Reviews of Pioneer Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
145 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Pioneer Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Mr S & Ms B
UK
"A good choice for an early flight"
1 night Arrived 1 Sep 2013
"We stayed one night to fit in with flights.
This was a very good transition from being on safari to town. The transfer from the airport worked well, as did the return journey next morning. The chalet and the site were very nice and met our needs well. They are not of the standard of the safari camps, but we wouldn’t expect that. They are very good at what they do.
We tried to check in for our flight online, but internet problems meant we couldn’t do this. However, Lusaka is a small airport with few flights, so it was no problem at all.
Food at the camp was fine, with a nice veggie pasta in the evening. Breakfast was prepared early so that we could get an early transfer to the airport." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
This was a very good transition from being on safari to town. The transfer from the airport worked well, as did the return journey next morning. The chalet and the site were very nice and met our needs well. They are not of the standard of the safari camps, but we wouldn’t expect that. They are very good at what they do.
We tried to check in for our flight online, but internet problems meant we couldn’t do this. However, Lusaka is a small airport with few flights, so it was no problem at all.
Food at the camp was fine, with a nice veggie pasta in the evening. Breakfast was prepared early so that we could get an early transfer to the airport." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr G
Christchurch, NZ
"Pioneer Camp is not great"
1 night Arrived 26 May 2013
"The chalet was satisfactory/
The evening meal was terrible. The breakfast was excellent. The length of time required for preparation was absurd
The Dutch "greeter" who fronted was a non salaried "newbie" who was drowning quickly. She did try very hard - so she said - to find our Bradt Guide which we had mislaid. The owner was away.
I would have preferred to haver overnighted in a standard hotel in Lusaka." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
The evening meal was terrible. The breakfast was excellent. The length of time required for preparation was absurd
The Dutch "greeter" who fronted was a non salaried "newbie" who was drowning quickly. She did try very hard - so she said - to find our Bradt Guide which we had mislaid. The owner was away.
I would have preferred to haver overnighted in a standard hotel in Lusaka." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Poor
Service:
Average
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Feedback Response
We were sorry that Pioneer Camp did not live up to these guests expectations. In hindsight we could have offered a wider range of Lusaka accommodation choices for these travellers to consider, rather than just including the well priced Pioneer Camp for its economy as part of the itinerary and we have certainly learnt from that experience. Pioneer Camp has also extended their apologies to these guests and stated that they will use this feedback to make necessary improvements. The camp added that they recently demolished their old kitchen and built a new one, and that the management team were working on some changes to the evening menu. They explained that the meals are made to order and from scratch, using fresh ingredients, which is why the preparation can take a while. Pioneer camp was delighted to read their breakfast rated as excellent. They offered to send a new Bradt Guide to these guests but luckily the travellers have since found their copy.
"Manager"
Mrs G
Christchurch
"Convenient location to airport"
1 night Arrived 26 May 2013
"Ok for one night before or after a safari. The food was not very good and the blankets too thin for the cold night."
See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Poor
Feedback Response
Pioneer Camp has extended their apologies to these guests and stated that they will use this feedback to make necessary improvements. The camp told us that they would check on the blankets placed in the chalets to make sure that future visitors would be warm at night. Glass panes recently replaced gauze the chalet windows to reduce wind blowing through the rooms and so it is hoped that this will also help keep rooms warmer during Zambias short winter period. The kitchen was also recently demolished, and a new one built, and the camp management are working on changes to their menu.
"Manager"
Mr R
Remote Suburbia
"Pioneer Camp review"
1 night Arrived 29 Mar 2013
"It's a long bumpy drive from the airport. A bit of a surprise and a bit too long if you arrive in the evening after a long day.
Food was so-so - quantity over quality. If there is a modern hotel that is OK and closer to the airport I think I would stay there next time." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Food was so-so - quantity over quality. If there is a modern hotel that is OK and closer to the airport I think I would stay there next time." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Mr T
Hertfordshire
"A good last night"
1 night Arrived 29 Mar 2013
"This camp provided a good last evening stop before flying out the next day.
The only down side was the apalling road to reach it, made more comfortable in the morning by the use of a Land cruiser." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
The only down side was the apalling road to reach it, made more comfortable in the morning by the use of a Land cruiser." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Average
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs B
Westerham
"Ideal for an easy transfer to the airport"
1 night Arrived 8 Mar 2013
"Arrived early evening so just time for a quick snack, sleep, before an early morning transfer to Lusaka airport.
The chalet was spacious and very comfortable" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
The chalet was spacious and very comfortable" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs R
Croydon
"Very handy for an early flight from Lusaka."
1 night Arrived 8 Mar 2013
"When the government levels out the road, it will be much more comfortable to travel to the camp. At the moment, its a kidney-bashing trip, but nevertheless quite good fun.
The camp itself was extremely well fitted out and the bar area was warm, comfortable and very well decorated. As our room was a bit away from the main lodge, the in-house driver dropped us off and collected us for a quick breakfast before taking us to Lusaka Airport.
Our room was very nicely decorated and the bed was extremely comfortable. Lots of room to scatter our luggage!!
Even though we arrived quite late, the stand-in manager, Phil, made sure we had toasted sandwiches to keep us going." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
The camp itself was extremely well fitted out and the bar area was warm, comfortable and very well decorated. As our room was a bit away from the main lodge, the in-house driver dropped us off and collected us for a quick breakfast before taking us to Lusaka Airport.
Our room was very nicely decorated and the bed was extremely comfortable. Lots of room to scatter our luggage!!
Even though we arrived quite late, the stand-in manager, Phil, made sure we had toasted sandwiches to keep us going." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr B
Bristol
"Africa at Pioneer, not the concrete jungle!"
1 night Arrived 21 Feb 2013
"Thanks again to Paul and all the team at Pioneer.
The great way to relax in similar surround to that in the valley whilst retaining that Africa feeling.
Enjoyed the conversation and the archery at dusk.
Great steaks, the perfect way to end from what was the perfect vacation." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
The great way to relax in similar surround to that in the valley whilst retaining that Africa feeling.
Enjoyed the conversation and the archery at dusk.
Great steaks, the perfect way to end from what was the perfect vacation." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr B
Bristol
"True Pioneer style."
2 nights Arrived 9 Feb 2013
"Pioneer is the perfect place to unwind and relax after a long flight.
The 'pick up' and transfer was very efficient and the usual friendly welcome and good breakfast that awaits soon after my arrival.
Safe and clean, good birding within the grounds this time of year.
Evenings spent socialising with different people, fellow travellers, sharing stories and enjoying the damn good steaks on offer.
Thankyou to Paul, Alfred and the Pioneer team." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
The 'pick up' and transfer was very efficient and the usual friendly welcome and good breakfast that awaits soon after my arrival.
Safe and clean, good birding within the grounds this time of year.
Evenings spent socialising with different people, fellow travellers, sharing stories and enjoying the damn good steaks on offer.
Thankyou to Paul, Alfred and the Pioneer team." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr O
France
"Pioneer Camp review"
1 night Arrived 17 Oct 2012
"The chalets are large and clean, very pleasant. The bar area is nice too. Not a lot of choice on the restaurant menu, but the barbequed t-bones were good. There is a very small swimming pool available but we did not get to try it as there were some highly intoxicated gentlemen lounging around... ;-)
Very decent place to spend a night in Lusaka." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Very decent place to spend a night in Lusaka." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
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