Reviews of Old Mondoro Bushcamp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
115 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Old Mondoro Bushcamp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
93% success
100% success
0% success
44% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
67% success
33% success
4% success
0% success
0% success
"We couldn't fault it!"
During our stay there was the first heavy rainstorm of the season which cut short an evening game drive and which managers Mark and Madeline described as the worst they had experienced. But they took it in their stride, not making a drama out of the situation. Their skill was also to the fore in the arranging of a lunch "in" the Zambezi: tables, chairs, parasols, food and drink were transported to a sandbank by boat and we had an unforgettable time with our feet paddling in the water. The food was exceptional throughout.
Our guide Sebastian was top notch, especially his skill in finding leopards in very photogenic situations. We stayed six nights, which gave us plenty of time to explore the area. There was never a dull moment. Also the landscape available on game drives is hugely varied but most magical are the different forests of winterthorn, mahogany and ebony and the amazing dappled light.
Everything here is excellent: attention to detail without being overbearing and the staff are brilliant. We couldn't fault it." See all these reviews: 19n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
Not too sure it it would be possible to improve any element of the stay here at all.
Simply outstanding." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
The food and wines are excellent, and the rooms pretty much bush camp perfection, and the hosts Mark and Madelaine look after the guests very well. But it's not all about the camp, there is as much emphasis on the safari activities. I was particularly keen to see the well known huge pack of dogs (well over 20 adults plus puppies) that had been denning and hunting in the area. Unfortunately the pack had just gone walkabout and had been roaming outside the western boundary of the park (at the cost of 3 puppies who were hit by a truck).
We heard they were back on the far western boundary at Chongwe, and the Old Mondoro team (thanks to Mark, head Guide Sebastian and my guide Samura) kindly arranged for Samura to take me, with a pre-dawn departure, on a long drive to the far side of the park. I was rewarded with an amazing sighting of the pack running along the Chongwe river, calling to some separated members of the pack, 3 puppies, who then appeared on the other side and, one by one, bounded across the river to be reunited with the rest of the pack.
A wonderful experience." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
4 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
Mark and Madeline were excellent hosts and the attention to detail was very impressive. Mark was also our guide for our 5 nights and we have some great experiences with the Wild dogs and puppies which we will never forget.
The Lower Zambezi NP lacks wildlife diversity of some other national parks but provides a very rich experience and enjoyable wildlife opportunities to observe the species at very close range that inhabit the area.
The Winterthorn trees and river enhance the overall enjoyment and beauty of the Lower Zambezi." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
5 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Wild dog
10 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
Samora was an excellent guide and took the trouble to show us aardvarks for the first time in 25 years of game viewing!
Stupendous viewings of the wild dog pack which we watched hunting and interacting with the puppies.
Old Mondoro also put on a special meal in our cabin on the last night to celebrate our anniversary." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Aardvark
3 sightings
Buffalo
4 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
4 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Wild dog
10 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
"45 Wild Dogs including puppies"
Mark did a great job of driving us especially when the action was fast-moving. We were astonished to find 5 different Leopards (two were youngsters) in one area, challenging the conventional wisdom that these are solitary predators. It was also thrilling to locate an Aardvark (a first for us).
The camp had been upgraded since our previous visit. As photographers we appreciated the extra space for camera equipment, but the camp has lost some of its true bush camp feel.
The food was delicious and varied." See all these reviews: 21n in Zambia
Aardvark
1 sighting
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
10 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Wild dog
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
Prior to the trip I watched videos from previous years and I would have definitely preferred the narrower channels.
Food in all other lodges of our trip was better. Old Mondoro's food was only average with respect to variety and taste.
But the forest around Old Mondoro was very beautiful." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Wild dog
3 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
Coupled with the fantastic location of the camp right on the river, accessed through an atmospheric winterthorn grove, the highlight of our stay this time round was the truly fantastic sightings of the large wild dog pack denning in the area. These were completely enthralling and exhilarating, plus at times (the kill) appalling, but we could not get enough of them and so were happy to stick to game drives rather than do other activities during our stay.
We were lucky to have Marshal as our skilful and empathetic guide, and it was also great to see Samora once again, now a qualified guide, and to meet Juliette, the Chiawa manager covering for Madelein and Mark when they went on some well earned leave.
The only downside was the number of other vehicles sometimes present in the area; as well as a film crew and their jeeps (complete with drone) many vehicles seemed to be coming in from other camps quite a distance away to see the dogs, and while the film crew were shortly to be leaving, the excessive numbers of other vehicles is perhaps something which Old Mondoro needs to try to tackle." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
Old Mondoro was the height of safari luxury with the emphasis on the landscape and animals. Everything from the room, staff, food, and location were exceptional and we had a great experience.
The hosts provided some very special touches (arranged a private dinner for our anniversary and had drawn me a bath when I mentioned the desire for one earlier in the day) that were surprising and beyond expectations.
We would absolutely stay here again. If I could give this camp beyond an 'excellent' rating, I would." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
5 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Wild dog
3 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
"Great camp, location, hosts & staff"
The important thing for the guides is to "bring it" with each guest. Seb didn't position the jeep for good photography, we felt he was disengaged and relied on the radio for sightings.
The location was amazing. The forest, haze, sunlight, game sightings was really 10/10. We have an amazing experience with a pack of wild dogs that the BBC were also filming - Mark - you are mental! We have the best pictures on "Dog Day"! Marks energy and passion shone through.
Madelaine was sincere and humble - the 2 hosts are a good fit. The food was great. Sitting by the camp fire and having night caps after dinner was the best. This was a relaxing camp - wished we had stayed 5-6 nights here. The drinks, refilled and flowing.
We felt very welcome here. The tents were luxurious too." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Wild dog
5 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
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