Reviews of Lagoon Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
282 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Lagoon Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Jun-2018, 78 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Lagoon Camp.
Mr S
Illlinois
"Fantastic Again for Wild Dogs"
3 nights Arrived 18 Aug 2013
"This was my second time in Lagoon camp and I loved it every bit as much as my last visit. The highlight of my visit was a confrontation betweeEXn 9 wild dogs, a lioness, and 4 hyenas. Our vehicle passed the wild dog pack and went on to see 6 adult lions: two males and four females eating a large male kudu. There were at least 60 vultures in the trees waiting for the remnants.
The smell of the kill brought the wild dogs towards the kill, and a female lion roared and chased off the dogs, who in turn pursued the 4 hyenas. it was absolutely awesome.
I have to say that Matt was a superb guide and was ably assisted by his tracker Elmo. Matt knows Expert Africa's managing director Chris McIntrye and says that he's a good man. I'll never forget how one of my fellow passengers on this game drive forgot his camera case and Matt managed to find it just as it was getting dark. Matt showed incredible tracking ability.
I saw wild dogs on almost every game drive, when I saw a leopard in a tree. I saw plenty of elephants. I also learned that there are various types of terrain in the Kwando concession. I loved seeing the wild dogs running through the forest. Again the rooms were huge and very comfortable. I appreciated having a porcelain bath tub, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. The bed was big enough for three people.
The food was excellent and always served in huge portions. I particularly enjoyed dinner one night when were served the local cuisine. The pap and beef were delicious.
Obi and Peter made a very kind and management team. Peter has years of experience managing camps both in Botswana and Tanzania. The test of the staff was also excellent. Yes, I'm sure that I'll visit Kwando camps again." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Botswana; 6n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa
The smell of the kill brought the wild dogs towards the kill, and a female lion roared and chased off the dogs, who in turn pursued the 4 hyenas. it was absolutely awesome.
I have to say that Matt was a superb guide and was ably assisted by his tracker Elmo. Matt knows Expert Africa's managing director Chris McIntrye and says that he's a good man. I'll never forget how one of my fellow passengers on this game drive forgot his camera case and Matt managed to find it just as it was getting dark. Matt showed incredible tracking ability.
I saw wild dogs on almost every game drive, when I saw a leopard in a tree. I saw plenty of elephants. I also learned that there are various types of terrain in the Kwando concession. I loved seeing the wild dogs running through the forest. Again the rooms were huge and very comfortable. I appreciated having a porcelain bath tub, as well as an indoor and outdoor shower. The bed was big enough for three people.
The food was excellent and always served in huge portions. I particularly enjoyed dinner one night when were served the local cuisine. The pap and beef were delicious.
Obi and Peter made a very kind and management team. Peter has years of experience managing camps both in Botswana and Tanzania. The test of the staff was also excellent. Yes, I'm sure that I'll visit Kwando camps again." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 6n in Botswana; 6n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs B
California
"Lagoon Camp Cheetahs"
3 nights Arrived 8 Aug 2013
"This was the 1st & only time we were fortunate enough to see the elusive cheetahs. On 1 afternoon drive we had a thrilling time tracking & racing to observe 2 cheetahs as dusk was fading into night. Were able to watch them close-up for an extended time.
We also learned the roaming habits & range of wild dogs determines whether or not you see them. The resident pack of 35 here were on the move elsewhere during our stay, so we were very fortunate to have seen the pack of 5 at Selinda, our previous camp." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
We also learned the roaming habits & range of wild dogs determines whether or not you see them. The resident pack of 35 here were on the move elsewhere during our stay, so we were very fortunate to have seen the pack of 5 at Selinda, our previous camp." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
The S family
Quebec
"Great safari at Lagoon camp"
2 nights Arrived 12 Jul 2013
"the wild dogs on our first game drive ever was quite an experience! as was the leopard in a tree between tents #2 and #3. Great tents, great service, great food, great game viewing and great guiding"
See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
The A Family
East Gri
"Fantastic Stay at Lagoon Camp"
3 nights Arrived 7 Jul 2013
"I'm one of those people who over-researches a trip so I read a lot of reviews on Lagoon camp and I must say that it was just at advertised: exceptional! The camp looks exactly as one might expect right down to the stunning glowing of the lanterns lit around camp at night.
The service and hospitality went above and beyond. Our guide and tracker (Spencer and A.T.) were fantastic! They appealed to our sense of adventure, and seemed to be just as excited (if not more) when we spotted something rare like the 3 male cheetahs that had been out of the area for months and had just returned, or the wild dogs hunting. Back in camp the manager (Obe ...spelling??) was an excellent gracious host. She was always there to wave us off on our drives and welcome us back to camp again when we returned. Days at the camp had a routine that we all began to look forward to from the morning porridge and coffee to the moment we stopped for our sun-downer during evening drives.
The cooks even too special interest when someone in our company managed to catch a tilapia while fishing off the Lagoon dock. Our one and only fish was even featured at dinner that night! It was also my boyfriends birthday on our last morning there and we came back to our morning drive to a birthday note and small gift. It was really very thoughtful!
I can't say enough about our experience at lagoon camp!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
The service and hospitality went above and beyond. Our guide and tracker (Spencer and A.T.) were fantastic! They appealed to our sense of adventure, and seemed to be just as excited (if not more) when we spotted something rare like the 3 male cheetahs that had been out of the area for months and had just returned, or the wild dogs hunting. Back in camp the manager (Obe ...spelling??) was an excellent gracious host. She was always there to wave us off on our drives and welcome us back to camp again when we returned. Days at the camp had a routine that we all began to look forward to from the morning porridge and coffee to the moment we stopped for our sun-downer during evening drives.
The cooks even too special interest when someone in our company managed to catch a tilapia while fishing off the Lagoon dock. Our one and only fish was even featured at dinner that night! It was also my boyfriends birthday on our last morning there and we came back to our morning drive to a birthday note and small gift. It was really very thoughtful!
I can't say enough about our experience at lagoon camp!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs K & Mrs T
USA
"Lagoon Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 30 Jun 2013
"Lagoon's location set on the water was breathtaking. The water draws large herds of elephants to drink so you always have a view of them.
Lagoon is famous for it's wild dogs that are always present. Seeing the large packs was a special treat. My memorable moments was a late afternoon drive when we came upon a gathering of hundreds of elephants meeting at a large waterhole for their evening drink." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia; 6n in Botswana; 5n in South Africa
Lagoon is famous for it's wild dogs that are always present. Seeing the large packs was a special treat. My memorable moments was a late afternoon drive when we came upon a gathering of hundreds of elephants meeting at a large waterhole for their evening drink." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia; 6n in Botswana; 5n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs L
Battersea
"Wild Dogs at Lagoon Camp"
4 nights Arrived 15 Jun 2013
"Our highlight was seeing the wild dog which we came across whilst watching a very large heard of buffalo. We were able to be with them and follow them for a long time. The interaction of them was terrific to see.
Guides were very good following tracks and finding predators.lots of leopards also, plus lions.
It was good to have a written explanation about seeing and staying with the wild dogs, this took the pressure off the guides as they had rules to follow. Staff were very good ,helpful and very cheerful on the cold early mornings.,The camp worked well and every thing ran to time.
Highly recommend the camp" See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
Guides were very good following tracks and finding predators.lots of leopards also, plus lions.
It was good to have a written explanation about seeing and staying with the wild dogs, this took the pressure off the guides as they had rules to follow. Staff were very good ,helpful and very cheerful on the cold early mornings.,The camp worked well and every thing ran to time.
Highly recommend the camp" See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs U
Luton
"Lagoon for Lovely Leopards"
3 nights Arrived 12 Jun 2013
"We came to Lagoon from Kwara another Kwando camp initially we were a little disappointed as Kwara had been we felt a bit more of a "Bush" experience but 1st impressions can be deceptive. The rooms are far more luxurious in every respect and a good contrast to Kwara. Food was very similar to Kwara, good home cooking.
Be under no illusion this camp is open to animals and in the first afternoon our room was surrounded by a breeding herd of Elephants. We were warned about their presence on arrival and they soon moved on after drinking from the Lagoon in front of our room. No need to worry about this as the camp staff are constantly vigilant. We saw them several times during our stay and a large male Kudu on the way to the communal area but it was never a problem, actually rather thrilling.
We had come to expect high standards from Kwando staff and Lagoon again delivered on this. Everyone is so courteous and friendly, nothing is too much trouble. Chatting with the staff round the camp fire and at dinner had become a highlight of the day. Our personal team here consisted of guide Paul and tracker James who knew each other from their village and had a very good rapport. The tracking was again a highlight of our experience in this case particularly Leopards, I hadn't dared to hope that we would catch a glimpse of one Leopard but we saw 4 individuals 2 of which were a young brother and sister who we watched for ages as they posed for us like supermodels on a termite mound, it was enthralling!
We also had good sightings of Wild Dogs (The Alpha Female came tearing past us in hot pursuit of Impala as we were out of the vehicle having our Sundowners!) and Lions together with the other usual sightings. Other special things we saw were an Aardwolf, large herd of Eland, a herd of several hundred Buffalo.
All this was thanks to our expert team of Paul and James. Our best regards to all at Lagoon," See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Be under no illusion this camp is open to animals and in the first afternoon our room was surrounded by a breeding herd of Elephants. We were warned about their presence on arrival and they soon moved on after drinking from the Lagoon in front of our room. No need to worry about this as the camp staff are constantly vigilant. We saw them several times during our stay and a large male Kudu on the way to the communal area but it was never a problem, actually rather thrilling.
