Reviews of Lake Manze Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
224 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Lake Manze 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 Aug-2018, 34 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Lake Manze Camp.
Lion
94% success
Leopard
31% success
Wild dog
48% success
Buffalo
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Hippo
100% success
Spotted Hyena
100% success
Wildebeest
100% success
Zebra
100% success
Elephant
97% success
Eland
91% success
Striped Hyena
6% success
Aardvark
0% success
Black Rhino
0% success
Pangolin
0% success
Mr I
Kent
"Well organised despite being busy"
2 nights Arrived 3 Jul 2012
"Lake Manze was very well organised with good guides and a reasonable range of activities, although would suggest they consider the idea of day boat trips. There was less flexibility in activities as the camp was very busy, so many of the game drives were 3-4 hours and went to the same areas of the Game Reserve as other camps. The guides were good and many of the sightings were very rewarding, particularly buffalo and wildebeest."
See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Average
Service:
Good
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Average
Dr N
Virginia
"Good, not great"
2 nights Arrived 9 Jun 2012
"My stay at Lake Manze was a bit of a disappointment relative to other locations on the this trip. In part, that was a reflection of the lack of an assistant manager, leaving all the managerial responsibility on one person. I think this is not the normal situation.
However, guiding was clearly the weakest of the 4 locations that I visited, with a personable guide but one that was clearly less skilled than desirable. Again, this may have been just luck of the draw, as our driver clearly emerged as a very skilled (but less communicative) guide. Facilities are fine, and the location seems good, but we say very little of interest on the boat safari, which was VERY different from the second location I visited in the Selous." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
However, guiding was clearly the weakest of the 4 locations that I visited, with a personable guide but one that was clearly less skilled than desirable. Again, this may have been just luck of the draw, as our driver clearly emerged as a very skilled (but less communicative) guide. Facilities are fine, and the location seems good, but we say very little of interest on the boat safari, which was VERY different from the second location I visited in the Selous." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Excellent
Feedback Response
The manager of Lake Manze Camp was sad to hear that this guest was a bit disappointed by his stay. He explained that his new assistant managers arrival was delayed due to bureaucratic reasons which we know can often cause delays to safari operations in Tanzania. The manager was therefore running the camp on his own which isnt the normal situation, and he apologised that this impacted on this guests stay; despite his best efforts that it should not. The manager went on to explain that this guest was allocated one of their junior guides for his activities it was good to hear that that guide was personable but he does need time to gain more knowledge and experience. The camp has a number of guides, and the more senior members of the team were already allocated to other guests at the camp. The camp manager said that he would redouble his efforts in pairing guide and guests more suitably wherever possible.
That this guest saw more of interest on the boat excursion from Impala Camp than from Lake Manze is down to the luck of the draw. Seeing big land mammals can never be guaranteed from a boat, its focus is more about the waterways, scenery and birdlife. Having said that, it is the experience of the camp team, and those of us from Expert Africa that have visited Lake Manze, that the lake and its tributary channels are often a better environment for seeing a range of mammals than the main Rufiji River is. It was good to read that the guest wasnt put off by a quiet wildlife experience on the boat trip at Lake Manze, and went on to have such a good boat trip from Impala Camp.
That this guest saw more of interest on the boat excursion from Impala Camp than from Lake Manze is down to the luck of the draw. Seeing big land mammals can never be guaranteed from a boat, its focus is more about the waterways, scenery and birdlife. Having said that, it is the experience of the camp team, and those of us from Expert Africa that have visited Lake Manze, that the lake and its tributary channels are often a better environment for seeing a range of mammals than the main Rufiji River is. It was good to read that the guest wasnt put off by a quiet wildlife experience on the boat trip at Lake Manze, and went on to have such a good boat trip from Impala Camp.
"Manager"
Mr L & Ms F
UK
"Great times at Lake Manze"
5 nights Arrived 5 Jun 2012
"We absolutely loved our time at Lake Manze, from the food to the staff to the animal to the camp itself.
Our highlight was the fishing on the lake, not only did we catch cat fish, but we also got to eat them for dinner!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Our highlight was the fishing on the lake, not only did we catch cat fish, but we also got to eat them for dinner!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Steve H
Cumbria
"Magical return to Manze"
2 nights Arrived 5 Feb 2012
"As before we were looked after very well in the camp and on our jeep and boat safaris and we had a wonderful time.
