Reviews of Shiwa Ng'andu

"We did not really know what to expect but the whole experience totally overwhelmed us. The place is extraordinary, Jo and Charlie wonderful hosts. They made us feel very welcome and the stories they told us were amazing.

We were kept awake bij Ratatouille the pouch rat chewing something in the ceiling. Honey stains in the ceiling corner from a bees nest. Tame bushbuck eating apples from our hand. Monkees throwing coconuts at us. Candle lit dinner in the dining room, sundowners at the graves overlooking the lake!

The stay was great! The flight in the little plane super!" See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 3n in Zimbabwe

"My stay at Shiwa felt like an old fashioned house party as they totally accepted me as part of the family. There were no other paying guests but Tom (the son) and two friends of his were staying and also the pilot of my charter plane. The room was comfortable and large, old fashioned and reminded me very much of my childhood. I could not find a socket for a hairdryer but it didn't matter.

The collection of Benin sculpture was wonderful, likewise the Mali granary door. I loved the fact that the whole family came together for all the meals and drinks before dinner, again how I grew up. Both Charlie and Jo took me on drives around the property which I found very interesting. I sat and read pamphlets, papers, guest books and books from the archive which were fascinating. They both seemed happy to discuss the history of the house and family.

The retired vet and his wife who live in the farmhouse also joined us for most meals. We went on a crocodile hunt and he did a postmortem, all a great thrill to be part of. I had wanted to go there for some time and absolutely loved it." See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Zambia

"It was an experience like nowhere else, Jo and Charlie were great hosts and they have such an interesting Estate.

We were well looked after and felt very welcome and relaxed. We saw at first hand their hard work in their community.

A great start to our Zambian trip." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

"This was our third trip to Shiwa which is a truly unique place to stay in Africa. Jo and Charlie are exceptional hosts and it was fascinating to catch up on all their projects and find out what had happened to people we had met there before.

There was plenty to do including riding every morning with Jo, walks, a tour of the estate with a visit to the new mill, game drives with Charlie - mainly to see antelope including eland, sable, Lichtenstein's hartebeest and sitatunga. We also fitted in a morning at the hot springs which was very relaxing. Then of course there is the opportunity to spend hours in the archives reading Gore-Browns diaries, photos etc.

One unexpected highlight was hand feeding a baby bushbuck who came up to the porch after dinner for his milk and fruit.

We were fascinated to hear the plans for the house in the next few years and will probably have to have another trip to see it when it is finished." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia

"This was a unique experience like no other.
Staying in the Shiwa House with Jo and Charlie was like a 'country house weekend'.
The Shiwa House and the estate is an ongoing project. Do not expect great luxury because it isn't there. It is homely, quirky and somewhat basic. If you don't like cats or dogs Shiwa is not the place for you.
Both Jo and Charlie are great hosts and knowledgeable birders which suited us and both put themselves out to take us around their large estate viewing game and bird life.
The archive and library provide a picture of life in Africa in the early 20th century and the dream of Stewart Gore-Browne.
A wonderful four days." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia

"We visited Shiwa Ng'andu with our sons aged 12 and 14. It was an amazing experience for us all. We chose to start our stay here, to gently introduce ourselves to the country in an environment where we would be looked after and safe. this worked well, we were able to rest up after our long journey before getting stuck into activities. We also had a sense that this was a uniquely interesting place - again, it did not disappoint.

Charlie and Jo were extremely friendly and attentive and looked after us very well. We particularly liked the coming and going of many visitors - including Charlie and Jo's daughter and friends. it felt like we were family house guests. It was very interesting to learn about life in Zambia. We always felt welcome and our requests responded to. The boys were also made to feel very welcome.

In terms of activities, we did a lot of birding walks, walks by the lake, walked to the top of the hill to the livingstone memorial. we also visited the hot springs (extra cost of $8 pp). it was a very relaxing introduction to our trip. We saw a lot of birds (nearly 100 species) and all the antelope on the farm.

Food was good, much produced on the farm. Learning about the history of the place from Jo was also fascinating. We could have spent longer reading the materials and diaries in the library but didn't quite have the energy! Early starts were needed for some activities but this was optional! A quite time after lunch helped us to pace ourselves.

Overall, a really interesting and unique experience in an amazing place with fantastic hosts." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

"A beautiful location. Jo and Charlie are excellent hosts.

Loved it." See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia

"This was a wonderful experience and made a really relaxing start after 24 hours of travel. We had not expected luxury accommodation so were not disappointed that the bedroom was a little basic - this was made up for by the the evening fires in the bedroom.

Charlie and Jo were the most hospitable hosts one could wish for and did their utmost to make our stay really memorable. Jo in particular brought the history of the place to life and was spared no effort to give us all the information we could wish for. Charlie was a great guide taking us to all the places of interest as well as finding lots of game viewing.

To say they were ideal hosts is putting it milldly, they made us feel part of their family and the experience was like a country house party. The food was good homely cooking though not gourmet, but the drinks were excellent, both spirits and wine." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

"We wished we had stayed more than three nights as this was the highlight of our three week Zambia trip. The little bit of Surrey located in the Zambian countryside was even better than we imagined from reading "The Africa House"

Our hosts Jo and Charlie could not have been more welcoming and friendly and the dogs soon became our best friends, when it suited them. The house was amazing with the likely hood of finding zebra or horses on the front lawn.

The tours of the house and farm, visiting neighbors for afternoon tea, game drives and walks (we saw four blue duikers) and history lessons in the library were all great fun We enjoyed our meals both for the excellent food and the great company.

The fire in our room brought it to life. The plumbing for the shower was very efficient unlike the plumbing for the bath but we would not change a thing. We admired how Jo and Charlie run a large farm, maintain and renovate a large manor house while taking in guests. What a challenge.

We really wished we had stayed longer as we felt we were coming part of the family especially when we had to chase zebras off the runway to allow our plane to take off" See all these reviews: 21n in Zambia

"We both loved, loved, loved Shiwa Ng'andu.

Charlie and Jo were wonderful hosts, the house has a wonderful feel, the history is fascinating, the community is so interesting, the wildlife great, and the dogs and farm tour such a bonus!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 3n in Tanzania