Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs R from Glos
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
7
Countries visited
7
Lodges stayed in
28
Excursions taken
8
My Feb 2024 trip to Kenya
Kenya between 6 Feb 2024 and 20 Feb 2024
"It was a great mix of different parks and conservancies.
We had plenty of time at each camp to see the best of the local wildlife.
The final stop at Emakoko was worth every penny."
We had plenty of time at each camp to see the best of the local wildlife.
The final stop at Emakoko was worth every penny."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Four Points Nairobi Airport
"Four Points Nairobi Airport review"
1 night
Arrived
6 Feb 2024
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Elsa's Kopje
"Elsa's Kopje review"
3 nights
Arrived
7 Feb 2024
"A fantastic lodge. Beautiful situation. Super pool. Great views across the national park. Amazing staff.
Our guide, Solomon, was a keen and expert birder and we had a tremendous time birding when other game was short. Our waiter, another Solomon, was a mine of information about Kenya and looked after us brilliantly.
The national park is very bushy and green, so the animals were hard to spot at times. But we saw Gerenuk in the classic pose on their hind legs and plenty of other game.
The food was lovely. The camp was extremely well managed by Grace. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the camp genet one evening."
Our guide, Solomon, was a keen and expert birder and we had a tremendous time birding when other game was short. Our waiter, another Solomon, was a mine of information about Kenya and looked after us brilliantly.
The national park is very bushy and green, so the animals were hard to spot at times. But we saw Gerenuk in the classic pose on their hind legs and plenty of other game.
The food was lovely. The camp was extremely well managed by Grace. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the camp genet one evening."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10+ sightings
Gerenuk
3 sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
White Rhino
3 sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Lewa Safari Camp
"Lewa Safari Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
10 Feb 2024
"Tent was clean, spacious and comfortable. Camp was full when we arrived so we had a tent that was not generally much used, out of the way and quiet but with no view.
We felt the service was less personal here. The pool was green and uninviting. Used more by the many local birds than people. The food was uninspired and rather canteen in style, but plentiful. Our waiter, Maxwell, was an absolute delight. Great fun and always smiling.
After two days of sole use of a car with camp at its busiest, we were suddenly told that another couple was joining us, although there were then many fewer guests. We were paired with a couple on their first safari so it was an unfortunate mix. The management were quick to sort out the incompatibility when we raised it with them. We had a different car and guide for the final day.
We were extremely fortunate to observe a rhino capture and translocation whilst we were there. An amazing and unforgettable experience.
The hide was rather overgrown and unloved. We saw black rhino and elephant the afternoon we used it."
We felt the service was less personal here. The pool was green and uninviting. Used more by the many local birds than people. The food was uninspired and rather canteen in style, but plentiful. Our waiter, Maxwell, was an absolute delight. Great fun and always smiling.
After two days of sole use of a car with camp at its busiest, we were suddenly told that another couple was joining us, although there were then many fewer guests. We were paired with a couple on their first safari so it was an unfortunate mix. The management were quick to sort out the incompatibility when we raised it with them. We had a different car and guide for the final day.
We were extremely fortunate to observe a rhino capture and translocation whilst we were there. An amazing and unforgettable experience.
The hide was rather overgrown and unloved. We saw black rhino and elephant the afternoon we used it."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Average
Sightings report
Black Rhino
10+ sightings
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
White Rhino
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Elephant Pepper Camp
"Elephant Pepper Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
14 Feb 2024
"An extremely well run camp. Great views from the tent of elephants, giraffes and other wildlife. We were visited by Dikdik and hippos at night. All the staff went out of their way to ensure all visitors had a good time.
The tent was huge, well equipped and very clean, despite the muddy conditions when we arrived ( we had rain the first couple of days).
The food was tasty and well prepared. Nothing was too much trouble.
We had a great guide, Sammy. He was a true expert having lived all his life in the area. He was also very proficient at making sure the car was well positioned for photography. We saw a cheetah chase. A male cheetah walking through the grass suddenly took off after some baby warthogs that popped up in his path. It was amazing. But not successful, and then the tables were turned when the mother warthog saw him off defending her babies.
There has been much rain in the Mara this February so the grass was extremely long. Sightings were therefore more difficult but we saw loads nevertheless."
The tent was huge, well equipped and very clean, despite the muddy conditions when we arrived ( we had rain the first couple of days).
The food was tasty and well prepared. Nothing was too much trouble.
