Travel reviews by Mr W from Essex
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
4
Excursions taken
0
My Oct 2012 trip
Tanzania between 22 Oct 2012 and 4 Nov 2012
"The trip was great from beginning to end to the extent that I doubt whether a future trip would be more enjoyable.
Before arriving I particularly hoped to see wild dogs and leopard I saw these and, in addition, a large variety of other creatures including bat eared foxes, bush pigs, hyenas, jackals, various mongeese etc. plus a large variety of birds, I can't think that of anything significant that was missed and this was due to the abilities of the guides and drivers.
One of the most enjoyable holidays that I have had. I did not find a single member of camp staff who was not both knowledgeable and helpful (sometimes limited a little by a slight language barrier).
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I have no particular comment to make regarding improvements to the the trip or service but see my comments with regard to the fly-camp.
Having only decided to make the trip at very late notice I was very impressed by the the holiday produced by Liz in the limited time available.
I would recommend the Expert Africa to others.
My apologies for not having replied sooner. The road to hell is paved with good intentions!!"
Before arriving I particularly hoped to see wild dogs and leopard I saw these and, in addition, a large variety of other creatures including bat eared foxes, bush pigs, hyenas, jackals, various mongeese etc. plus a large variety of birds, I can't think that of anything significant that was missed and this was due to the abilities of the guides and drivers.
One of the most enjoyable holidays that I have had. I did not find a single member of camp staff who was not both knowledgeable and helpful (sometimes limited a little by a slight language barrier).
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I have no particular comment to make regarding improvements to the the trip or service but see my comments with regard to the fly-camp.
Having only decided to make the trip at very late notice I was very impressed by the the holiday produced by Liz in the limited time available.
I would recommend the Expert Africa to others.
My apologies for not having replied sooner. The road to hell is paved with good intentions!!"
Arranged By Elizabeth Chapman
Lake Manze Adventure Camp
"Lake Manze Tented Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
23 Oct 2012
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Impala Camp
"Selous Impala Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
27 Oct 2012
"Impala Camp is considerably more upmarket than Manze Lake the tents being elevated and supplied with electricity. The washing area had a good supply of hot water, his and hers ceramic washbasins (wasted in my case), shampoo, shower gel, packets of dehydration salts etc. There was also a safe for valuables.
Dining was generally with travelling companions sitting together at their own table. The staff were very helpful and although I was on my own they ensured that I had a companion at dinner. On one occasion it was the guide who was with me throughout my stay (excellent English) and on another it was the Assistant Manager.
The guide, Ezra, was extremely knowledgeable and he and the driver made my visit memorable.
The food was excellent and I think reflected the much better facilities at this camp"
Dining was generally with travelling companions sitting together at their own table. The staff were very helpful and although I was on my own they ensured that I had a companion at dinner. On one occasion it was the guide who was with me throughout my stay (excellent English) and on another it was the Assistant Manager.
The guide, Ezra, was extremely knowledgeable and he and the driver made my visit memorable.
The food was excellent and I think reflected the much better facilities at this camp"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Impala fly-camp
"Selous Impala fly-camp review"
1 night
Arrived
29 Oct 2012
"The nature of the camp was not what I anticipated as my expectation was for something much more basic - possibly influenced by one of the pictures in the brochure showing a framework covered by a mosquito net and otherwise open to the elements.
The camp appeared to be permanent with a tent including a double bed and adequate external toilet and shower facilities. The dining area was covered by a gazebo and the table had a white table cloth, napkins, cutlery and glassware. Food was good considering the limited facilities. I was the only one to hear the leopard in the night but the next morning Ezra found fresh leopard tracks (in fact their were two) so I was clearly not mistaken.
It would be helpful, I think, if it were made clear to travellers that this is not the basic experience that I had expected although it was, nevertheless, thoroughly enjoyable."
The camp appeared to be permanent with a tent including a double bed and adequate external toilet and shower facilities. The dining area was covered by a gazebo and the table had a white table cloth, napkins, cutlery and glassware. Food was good considering the limited facilities. I was the only one to hear the leopard in the night but the next morning Ezra found fresh leopard tracks (in fact their were two) so I was clearly not mistaken.
It would be helpful, I think, if it were made clear to travellers that this is not the basic experience that I had expected although it was, nevertheless, thoroughly enjoyable."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Mdonya Old River Camp
"Mdonya Old River Camp review"
5 nights
Arrived
30 Oct 2012
"This quite small camp was well sited and the Italian Manager was extremely helpful withe a passionate interest in the wildlife and the ecosystem. This was another occasion upon which I was well looked after.
At the end of the visit I was the only guest in camp from UK (all the others were French) and, again, it was ensured that I was not left on my own at meal times. Meals were at a communal table and the Manager sat with me to ensure that I was not left out. Returning from a drive we were invariably met by the Manager and another member of staff carrying a tray with drinks of juice laid out - a nice touch.
The camp had a civet which was sometimes found sitting on the window ledge to the camp office and elephants etc. wandered through the camp.
A very enjoyable visit and, if I expressed an interest in any particular animal, the driver and guide went to great lengths to ensure that I saw the animals concerned."
At the end of the visit I was the only guest in camp from UK (all the others were French) and, again, it was ensured that I was not left on my own at meal times. Meals were at a communal table and the Manager sat with me to ensure that I was not left out. Returning from a drive we were invariably met by the Manager and another member of staff carrying a tray with drinks of juice laid out - a nice touch.
The camp had a civet which was sometimes found sitting on the window ledge to the camp office and elephants etc. wandered through the camp.
A very enjoyable visit and, if I expressed an interest in any particular animal, the driver and guide went to great lengths to ensure that I saw the animals concerned."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
The accommodation was excellent and the staff did well in their day to day efforts to clean and generally service the tent..
Not having electricity available was something of a novelty to those from more developed areas but ii was not a problem and facilities for recharging batteries were easily available"