Reviews of Lake Manze Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
225 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, 35 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Lake Manze Camp.
Lion
94% success
Leopard
33% success
Wild dog
47% success
Buffalo
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Hippo
100% success
Spotted Hyena
100% success
Wildebeest
100% success
Zebra
100% success
Elephant
97% success
Eland
88% success
Striped Hyena
6% success
Aardvark
0% success
Black Rhino
0% success
Pangolin
0% success
Mrs L
Leeds
"Lake Manze Adventure Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 22 Nov 2017
"We had an amazing four nights at Lake Manze – the camp itself is in a really beautiful spot on the lake and we saw some incredible wildlife from the comfort of the terrace in front of our tent – elephants, moneys, impala, hippos… its something extra special to be able to watch them with a beer in hand!
The tents are spacious, comfortable and very clean, and the solar-powered fan was a bonus as the Selous is quite humid. Food in the camp was very very good – I would say it was the best we had in Tanzania, I looked forward to every meal!
Our guides Abdallah and Zac, and driver Ally were absolutely fantastic – they are experts in the wildlife of the Selous and very passionate about their work. The game viewing was brilliant – we were lucky enough to see the wild dogs, fighting wildebeest, a lioness with a warthog kill – we saw plenty of animal behaviour which was really special. We both left the Selous with a new-found love of birds too – special thanks to Abdallah for his exceptional boat-driving skills for getting us so close!
If you want a masterclass in hospitality, visit Lake Manze – Shaun and Milli are fantastic hosts who go above and beyond in every aspect of their work. I was sad to leave as I felt like I was leaving new friends! Thanks to everyone at Lake Manze (wildlife included!) for making our trip extra special – I hope we can return one day." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
The tents are spacious, comfortable and very clean, and the solar-powered fan was a bonus as the Selous is quite humid. Food in the camp was very very good – I would say it was the best we had in Tanzania, I looked forward to every meal!
Our guides Abdallah and Zac, and driver Ally were absolutely fantastic – they are experts in the wildlife of the Selous and very passionate about their work. The game viewing was brilliant – we were lucky enough to see the wild dogs, fighting wildebeest, a lioness with a warthog kill – we saw plenty of animal behaviour which was really special. We both left the Selous with a new-found love of birds too – special thanks to Abdallah for his exceptional boat-driving skills for getting us so close!
If you want a masterclass in hospitality, visit Lake Manze – Shaun and Milli are fantastic hosts who go above and beyond in every aspect of their work. I was sad to leave as I felt like I was leaving new friends! Thanks to everyone at Lake Manze (wildlife included!) for making our trip extra special – I hope we can return one day." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Glos
"Lake Manze experience "
4 nights Arrived 7 Nov 2017
"The accommodation was v like Mdonya although there was a fan in the tent to help combat the humidity and heat.
We were lucky to have an experienced private guide - Joseph and driver Abuu. We saw fantastic wildlife including a fabulous hour+ with a pack of 24 wild dogs which had not been seen in the area for 2 years.
The staff were good fun and friendly, led by Shaun and Millie who are great hosts. The food was good and plentiful with much variety.
The Selous GR is a great contrast to Ruaha - v green and lush. We enjoyed the boating as well as the game drives." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
We were lucky to have an experienced private guide - Joseph and driver Abuu. We saw fantastic wildlife including a fabulous hour+ with a pack of 24 wild dogs which had not been seen in the area for 2 years.
The staff were good fun and friendly, led by Shaun and Millie who are great hosts. The food was good and plentiful with much variety.
The Selous GR is a great contrast to Ruaha - v green and lush. We enjoyed the boating as well as the game drives." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Ms W
Kenora
"Amazing animal sightings, up close, no crowds"
3 nights Arrived 2 Nov 2017
"We met our guide and driver at the air strip on arrival and started are first game drive as we headed to the camp! After receiving a warm reception at the camp, receiving assistance with our luggage from the Masai guides, we arrived at our wonderful tent! It was perfect after the beds were converted from a double into 2 singles. We had everything we needed, it was spotless, the beds and linens were comfortable and it almost felt like we weren't camping.
