Travel reviews by Mr S from AskhamBryan
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
2
Countries visited
3
Lodges stayed in
12
Excursions taken
0
total trip review
Zambia between 15 Oct 2008 and 25 Oct 2008
"excellent trip"
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Kaingo Camp
"Excellent total experience at Kaingo"
3 nights
Arrived
16 Oct 2008
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Tafika
"Great birding on the saltflats at Tafika"
3 nights
Arrived
19 Oct 2008
"Our main guides Alex and Rory were excellent. During a trip to the saltflats with Rory we saw huge flocks of Crowed Cranes and several types of eagle (including the Martial) plus all four types of vulture you would expect in the region.We asked one morning if we may see a Purrple Crested Lourie and of course Alex found two for us.
The camp set up was good as in encouraged interaction between the guests, particularly drinks before meals where everyone mixed and the use of two round tables instead of one long table. The rooms were very good but the only adverse comment I would make was that because of their open aspect it was difficult to take a midday snooze without being pestered by insects."
The camp set up was good as in encouraged interaction between the guests, particularly drinks before meals where everyone mixed and the use of two round tables instead of one long table. The rooms were very good but the only adverse comment I would make was that because of their open aspect it was difficult to take a midday snooze without being pestered by insects."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Chongwe River Camp
"Chingwe River Camp Review"
3 nights
Arrived
22 Oct 2008
"Our main guide Richman was excellent. He had the difficult task of finding new species of bird that we had not seen at the two previous camps in which he suceeded.
The rest of the aspects were not as good as the two previous camps. The room was basically very good but there were no mossy nets and the use of insect killer was discouraged hence I was bitten a lot. Pre dinner drinks were taken round the camp fire but it was dark and you could not see the other guests and dinner was taken on one long table. Both of these made it difficult to mix with the other guests.
The activity options were not made clear and I had the feeling we were beeing pushed towards those activities that suited the camp rather than the guests. One example was on the final afternoon where we had planned to go fishing we were persuaded to go on a quiet canoe ride to see unusual birds. When we got down to the river there were three other canoes some occupied by children which made for a less than quiet boirdwatching session."
The rest of the aspects were not as good as the two previous camps. The room was basically very good but there were no mossy nets and the use of insect killer was discouraged hence I was bitten a lot. Pre dinner drinks were taken round the camp fire but it was dark and you could not see the other guests and dinner was taken on one long table. Both of these made it difficult to mix with the other guests.
The activity options were not made clear and I had the feeling we were beeing pushed towards those activities that suited the camp rather than the guests. One example was on the final afternoon where we had planned to go fishing we were persuaded to go on a quiet canoe ride to see unusual birds. When we got down to the river there were three other canoes some occupied by children which made for a less than quiet boirdwatching session."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Average
African Adventure
Botswana and 2 other countries between 7 Nov 2007 and 2 Dec 2007
"A thoroughly enjoyable trip wich on the whole was well organised.
The transfers between camps were efficient and well timed with the exception of the transfer from Muchenje to Linyanti. We had to be out of our room by 10am and then wait around until 12.30 to drive for our flight. That left us a little short of time on arrival at Linyanti an earlier flight would have been better."
The transfers between camps were efficient and well timed with the exception of the transfer from Muchenje to Linyanti. We had to be out of our room by 10am and then wait around until 12.30 to drive for our flight. That left us a little short of time on arrival at Linyanti an earlier flight would have been better."
Royal Livingstone Hotel
"Relaxing start to trip at Royal Livingstone"
3 nights
Arrived
8 Nov 2007
"The first evening the staff had left lights on immediately outside our room and a lamp inside. When we return after dinner the room was full of insects. We call for service and they sprayed because of the volume of insects then literally swept out the room. On future nights the lights were left out to avoid the problem.
The price of wine was extortionate, a modest South African red which we can buy in England for less than £5 was $58 a btle."
