Reviews of Pioneer Camp
(79%) From 119 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Pioneer Camp review
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.
Pioneer Camp - the arrival to 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.
Convenient finale
We stayed a final night at Pioneer before our flight from Lusaka airport. It was convenient and appropriate.
The staff was pleasant, the shower and food were fine, we caught up on wi-fi - all the necessaries in a pleasant low-key environment.
Transport to and from the airport was seamless.
Pioneer Camp review
We were only there for about 3 hours (~3-6am) between flights, trying to sleep, so nothing relevant to write.
Phegan, who picked us up and dropped us back at the airport, was friendly and helpful.
Pioneer Camp review
We stayed at Pioneer only one night after arrival from the States.
It turned out to be a great decision....sort of a transition from home life to the camps in South Luangwa. Accommodations were very nice, camp personal helpful and friendly. There are a fair number of campers, both tent and mobile, which while we didn't expect, were not problematic.
I would recommend Pioneer as a good stopover point.
Pioneer Camp review
We spent one night between flights at Pioneer Camp. It served its purpose as a stop over near the airport well.
Major problem, over which they had no control, was that there was a power outage much of the evening which made things much more difficult.
Food was fine but not brilliant and the staff helpful and friendly.
Certainly a better option than a featureless city centre hotel.
Great Place to Use Near Lusaka
Only 30 minutes from the airport, we stayed at Pioneer Camp for a day while awaiting an onward flight connection.
Our experience was excellent - good food, quiet surroundings, attentive staff.
This was a hundred times better than staying in a hotel in the city. Highly recommended.
Arrival in Lusaka
Negative:
- very loud music from a neighboring house/village
- very impersonal reception and atmosphere
- reception area was dark and not very welcoming
Overnight stay
On arrival at airport, Pioneer guys were there to meet us, transfer to camp was without incident. Arrival and check in were fine, though one room had twin beds because of a red ant infestation, not the end of the world. Dinner was fine. Rooms were spacious but the bed and pillows were terribly old and uncomfortable. Our transfer back to the airport was a huge issue. The bus was late. We were told we would be leaving at 6am. Most of our party was already waiting at reception at 5:45. By 6:30 our transport wasn't there. There was a story about another couple needing to leave for the airport, so they took the bus, and the driver was on the way back. They then brought another car, which we loaded and piled in. This car had no fuel. Our original bus came tearing back into camp and almost ran over the dog! We unpacked the car with no fuel and packed into the bus. The drive to the airport was hair raising to say the least - it's a wonder we didn't have an accident. We did make it to the airport with minutes to spare before check in closed. The story about the other couple was nonsense, they would not have fit in the vehicle with us anyway. This was a phantom couple. The driver was just late. Late was bad enough, but the lying was unacceptable.
Read more about the whole tripExpert Africa comments
Paul, the owner of Pioneer Camp, has responded to these comments, and he has sincerely apologised to us and to the travellers for the communication problems regarding the transfers, and to the issues with the bedding that they experienced during their stay. He has told us that he will be addressing the issues raised immediately, and as a gesture of goodwill he has also offered these travellers a complimentary nights stay at Pioneer Camp, should they be in Lusaka any time in the future.
Pioneer Camp review
It's ok to stay for a night, before travelling to an other place. But not for a longer stay.
The simple furnished and decorated room is large and very clean. The food was good, but you have to wait long before it is on your table.
The staff is helpful but it needs a bit more professional attitude. But saying that I would go again for a stopover. If you want luxury all over, it is not your place.