Amazing wildlife and hospitality.The dining arrangements are extremely sociable and Sara runs the camp very well. Thanks to everyone for making our stay so enjoyable again.
Rashidi's knowledge and boatmanship deserve a special mention as do Emmanuel and Samuel who make a great jeep team" See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania
Amazing wildlife and hospitality.The dining arrangements are extremely sociable and Sara runs the camp very well. Thanks to everyone for making our stay so enjoyable again.
Rashidi's knowledge and boatmanship deserve a special mention as do Emmanuel and Samuel who make a great jeep team" See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
NL
"Lake Manze Tented Camp"
4 nights Arrived 30 Jan 2012
"The whole camp is very informal and pleasant. Reading the reviews I expected just filtered water. But we were offered bottled water instead.
Sarah took good care of all of our wishes for activities. She matched us carefully with other guests in case we had to share a vehicle or boat. The guides Giovanny and Ali as well as Elton in the boat, were knowledgeable and eager to tell. It was a miracle how Ali managed to drive on the bumpy and winding roads and could spot animals and birds in the meanwhile.
The walks were short and we went very, very slowly, carefully watching the buffalo on the left hand side and the elephants on the right hand side.
Our tent was large, comfortable and excellently situated on the border of the lake. In the late afternoon we had our private game-experience, when giraffes, impala´s, buffalo and baboons passed our veranda on a short distance.
Lake Manze was an excellent start of our safari." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Sarah took good care of all of our wishes for activities. She matched us carefully with other guests in case we had to share a vehicle or boat. The guides Giovanny and Ali as well as Elton in the boat, were knowledgeable and eager to tell. It was a miracle how Ali managed to drive on the bumpy and winding roads and could spot animals and birds in the meanwhile.
The walks were short and we went very, very slowly, carefully watching the buffalo on the left hand side and the elephants on the right hand side.
Our tent was large, comfortable and excellently situated on the border of the lake. In the late afternoon we had our private game-experience, when giraffes, impala´s, buffalo and baboons passed our veranda on a short distance.
Lake Manze was an excellent start of our safari." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs H
Ontario
"Great atmosphere & experience at Lake Manze"
2 nights Arrived 24 Jan 2012
"Really enjoyed our Lake Manze time, a great way to start our trip. Good, friendly guiding, great management(Sarah) & food. Liked the communal atmosphere, very relaxed & friendly - our kind of place.
Think the Safari boats would benefit with 4 stroke outboards - quieter & cleaner. By the way our boat guide, think it was Mbao, he was very good.
The guys went out of their way on the transfer to Impala to give us a great drive Safari.
Also would like the option of prepaying for drinks." See all these reviews: 17n in Tanzania
Think the Safari boats would benefit with 4 stroke outboards - quieter & cleaner. By the way our boat guide, think it was Mbao, he was very good.
The guys went out of their way on the transfer to Impala to give us a great drive Safari.
Also would like the option of prepaying for drinks." See all these reviews: 17n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
The D family
Hants
"Amazing bush experience"
2 nights Arrived 23 Jan 2012
"For safari first timers our 2 days at Lake Manze seemed much longer as we saw so much and had so many new experiences. We had a wonderful time and the management (Sara), staff and guides were all very friendly and helpful. The guides were fantastic and extremely knowledgeble. It was nice to have our own guide as he got to know our interests, and knew what we had already seen and what we would like to see. We were able to choose which sort of safari (game drive, boat or walking) we would prefer and when to do it, and did 2-3 activities each day. We saw plenty of game and the birdlife on the lake was wonderful.
The tents were comfortable but torches were essential at night. The fact that the tents were surrounded by trees and bushes made it seem very wild and we were glad to be escorted everywhere by the Maasai guards. Seeing elephant pass right by the tent was wonderful, though hearing the hippo grunting close by at night was a little disturbing the first time!
Eating dinner all together outside with candles,campfires and Maasai guards seemed very authentic and it was nice meeting others and chatting about our experiences. The food was all freshly prepared, tasty and wholesome.
