Reviews of Flatdogs Camp
(98%) From 55 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
| 
Flatdogs Camp review
Felt like Nat Geo live! Elephants mud bathing in front of my tent. Consistent leopard spotting in every game drive and lots of lions with cubs. When in camp I enjoyed very delicious food, plenty of choice and a lovely Asian touch to many dishes. Management tremendously supported me when my luggage was 5 days delayed. Will never forget the shopping tour in the nearby village. Highly recommended camp!
Read more about the whole safariA Magical Experience
This was our first (and certainly won't be our last) trip to Africa for safari. We spent a lot of time researching our options and our final choice of Flatdogs was amazing in every way. It was a wrench leaving this place. All the staff are wonderful, warm and welcoming and always happy to hear our tales from the game drives each day. Our fantastic guide Byron was a gift - able to answer the most ridiculous questions posed to him by out 2 boys, aged 10 and 13, and with his extensive knowledge, he was able to share information that we wouldn't have ever dreamed of asking - especially about birds. It was truly magical going over the South Luangwa bridge each morning into that wilderness. Those memories will stay with us always - we were very lucky that the park gave us so much. Awesome.
We chose to stay in the chalet rather than the tents. It was gorgeous! More than enough room and beautifully appointed throughout - the bedrooms especially lovely- the comfiest bed ever. Listening to the hippo's through the night was fabulous, and the monkeys jumping around our roof entertained the boys even further! The layout of the camp was perfect - we were a short stroll from the central meeting/ dining area as well as the pool. This was a fantastic bonus for our boys, so while we had a midday siesta or a read following our 'second' breakfast on our return from the morning drive, they were happy splashing about and watching the beautiful elephants roam through the camp. What a treat!
Being able to eat at any time too was a real bonus rather than set meal times - although we didn't require this flexibility as we ate every time we came back from a drive - when we weren't looking through binoculars, or sleeping, they fed us!
We took advantage of Wendy's guided visit to the local school and the conservation centre, both of which Flatdogs are heavily involved with. This was a humbling experience and one that I would strongly advise visitors do - especially with children. My eldest son and husband also took advantage of the world renowned walking safari's with Yotam which they found amazing - a totally different view of the park - and now my 13 year old is a poo expert!
All in all, I would recommend Flatdogs - and South Luangwa - to everybody - but I'm scared that it becomes too popular and the hoards arrive! As it was, we felt that the park was just ours at times, and the 'homecoming' to this wonderful camp every day was just as special as the game drives.
Flat dogs review
Chongwe was a hard act to follow but we all enjoyed ourselves at Flatdogs. Guides were very knowledgable but didn't adapt their offering to suit the children,without prompting. The Crocs Nest excellent.
The only problem was that although I'd asked for the children to be with their respective parents, Crocs nest could only sleep 6- Owain and myself, plus 4, and because they couldn't move backwards and forwards between Crocs Nest and Chalet 4, where the rest of the family were, this resulted with an adult sleeping on the sofa or children a bit adrift.
Perfect Safari Experience
Wonderful attention to detail - personalized service. Excellent guides and facilities. Delicious food and potable water! Unique location on river, unique tents and pool, close to S Luangwa park. Camping in style!!
Read more about the whole safariFlatdogs Camp review
It was a definite advantage to be so close to the camp entrance, for travel time was minimal, and we did not notice any extra noise from being so close to the gate. The managers gave personal attention to the guests and were always present and actively involved in making sure the guests had and did everything they wanted to. For example, our daughter wanted to visit the Mfuwe clinic, and Wendy made arrangements for this to happen, freed up a driver, and didn't charge us a penny (although we tipped the driver). On another day, between safaris, I expressed interest in visiting the boarding school in Mfuwe that's being expanded, as well as the Luangwa conservation project, and a visit was scheduled. Flatdogs' management was very accommodating, helpful, and friendly. Our rooms were clean, the food was well prepared, the menu was extensive, and the proportions were generous (unfortunately, I didn't learn until the last day that half-portions were available). We had heard so much about the walking safaris in Luangwa and looked forward to taking some, so it was a bit of a disappointment that our personal guide at Flatdogs was not licensed to do a walking safari, and we sensed he wanted us to stick with him, so we didn't pursue a walking safari as we enjoyed going out with him. However, he did make clear that if we really wanted a walking safari, it could be arranged so it was definitely our choice and I don't intend this as criticism, just as FYI. Perhaps other guides were licensed for both driving and walking safaris, I didn't check. The sunsets at Flatdogs are spectacular, and I don't regret my decision to skip one evening safari and sit on the river bank, watching the sun set and the stars appear. Only later did I realize the night guard had been standing watch nearby--he said the hippos had walked right by me as they left the river to forage for food. I still can't figure out if he was serious or not, for I didn't hear a sound, yet know those huge animals can be deceptively stealthy.
Read more about the whole safariLaid-back, friendly place
We received a warm welcome from Wendy, who spent the next half hour showing us around and briefing us on safety, activities and schedule. This was very helpful because there was quite a lot to take in and the context she provided allowed us to feel comfortable at Flatdogs right from the beginning.
We appreciated the effort the managers and owners make to meet guests each time they return from a game drive and they also move around tables in the restaurant and bar and at tea time to ensure we have everything we need. It was great fun staying in the luxury tent on the bank of the river and hearing elephants and hippos crash by at night!
I want to especially mention Malama, who was our guide during our four days there. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, and has a wonderful sense of humour balanced with care for our safety and enjoyment. I thought the Christmas activities (special lunch on the 25th and carol sing with refreshments on the 24th) were very well done.
Flatdogs does a great job of being friendly and laid back but also attentive.
Jackelberry Treehouse at Flatdogs
It was great to return to Flatdogs, this time to the Jackalberry Treehouse. The accommodation is wonderful, overlooking a private waterhole and open to everything. Lydia made sure we were comfortable and very well looked after during our stay.
Meals can be taken either in the main restaurant or delivered to the treehouse. We tried both and having brunch at the treehouse watching the wildlife wandering past was a real treat.
When we (hopefully) return to Flatdogs we would love to stay at the treehouse once again - it was fabulous!
Brilliant stay at Flatdogs
The welcome, service, food and accommodation at Flatdogs were all excellent. Really enjoyed it.
For the most part the guiding was too, and clearly the guides we had were well trained, knowledgeable and friendly, but on a couple of occasions we felt we got a bit too close than was necessary to some of the animals we were viewing, causing them undue stress. Keen to say this was the exception to the norm of what we experienced but wanted to still let you know.
This place came highly recommended
And, it lived up to its promise. This is number one for this area for a reason -- value.
For one thing, you can order just about any food you like. This is important to me because I am diabetic. Watch out for the Baboons -- they are destructive and will get into your tent, if they can. Hippos and elephants also wander about. The name flat dogs is a south African euphemism for a crocodile.
The original location for the camp (it has moved a bit) was originally a crocodile farm.
Fabulous time at Flatdogs
We had wanted to visit Flatdogs for many years and it really lived up to our very high expectations. We enjoyed the friendly, relaxed nature of the camp and loved being able to eat at any time of day, with numerous options on the menu and daily specials board.
We received a really warm but not overbearing welcome from all of the staff and always felt very comfortable. Adie and Jess are great hosts and Geoffrey, our guide, was really knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to spend time with him. We loved our three nights in the tent, hearing the whistles of the puku and the munching of the hippos right outside.
Thoroughly enjoyed all of our game drives - although the full day drive we did was very tiring in 40° heat and an open vehicle! Geoffrey was very responsive to everyone's needs and took care to position the vehicle where everyone could see and take photos of the birds and wildlife.
Hope to return in the not too distant future.
