Reviews of Sausage Tree Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
39 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sausage Tree Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
89% success
89% success
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13% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
44% success
38% success
0% success
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0% success
"Sausage Tree Camp review"
The location on the banks of the Zambezi is ideal and probably the best place to watch an abundance of Hippos. The accommodations were excellent and this year they assigned a 'butler' to each couple to insure all your needs and interests were met. It was probably the most genuinely friendly camp of the five we visited. Their 'bush diner' and their lunch in the river on a sandbar in a couple feet of water under a marquee were delightful and unique experiences.
The terrain of the Lower Zambezi NP is more interesting than most of the Botswana camps. The plentiful rains this year meant the grass was exceptionally high. For this reason and because our guide had a trainee in tow which kept him from concentrating on tracking much of the time, we saw less game than at any of the other camps and less than three years ago (yet we know there is a good balance and number of animals in the area). It is still one of our favourite camps/location." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 6n in Zambia
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Sausage Tree Camp review"
The private game drives are a main attraction. With the superb guide Henry, I had a private session with a rock python devouring a mongoose for a good one hour. What a start! The Zambezi carried unusually high water so the canoe tour turned into an absolute thriller with elephants and hippos.
During siesta time I enjoyed my favorite infinity pool, watching elephants wandering through camp or hippos grazing on land opposite the pool. The pool is definitely welcoming during the October heat. You can even have your lunch at the pool which is a regular thing for me.
I enjoyed Chris' impeccable butler service. He always knows what I want before I even know it.
Meals were amazing, they must be serving the best croissants in the country. The surprises organized by the camp are awesome. But won't spoil the surprise here.
I had little time to spend time in my massive bungalow. Slept well, appreciated the morning coffee brought to my door and the occasional plunge into the veranda pool.
Wished I stayed a few nights longer but now I have a good reason to come back again." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Buffalo
4 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Zebra
2 sightings
"Sausage Tree Camp review"
Structurally Sausage Tree is stunning. The tents are new, spacious and sit on the river with hippos, elephants and monitor lizards at your door literally. Each tent has all of the amenities of a modern hotel room from wet bar to multiple shower heads and plunge pool. Wifi requires that you walk to the admin office, sit outside and access a hot spot.
Chris, our butler, has been with the company for 15 years and was a wealth of knowledge as well as caring for our every need – from morning wake up coffee delivery to getting wifi connected and arranging special meals. Chris was an accomplished decorator and each day we had new decorations comprised of towel sculpture (including a monitor lizard) and native vegetation. The arrangement and décor that he prepared for our anniversary celebration was outstanding.
Most of the staff that we dealt with were caring people dedicated to providing excellent service.
Our guide Nevers grew up on the river before becoming a guide. In addition to his bush knowledge, he is a self-taught student of Zambian history and politics. It was a highly educational and enjoyable experience learning from him a lot about not only wildlife but the Zambian people. Nevers worked alone – doing his own spotting on night drives which had to be a bit stressful when trying to drive in the dark, light animals and avoid aggressive elephants. We had the impression that a spotter had been used in the past and are not certain why this was not the case while we were there.
We enjoyed seeing the area by both land and water and just sitting on the deck watching the parade of hippos and elephants that frequent the river and adjoining wetlands." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Sausage Tree was exceptional in all ways. "
"3rd lodge on our trip to Zambia."
Jason and the staff were so friendly and helpful and Arnold also had the knack of making the perfect cup of tea. The food was wonderful, although probably a bit too much for me to manage.
Game viewing was good, with 4 different Leopards seen, along with lions, hyena and wild dogs plus loads of elephants to keep my wife happy. Really enjoyed the interaction with our guide Patrick who as well as spotting game, was a dab hand with his machette when thorn trees overhung the roadway.
3 events worth mentioning. One evening driving back in the dark we saw lights in the bush which I knew wasn't our lodge. They had arranged for our dinner to be served in the bush which was great, we didn't have musical background but the sound of hyenas.
Next morning, I was told not to wear my shoes but to wear flip flops or sandals. We went out on a boat and then saw gazebo's set up on a sandbank in the middle of the mighty Zambezi where we had breakfast. Luckily the crocs didn't like our breakfast and stayed away.
My other passion in life is fishing and I had never caught, or even fished for Tiger Fish, so we went out fishing one afternoon, and this is the only negative aspect of my report. My wife hates fishing and just came along for the boat ride but had a rod stuck into her hand. Yes, you've guessed it, she not only caught more than I did, she also caught the biggest.
What a wonderful time, thanks to everyone. We don't usually ever go back to the same place twice but should we go back to Zambia, Sausage Tree will definitely be on our list." See all these reviews: 20n in Zambia
Buffalo
7 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
4 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
"Hospitable, friendly camp in lovely location"
There were a variety of activity options in addition to traditional game drives. Canoeing and Tiger Fishing were a great way to add diversity and new experiences to the trip. Hosts were creative in setting up surprising outings - lunch at a sandbar, dinner outside the camp. As we grilled under the stars, a leopard snatched a baboon and hoisted it into a nearby tree. Soon other Leopard and Hyena arrived to join the party. Food was good, wine selection even better.
Guides and staff, to a person, worked diligently to make my stay an enjoyable one. Many thanks for the great memories." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
"Luxury on the Zambezi"
The combination of land and water activities, supported by an efficient camp manager (Ruth) and her entire team, made it a perfect end to our Malawi/Zambia safaris." See all these reviews: 4n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
Buffalo
6 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
"Amazing return to Sausage Tree Camp"
Was very surprised that we met 5 leopards in the first game drive (some before, others after sun set). Very decent size of buffalo herds and very large number of elephants around. Regular sightings of lions and occasionally of Hyenas.
Did the Canoeing and River Cruise, which is highly recommendable. Great highlights are the meal surprises.
It was also great to see that quite a number of Sausage Tree staff from 2017 was still around. I don't hesitate to return a third time, hopefully sooner than later." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
5 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
"Sausage Tree Camp review"
Even though we were the only two guests the four nights we were there, no effort was spared in making us welcome and we had the added advantage of getting some of the staff to join us at meal time --- it made it feel more like a family gathering than a guest/host relationship." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 6n in South Africa
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
2 sightings
"Sausage Tree Camp review"
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
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Chula Island Camp
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Tafara Springs
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Lolebezi
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