The lack of electricity was not really a problem (since we could still charge our cameras), in fact it helped to create a more natural and old-fashioned experience and the whole atmosphere was very relaxed and informal, while still running very efficiently." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
The tents were comfortable but torches were essential at night. The fact that the tents were surrounded by trees and bushes made it seem very wild and we were glad to be escorted everywhere by the Maasai guards. Seeing elephant pass right by the tent was wonderful, though hearing the hippo grunting close by at night was a little disturbing the first time!
Eating dinner all together outside with candles,campfires and Maasai guards seemed very authentic and it was nice meeting others and chatting about our experiences. The food was all freshly prepared, tasty and wholesome.
The lack of electricity was not really a problem (since we could still charge our cameras), in fact it helped to create a more natural and old-fashioned experience and the whole atmosphere was very relaxed and informal, while still running very efficiently." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs N
Cambridge
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 17 Jan 2012
"The food in this camp is very good"
See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Average
Mr & Mrs AL
France
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 16 Jan 2012
"The variety in terrain and habitat made this a very interesting area to visit although game drives were of long duration and mainly in off road conditions. Guides and drivers were excellent.
We enjoyed the communal spirit created by the staff which made for a true bush camp experience." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
We enjoyed the communal spirit created by the staff which made for a true bush camp experience." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs W
Devon
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 15 Jan 2012
"We very much enjoyed our stay,very friendly staff,our guide and driver that we had to ourselfs for the four days were very good,we saw most of the game that one would hope to see,including a lioness with 3 very young cubs hidden in very dense bush.Also we saw wild dogs,and lots of elephant.We also had two boat trips.
Lake Manze is very good value camp, the food was the best I have ever had at a safari camp. The tent was clean and comfortable although I was not so keen on the outside toilet when it was pouring with rain during the night, we were glad to have a fan, it enabled us to sleep well. Our tent no5 over looked the lake we were able to sit and watch animals and birds which was great.
A enjoyable 4 days." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Lake Manze is very good value camp, the food was the best I have ever had at a safari camp. The tent was clean and comfortable although I was not so keen on the outside toilet when it was pouring with rain during the night, we were glad to have a fan, it enabled us to sleep well. Our tent no5 over looked the lake we were able to sit and watch animals and birds which was great.
A enjoyable 4 days." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
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Other lodges in Nyerere National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Impala Camp
Impala Camp is a comfortable, excellent-value camp with colourful tented rooms raised on platforms, good guiding and tasty food.
Beho Beho
Beho Beho is one of the best camps we work with in Africa, with gracious hosts, fantastic food and most importantly, excellent guiding.
Siwandu
Siwandu is a luxurious and smoothly run camp with beautiful rooms and superb service offering great views over Lake Nzerakera.
Sand Rivers Camp
The stylishly put together Sand Rivers has an outstanding reputation, with a wonderful location on the Rufiji River and great guides.
Beho Beho Tree-house
Beho Beho Treehouse is a satellite tree platform for just one couple, managed by Beho Beho and ideal as a one-night honeymoon retreat
Impala fly-camping
While you're staying at Impala Camp in Nyerere National Park, you can enjoy a few nights' fly-camping in the heart of the bush.
Rufiji River Camp
Rufiji River Camp has a lovely location right on the edge of the Rufiji River and while not luxurious, it is one of the lowest-cost camps in the park.
Sand Rivers fly-camp
Sand Rivers fly-camping safaris in Tanzania's Nyerere National Park operate out of Sand Rivers Camp, on the Rufiji River.
Roho ya Selous
Roho ya Selous is a smart tented camp on the west side of lake Nzerakera, close to the park’s best wildlife-viewing areas.
Beho Beho Bailey's Banda
Bailey's Banda at Beho Beho is a luxurious safari lodge in Nyerere National Park which can be booked exclusively for you and your party.
Kiba Point
Kiba Point is the private sister camp of Sand Rivers, available on an exclusive basis, with its own private drivers and staff.
Rufiji River fly-camp
Fly-camping trips can be organised from Rufiji River Camp in Tanzania's Nyerere National Park
Mivumo River Lodge
Mivumo River Lodge is Serena's main lodge in the Selous. Although comfortable, the windows and air-conditioning dispel any wilderness feel.