We had a great guide, Sammy. He was a true expert having lived all his life in the area. He was also very proficient at making sure the car was well positioned for photography. We saw a cheetah chase. A male cheetah walking through the grass suddenly took off after some baby warthogs that popped up in his path. It was amazing. But not successful, and then the tables were turned when the mother warthog saw him off defending her babies.
There has been much rain in the Mara this February so the grass was extremely long. Sightings were therefore more difficult but we saw loads nevertheless."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Cheetah
2 sightings
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
7 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
The Emakoko
"The Emakoko review"
1 night
Arrived
18 Feb 2024
"The best lodge visited on this trip. Truly stunning. Great location, owner led team, amazing staff and food.
Our room at the top of the site was beautiful with lovely views over the gorge. We enjoyed riding the lift - a very different experience.
It was the perfect place to relax and refresh before the long journey home.
We had a couple of game drives in the park with our guide Jackson. He also did the honours collecting us from Wilson and dropping us at the international terminal."
Our room at the top of the site was beautiful with lovely views over the gorge. We enjoyed riding the lift - a very different experience.
It was the perfect place to relax and refresh before the long journey home.
We had a couple of game drives in the park with our guide Jackson. He also did the honours collecting us from Wilson and dropping us at the international terminal."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
10+ sightings
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Giraffe
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
White Rhino
10+ sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
Our May 2023 Namibia trip
Namibia between 7 May 2023 and 20 May 2023
"One of the best ever. We had a brilliant time from start to finish.
Namibia was surprisingly quiet which is a shame as it is a great destination.
We liked Desert Rhino camp best but it was all good. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful."
Namibia was surprisingly quiet which is a shame as it is a great destination.
We liked Desert Rhino camp best but it was all good. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Olive Grove
"Olive Grove review"
1 night
Arrived
8 May 2023
"The luxury room is huge and super comfortable.
We enjoyed sitting out on the terrace.
The food was excellent.
The staff were extremely friendly and professional."
We enjoyed sitting out on the terrace.
The food was excellent.
The staff were extremely friendly and professional."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Kulala Desert Lodge
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
9 May 2023
"The star gazing was fabulous from the sky bed. Great having easy and private access to the National park.
The dunes and Dead Vlei lived up to our expectations and the view of the sand sea from the top of Big Daddy was terrific. The trip to the canyon was very interesting.
The food was excellent. The staff were friendly and helpful."
The dunes and Dead Vlei lived up to our expectations and the view of the sand sea from the top of Big Daddy was terrific. The trip to the canyon was very interesting.
The food was excellent. The staff were friendly and helpful."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Oryx
10+ sightings
Desert Rhino Camp
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
11 May 2023
"Our favourite camp of the three we visited. Had everything and the staff were amazing.
Bons, our guide, was one of the best ever. Great fun, like the rest of the team, knowledgeable and super professional.
We happened to be the only residents after the first night. The whole camp turned out for my birthday party with cake, singing and dancing.
We saw five fabulous desert adapted black rhinos , including a calf. All looking extremely healthy and well despite the harsh conditions.
We enjoyed the long days in the desert hugely. The scenery is just breathtaking."
Bons, our guide, was one of the best ever. Great fun, like the rest of the team, knowledgeable and super professional.
We happened to be the only residents after the first night. The whole camp turned out for my birthday party with cake, singing and dancing.
We saw five fabulous desert adapted black rhinos , including a calf. All looking extremely healthy and well despite the harsh conditions.
We enjoyed the long days in the desert hugely. The scenery is just breathtaking."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Oryx
4 sightings
Ongava Lodge
"Ongava Lodge review"
4 nights
Arrived
14 May 2023
"The only lodge that we had visited before and we wanted to return because of the hide. The only discernible change since our last visit in 2016 is that management no longer come around one by one at dinner each evening.
The rooms and facilities were exactly as we remembered.
The food was fine but not memorable (again no change from 2016). The view of the water hole from the restaurant is terrific. Watching the rhinos each evening during dinner never palls.
Teacher was a great guide, very professional. Although the lodge was pretty full we were lucky to be the only people with him on most of the drives morning and evening. So he could and did tailor to our preferences.
We did a couple of rhino approaches, leaving the car and walking with him up to the white rhinos which are a lot less skittish than the black.
It was a great contrast to Desert Rhino camp."
The rooms and facilities were exactly as we remembered.