We had come to expect high standards from Kwando staff and Lagoon again delivered on this. Everyone is so courteous and friendly, nothing is too much trouble. Chatting with the staff round the camp fire and at dinner had become a highlight of the day. Our personal team here consisted of guide Paul and tracker James who knew each other from their village and had a very good rapport. The tracking was again a highlight of our experience in this case particularly Leopards, I hadn't dared to hope that we would catch a glimpse of one Leopard but we saw 4 individuals 2 of which were a young brother and sister who we watched for ages as they posed for us like supermodels on a termite mound, it was enthralling!
We also had good sightings of Wild Dogs (The Alpha Female came tearing past us in hot pursuit of Impala as we were out of the vehicle having our Sundowners!) and Lions together with the other usual sightings. Other special things we saw were an Aardwolf, large herd of Eland, a herd of several hundred Buffalo.
All this was thanks to our expert team of Paul and James. Our best regards to all at Lagoon," See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs W
Belgium
"Lagoon Camp review"
2 nights Arrived 5 Jun 2013
"our first wild dogs
excellent encounters
excellent/outstanding guides and game drives
outstanding lodge" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
excellent encounters
excellent/outstanding guides and game drives
outstanding lodge" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs LS
Hampshire
"Disappointment, yet wonderful location and Te"
3 nights Arrived 27 May 2013
"The reception was not as warm as the past two, albeit some of the staff were very friendly. A bit shy in comparison except for one or two who seemed to poses the sense of humour of many other Botswanains. The service seemed to be, if you wish something, ask as opposed to offering. This was primarily at meals and absence of anyone available during afternoon rest time.
The Tent was superb, albeit the nice elevated walkways were missed. The most comfortable layout, yet no reference books, no hot water or tea. The laundry service was excellent, as it had been before, a welcome attribute as we packed light.
I prefer the single guide vehicle and guidance. Two can cause more discussion, which can possible be less attention by one. There was a great desire by Carlos to find a particular Lion. Too much time spent, albeit there seemed to be a shortage of options at this time of year. He did the best with what he had. Not as good with Photographer needs and positioning. His agenda seemed more important.
No Poncho's or Bush babies on the cold drives.
Wonderful noises of the Wildlife in the evenings, also the Lagoon/River Drive was exceptional, the guide was most informative concerning the area, its environs and wildlife
Two nights may have served, primarily due to shortage of wildlife and services." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
The Tent was superb, albeit the nice elevated walkways were missed. The most comfortable layout, yet no reference books, no hot water or tea. The laundry service was excellent, as it had been before, a welcome attribute as we packed light.
I prefer the single guide vehicle and guidance. Two can cause more discussion, which can possible be less attention by one. There was a great desire by Carlos to find a particular Lion. Too much time spent, albeit there seemed to be a shortage of options at this time of year. He did the best with what he had. Not as good with Photographer needs and positioning. His agenda seemed more important.
No Poncho's or Bush babies on the cold drives.
Wonderful noises of the Wildlife in the evenings, also the Lagoon/River Drive was exceptional, the guide was most informative concerning the area, its environs and wildlife
Two nights may have served, primarily due to shortage of wildlife and services." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs C
Essex
"Great Camp"
3 nights Arrived 25 May 2013
"Lagoon is a lovely camp and far exceeded our expectations. Our room was very spacious with a small lounge area, a huge bedroom with a 7ft bed, a dressing room leading to the bathroom which consisted of double wash basin, a claw foot bath, and a shower. There was a door to the toilet and another to an outside shower - wonderful.
Outside there was a decking area with very comfortable chairs, footstools and a table overlooking the river where you could spot elephant, hippo and large variety of birds.
The food was of very good quality and plentiful - the brunch at 11ish was vast and varied - just what you needed after a long game drive.
Although we did not see any big cats at Lagoon, we did spot honey badgers, mongoose and a porcupine. The usual elephants, giraffe and gazelles were in abundance as were wild dogs. One evening, although we did not see the kill, we arrived a very short time after, to wild dogs devouring a male impala - there was nothing left after a few minutes only the antlers.
Our guides were excellent and really tried to find us the big cats. They drove very carefully - quite the opposite of Hobbs at Little Kwara.
Lagoon was our favourite camp with Sandibe coming a close second." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Outside there was a decking area with very comfortable chairs, footstools and a table overlooking the river where you could spot elephant, hippo and large variety of birds.
The food was of very good quality and plentiful - the brunch at 11ish was vast and varied - just what you needed after a long game drive.
Although we did not see any big cats at Lagoon, we did spot honey badgers, mongoose and a porcupine. The usual elephants, giraffe and gazelles were in abundance as were wild dogs. One evening, although we did not see the kill, we arrived a very short time after, to wild dogs devouring a male impala - there was nothing left after a few minutes only the antlers.
Our guides were excellent and really tried to find us the big cats. They drove very carefully - quite the opposite of Hobbs at Little Kwara.
Lagoon was our favourite camp with Sandibe coming a close second." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
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