The price of wine was extortionate, a modest South African red which we can buy in England for less than £5 was $58 a btle."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Muchenje Safari Lodge
"Introduction to Botswana at Muchenje"
3 nights
Arrived
11 Nov 2007
"Very friendly but professionally run camp.
Good basic plain food.
Very knowledgeable guides"
Good basic plain food.
Very knowledgeable guides"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Linyanti Bush Camp
"A Gastronomic Experience at Linyanti"
2 nights
Arrived
14 Nov 2007
"We arrived just before the afternoon game drive but were given a very warm welcome. The literature indicates swamps and vast numbers of game, in fact the swamp area has been dry for 20 years. We did see many of the species we expected but not in huge numbers.
The tents were excellently furnished but rather overheated in the date time and would have benefited from any outside shaded viewing facility. The food was definitely the best we experienced in Botswana.
An ice making facility would be very beneficial. The cold towels on return from the bush were much appreciated."
The tents were excellently furnished but rather overheated in the date time and would have benefited from any outside shaded viewing facility. The food was definitely the best we experienced in Botswana.
An ice making facility would be very beneficial. The cold towels on return from the bush were much appreciated."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Average
Feedback response
A few of our travellers have commented on the lack of verandas at Linyanti Bush Camp. As a result of this feedback the owners have now added shaded verandahs and outside seating to each of the tents.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
"Great game viewing at Sandibe"
2 nights
Arrived
16 Nov 2007
"The game was plentiful and our guide, Katembo, was excellent.
The rooms were nice but very dark.
In the dining area in the day time there was a big problem with Vervet monkeys, stealing food and being quite aggressive."
The rooms were nice but very dark.
In the dining area in the day time there was a big problem with Vervet monkeys, stealing food and being quite aggressive."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Facilities
Average
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
"Game scarce at Nxabega"
3 nights
Arrived
18 Nov 2007
"The variety and quantity of game indicated in the literature was vastly overstated. This is very much a transitional camp. We were lucky enough to see lions but they hadnt been previously sighted for 7 months.
Our guide and tracker, Dux and KB, worked very hard to make our experience enjoyable but are clearly embarrassed by the claims made in the literature.
The manager was notable by his absense until we were leaving!"
Our guide and tracker, Dux and KB, worked very hard to make our experience enjoyable but are clearly embarrassed by the claims made in the literature.
The manager was notable by his absense until we were leaving!"
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Feedback response
We are glad that these travellers were impressed by the guides at Nxabega. As we noted in our first letter in response to this enquiry, ‘Nxabega is based in an area which is predominantly wetlands, on the western side of the Delta and so activities tend to be water-based, although you can still do game-drives here.’
We must agree with these travellers - Nxabega is in a very scenic part of the Okavango, and although there is a variety of game in the area, activities here tend to focus on the watery aspects of the Delta and birding. We do tend to recommend that this camp is combined with camps in areas of the Delta and further north which have greater concentrations of wildlife – and we’ve changed our latest brochure’s wording to make this even clearer.
We have asked Nxabeaga to comment on the manager's absence during these travellers' stay – and have not yet had a response.
We must agree with these travellers - Nxabega is in a very scenic part of the Okavango, and although there is a variety of game in the area, activities here tend to focus on the watery aspects of the Delta and birding. We do tend to recommend that this camp is combined with camps in areas of the Delta and further north which have greater concentrations of wildlife – and we’ve changed our latest brochure’s wording to make this even clearer.
We have asked Nxabeaga to comment on the manager's absence during these travellers' stay – and have not yet had a response.
Lagoon Camp
"Wild dogs at Kwando"
3 nights
Arrived
21 Nov 2007
"The highlight was a pack of 13 wild dogs and the hippos walking past the tent at night. Generally the game was plentiful.
A very well run and organised camp in a lovely setting."
A very well run and organised camp in a lovely setting."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Southern Sun OR Tambo, South Africa (this camp has since closed)
"Where???"
1 night
Arrived
24 Nov 2007
"Due to a late flight change our overnight stay was in J'burgh
Just dont ask about an overnight airport hotel!!"