The food was fine but not memorable (again no change from 2016). The view of the water hole from the restaurant is terrific. Watching the rhinos each evening during dinner never palls.
Teacher was a great guide, very professional. Although the lodge was pretty full we were lucky to be the only people with him on most of the drives morning and evening. So he could and did tailor to our preferences.
We did a couple of rhino approaches, leaving the car and walking with him up to the white rhinos which are a lot less skittish than the black.
It was a great contrast to Desert Rhino camp."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
5 sightings
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
2 sightings
White Rhino
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
Olive Grove
"Olive Grove review"
1 night
Arrived
18 May 2023
"Same lovely room and great food."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Our Oct 2022 trip
Botswana between 18 Oct 2022 and 28 Oct 2022
"Great."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Botswana Private Mobile Safari
"Botswana Private Mobile Safari review"
8 nights
Arrived
19 Oct 2022
"We had an amazing experience with Andrew and his team.
Brilliantly organised and led by a man whose personal experience of the country and its wildlife is fantastic.
We have been on quite a few safaris and this is as good as it gets for us."
Brilliantly organised and led by a man whose personal experience of the country and its wildlife is fantastic.
We have been on quite a few safaris and this is as good as it gets for us."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
10+ sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
My Jul 2022 trip
Rwanda between 17 Jul 2022 and 31 Jul 2022
"It was an amazing adventure. It was great to be able to return to Africa after so long.
The wildlife was generally as good or better than expected. We particularly enjoyed Akagera and Volcanoes. The great birding a real bonus.
Sadly a couple of the lodges were much less good than expected in terms of the accommodation, food and service levels."
The wildlife was generally as good or better than expected. We particularly enjoyed Akagera and Volcanoes. The great birding a real bonus.
Sadly a couple of the lodges were much less good than expected in terms of the accommodation, food and service levels."
Feedback response
We are so pleased to hear that overall these travellers had an amazing time in Rwanda, although we understand their concerns about the standards of some accommodation. We are in contact with the specific lodges and our partners in Rwanda and hope that the situation will be resolved shortly.
Arranged By Lyndsey Marris
Kigali Serena Hotel
"Kigali Serena Hotel review"
1 night
Arrived
17 Jul 2022
"Probably the best African hotel we have ever stayed in. Room was huge and clean.
The buffet breakfast had enormous choice and was tasty and hot"
The buffet breakfast had enormous choice and was tasty and hot"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
"Ruzizi Tented Lodge review"
3 nights
Arrived
18 Jul 2022
"Extremely comfortable and well run. Lovely position on the lakeside.
We enjoyed the sounds of Africa at night - hyenas whooping, baboons alarming and hippos munching on the lawn outside the tent.
The food was good, fresh cooked and with choices at every meal."
We enjoyed the sounds of Africa at night - hyenas whooping, baboons alarming and hippos munching on the lawn outside the tent.
The food was good, fresh cooked and with choices at every meal."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
3 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Hippo
10+ sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Zebra
6 sightings
Akagera Sunset Boat Safari
"Akagera Sunset Boat Safari review"
18 Jul 2022 • Afternoon excursion
We saw elephants, hippos, crocs and buffaloes as well as thousands of water birds.
The ranger guide was pleasant and knowledgeable.
The ranger guide was pleasant and knowledgeable.
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
"Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit review"
18 Jul 2022 • All-day excursion
Moving to see the country facing up to its past.
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
"Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel review"
3 nights
Arrived
22 Jul 2022
"As one of us failed the PCR test we couldn’t both do the planned activities and we saw more of the hotel than expected. The position is very scenic.
The staff rose to the challenge of isolation and the need for room service with great professionalism. They were also assiduous in keeping the room clean whilst protecting themselves and us.
On the final morning they brought a table and chairs and laid breakfast for us outside our room so that we could enjoy the view of Lake Kivu whilst we ate.
We felt that the a la carte lunches were better than the buffet dinners."
The staff rose to the challenge of isolation and the need for room service with great professionalism. They were also assiduous in keeping the room clean whilst protecting themselves and us.
On the final morning they brought a table and chairs and laid breakfast for us outside our room so that we could enjoy the view of Lake Kivu whilst we ate.
We felt that the a la carte lunches were better than the buffet dinners."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Food
Average
Rooms
Average
Facilities
Average
Sightings report
Chimpanzee
4 sightings
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
"King’s Palace & Museum Visit review"
22 Jul 2022 • All-day excursion
Entertaining and a great stop on the long journey.
