Travel reviews by Mrs S from London

"A wonderful boutique option for those who need a base close to Arusha airport.

Charming and quiet with beautifully landscaped gardens and friendly, efficient staff, Katumbuga House is a little gem. There's also a lovely pool, and they do an exceptional lunch if you need longer than a quick overnight stay.

This was our second visit, having been thoroughly impressed the first time."

"We stayed at this camp when it was in its northernmost location. It offers the perfect combo of pampered camping with rustic safari vibes. The bucket showers were especially generous with staff discreetly on hand to refill as many times as necessary.

Incredible food at this camp, especially the lunches which we found fresh and zingy and absolutely delicious every day of our stay. Olias and his team were friendly and hospitable (especially Goodluck who always seemed to know when my husband needed a top up of wine or a cheeky whisky nightcap).

The game viewing was exceptional at the time of year we stayed (early October) and we were lucky with a river crossing and several leopard sightings."

"This was our second stay at Greystoke Mahale, which (IMHO) is one of the most magical places in the world.

From the dreamy bandas nestled on the edge of the beach to the sunset bar with its drop dead gorgeous views... you'll find yourself in total paradise. And that's even before you get to the real reason you're here - amazing chimpanzee trekking with the best guides in the business. Then top your day off by diving from the boat into the middle of glorious Lake Tanganyika.

There is nothing better."

"A really charming and picturesque resort option on Lake Tanganyika, a short flight (30-40 min) from Mahale.

The food at Lupita was some of the best we had our entire trip, no contest. It was quiet when we visited, so we were exceptionally well spoiled by Shaban and the entire staff. It's a lovely place to chill out by the pool, go snorkelling, kayaking, etc... Don't forget to try their "Lupitarita" off the cocktail menu. I think we may have had more than our fair share.

A lovely place that deserves to be better known."

"Mwaleshi's walking safaris offer a truly unique and magical safari experience. The camp is just the right side of rustic - authentic and comfortable bush living in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Mwaleshi river. An afternoon dip in the river with a glass of wine is an absolute must!

The guides and camp staff are exceptional - some of the most friendly and knowledgeable we've met anywhere on our travels. It's obvious how much they truly care about their guests. Chef James turns out delicious lunches and dinners (fresh salads, grilled meats, chicken satays), exactly the kind of thing you fancy after several hours of bush walks. We moved on to another camp afterwards and wished we could have had Chef James with us!

If you're up for an adventure on foot and interested in experiencing a totally different kind of safari, we highly recommend Mwaleshi. You'll get closer to the animals than you think -- and that's a pretty incredible feeling!"

"Kaingo is well situated on the Luangwa River - benefiting from beautiful views and some amazing sitings from the comfort of your very own private deck (every room has one!). Their staff are one of their greatest assets. Everyone we met was so welcoming and friendly, really making you feel at home. A special shout out to Joseph and Stephen who must have the biggest smiles on the planet and are always ready with a cool towel and a glass of wine just when you need it!

The game viewing is exceptional in the South Luangwa - lions, leopards, hippos, elephants, giraffes, civet, genet, porcupines, and some of the most stunning zebra you'll find anywhere. There were a few occasions where the park felt a little too busy, especially on the evening drives when the headlights of competing vehicles are a distraction, but it's a stunning safari location and caters to photographers especially well.

We found the food a little too fussy for our tastes, but we're probably in the minority, and the chef here does a great job of catering to different dietary requirements."

"We visited Fumba after a week's safari and found it a wonderful place to relax. It's a short 30-minute drive from Stone Town on good roads.

The pool area is a delightful little oasis overlooking the beach. It's very easy to spend a whole day here reading, swimming, and watching the cheeky little blue monkeys who like to try their luck and scamper down to the "watering hole" occasionally. There is the loveliest little dhow bar that opens for sundowners at 5 pm and is the perfect place to while away a few hours watching the surf and the very beautiful sunsets that you get on this side of the island.

Last but not least, the staff go out of their way to make sure you're enjoying your stay. We felt very well looked after.

Fumba Beach Lodge is excellent value and highly recommended."

"Perched on the beach cliffs on the eastern side of the island, you won't get closer to the sea than Matemwe.

The lodge is perfectly located for snorkelling at Mnemba Island which is the best we've ever experienced and an absolute must! They also offer reef walks and a visit to the local fish market, which is so much fun to see especially if you've watched all the fisherman motoring back with their daily catch.

Other benefits: great food, friendly and helpful staff, two different pools, and a nice bar area where the bush babies will come to visit for their breakfast at sundown every evening.

One thing to consider: because of the lodge's proximity to the ocean and the strength of the tidal surf, there is the feeling that everything in your room is just a little damp all the time."

"Very convenient location. Good rooms and a beautiful outside pool area. Staff very friendly.

Food of a good quality without being exceptional, but the wine list and selection was excellent. Very pleased with this hotel."

"An exceptional lodge. The rooms and common areas are lovely, but it's the staff that really make the place special. They do everything possible to look after you and make sure you enjoy your stay -- from fitting your gaiters in the morning, to greeting you with a chilled drink when you return in the afternoon.

Lunches were delicious and we were very impressed with the selection of wines on offer and the bar service. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble and we were made to feel completely at home.

I would not hesitate to recommend Sabyinyo."

"A excellently located hotel that could do with a bit of a refurbishment and better staff training. As with everywhere in Rwanda, the staff were friendly, however, they were not as well trained for their roles as you would hope. As an example, one of the bellhops loaded our luggage onto a different vehicle without checking first and the bags were nearly lost when the vehicle drove off.

The pool and beachfront area are lovely and an easy place to spend a couple of days. Good location in walking distance from a local restaurant and bar.

Despite full board, we choose to eat out on the second night because the food in the restaurant was of a poor standard and very disappointing.

One larger concern -- we went to the wrong hotel room by accident and found that our key was able to open the door. Not sure if this is a larger security issue across multiple rooms but it was a little worrying."