Reviews of Little Vumbura
Wildlife sightings and reviews
138 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Little Vumbura and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Heavenly Island"
After landing at the air strip we were met by the guides from the camp and taken by Land-Rover along the dirt roads for about 30 minutes with lots of game viewing en-route. We arrived late morning so we were taking direct to the camp for lunch but other guests who had arrived on the afternoon flight from Maun had gone directly on an afternoon game drive ("from London to Leopards in less than 24 hours"). The last part of the trip is by motor boat as Little Vumbura is on an island. Or arrival at the camp there is a great welcome with cool wet towels and welcome drinks from smiling staff and a super lunch.
Our room could hardly be described as a tent. For sure it had canvas style walls and roof but inside with varnished wooden floor, a huge king-size bed, desk and comfy chairs, en-suite shower room and toilet it looked like a huge stylish hotel room but with great views over the delta. We had a shaded balcony with a sofa and loose chairs and a great view of Kudu grazing just below.
Game viewing is great at Little Vumbura. Each guide is typically allocated two couples but some take larger groups if they arrive together. On our last day we were out on our own with the guide as the other couple had left for their next camp. The concession includes other camps ant Vumbura North and South and so game viewing is shared with others but the guides have strict instructions not to have more than 3 vehicles at each sighting. Regular communication on radio aids tracking of game and we were able to see a lion kill and great extended viewing of a leopard and her cub as well as lots of elephant, giraffes, impala plus wildebeest and buffalo. Altogether the guide identified 60 different birds.
We were lucky to be there for the Monday Boma meal with entertainment by the camp staff. The show was great and they clearly love doing the show even if some are a little shy. The fire and food cooked over open fires was great - tasty and a huge variety, including local dishes to try. Other dinners were also taken communal style with a buffet - ladies first please. There was a good choice of food, manly international style with good flavours and lots of vegetables and garnishes to accompany meats and fish and a vegetarian option.
Breakfast is taken before the morning game drive at 6.30 with a good choice. After the game drive brunch is served with a good range including freshly-cooked eggs. High tea is taken before the afternoon game drive at 4.30 pm but we were glad to take rest and perhaps have a sleep in the heat of the day (especially hot in October while we were there).
The staff at Little Vumbura are super-friendly and we were sad to leave. Most guests only stay for 3 days but you feel that the staff could be your friends for ever, even if they greet the next guests with the same enthusiasm soon after you leave." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Beautiful Camp on an Island"
When we arrived nobody seemed to expect us but after a while somebody of the management appeared and welcomed us. Except of this management and staff was very friendly and helpful, the (only 6!) tented rooms are comfortable and spacious, the food very good. The pool area is fine and the perfect place for cooling down during siesta.
The Vumbura concession is fantastic: a pretty area with different landscapes and great game viewing with varied species. Our guide was Kay, probably one of the most experienced guides around the delta! The boat cruise was nice but we only saw a few herons - as Kay told us late September is not the best time for boat cruises. But the game drives were amazing: We saw beautiful male lions, leopards every day (mother with 2 cubs!), hyena cubs at their den, a pack of wild dogs and also rare sable antelopes, many different bird species and, and, and .....!!!" See all these reviews: 15n in Botswana
"Little Vumbura review"
Al the staff wore name labels - so very useful. I wish all camps would follow suit.
The Land Rovers were covered and the seats seemed extra padded - very comfy when bouncing about on the "roads" having an "African massage"!
Guides very good." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Unforgettable lepard on a tre"
The lodge is very beautiful, the staff was nice and effective across the board. The service level was outstanding. We experienced marvelous drives (highlights were a lion family and a leopard from very close) during which we learned a lot. The food was absolutely delicious and we enjoyed great dinners with some very interesting co-guests.
Also, we much appreciated our siestas with swimming in the nice pool." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Overrated"
Great location but there didn't seem to be much wildlife - the mokoro trip was worthwhile but we frankly got bored on the game drives." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Little Vumbura"
The staff and guides were very good." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"Little Vumbura review"
Our guide, Russell, had a genuine fondness for the animals which he allowed us to see at such close quarters. Highlights here have to include a pair of adorable, 2 month old leopard cubs climbing a tree in which their mother had stored an antelope kill and watching five 6 month old lion cubs working out what to make of their two 2 month old half-siblings being introduced to them for the first time.
We thoroughly enjoyed our first mokoro adventure here, made even more memorable by the fact that Tom, our poler, located an unexpected bonus for us on the island where we stopped for sundowner drinks; a 6 foot black mamba returning inoffensively into its hole in a tree for the winter. This was the story of the day around the campfire that night!
The staff collectively took a personal interest in all their guests throughout their stay, contributing significantly to the special atmosphere of this lodge." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Little Vumbura review"
Beautiful architecture and great views overlooking the water. Russell was the best guide we had on our trip." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Little Vumbura experience"
Highlights were the game viewing which included plenty of animals however the wide range of birdlife is definitely a selling point. The moroko canoe trip through the reed lanes made by the hippos to an island for sundown was memorable as were the dawns and sunrises. A hippo right outside our room one night was a thrill." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana
"Great place for safari"
Our guide Kay was a great person and professional." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
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