Excellent
Bird Walk in Nyungwe Forest
"Bird Walk in Nyungwe Forest review"
23 Jul 2022 • All-day excursion
Deborah was an excellent birding guide.
We saw masses of new (to me) birds without walking far as we explored the trails around the visitor centre.
We saw masses of new (to me) birds without walking far as we explored the trails around the visitor centre.
Excellent
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
"Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest review"
23 Jul 2022 • All-day excursion
The terrain was very difficult and I was exceptionally pleased to have a porter to help. The views of the chimps when we finally caught up with them were distant so binoculars were necessary for any details.
Photographic opportunities were extremely limited and difficult.
Photographic opportunities were extremely limited and difficult.
Cormoran Lodge
"Cormoran Lodge review"
1 night
Arrived
25 Jul 2022
"Disappointing. From a distance the lodge looks very appealing on the hillside. The room was ok but the service was slow, surly and poor.
Possibly the worst boat trip we have ever had - around the lake and to the bat roost. Life jackets were not offered. The fuel line kept failing. We booked direct with reception and it was not value for money.
Fish for dinner was ok but the vegetable accompaniment was poor. Breakfast was extremely limited with omelette the only real option."
Possibly the worst boat trip we have ever had - around the lake and to the bat roost. Life jackets were not offered. The fuel line kept failing. We booked direct with reception and it was not value for money.
Fish for dinner was ok but the vegetable accompaniment was poor. Breakfast was extremely limited with omelette the only real option."
Poor
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Poor
Location
Average
Service
Poor
Activities
Poor
Rooms
Average
Food
Poor
Facilities
Poor
Feedback response
We have been in contact with Cormoran Lodge and our partners in Rwanda regarding these health and safety concerns. We hope that the concerns over boat trips will be addressed in the near future, however we are currently advising all future travellers not to participate in any boating excursions from this lodge.
Senior Africa Specialist
Colobus Trekking in Nyungwe
"Colobus Trekking in Nyungwe review"
25 Jul 2022 • All-day excursion
Easy walk to the monkeys. Great views.
It was a personal tour so loads of time to watch and take it all in.
It was a personal tour so loads of time to watch and take it all in.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
4 nights
Arrived
26 Jul 2022
"Security seemed lacking. There was nothing to stop locals from entering the grounds. We were in the last chalet before the village path to the back of the site and were asked for money by individuals passing by.
The chalet was large and had probably been very pleasant at some point but was tired and run down. Having the fire lit in the afternoon became a highlight although in reality, although cheerful, it gave off little heat and the electric heater was also ineffective.
The staff were a mixed bunch who seemed to lack training. One or two were very helpful whilst the remainder seemed only interested in trying to make money or play on their mobile phones.
The food was unappetising. Every meal was a lukewarm buffet. One night the buffet was supplemented by a barbecue. The barbecue was set up in the dining room and the smoke was so intense it was impossible to see the end of the room."
The chalet was large and had probably been very pleasant at some point but was tired and run down. Having the fire lit in the afternoon became a highlight although in reality, although cheerful, it gave off little heat and the electric heater was also ineffective.
The staff were a mixed bunch who seemed to lack training. One or two were very helpful whilst the remainder seemed only interested in trying to make money or play on their mobile phones.
The food was unappetising. Every meal was a lukewarm buffet. One night the buffet was supplemented by a barbecue. The barbecue was set up in the dining room and the smoke was so intense it was impossible to see the end of the room."
Poor
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Poor
Location
Good
Service
Poor
Activities
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Poor
Facilities
Poor
Feedback response
We are very sorry to hear about the poor experience that these travellers had while at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and this is not the standard that we would expect to be provided. We have been in contact with Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and our partners in Rwanda to address the issues raised, notably with concerns to security around the property. We are working with our partners to address these concerns, however for the time being we have provisionally stopped booking Mountain Gorilla View Lodge until such time that we are satisfied with the standards offered and that all concerns have been adequately addressed.
Senior Africa Specialist
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Mountain Gorilla
2 sightings
Golden Monkey Trekking
"Golden Monkey Trekking review"
27 Jul 2022 • Morning excursion
Easy walk to the golden monkeys which were in fields close to the village.
Excellent views.
Excellent views.
Gorilla Trekking Safari
"Gorilla Trekking Safari review"
28 Jul 2022 • Morning excursion
Extremely well organised and professionally run.
