Travel reviews by The W family from Thatcham

"I arrived a day earlier than rest of my family and was made most welcome by Lana. She arranged for Nassoom to have dinner with me so I didn't feel awkward dining alone, which was very thoughtful. He was delightful company and it was very interesting to learn something of Tanzania from him. I felt relaxed and 'at home' the moment I arrived - sandals kicked off, walking along the sand pathways (impeccably kept) to the relaxing bar area... With the most refreshing lime drink! The lodges are set well apart and offer lovely hammocks to laze in whilst watching the fascinating monkeys running around.

Lovely long beach and managed to catch two turtle hatchings by the conservation group whilst there - marvellous! Did the forest walk, which was pleasant and my daughters had lovely pedicures when they arrived. All in all a very pleasant stay with delightful staff and surroundings!"

"Had great time here! Loved the tents, which were well spaced out and the fact that wildlife could just wander through! (the camp not the tents!!) Dinners taken communally outside, which was great to hear about who'd seen what that day and then continued round the camp fire... Still amazed that when someone shone a torch into the darkness there might be an elephant no distance away happily having a munch! Wonderful going to sleep to the sound of impalas and elephants feeding nearby and all sorts of cries coming through the air.

Ruaha is perfect for getting close up to the animals, giraffe and elephants in particular. We saw a cheetah with cubs and a leopard as well as lions and numerous deer! The animals do not seem too worried about the vehicles and we didn't experience any problem with having lots of other vehicles around either. The guiding is geared to what you want when so we didn't feel pushed into starting too early."

"Beho Beho is stunning! The rooms are beautifully appointed with plenty of space to relax... Both the private and public areas. It felt like visiting a friend's wonderful home! The food was a delight and afternoon tea yielded the most delicious cakes imaginable. The days were quite structured but all the drives or walks out were most enjoyable. Our late afternoon walk had the surprising treat of sundowners waiting for us up on the ridge! Different guides were had on trips out, depending on interest; this occasionally leads to duplication of information but has the big plus of getting to know the different guides. They are all very knowledgeable and willing to share it with you... And can still answer the most basic questions with a smile and enthusiasm. Would definitely recommend a walk whilst there. The countryside is very beautiful and although animal contact is not quite so close up as in Ruaha, the landscape more than makes up for this. We still saw plenty of wildlife including 2 leopards and more hippos than we could imagine! All the staff were delightful as were our fellow guests. Cannot recommend highly enough."

"Unfortunately only had a quick 1 night stopover here before flight home but was most impressed. Great attention to detail and extremely friendly atmosphere. Made the last night in Tanzania very special!"