Reviews of Lagoon Camp

"Spencer was our guide and PK the tracker here, and they really showed us how to track animals, on one occasion tracking and locating lion after an hour or so, and leopard on another. We did get very close to both animals, particularly the leopard, who had killed a kudu earlier, but she was shy and climbed up a tree and vanished.

Several types of antelope here, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe, wart hogs and many other animals, together with fantastic bird life including cori bustard and secretary birds. Travelled up the river/lagoon and saw 38 elephants crossing - wonderful sight. Also many hippo making their presence heard, and beautiful bird life - love the fish eagles. Went to hyena den and saw the mother and her 9 month old cub, very aware of their position and the proximity to a pack of wild dogs. Later on saw an older wild dog nannying the young dogs and seeing a hyena approaching them, with the old dog trying to shepherd them away. He must have called to the remainder of the pack because all of a sudden five or six dogs returned at pace and attacked the hyena and chased it away.

On our last morning we found two lions on huge anthills, lazily viewing the area, and later on a tiny elephant suckling, as well as other animals. During our trip, Spencer had introduced us to his favourite area which he called the 'hidden valley'. We could have been in an English autumn woodland with the white colouring of the trees and the red/brown dry leaves on the ground, except for the many zebra cooling themselves down in this shady area - wonderful." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia

"We received a very warm welcome at Kwando Lagoon Camp, where we were lucky enough to be allotted the family lodge. That gave us lots of space and an excellent view over the lagoon. What a treat to be able to watch elephant, waterbuck and baboons drinking from the lagoon at close quarters whilst having a bath!

The accommodation was comfortable and the food was excellent, but above all the thing that we will remember about Kwando Lagoon is the quality of the game viewing. Our guide and tracker, Paul and Ishmael respectively, were like a comedy double act, and when it came to the serious business of viewing wildlife they were exceptional.

We had excellent sightings of lion, including one magical session with a pride where the cubs were teasing each other playfully. This was matched the next day by the equally playful puppies in a pack of wild dog trotting to the water to quench their thirst after feasting on an impala kill. We also had good leopard sightings and a close encounter with a spotted hyena and two pups at their den. The elephants at Kwando Lagoon seemed to be friskier than at any of the other lodges that we visited, so they also provided some memorable moments.

We were able to recharge camera batteries in a cupboard behind the bar." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Absolutely fabulous - couldn't ask for more. It was such an experience. Like being in the garden of Eden with all the animals as God created them and being able to share their space for a little while.

Excellent, excellent experience." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa

"We loved Laggon Camp. Great viewing - saw the wild dogs which was the main reason we went there. Our guide and tracker were really knowledgeable and friendly.

Food was amazing and loved the sitting round the big dining table and chatting with everyone. Our room was great and very spacious." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in Mozambique; 3n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa

"Fantastic camp in every way. Rooms were amazing - spacious and well ventilated, a real touch of luxury. Food and other service and facilities were good. The opportunities for game watching are incredible - and having the siesta during the hot mid-day is an excellent idea.

Being a concession meant we could stay out later and go off road - which may a good contrast what we had been able to do at Chobe. Our guide Spencer was outstanding - fabulous sense of humor, master tracker and fantastic driver. On one day we had a lion chase (with 4 lions roaring close by), watched a leopard stalking and joined in a wild dog hunt which ended in a kill - it couldn't be bettered. Thoroughly recommend Lagoon - even if sometimes small insects fall from the ceiling of the dining room - that's Africa!!

One small point - the camp is based on thick, fairly loose sand and this means your feet will always be dirty in getting to and from rooms, etc. So fully covered up shoes are an advantage - although I managed perfectly well without them!!" See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"This camp seems very arid and dusty looking on approach - it needs some TLC. The interior is a bit tired but the cabins are lovely though cold. There were no heaters and the tented windows were very drafty.

Again no hair dryers ( just a small niggle). Towels could have been changed once I think and a coffe/tea facility ( like at jacana) would have been lovely as it was a bit of a walk in the sand to the food area. Especially in the morning when it was still dark.

The wild dogs are now at Lebala. THis was a big disappointment to most as this is a main reason for going to Lagoon . However, our lovely guide was from lebala and took us ( on the quiet) to see the pack with their cubs. But we didn't get to hunt with them as it was at least an hour from Lagoon. People need to know this sort of thing as it is annoying if you arrive and are disappointed.

Nelson is ok but over effusive. THe whole camp is a bit more commercial than the others but you do see a lot and the evening cruise is fantastic. some of the catering staff were a bit surly ........." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana

"We saw more (of interest) in our first 2-hours here, than in 2-days at Muchenje. Started with a pair of African Hawk Eagles, who held their perch as we eased past, looking for my husband's request of a leopard in a tree, during the day. 5-minutes later, there she was, and with a big sigh she dropped into the classic National Geographic pose, facing us with her legs straddling the branch. Of course our guide gets on the radio to alert the others, and soon comes a vehicle of chattering people. The leopard looks in their direction, and pops off the tree into the grasses. Then we were off to watch lions and cubs feasting on baby buffalo.

Matt, our guide, and Gideon, our tracker, had very sharp eyes and were quick to call out what they were seeing. Matt chose a wonderful route for our all-day outing, including varied scenic landscapes with a variety of birds and animals, and other than an armed border patrolman we saw no one else all day.

Lagoon must be Kwando's recent remodel. The tents are huge, but unlike Serra Cafema they are of a very functional design. Easy to open drapes, not the noisy velcro of most canvas chalets. A sliding door leads into a sitting area with 2-comfy chairs and a relatively large table, up a step to a king-size bed with bedside tables and lights. Behind is a dressing area with dual chairs and shelves. These 'camps' have come a long ways from what I think of as camping.

We enjoyed meals with the guides and other guests at the large group table. I grew very fond of my mornings shared with the grunts of the hippos outside." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

"There was a great deal to like at Lagoon. The tents ( though you can't really call them that) were huge. beautifully decorated and even included a very elegant bath. That it took nearly half an hour to fill and the water was the colour of weak tea didn't matter a bit! The outdoor deck overlooking the lagoon should have been an ideal place to spend the afternoon but there was no shade and it was in direct sun so we never got to sit out which was a shame. We were in Tent 9 - a good ten minutes walk down a dusty path from the dining room - so far it was know as 'staying in Namibia' by the staff, but it did mean it was very quiet and private, apart from the odd visiting elephant.

The staff were lovely - great fun and very good at anticipating what you might need before you realised you needed it. We enjoyed the food, from the morning porridge round the fire to dinner, preceded each night by a riddle. Whoever guessed it got served first! We liked the lunchtime and evening buffets with lots of very imaginative salads and vegetables, and one night, particularly delicious steak. We enjoyed eating at one big table with the guides. This camp had the widest mix of nationalities which made for interesting conversations.

Our guide Sugar, and his spotter Aaron, were excellent and made all the drives an adventure. We tracked lions, watched a leopard stalk a reedbuck, found a group of wild dogs but also spent time looking at the birds and smaller animals. After dark drives with the spotlight were exciting - though perhaps as a consequence of Aaron's killer G&Ts I personally didn't see much! The boat ride gave us a different view of the scenery though there was surprisingly few birds of animals around during our trip. But attempting to fish was fun , if unsuccessful.

Altogether a well run camp with a good informal atmosphere which we enjoyed very much." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia

"We found the welcome and service rather subdued at this camp with the management and staff, whilst polite, less enthusiastic than at other places (this was our fifth African safari/18th camp).

The location on the river is stunning and the tents huge and imposing; however we found them to be lacking in privacy. Due to not much vegetation/screening between a number of tents you can see straight through into the side windows and dressing area of your neighbours' tent. From the main dining area you can actually watch guests in room 2 moving around inside their tent! I believe this is not the case for all tents as some areas had more shrubbery between them. The decks have a glorious view of the river which some guests took full advantage of, but due to no shade/cover, they are in full sun throughout the afternoon making them too hot for us to relax - a shame.

After reporting a fault with the flush on our toilet we were told that it had been repaired only to discover that it was in the same state as when we reported it. There had indeed been an unsuccessful attempt to repair it. This happened another twice until one staff member uttered "You have to realise that that's as good as it can be out here". Well I'm afraid if all the other toilets are functioning efficiently and we're paying a great deal of money I don't expect to have to dismantle the toilet and stick my hand inside the cistern in order to make it work. After reporting it for the fourth time (trying to find a staff member during the rest period is a feat in itself) we were given the choice of moving into another room which is what we did - end of problem!

The highlight of our stay here was Sugar, our wonderful guide and James, our friendly and adept tracker. Even though there was not as much game around as elsewhere, they worked their hardest to find us some memorable sightings and made the drives most enjoyable. Sugar explained that after 17 years of denning at Lagoon the wild dog pack had recently moved away closer to Lebala and also that large numbers of elephants and other game would probably not start appearing until later on in the season as there was still enough water for them away from the river - that's nature and something one accepts. However we were lucky enough to see a pride of lions happily munching away on a new kill, lions drinking at a water hole, enjoy a close encounter with a calm herd of elephants (most others had been rather feisty!), and spent the last morning following a very obliging female leopard.

Fortuitusly we had booked a private guide and vehicle which meant that Sugar could drive at a slow and leisurely pace in order not to exacerbate my husband's back complaint. Sugar also kept us entertained back at camp joining us for meals and even having a go at making 'margaritas' - and pretty damn good they were too. Thank you Sugar !!" See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Our last stay and another fabulous camp. The location was different again but, as was the case with lebala,we could find no fault. Our guide and tracker, Matt and PK were so much fun with a very good sense of humour. The highlight of the Lagoon experience was on our last morning, when we watched a leopard, her cub and a very hungry hyena who was trying to steal her kill. The quintessential image of a leopard resting in a tree with her paws dangling, was there for the taking and our pleasure. As she took her catch from one at risk area to a safe place, and then returned for her cub while we in stunned silence, was simply the most real experience you could wish for and one that would be extremely rare to see again." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana