Responding to these comments, the manager explained that they’ve just received new binoculars – which the guides are now using. We’re sorry that these had not arrived before these travellers visited.
Lake Manze is one of the less costly camps in the Selous. The guides here aren’t as experienced as those at Mwagusi or Beho Beho; this is one reason why Lake Manze is cheaper. That said, they are trying to improve their guiding, and it’s obviously inexcusable for a guide “not to turn his head” whilst on a game drive. The guide has now been reprimanded for his attitude, and we hope he’s turned over a new leaf.
The manager remembers these travellers mentioning that they were unhappy ‘chasing the leopard through the bush’, but says that that they didn’t make any other comments to him about the guiding. This is a shame, as in cases like this, we always urge our travellers to make clear if they are unhappy about anything, and to explain what they want.
Firstly, we’d urge them to speak frankly with their guide – telling him/her what they do and don’t want. If this is done clearly, most guides will then do their best to accommodate the traveller’s wishes.
Secondly, if any traveller is still not happy with their guide, we’d urge them to be very clear about this to the camp’s manager as soon as they return to the lodge! In most cases, including this one, the manager could easily swap them to a different guide.
One specific point: clearly there was some confusion about a rendezvous point. We’re sorry that this happened; with no road names in the bush, it’s an easy mistake. We hope that they were parked in a spot with good birdlife to watch – and meanwhile we’ve talked to both lodges to try and ensure that such misunderstandings don’t happen again.
We remain very sorry that these travellers were unhappy with their guide at Lake Manze, but pleased that they liked everything else there, and that when leaving they felt able to write in the guest book, “Many thanks for an excellent four days – lots of game and birds and splendid hospitality. S. and P., London.”
Lake Manze is one of the less costly camps in the Selous. The guides here aren’t as experienced as those at Mwagusi or Beho Beho; this is one reason why Lake Manze is cheaper. That said, they are trying to improve their guiding, and it’s obviously inexcusable for a guide “not to turn his head” whilst on a game drive. The guide has now been reprimanded for his attitude, and we hope he’s turned over a new leaf.
The manager remembers these travellers mentioning that they were unhappy ‘chasing the leopard through the bush’, but says that that they didn’t make any other comments to him about the guiding. This is a shame, as in cases like this, we always urge our travellers to make clear if they are unhappy about anything, and to explain what they want.
Firstly, we’d urge them to speak frankly with their guide – telling him/her what they do and don’t want. If this is done clearly, most guides will then do their best to accommodate the traveller’s wishes.
Secondly, if any traveller is still not happy with their guide, we’d urge them to be very clear about this to the camp’s manager as soon as they return to the lodge! In most cases, including this one, the manager could easily swap them to a different guide.
One specific point: clearly there was some confusion about a rendezvous point. We’re sorry that this happened; with no road names in the bush, it’s an easy mistake. We hope that they were parked in a spot with good birdlife to watch – and meanwhile we’ve talked to both lodges to try and ensure that such misunderstandings don’t happen again.
We remain very sorry that these travellers were unhappy with their guide at Lake Manze, but pleased that they liked everything else there, and that when leaving they felt able to write in the guest book, “Many thanks for an excellent four days – lots of game and birds and splendid hospitality. S. and P., London.”
"Senior Africa Specialist"
Mr & Mrs W
Herts
"Great start to Safari at Lake Manze"
3 nights Arrived 8 Oct 2008
"This was an excellent start to this year's visit to the Selous. We stayed in Selous last year at Impala Camp and had such a great time that we were not sure that Lake Manze would live up to that - but it certainly did! From the moment we arrived until the moment we left we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Game Drives and boat safaris were very good - we saw a surprising amount of animals on our game walks. Richard, in particular, was great with extensive knowledge of everything we asked about!
Nothing was too much trouble for the staff - from lending a brand new pair of binoculars (whilst waiting for the ones carelessly left at the previous camp to arrive) to sorting out creams for various peculiar bites!!
Rafiki - the almost 'resident' elephant kept us v amused as he trotted round the camp peering into the bar to see what was going on! He was rather noisy at night though when accompanied by other elephants he tore down leaves from the palm trees just outside the tent!
We liked showering under the stars, eating at the long table exchanging the day's safari experiences, having the same guides for the whole of our stay (3 nights), sunsets over the lake and much more." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Nothing was too much trouble for the staff - from lending a brand new pair of binoculars (whilst waiting for the ones carelessly left at the previous camp to arrive) to sorting out creams for various peculiar bites!!
Rafiki - the almost 'resident' elephant kept us v amused as he trotted round the camp peering into the bar to see what was going on! He was rather noisy at night though when accompanied by other elephants he tore down leaves from the palm trees just outside the tent!
We liked showering under the stars, eating at the long table exchanging the day's safari experiences, having the same guides for the whole of our stay (3 nights), sunsets over the lake and much more." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs B
Cornwall
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 6 Oct 2008
"What a beautiful setting by the lake, with lots of animal visitors, including Rafiki the resident elephant, around and about the tents at any given time of day. Here the phrase 'verandah safari' was coined! Paulo the manager greeted us on arrival and initially proved helpful with a minor crisis we experienced, although we felt let down by him in the end. This wasn't a big issue as Richard the under manager was very helpful and informative.