We had relatively easy walks to the two families that we visited. Not difficult terrain or vegetation. Others were not so fortunate. Our extremely experienced driver was instrumental in ensuring that we had good experiences.
Amazing close encounters with all members of both families.
We had relatively easy walks to the two families that we visited. Not difficult terrain or vegetation. Others were not so fortunate. Our extremely experienced driver was instrumental in ensuring that we had good experiences.
Amazing close encounters with all members of both families.
Excellent
RPS south luangwa
Zambia between 11 Mar 2020 and 23 Mar 2020
"Overall it was jolly good.
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"
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"
1 night
Arrived
12 Mar 2020
"An excellent place to stay overnight.
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."
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."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Nkwali
"Great safari at Nkwali "
2 nights
Arrived
13 Mar 2020
"We were in room 6 which is large, spacious and set away from the main hub. Good view of the river, plenty of birds and our own monitor lizard on the river bank outside. The food was excellent and the new chef-Chico- was a delight.
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."
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."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
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"
3 nights
Arrived
15 Mar 2020
"Catherine was an exceptional camp host. Incredibly helpful and well informed. The room was clean, light and airy. The rooms are quite close together but this is due to the historic nature of the camp. Daudi was our guide. Due to the floods we either boated or walked. It was not possible to get a vehicle up there and even walking was tricky because there were still large boggy areas that were impassable.
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)."
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)."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Average
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Sightings report
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Hippo
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
4 sightings
Nkwali
"Good safari at Nkwali "
4 nights
Arrived
18 Mar 2020
"Off the boat from Nsefu and straight into viewing a female leopard who had walked past Braston as he waited on the river bank for us. The viewings, especially of leopards, were exceptional on this second visit to Nkwali. We also saw the other pack of wild dogs.
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."
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."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Poor
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
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
"Great. The only issue was SAA.
Everything else was superb."
Everything else was superb."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Victoria Falls Hotel
"Victoria falls hotel review "
1 night
Arrived
9 Sep 2018
"A colonial hotel from an earlier era but with all mod cons.
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 gardens are lovely and we enjoyed the warthog who is probably the most photographed animal in Vic Falls.
Good dinner at Jungle Junction."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
The Hide
"The Hide review "
3 nights
Arrived
10 Sep 2018
"A fabulous lodge. Great staff, food and facilities.
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."
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."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
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"
3 nights
Arrived
13 Sep 2018
"A beautiful lodge on Lake Kariba. Super location, excellent food and accommodation. An experience of a lifetime - sitting in our outdoor tub, watching elephants graze along the lakeside, listening to the hippos.
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."
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."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Vundu Camp
"Undue camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
16 Sep 2018
"We loved the fact that here you got out of the car and got up close and personal on foot with elephants and wild dogs. Terrific. Quite different to any other lodge we have visited in Africa. Great views of a honey badger foraging in the daylight. Good birding.
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."
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."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
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
"It was great. We had a fabulous time.
Loads of super memories and missing the blue skies and heat."
Loads of super memories and missing the blue skies and heat."
Arranged By Lyndsey Marris
Southern Sun Dar
"City overnight "
1 night
Arrived
2 Nov 2017
"The room was clean and tidy. Comfy bed.
The food in the restaurant was excellent- tasty and v reasonably priced. The staff were helpful and welcoming."
The food in the restaurant was excellent- tasty and v reasonably priced. The staff were helpful and welcoming."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Mdonya Old River Camp
"Great safari at Mdonya"
4 nights
Arrived
3 Nov 2017
"Straight off the flight from Dar and off for 6 hour safari, not the game drive to the lodge that we expected from the itinerary. Fortunately we were fully prepared and we had a great start to our stay - we went straight off to find a leopard. Fabulous!
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."
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."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Average
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Lake Manze Adventure Camp
"Lake Manze experience "
4 nights
Arrived
7 Nov 2017
"The accommodation was v like Mdonya although there was a fan in the tent to help combat the humidity and heat.
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."
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."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Impala Camp
"Selous Impala experience "
4 nights
Arrived
11 Nov 2017
"We had a game drive to Impala from Manze and were dropped off at camp. Impala is much more luxurious and we enjoyed our stay hugely. It worked much better for us than going to the beach like nearly everyone else that we met.
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 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."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Room was clean and had everything we needed. Breakfast was excellent.
Didn’t use the facilities.
Some aircraft noise in middle of night."