Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs TD from SW London

"Selous Impala camp was an absolute joy. Incredibly friendly and striking a great balance between first class service and informality it was impossible not to feel immediately at home. Andrea and Barbara as camp managers set a lovely tone for the place with their genuine passion for the quality of your experience and everyone from guides to drivers to waiters lines up behind them with what I can only describe as an effortless charm. No wonder even the animals can't stay away with the almost resident Hippo (Mr Andrea), Giraffe (Bryant), Bush Baby and Genet Cat all regularly playing their part at this special place.

The range of activities is a major plus with the opportunities to jump from Game Drives to River Safaris to Walks and every aspect is wonderfully guided, in our case by the brilliant Mokili. He and Peter, the driver, worked so hard to make the most of our time in the Selous and were a pleasure to spend time with: knowledgeable, open, chatty and interesting.

The attention to detail is more broadly a real strength. From moving you around to different dining spots, to the surprise opportunity to watch the sun go down from the banks on the river safari, the team have thought of every possible way of making the experience of staying with them a memorable one. And the food supports the specialness of the experience wonderfully well. We'd go back in a heartbeat."

"Jongomero is a kind of paradise: remote by design and beautifully crafted into the surrounding river bed and bush it's impossible not be captivated by the place. The accommodation is stunning and that word runs through every aspect of this magical spot. 60km from the nearest camp and separated by the small mountains that run through the Ruaha National Park, it feels here that you're privileged to experience a piece of Africa as rare as it is special. Never have we been so happy to get a morning wake up call, never have we been so satisfied at being a few steps removed from the outside world. Just perfect.

But paradise isn't just about the place, it's about the people and Molly, Noel and their team offer all the easy company and charm you could want to bring the experience alive. Indeed their infectious enthusiasm for Jongomero and the surrounding bush is exactly that - infectious. And they work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your time with them builds towards an experience you'll never forget. I wont go into the little details and surprises, suffice to say that you wont ever want to leave.

A couple of specifics worthy of note though. Firstly, the menus that Noel works with the catering team to develop are inspired. We loved every meal and left wishing we could take the recipes with us (not that we'd have the expertise to deliver them with anything like the panache of the outstanding chefs). Secondly, Molly is a font of knowledge and, at the risk of repeating every review on Trip Advisor and probably Expert Africa too, a walking safari with him is a must - he'll unearth a whole world of detail, richness and colour in the bush that you otherwise wouldn't know existed.

My wife and I have travelled pretty extensively over the last decade and in just two and half days, Jongomero acquired a very special place among our travelling memories. The place can't help but get under your skin and you can't help but be delighted when it has."

"Matemwe Lodge is picture postcard. Set on the black coral coastline but with white sand beaches that feel like flour under your feet for miles in both directons, this is the architypal island hideaway. The sea views of azure blue waters are nothing short of spectacular.

And the team at Matemwe work very hard to make the most of their prized location. With good rooms (not that you spend much time in them other than sleeping) and nicely presented communal areas underpinning the place, the real success story are the ataff. Unendingly friendly and determined to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible they work tirelessly to help you make the most of your expereince. Whether that's the deliciouness of the food, the Swahili night to introduce you to a bit of the local culture, or the arranged activities, the effort is plain to see."

"We enjoyed a couple of nights at Jafferji House and the place is really beautifully done.

The rooms are extensive and immaculately turned out in a lovely blend of colonial and African styles, the staff very helpful and the location terrific for exploring the sites and smells of Stone Town. The food is also excellent."