Just dont ask about an overnight airport hotel!!"
Terrible
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Terrible
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Breezes Beach Club
"Relax at Breezes"
5 nights
Arrived
25 Nov 2007
"Having paid for a Deluxe room we were very disappointed to find our room was right at the back next to the standard rooms which were in fact not being used!! The management were very unhelpful stating that rooms were allocated at the time of booking and there was nothing they could do.
The restaurant choices were not as stating in the brochure. There was no seafood restaurant which was a major reason that we had accepted this hotel. In fact the only choice was the main dining room and an indian restaurant where the airconditioning had failed."
The restaurant choices were not as stating in the brochure. There was no seafood restaurant which was a major reason that we had accepted this hotel. In fact the only choice was the main dining room and an indian restaurant where the airconditioning had failed."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Rooms
Poor
Food
Average
Feedback response
We are very sorry for the disappointment that these guests suffered regarding their allocated room.
As a result of this feedback we asked Breezes to clarify the differences between the Suites, Deluxe and Standard rooms – as despite taking notes and pictures, we’d clearly misunderstood this last time we visited the hotel on a research trip.
They responded that the suites and deluxe rooms are located in close proximity to the sea (a maximum 2 minute walk from your room) and the standard rooms are located further in the back of the resort. Deluxe rooms do not have a guaranteed sea view – and we got this wrong. Hence we have apologised for this error, and refunded these travellers the difference between the cost of a Standard and Deluxe room.
Future travellers should note that there is no difference between the Standard and Deluxe rooms, apart from their location: the deluxe rooms are slightly nearer to the beach.
We don’t mention ‘seafood’ at Breezes in our brochure – but we do mention that they have several restaurants. The hotel comments that Breakers, their lunch restaurant, usually features lobster, rock lobster, prawns, calamari and catch of the day on the menu; their a la carte restaurant features Swahili and Indian food with seafood dishes; and Tides, which is a private beach-front restaurant, often features a lobster and seafood menu. Breezes also commented that they make a great effort to consistently feature Zanzibar’s seafood in their regular dinner menu and offer fresh catch of the day, rock lobster, prawns, calamari and octopus in the Salama Dining Room.
As a result of this feedback we asked Breezes to clarify the differences between the Suites, Deluxe and Standard rooms – as despite taking notes and pictures, we’d clearly misunderstood this last time we visited the hotel on a research trip.
They responded that the suites and deluxe rooms are located in close proximity to the sea (a maximum 2 minute walk from your room) and the standard rooms are located further in the back of the resort. Deluxe rooms do not have a guaranteed sea view – and we got this wrong. Hence we have apologised for this error, and refunded these travellers the difference between the cost of a Standard and Deluxe room.
Future travellers should note that there is no difference between the Standard and Deluxe rooms, apart from their location: the deluxe rooms are slightly nearer to the beach.
We don’t mention ‘seafood’ at Breezes in our brochure – but we do mention that they have several restaurants. The hotel comments that Breakers, their lunch restaurant, usually features lobster, rock lobster, prawns, calamari and catch of the day on the menu; their a la carte restaurant features Swahili and Indian food with seafood dishes; and Tides, which is a private beach-front restaurant, often features a lobster and seafood menu. Breezes also commented that they make a great effort to consistently feature Zanzibar’s seafood in their regular dinner menu and offer fresh catch of the day, rock lobster, prawns, calamari and octopus in the Salama Dining Room.
Serena Inn
"Serene Serena"
2 nights
Arrived
30 Nov 2007
"A lovely corner room but as it was on the ground floor the foliage obscured the sea view!
The hotel informed us that the pool would be closed for a private function from 3pm on the only full day we were there! After complaining they allowed us to use the pool until sundown."
The hotel informed us that the pool would be closed for a private function from 3pm on the only full day we were there! After complaining they allowed us to use the pool until sundown."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
The food and accomodation was very good. The daily programme was just right. The trip to see the Carmine Beeaters was stunning. The staff were very friedly and helpful.
No adverse comments."