Reviews of Lake Manze Camp

"My husband and I stayed here for 3 nights at the start of our honeymoon and we were hugely impressed. I have been on safari before and stayed at some lovely camps, but Lake Manze really is to be recommended. It has a very authentic feel and really makes you feel like you are in the bush. All the tents are on the shore of Lake Manze and the views are superb. There was a constant stream of anumals that walked past our tent, both day and night.

We had initially toyed with the idea of doing the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro etc), but chose the South as it seemed to be more secluded, less busy and more authentic. I am so happy that we did this as we weren't disappointed.

The camp is impecably run by Pippa, the manager and she is extremely welcoming and accomodated all our requests. There are a large selection of activities on offer here, namely full day drives (including a trip to the hot springs), morning and evening drives, walks, boat trips and fishing. There is lots to do at the camp and in hindsight we should have stayed 5 nights and not moved on to Mdonya Old River Camp, in Ruaha), which was slightly disppointing. Pippa was very informative about all these activities and explained each one in detail to us. She would talk to all guests before dinner to arrange the activities for the next day. I loved that fact that she always tried to make sure that each party was on their own for an activity at least one during their stay. This really showed that some thought had been put into this.

In terms of wildlife, the Reserve is absolutely teaming with animals and birds - I don't think 5 mins passed without us seeing something - even if it was only an impala! The only time we didn't see many animals was on the way to the hot springs, but we had already been pre-warned about this by Pippa so it wasn't an issue. We had some amazing experiences with lions, elephants and baby hyenas. Our guides and drivers were fantastic and hugely knowledgeable about everything. The only animal that we didn't manage to see was the elusive leopard, but hat wasn't through lack of trying on the part of our guides!

The food was good and very wholesome - the type of food you may cook yourself. There's always lots available and you never go hungry.

All in all, this isn't a luxurious camp, but what in lacks in luxury it makes up (and more) in hospitality! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this camp to anyone looking for somewhere to stay during their safari!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania

"We had a delightful guide, Emmanual, who was extremely knowledgeable and interesting so our game drives were excellent.

The location of the camp is excellent permitting game viewing from the tent and we thoroughly enjoyed seeing hippo, buffalo and elephant on the lake shore.

Our baggage was lost by the airline and did not arrive until after we had left Lake Manze but the staff were extremely helpful in lending us clothes and chasing the airline to forward our baggage." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar

"All the more special for its lack of carpets and air conditioning: showering under the stars and lighted by oil lamps we felt we were sharing a well kept secret. If you want sophisticated luxury then don't come here, but if you want good comfortable facilities in a distinctive camp that suits its environment, then do.

The game was plentiful; much of it walking through the camp on a regular basis. Whilst sipping a cool beer I saw impala, elephants, monkeys, baboons and hippos from my tent's veranda. The staff were always friendly with wide, warm smiles, and the general good humour about the place made one feel genuinely welcomed. Our guide was an expert and charming. We loved the game drives, much of them off road. The trip to the hot springs was particularly scenic, and breakfast and lunch out in the wilds very special. We also enjoyed the boat trip, and wished we had stayed another day to do it again.

Loved it!" See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 6n in Tanzania

"Great welcome from the team. Very comfortable tents. Food excellent eaten under the stars where possible.

Our driver and guide were first class. Found us wonderful game to view.

Really enjoyed our stay." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania

"Manze's location is superb for wildlife. It comes to you - really astonishing. Pro safaris, water option doubles the experience. Low tech - no electric is a precious experience for a week; and a week is not too long at Manze. However, this is not a primitive camp. Food is very good, accommodations are very comfortable, and staff & mngt are very accommodating.

Although wifi is available, the need for all of that drops away with the basic tent camp, outdoor adventuring, flame lighting and good social surroundings. We had a really good time (w/ 9 yr. old daughter). Time of year makes a difference. Manze is good yr round except in heavy monsoon, but when its dry season the location on a lake makes it a wildlife magnet." See all these reviews: 7n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania

"We had a wonderful adventure while at the camp.

Our guide and driver were very knowledgable. The camp staff were helpful. We did see our fair share of game though we followed the guide's advice of "we shall see what we shall see." Some days were full of events and some not so much. We were able to take a day just resting at the camp. I would say that four days was the right length of time to visit.

We came a little before the big crowds, so there was plenty of staff to see to our needs. I liked staying in the tents, but did not enjoying sharing dinner with bugs. I don't suppose there is much that can be done, but I would have liked to have been better prepared.

Overall a great experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar

"A good rustic camp in a fantastic part of the selous (our favourite of the two areas we stayed in) A great pick up game drive from the plane and a lovely afternoon cruise with Rashid started our safari well. We enjoyed watching some elephants very close to our tent, which was clean and spacious. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the food was very good. Guides (Victor and Ali) were knowledgeable and very keen for us to enjoy our trip and the camp went out of their way to make a camp transfer become a 6 hour game drive with our own vehicle.

Also pleased that when we passed them later in the week from another camp they acknowledged us and exchanged words (with nothing to gain from doing so and with new clients onboard their vehicle). Second favourite camp of the holiday" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania

"Its not fair that we visited this camp after Kwihala at Ruaha. Selous is a great reserve but our heart seems to have fallen for Ruaha and hence, our comments should be considered with this in mind.

The location of the camp by the lake, where our tent had a great view of, it is very nice. The first night we were visited by elephants that they really came very close to our tent. Lake Manze is a simple camp that offers a variety of short activities, walking, boat and drive safaris. We did enjoy the rides with the boat in the lake, its rather far to venture to the Rufiji river, giving us the opportunity to enjoy bird-life, hippos, crocs and various insects. The staff and the guides are doing their best, we are thankful to Viktor and Abou for enjoyable breakfasts in the bush and by the river and Rashid for the boat rides.

There seems to be less game than Ruaha and harder to see it through the woods. Certainly the leopard watching under a bush that got annoyed circled by 7 vehicles and fled in no time at the top of a tree, 20m +, and then harassed by a male baboon was a memorable moment. Being in the 3rd jeep coming into the scene I definitely feel guilty than those in the 7th - game-watching has to become more sustainable and sensible for all!" See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania

"The staff at Manze were universally helpful. The guides were extremely knowledgeable although even the general staff seemed to have a great deal of knowledge regarding the animals. Food was good considering the limited facilities available. The camp was well sited and the trips on the lake were particularly enjoyed. I was lucky enough to have a guide who had a particular interest in the bird life and he not only identified the birds but usually knew the Latin names as well.

The accommodation was excellent and the staff did well in their day to day efforts to clean and generally service the tent..

Not having electricity available was something of a novelty to those from more developed areas but ii was not a problem and facilities for recharging batteries were easily available" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania

"Lake Manze camp is ideallly positioned for water activities and the boat trips at Lake Manze were a highlight, the channel trip with Elton in particular being very memorable. The made a welcome change to the standard game drives. On the drives the guiding quality varied from good to okay - depending on requirements you have may have different guides per drive.

The camp can seem a bit busy not just a result of its size but also because it seems to be popular for late bookings from Dar of one and two nights. Due to the flexibilty of activities it also means you aren't always with the same guide or guests. Together with the 'guest turnover' this can make the camp can seem less intimate than smaller camps." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania