Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs R from Glos
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
3
Countries visited
3
Lodges stayed in
12
Excursions taken
0
RPS south luangwa
Zambia between 11 Mar 2020 and 23 Mar 2020
We would not, however, choose to go with RPS again. The cars and boats were on their last legs. The outboard needed both fuel and oil refills to get up and down the river. Nkwali needs a thorough clean. Braston was excellent but Daudi was a very average guide. The overall standard was not up to Bushcamps in our view.
The service from Expert Africa was exemplary, especially the enormously helpful and professional way in which Claire Scott rearranged the home flights at a time of massive global uncertainty and pressure.
We were slightly apprehensive about going in the emerald season but it was fabulous. You see Africa in a totally different light"
Arranged By Claire Scott

Latitude 15
"Good overnight at latitude 15"

Nkwali
"Great safari at Nkwali "
We were incredibly fortunate to have Braston as our guide. He was a great birder and also good at positioning the car for photography. We saw lions, with cubs, one of the wild dog packs, and loads of elephants, hippos, hyenas etc. The birding was terrific. We chose to visit at this time of year to enjoy the green season. The river was still high, although it had gone down from the peak of the floods. We enjoyed setting off on our twice daily safaris by boat and it was interesting to explore this different part of the park.
The only niggle was that the photography bean bag that we had requested before leaving the uk was not available and the camp host seemed unable (and rather unwilling) to get one. We felt the request was brushed off. In the end we asked Braston and he turned two up immediately, so it was not clear why the camp host had prevaricated."

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
10+ sightings

Giraffe
5 sightings

Hippo
10+ sightings

Lion
7 sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wild dog
1 sighting

Zebra
10+ sightings

Nsefu
"Interesting safari at Nsefu"
We had an excellent visit to the Yellow Billed Stork breeding colony. Daudi and our scout Justin really put themselves out to get the boat in. But there was no anchor so the boat was constantly in motion making photography tricky. We were disappointed with the walks. There was not a lot of game on the walks and Daudi seemed to struggle (leaning heavily on Justin for sightings). There was little emphasis on plants, insects and tracks, unlike other guides we have had.
Daudi was required to captain the boat as well as guide and this made it hard as he was often preoccupied the motor (which seemed on its last legs)."

Elephant
5 sightings

Giraffe
1 sighting

Hippo
10+ sightings

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
4 sightings

Nkwali
"Good safari at Nkwali "
We had a shared car for these last days which was ok but curtailed the photography somewhat. Service in camp improved because the camp host was called away to look after luangwa house so Kiki stepped in. He was excellent in sorting out the changed arrangements for getting home and printed off the new flight details for us, which was a god send in the bedlam at Johannesburg.
The only problem was the room. We were in room 5 and the mattress was infested with bugs so we were bitten to death each night. If we had stayed we would have asked to move back to 6, but the holiday was, sadly, ended prematurely because of covid19."

Elephant
6 sightings

Giraffe
4 sightings

Hippo
10+ sightings

Leopard
4 sightings

Spotted Hyena
4 sightings

Wild dog
1 sighting

Zebra
10+ sightings
Sep 2018 trip to Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe between 8 Sep 2018 and 20 Sep 2018
Everything else was superb."
Arranged By Claire Scott

Victoria Falls Hotel
"Victoria falls hotel review "
The gardens are lovely and we enjoyed the warthog who is probably the most photographed animal in Vic Falls.
Good dinner at Jungle Junction."

The Hide
"The Hide review "
We chose it for the hides and were not disappointed- amazingly close to elephants and game at the waterhole. We were extremely fortunate to see wild dogs bring down a kudu in the vlei directly in front of camp during breakfast one day. An amazing experience, and the opportunity to see all the other animals and birds that came to clean up the carcass (vultures, spotted hyena etc).
We also hugely enjoyed the night drives, the only lodge on this trip that offered them.
Many thanks to Nicholas our terrific guide, Nick, Lindsay and Kim."

