Reviews of Pioneer Camp

"I've stayed at Pioneer many times over the last 10 years, and found the owners increasingly absent - I now understand the camp has changed hands.

My main issue this time was that they failed to pick me up at the airport. I was left standing outside for about 45 mins while I called Expert Africa. Thankfully Claire picked up, and contacted the camp who sent a driver to pick me up. I tried calling the camp directly on the number provided in my information but that number wasn't working.

They then compounded the mistake in the way they dealt with it, by pretending it hadn't happened - neither the driver nor the lady who checked me in at the camp even acknowledged I'd been left waiting, let alone offered any sort of apology. It was only the next morning at breakfast when the manager came over to ask me how my stay was, that I raised it myself. He initially blamed Expert Africa for not providing my arrival details, which I thought was unlikely but could easily be ascertained when I got back. Later, at lunch he came over and admitted he'd found the email with my arrival details and that it was their fault. I was offered 50% off a future stay and I already have 2 further Zambia trips planned using Pioneer, so I will see if things improve.

There were a few additional minor things - when asking about my departure, one staff member first told me I'd need to pay 100 Kwacha per hour to keep my room after 11am, then also told me a departure time that would have me at the airport 3 hours before the flight (I'd said I was flying to Mfuwe).

The hot water in the chalets has never been amazing, but seems to be worse than ever - you have to wait ages for it to get hot, then it's a feeble trickle that's impossible to adjust between freezing and scalding. Hair dryers in the rooms would be welcome, as it's often not that warm in Lusaka and no one likes to sit around in the cold with wet hair. I'm sure the rooms used to have them but I could be mistaken." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia

"Trip to Zambia started with a transit night in Lusaka. Gladly, I decided to stay in the Pioneer Lodge.

After a long flight from Singapore via Johannesburg, I was very happy to be reliably picked up from Lusaka Airport. The drive was nice. Staff at the lodge is very friendly and I could immediately start relaxing, enjoying bar, restaurant and pool area.

Had a great dinner and drinks and could peacefully rest in the room on a comfy bed. Immediately had the African feeling.

Transport early morning at 5am also no issue. Would always come back" See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

"This is a small, informal, relaxed place to stay in a quiet rural area just outside of the city, and yet still close (30 min drive, the last part along a very bumpy road) to the airport. There are several chalets, as well as space for self-drive campers.

There is a nice main building area with reception, bar, and patio dining. There is wifi in the main building area. I stayed here overnight on my international arrival in country, and then the next day back to the airport and on to Mfuwe and SLNP.

Tip - enroute to Pioneer you pass by the Waterfall Mall, which is handy for currency exchange office, and for SIM card purchase at the MTN shop, if things are closed at the airport, as they were for me during the transition from old terminal to new terminal in fall 2021.

Pickup on arrival was waiting and efficient, as was the return trip to the airport the next day. Staff were friendly and helpful. My stay was Sept 2021 during COVID, and things were pretty quiet. I was the only guest in the chalets, and there was an interesting German couple doing a self-drive in the camp area.

It's a total contrast to popular modern and upscale Latitude 15 Degrees, which is looks to be a great as well, but they are very different place to stay, and also at different price points. My rating factors that in. Latitude 15 is likely better located if you are trying to coordinate PCR testing for departure." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia

"Nice staff. Great to have been alone as I could get the best room. Which was great.

Camp needs a bit care. Some plastic waste in the camp hidden in the tracks for birding. Fantastic potential though for birds.

Feel sorry for them that they had so little tourists." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

"Drivers from Pioneer Camp were waiting for us at Lusaka Airport. About a 40 minute drive to camp. Our room was basic but we were not lacking for anything. Dinner was homestyle local food and good. Good camp for start of our trip." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia

"Pioneer camp is located on the outskirts of Lusaka. It is about 20-30 minutes from the Airport. At some point, you leave the paved road and enter a remote area. This can be a bit daunting at night. The property is a combination of campsites and one room chalet style cabins. The rooms are somewhat shabby with few amenities.

What the property lacked in "creature comforts" was more than made up for by the kindness and hospitality of the staff. I was concerned that I could not leave the country without a Covid-19 test. Reception called the airline, airport and interceded to assure me that I would be able to board my flights unimpeded. Transfers were on time and efficiently managed." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"A perfect place for a one nights stay before or after a flight to or from Livingstone as it is relatively close to the airport." See all these reviews: 20n in Zambia

"Slightly tired but excellent location close to airport.
Serves function very well" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"This was our fifth stay at the camp. Airport pick up and drop off went well.

Delicious vegetarian option. Hot water available in the evening and morning.

Staff were helpful." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

"After a reasonably long trip (Lisbon - Dubai - Lusaka), a driver from Pioneer Camp was waiting for us and it was nice to have a short drive between the airport and the camp. Staying overnight in the Pioneer Camp proved to be a great decision.

We had a very friendly and warm welcome and after settling in we took a relaxing aperitif while waiting for dinner. The food was excellent.

Next morning, after the breakfast and punctually at the agreed time, the same driver took us back to the airport where we've met a Skytrails representative." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia