Reviews of Impala Camp

"From the moment we were met at the tiny airstrip by Ezra, our guide for the next four days, until we were waved off by him as our plane took off, I can honestly say that we enjoyed every moment and wouldn't want to change anything.

We had a boat trip the first afternoon and met Ezra in the bar before supper to discuss the next day. We were woken at 6am with coffee and cake and began our morning drive at 6.30am. Our first safari, we were so excited. Another boat trip in the afternoon and back for a delicious supper. We had our own waiter for every meal and suppers were sometimes on the veranda of the restaurant and sometimes in a secluded spot with a bonfire to give us light. For the last two days we opted for a full day excursion so had breakfast and lunch in the bush - with a table and chairs! The most memorable lunch was by a lake, under a tree for shade, watching hundreds of large birds wading and catching fish - herons, pelicans, spoonbills, marabou storks to name a few. Ezra was an amazing guide and could answer any questions we threw at him.

At the camp we were allotted our own Masai to walk us wherever we wanted to go. This was because the camp was unfenced so open for animals as well as people. We had to call "Jambo Masai" when we wanted to leave the tent and he would appear and escort us to wherever we needed to go and wait until we were ready to return. He was very discreet. The camp had a swimming pool which was a treat after a whole day out in the bush.

The staff were all so friendly and obviously worked well as a team." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"Ive just written a lengthy tripadvisor review, so this is a summary

More creature comfort than Mdonya with some very good staff - but lacking any obvious enthusiasm for safari/wildlife. Camp management was very low profile and not confident in dealing with europeans.

Our tent (No 1) was very comfortable but was a long walk. It benefitted from animals coming past to the river. If you want this, ask for tent 1-3. The Masai who escorted us was lovely.

Food and service were generally very good, with bush-babies and weaver birds coming to the table (may not suit everyone). We contracted Tanzanian Tummy during our visit which we're still recovering from. Camp management unfortunately put us in a dark secluded spot for dinner one night and my wife got dozens of horse-fly-looking bites, several became infected. We didnt want to eat there and now wish we'd refused.

Very few other guests - really felt a bit lonely. A constant succession of one-night visits by travel reps "doing research". Shame none of them asked guests for feedback - even if they travelled with their company. Very annoying to see what we were paying for and glad Expert Africa were not amongst them.

Guides were knowledgeable but more interested in charging about in the Land Cruiser. This gave our worst safari ride ever and tended to chase animals away. Complained to management and it improved but felt that driver/guide was sulking a bit and was finding it hard to locate anything new to show us after 3 days. Boat safari really worthwhile and bee-eater colony was very special.

All in all, a bit disappointing compared to Mdonya Old River Camp in Ruaha, but perhaps OK if you wanted a light safari experience" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania

"A wonderful camp. Located by the very wide Rufiji river and in plentiful forest ,this was a totally different habitat from what we had seen in the Mara in Kenya. Our tent was very comfortable and overlooked the river. Hippos, bush babies and monkeys around the camp at night made life just that bit more interesting (read noisy for that!!). However, the morning chorus of the birds was delightful.

The staff were excellent, the game drives superb with plenty of animals to see, if a little more hidden than on the plains, bird life extremely good. Guides were very knowledgeable but need help with their English. Food was very good too. The river game cruise was different, especially when a too friendly hippo decided to 'play' with the boat. Too many crocs around for that.

On reflection, we might have not taken a morning game drive just to sit in the camp and enjoy the peace/tranquillity and game that can be enjoyed there. We had a hour or so of that as we waited to leave." See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 5n in Kenya; 3n in Tanzania

"The camp was excellent. The accommodation and food were better than expected. Staff were tireless in making the stay as good as possible. The attention to detail was excellent. The water, driving and walking safaris were all very enjoyable and many animals were seen. A wonderful experience. Highly recommended. Perhaps also for people who have not been on safari before as we were so well looked after and given good advice." See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"We found Impala Camp a superb base for our safari activities in Selous Game Reserve. Its location overlooking the Rufiji River, and close to Mtemere Airstrip, meant easy access to activities in the area.

Overall here the staff were superb also. Our guide/driver Omari was amazing. How he could drive the rough tracks and sight game in all directions still has me wondering. On one day we did a 12 hour game drive, so he also set up our packed breakfast and lunch where we were seated at a table with cutlery, crockery, hand towels, tea/coffee... the whole works.

All of our interactions with the staff showed that they did everything possible to make our time here memorable. We did feel however that although the management duo tried their best, they lacked the personal touch we've found at other camps.

The food here is the best we've ever encountered on safari..... great variety and so well presented." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar

"Absolutely brilliant accommodation and safaris.

An amazing experience with lovely staff and great service." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania

"Wonderful introduction to safari for us.

Driving conditions quite difficult and long days were exhausting but this was not the fault of the camp.

As we went in June the trails had not yet been fixed up after the rainy season." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar

"First impression of the camp as you arrive is very good. The staff were attentive, particularly our waiter Victor. We enjoyed having a Masai guard to accompany us to our lodge each time. He was very polite and helpful.

Dinners were spectacular. I commented that the chef could compete with a Michelin star chef in London.

We were disappointed to have separate game drives. It is more fun to share a jeep with a couple of others, to share the experience. One felt all guests were being separated both for dining and drives, which was a shame, particularly after our experience at Mwagusi. But perhaps some people prefer that.

The lodge was lovely. Very comfortable bed.

Having a swimming pool was an added bonus. We could relax there after a drive." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

"Excellent. Our guide, Gerard, was absolutely top notch. Most impressed.

The camp was very good but tending to the slightly fussy and fawning. While the food was excellent, I am not sure how appropriate smoked salmon was in the Tanzanian bush.

When paying a significant amount for such a holiday beer and basic wine should be included.

We were slightly sceptical, but the boat safaris turned out to be really relaxing and enjoyable with masses to see." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania

"Very comfortable camp, with high standards of service both in the camp and on the game drives. The food was of a very high standard, and the camp go to some trouble to present it well. A littler more expensive than other camps we stayed in, with a noticeable difference in quality. Staff were a more formal with the guests compared to other camps.

Game drives are good, though in the wet season it can be a challenge to find the wildlife. The guides will travel some distance from the camp to find the game, but are sometimes restricted where roads are cut by seasonal rivers.

The vehicles are excellent, as is the quality of the driving. Game drives are half day, which makes the day more relaxing. Boat safaris are good.

Pool is good for an afternoon break." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania