Travel reviews by Mrs S from London
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
2
Countries visited
3
Lodges stayed in
7
Excursions taken
0
Zambia / Zanzibar
Zanzibar and 1 other country between 16 Sep 2019 and 2 Oct 2019

Mwaleshi Camp
"Unique safari experience"

Buffalo
10+ sightings

Elephant
10+ sightings

Hippo
6 sightings

Leopard
3 sightings

Lion
4 sightings

Spotted Hyena
5 sightings

Wild dog
1 sighting

Wildebeest
6 sightings

Zebra
7 sightings

Kaingo Camp
"Kaingo Camp review"
The game viewing is exceptional in the South Luangwa - lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, giraffes, civet, genet, porcupines, and some of the most stunning zebra you'll find anywhere. There were a few occasions where the park felt a little too busy, especially on the evening drives when the headlights of competing vehicles are a distraction, but it's a stunning safari location and caters to photographers especially well.
We found the food a little too fussy for our tastes, but we're probably in the minority, and the chef here does a great job of catering to different dietary requirements."

Buffalo
3 sightings

Elephant
10+ sightings

Giraffe
5 sightings

Hippo
10+ sightings

Leopard
2 sightings

Lion
10+ sightings

Spotted Hyena
5 sightings

Wildebeest
6 sightings

Zebra
10+ sightings

Fumba Beach Lodge
"Lovely little oasis"
The pool area is a delightful little oasis overlooking the beach. It's very easy to spend a whole day here reading, swimming, and watching the cheeky little blue monkeys who like to try their luck and scamper down to the "watering hole" occasionally. There is the loveliest little dhow bar that opens for sundowners at 5 pm and is the perfect place to while away a few hours watching the surf and the very beautiful sunsets that you get on this side of the island.
Last but not least, the staff go out of their way to make sure you're enjoying your stay. We felt very well looked after.
Fumba Beach Lodge is excellent value and highly recommended."

Matemwe Lodge
"Matemwe Lodge review"
The lodge is perfectly located for snorkelling at Mnemba Island which is the best we've ever experienced and an absolute must! They also offer reef walks and a visit to the local fish market, which is so much fun to see especially if you've watched all the fisherman motoring back with their daily catch.
Other benefits: great food, friendly and helpful staff, two different pools, and a nice bar area where the bush babies will come to visit for their breakfast at sundown every evening.
One thing to consider: because of the lodge's proximity to the ocean and the strength of the tidal surf, there is the feeling that everything in your room is just a little damp all the time."
Rwanda, June 2016
Rwanda between 25 Jun 2016 and 2 Jul 2016
I was impressed with how smoothly everything was organised from the moment we arrived at the airport. Our stay at Sabyinyo Lodge was a true highlight.
We organised a private guide for these travellers, who commented:
Our guide Patrick - Overall experience: Excellent
Patrick was a wonderful guide for our trip in Rwanda. Smart, funny, he kept us constantly entertained with stories about Rwanda and its people.
We threw a few challenges his way (such as an injury during gorilla trekking) and he managed everything beautifully. We knew we were always in good hands.
He also recommended a fantastic restaurant for dinner and made sure the chef came out to greet us personally."

Kigali Serena Hotel
"Kigali Serena Hotel review"
Food of a good quality without being exceptional, but the wine list and selection was excellent. Very pleased with this hotel."

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
"Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge review"
Lunches were delicious and we were very impressed with the selection of wines on offer and the bar service. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble and we were made to feel completely at home.
I would not hesitate to recommend Sabyinyo."

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
"Lake Kivu Serena Hotel"
The pool and beachfront area are lovely and an easy place to spend a couple of days. Good location in walking distance from a local restaurant and bar.
Despite full board, we choose to eat out on the second night because the food in the restaurant was of a poor standard and very disappointing.
One larger concern -- we went to the wrong hotel room by accident and found that our key was able to open the door. Not sure if this is a larger security issue across multiple rooms but it was a little worrying."
The guides and camp staff are exceptional - some of the most friendly and knowledgeable we've met anywhere on our travels. It's obvious how much they truly care about their guests. Chef James turns out delicious lunches and dinners (fresh salads, grilled meats, chicken satays), exactly the kind of thing you fancy after several hours of bush walks. We moved on to another camp afterwards and wished we could have had Chef James with us!
If you're up for an adventure on foot and interested in experiencing a totally different kind of safari, we highly recommend Mwaleshi. You'll get closer to the animals than you think -- and that's a pretty incredible feeling!"