We meet with the camp manager shortly after arrival for review of the camp layout, safety rules, plans for the evening and the following day. We ended up going out on a boat safari and enjoyed the company of another guest and our guide. I trained but we hardly noticed we were so excited with the abundant birdlife, crocs and hippos.
Every day was packed full with incredible game drives, amazing knowledgeable guides, delicious meals and enjoyable social time before dinner with our guests. We appreciated the safety provided by the Masai in the early morning and evening. The game drives were fabulous with wonderful communication between the guides in other vehicles as to sightings, never a line up of vehicles waiting to see the animals and a wealth of knowledge shared by the guides about plants, trees, birds, insects, the animals and their behaviour.
We were a bit confused with the tipping as to the rates suggested were for each of us or the both of us travelling together. we thought we had it right but were led to believe at the second camp that we had tipped double what was recommended as a guide. We were both so pleased with our guides that it really was worthwhile." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
We meet with the camp manager shortly after arrival for review of the camp layout, safety rules, plans for the evening and the following day. We ended up going out on a boat safari and enjoyed the company of another guest and our guide. I trained but we hardly noticed we were so excited with the abundant birdlife, crocs and hippos.
Every day was packed full with incredible game drives, amazing knowledgeable guides, delicious meals and enjoyable social time before dinner with our guests. We appreciated the safety provided by the Masai in the early morning and evening. The game drives were fabulous with wonderful communication between the guides in other vehicles as to sightings, never a line up of vehicles waiting to see the animals and a wealth of knowledge shared by the guides about plants, trees, birds, insects, the animals and their behaviour.
We were a bit confused with the tipping as to the rates suggested were for each of us or the both of us travelling together. we thought we had it right but were led to believe at the second camp that we had tipped double what was recommended as a guide. We were both so pleased with our guides that it really was worthwhile." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs G
HitherGreen
"A great start to our safari experience"
3 nights Arrived 19 Oct 2017
"We had a fantastic time at Lake Manze Adventure Camp from the moment we touched down on the local airstrip. On our drive to the camp we saw so much wildlife we didn't think there would be much left to see over the rest of our trip! The camp itself was great with tasty food and staff who would do everything they could to make the stay a special one. The tents are spaced well apart with great views of the lake - watching the elephants walking past first thing in the morning was a pretty special sight to wake up to.
We particularly enjoyed the boat safari and couldn't fault the enthusiasm of our guide on our game drives or the experience of our driver. There were a couple of occasions where we felt there were too many cars in one place (albeit nothing like what we have been told is the case in the Northern parks) but overall the ability to drive for 1-2 hours without seeing any other vehicles was pretty special." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
We particularly enjoyed the boat safari and couldn't fault the enthusiasm of our guide on our game drives or the experience of our driver. There were a couple of occasions where we felt there were too many cars in one place (albeit nothing like what we have been told is the case in the Northern parks) but overall the ability to drive for 1-2 hours without seeing any other vehicles was pretty special." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms I
Oakland
"Amazing location with great people"
4 nights Arrived 3 Sep 2017
"Respect for the environment and high quality of the guides were the highlights of this place, along with its unbeatable location by Lake Manze. It was amazing to hear the hippos troop by our tent at 3 in the morning on their way to the lake each day!
The room was much more comfortable than we expected - lovely and surprisingly luxurious. Food was very good, staff were great, and we were lucky enough to meet Malcolm Ryen which was a great treat - his knowledge of the region and his understanding of the environmental challenges was outstanding, and having dinner with him was an experience we will be talking about for some time.
We are making a donation to PAMS as a result of our conversation." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 7n in Tanzania
The room was much more comfortable than we expected - lovely and surprisingly luxurious. Food was very good, staff were great, and we were lucky enough to meet Malcolm Ryen which was a great treat - his knowledge of the region and his understanding of the environmental challenges was outstanding, and having dinner with him was an experience we will be talking about for some time.