We found the camp more rustic than Impala, as expected, but comfortable and the food was plentiful and wholesome, enjoyed around communal tables. A pity that it was deemed necessary to charge for water on the game drives, as only bottled water was made available on the vehicles.
Once again birdlife and game superb, brought to us this time by the excellent Ian and Abul our driver. All day drive turned into another adventure that involved rain. Mid afternoon we came across a pack of nineteen wild dogs, including 8 puppies, which was a dream come true for us. We then headed over to the Beho Beho hills for a dip in the hot springs where another of the Manze vehicles was also visiting. We left first and shortly afterwards it started to rain.
It was apparent that the tyre treads left something to be desired as the vehicle kept sliding on the track and had difficulty coping in the gullies. Our drive back, delayed due to an attempted rescue mission for one of the other trucks caught out by the downpour, in the dark (an unexpected night drive!) was rewarded by seeing hyena, hippo and lion. All credit to Ian and Abul for getting us back safely." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
We found the camp more rustic than Impala, as expected, but comfortable and the food was plentiful and wholesome, enjoyed around communal tables. A pity that it was deemed necessary to charge for water on the game drives, as only bottled water was made available on the vehicles.
Once again birdlife and game superb, brought to us this time by the excellent Ian and Abul our driver. All day drive turned into another adventure that involved rain. Mid afternoon we came across a pack of nineteen wild dogs, including 8 puppies, which was a dream come true for us. We then headed over to the Beho Beho hills for a dip in the hot springs where another of the Manze vehicles was also visiting. We left first and shortly afterwards it started to rain.
It was apparent that the tyre treads left something to be desired as the vehicle kept sliding on the track and had difficulty coping in the gullies. Our drive back, delayed due to an attempted rescue mission for one of the other trucks caught out by the downpour, in the dark (an unexpected night drive!) was rewarded by seeing hyena, hippo and lion. All credit to Ian and Abul for getting us back safely." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs E
Letchworth
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 3 Oct 2008
"We particularly liked the lakes trips and the guide was excellent. Paolo was very welcoming and friendly, but maybe a little laid back which reflected on the organisation.
Tent location was excellent with good views and plenty of wildlife and a good introduction to Tanzania.
We also liked the communal dinner table." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Tent location was excellent with good views and plenty of wildlife and a good introduction to Tanzania.
We also liked the communal dinner table." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Ms W & Mr M
UK
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
5 nights Arrived 28 Sep 2008
"Everything was first class. The staff particularly were really helpful and friendly and we never once felt as though we were part of a package tour.
My only slight concern was when we went for a whole day safari and the lunch table was set out, it didn't include a place setting for our driver. This made me feel uncomfortable as he was just as important as our guide - surely the drivers should eat in the group too ? We had become really friendly with our driver and I wanted him to be included." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
My only slight concern was when we went for a whole day safari and the lunch table was set out, it didn't include a place setting for our driver. This made me feel uncomfortable as he was just as important as our guide - surely the drivers should eat in the group too ? We had become really friendly with our driver and I wanted him to be included." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Honey badgers
UK
"Great visit to Lake Manze Camp"
3 nights Arrived 22 Sep 2008
"Although the camp has only basic amenities there is a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere which makes for an exreemely enjoyable visit.
With elephants passing through the camp and good views of game when sitting outside the tent it is very rewarding. T
he drives are very good as there is lots of game in the area." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
With elephants passing through the camp and good views of game when sitting outside the tent it is very rewarding. T
he drives are very good as there is lots of game in the area." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Honeymooners
Bromley
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 21 Sep 2008
"We absolutely loved Lake Manze - the team there were so friendly and we were made to feel really welcome from the moment we arrived. It had a really relaxed atmosphere with us being able to choose what type of safari to do (jeep, boat or walking) with flexibility on when we did them.
We always looked forward to meal times as the food was delicious and really varied. We were even offered a private dinner outside our tent which was good fun - albeit a little scary without the reassurance of other guests in the bush with us!
This was our first safari experience and we really felt part of it; the first night we woke up to a huge rustling outside our tent and woke up in the morning to find the palm tree just outside stripped bare; elephants in very close quarters at this camp!
The benefit of this camp, and the Selous generally, is the lake systems which offers a variety of wildlife in itself; you get the best of both here, with bush and boat safaris readily available.
A big thanks also for the sympathies we received towards Selina's allergic reaction to Malarone. All better now!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
We always looked forward to meal times as the food was delicious and really varied. We were even offered a private dinner outside our tent which was good fun - albeit a little scary without the reassurance of other guests in the bush with us!
This was our first safari experience and we really felt part of it; the first night we woke up to a huge rustling outside our tent and woke up in the morning to find the palm tree just outside stripped bare; elephants in very close quarters at this camp!
The benefit of this camp, and the Selous generally, is the lake systems which offers a variety of wildlife in itself; you get the best of both here, with bush and boat safaris readily available.
A big thanks also for the sympathies we received towards Selina's allergic reaction to Malarone. All better now!" See all these reviews: 10n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
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