Travel reviews by Claire M from Oakville
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
3
Excursions taken
0
Fantastic trip
Zambia between 22 Dec 2016 and 31 Dec 2016
"The trip was fantastic and probably exceeded our expectations. There were so many details that made it special and we have come home with warm feelings about Zambia, thanks to this and to the people we interacted with at the various places we stayed. I will certainly be recommending both the country and the individual places we stayed to others. The number of animal sightings was incredible!
We also felt our experience with Expert Africa was very positive as well.
One point I'd like to mention - when we arrived at Lilayi Lodge we were told that lunch was not included in what we had already paid, which I had not realized. We arrived at 3 pm on Dec 22, so we had not expected it to be included that day but we thought it would be on Dec 23, when we spent the whole day at the lodge. This is probably confusion on my part, as the documents we were sent stated "half board" and Lilayi staff explained that half board to them meant dinner/breakfast.
However we were not familiar with this term so I had assumed it meant all meals, just no activities. It is not a big deal as we simply paid for lunch that day, however I'd like to suggest that this be clearly stated on documents for other guests who stay there ie. that it is only dinner and breakfast - to avoid others experiencing the same confusion."
We also felt our experience with Expert Africa was very positive as well.
One point I'd like to mention - when we arrived at Lilayi Lodge we were told that lunch was not included in what we had already paid, which I had not realized. We arrived at 3 pm on Dec 22, so we had not expected it to be included that day but we thought it would be on Dec 23, when we spent the whole day at the lodge. This is probably confusion on my part, as the documents we were sent stated "half board" and Lilayi staff explained that half board to them meant dinner/breakfast.
However we were not familiar with this term so I had assumed it meant all meals, just no activities. It is not a big deal as we simply paid for lunch that day, however I'd like to suggest that this be clearly stated on documents for other guests who stay there ie. that it is only dinner and breakfast - to avoid others experiencing the same confusion."
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
Lilayi Lodge
"great place to relax after long trip"
2 nights
Arrived
22 Dec 2016
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Flatdogs Camp
"Laid-back, friendly place"
4 nights
Arrived
24 Dec 2016
"We received a warm welcome from Wendy, who spent the next half hour showing us around and briefing us on safety, activities and schedule. This was very helpful because there was quite a lot to take in and the context she provided allowed us to feel comfortable at Flatdogs right from the beginning.
We appreciated the effort the managers and owners make to meet guests each time they return from a game drive and they also move around tables in the restaurant and bar and at tea time to ensure we have everything we need. It was great fun staying in the luxury tent on the bank of the river and hearing elephants and hippos crash by at night!
I want to especially mention Malama, who was our guide during our four days there. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, and has a wonderful sense of humour balanced with care for our safety and enjoyment. I thought the Christmas activities (special lunch on the 25th and carol sing with refreshments on the 24th) were very well done.
Flatdogs does a great job of being friendly and laid back but also attentive."
We appreciated the effort the managers and owners make to meet guests each time they return from a game drive and they also move around tables in the restaurant and bar and at tea time to ensure we have everything we need. It was great fun staying in the luxury tent on the bank of the river and hearing elephants and hippos crash by at night!
I want to especially mention Malama, who was our guide during our four days there. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, and has a wonderful sense of humour balanced with care for our safety and enjoyment. I thought the Christmas activities (special lunch on the 25th and carol sing with refreshments on the 24th) were very well done.
Flatdogs does a great job of being friendly and laid back but also attentive."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Puku Ridge
"Wonderful, intimate place"
3 nights
Arrived
28 Dec 2016
"After staying in a couple of larger places, it was a nice change to come to Puku Ridge, where there are only a few rooms, making the overall experience there much quieter and restful.
The view over the flood plain was a highlight, with so many animals to see just from our dining table or private deck off our room/tent! The food was delicious and so special mention of the chef, William, who always checked in after every meal to see if it had been to our liking and who went out of his way to share a copy of a soup recipe I particularly liked.
We were given two special experiences while here - first, one evening our guide brought us to the top of a ridge where other staff had set up chairs and a bar and were waiting to serve us champagne as the sun went down (we had sundowners with the guide on other evenings but this one was "white tablecloth" level).
Second, on our final night, our guide brought us to a site where other staff had set up a BBQ and fire pit and lanterns. Here we shared a meal of Zambian food with the other guests staying at the camp. The surprise element of both these experiences and the care that went into executing them made them very special. This care and attention to detail characterized everything at Puku Ridge."
The view over the flood plain was a highlight, with so many animals to see just from our dining table or private deck off our room/tent! The food was delicious and so special mention of the chef, William, who always checked in after every meal to see if it had been to our liking and who went out of his way to share a copy of a soup recipe I particularly liked.
We were given two special experiences while here - first, one evening our guide brought us to the top of a ridge where other staff had set up chairs and a bar and were waiting to serve us champagne as the sun went down (we had sundowners with the guide on other evenings but this one was "white tablecloth" level).
Second, on our final night, our guide brought us to a site where other staff had set up a BBQ and fire pit and lanterns. Here we shared a meal of Zambian food with the other guests staying at the camp. The surprise element of both these experiences and the care that went into executing them made them very special. This care and attention to detail characterized everything at Puku Ridge."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Special highlights include the veranda on our private chalet and the deck off the restaurant area, both of which provided beautiful views of the grounds and animal-watching opportunities. My mum thought the pool was an exceptionally good one, in terms of size, cleanliness, ambiance. The food here was fantastic. Everything we ate was delicious and well presented. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Note - we did not take part in any activities here so can't comment on those."