We are making a donation to PAMS as a result of our conversation." See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 7n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
MRs W
Surrey
"Lake Manze is a smart efficiently run camp"
3 nights Arrived 20 Aug 2017
"Lake Manze adventure Camp is a smart well run safari camp which endeavours to provide the best safari experience tailored to each group of guests.
The staff were, without exception, well trained and keen to help. The tent, made up for 3 people in our group was well serviced with lamps, candles, mosquito repellent and other necessities.
Each evening, the activities were chosen from a good selection of options. We took part in boat, walking and land rover safaris as well as a fishing trip. The majority of activities were included in the price of the camp reservation.
The guides and drivers were all keen to facilitate the best experience for us." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
The staff were, without exception, well trained and keen to help. The tent, made up for 3 people in our group was well serviced with lamps, candles, mosquito repellent and other necessities.
Each evening, the activities were chosen from a good selection of options. We took part in boat, walking and land rover safaris as well as a fishing trip. The majority of activities were included in the price of the camp reservation.
The guides and drivers were all keen to facilitate the best experience for us." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Ms J
Chester
"Lake Manze Camp"
4 nights Arrived 19 Aug 2017
"Amazing place. Staff were accommodating and the guides were experienced naturalists with a passion for wildlife. Food was delicious and tents were extremely clean and spacious."
See all these reviews: 5n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
E Sussex
"Lovely friendly camp"
4 nights Arrived 8 Feb 2017
"We are only rating this as good simply because it is a very tired camp that desperately needs some money invested in it. Sadly the tents are extremely well worn and need replacing.
All that said, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The resident managers were on a well earned holiday and it was being managed by Malcolm, who in the nicest possible way was a well liked crazy Italian and we had some extremely entertaining conversations during the evening meal.
All meals are taken together on one table and the food was served to you. Although the food was edible it was uninspiring compared to other camps. Each evening Malcolm asked what we wanted to do the following day and you ordered early morning wake up call with coffee brought to your tent, however on 2 mornings this was forgotten." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 9n in Zanzibar
All that said, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The resident managers were on a well earned holiday and it was being managed by Malcolm, who in the nicest possible way was a well liked crazy Italian and we had some extremely entertaining conversations during the evening meal.
All meals are taken together on one table and the food was served to you. Although the food was edible it was uninspiring compared to other camps. Each evening Malcolm asked what we wanted to do the following day and you ordered early morning wake up call with coffee brought to your tent, however on 2 mornings this was forgotten." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 9n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Poor
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Average
Feedback Response
We are sorry to hear that these travellers found the safari tents at Lake Manze to be in a poor condition. We have since spoken to the camp about these issues and they have told us that a number of the tents are due for refurbishment and replacement and eight of the twelve tents have already been attended to. Unfortunately tent no. 3 where these guests stayed is one of the last to require attention. The camp regrets that these guests did not receive their early morning tea or coffee on two occasions, and the system is being revised to make sure this does not happen again. We will monitor the situation over the coming months and keep up to date with any developments.
Mrs M
Muri
"very much like we had imagined"
3 nights Arrived 29 Dec 2016
"beautiful camp site, at the moment without lake/waterhole. The animals, lions and elefants included, sometimes crossed the camp. interesting safaris with lots of sightings, very informative guide. Nice tents and exellent food."
See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
"Simply perfect!"
4 nights Arrived 2 Dec 2016
"Location and accommodation gave us the feeling of really being in the wild without compromising too much on comfort.
Hosts are knowledgeable and seem to really take an interest in their guests and care about giving them a great experience. The hosted dinners were always good fun.
Our guide and our driver were awesome as well - went out of their way to make sure we got to see what we came to see and experience. We had our own guide/driver team for almost the entire stay.
Highly recommended!" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Hosts are knowledgeable and seem to really take an interest in their guests and care about giving them a great experience. The hosted dinners were always good fun.
Our guide and our driver were awesome as well - went out of their way to make sure we got to see what we came to see and experience. We had our own guide/driver team for almost the entire stay.
Highly recommended!" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
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