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
10+ sightings

Giraffe
10+ sightings

Hippo
1 sighting

Leopard
1 sighting

Lion
4 sightings

Roan antelope
4 sightings

Sable antelope
4 sightings

Spotted Hyena
2 sightings

Wild dog
2 sightings

Wildebeest
10+ sightings

Zebra
10+ sightings

Changa Safari Camp
"Chang’s Safari Camp review"
The lake is quite beautiful and unlike anywhere else we have been. The dead trees are extraordinary, magical and atmospheric especially at sunset. Thanks to Campbell for the boat trips on the lake.
Bruce, our guide for most of the time, is extremely knowledgable and we had a great walk and boat trip to the gorge. We were looking forward to tracking the lions on foot, but bumped into them whilst still in the car. The coalition of four males is very impressive.
Sarah is a terrific host and could not do enough to ensure that we had everything we could possibly need. The personal touches she provided were much appreciated."

Buffalo
1 sighting

Elephant
10+ sightings

Hippo
10+ sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Vundu Camp
"Undue camp review"
Simeon was a very knowledgable and experienced guide. He got us great views and wildlife experiences.
The camp was slightly more basic, but with all the essentials. The food was plentiful, but the choice was a bit limited especially between deliveries."

Buffalo
2 sightings

Eland
10+ sightings

Elephant
10+ sightings

Hippo
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wild dog
2 sightings

Zebra
5 sightings
Our Nov 17 trip
Tanzania between 1 Nov 2017 and 16 Nov 2017
Loads of super memories and missing the blue skies and heat."
Arranged By Lyndsey Marris

Southern Sun Dar
"City overnight "
The food in the restaurant was excellent- tasty and v reasonably priced. The staff were helpful and welcoming."

Mdonya Old River Camp
"Great safari at Mdonya"
The accommodation was just as we expected and the tents are spacious. The food was well prepared and ample. We enjoyed the communal dining. It was a great opportunity to meet others from all around the world with similar interests to us.
Andrea and Rebecca were good hosts and camp was well organised.
We were woken at 0408 on the first morning by 2 lions roaring just behind our tent. That was pretty special. They were still hanging around, with a lioness, when we left for our game drive at 0630, and we had great views. Ruaha NP is v impressive. We were lucky to see Bat Eared Foxes, cheetahs and loads of elephants and game.
The only real drawback to Mdonya is that it is a long way from the main game viewing area, through Tsetse infested bush and the beginning of the rains brought the flies out in force."

Lake Manze Adventure Camp
"Lake Manze experience "
We were lucky to have an experienced private guide - Joseph and driver Abuu. We saw fantastic wildlife including a fabulous hour+ with a pack of 24 wild dogs which had not been seen in the area for 2 years.
The staff were good fun and friendly, led by Shaun and Millie who are great hosts. The food was good and plentiful with much variety.
The Selous GR is a great contrast to Ruaha - v green and lush. We enjoyed the boating as well as the game drives."

Selous Impala Camp
"Selous Impala experience "
The tent was a similar size to the other camps but much more private as we were in tent 6. The furnishings, including electric lights, fan and curtains made it a v comfortable experience. I preferred the enclosed bathroom but Mike missed being able to watch what was happening behind the tent. There were not many guests staying so we had an experienced guide and driver - Dennis - to ourselves.
Although we enjoyed the private dining we missed the chat over drinks and dinner that we enjoyed at the other camps. The food was incredible. Beautifully cooked, presented and served. We had a lovely waiter -David. He really went out of his way to make dinner fun, with bush babies and genet joining us depending on the location of our table.
Nick and Crystal, the managers were attentive and helpful.
We enjoyed the pool which was warm and clean."
The staff were exceptionally pleasant and helpful. The surrounding area is quiet and it is pretty close to the airport. We ate on the terrace in the other place. The food was hot and tasty."