Travel reviews by B family from Switzerland

"Great place and very warm and friendly people making an extra effort, e.g. serving traditional food with Shima when asked.

We also saw a Leopard on our boat drive - it's not mentioned on the list, but we were so happy on our first night in Africa!"

"A bit run down: for example rusty metals and toilet paper handle was broken.

The staff might be helpful but seem to have partly not enough training: For example nobody was able to regulate the room temperature with the AC, nor did they know how to turn it off.
Food: ok, but nothing more.

In general too expensive for what they do. Next time in Lusaka we shall try another place."

"It was mervellous, everything from the walks with the experienced guide and scout, the friendly and helpful staff, the best food and just a magical place.

I would stay longer next time!"

"Maybe we were so much impressed last time that this time we were (only very slightly) disappointed by the renovated bungalows and main meeting point.

Although the platform is good for viewing I slightly preferred the slightly more rustic appearance 8 years ago."

"Great situation overlooking the oxbow; good food and a guide who is a great chap and still so different to the guide at Mwaleshi.

We really liked both! Great bungalows: lofty, very smart, convenient and not too luxurious - perfect!

And lions that close - mind-blowing!"

"Nothing, but really nothing to complain.

A magical peace of earth and I hope nobody reads this!

Great staff, great location - only dinner was sometimes a bit below what everything else was.

We shall definitively go again!"

"From shabby chic only shabby remains. To explain safe deposit box we needed six attempts and two hours, forgot to bring the luggage, towels so worn out that you can see through, difficult to know wether your partner or the person next rooms talks to you.

Only asset is the pool area. Staff severely underpayed, maybe this is the reason why things don't work out well. And it seems as there is no investment at all is being made.

Definitively not a place to return."

"We first had a family chalet for the six of us. This isn't luxurious but ok, and has a big advantage: It is spacious. As the first week in Zambia we flew to Mfuwe and the second week we camped on our own we had to repack and leave the camping stuff in Lusaka. Pioneer Camp was very helpful and we could leave all the stuff for the second week in a closed container. The luxury chalets where we stayed the second time are very nice indeed with a veranda to sit outside. The last night we stayed at the quite basic standard chalets. These are OK but not more. It would make the standard chalet already better if the light was a bit brighter.

The food is quite good but for repeated stays the menu is definitively too small and lacks choice. The breakfast is good and we appreciated the kettles in the chalets and the always available tea and coffee.

Pioneer lodge is a warm welcome to Zambia: not far from Lusaka and the airport but remote enough to be quiet and give an African feel. Can be recommended!"

"It's a great location, the Coppinger family are wonderful hosts and the staff is motivated and well trained. Lloyd our guide greeted us with cool drinks at Mfuwe airport and on the way back showed us wild dogs that he had spotted on the way to the airport. Never having seen any wild dogs in Africa before this was a stunning begingning. Could it go on this way? Yes it did. Our beautiful bush chalets, the quality of the food and the committment of our guide Lloyd and in the evening drives his spotter where just fantastic. It goes too far to number all species that we saw, we saw nearly everything! I

t's wonderful that Tafika also sponsors the village school, besides employing many people from Mkasanga village. We can fully recommend Tafika."

"As Tafika Chikoko Tree Camp surpassed our wishes. With Brent we had a fabulous guide. Steward is a very knowledgable scout and it makes you feel good to have these guys around you while walking in the bush. The third in the bush walking team was the tea porter George, but he makes much more then carrying tea. You have to witness is yourself, nothing more is said here.

The chalets are great, the food in a camp where everything is made bush style (fresh bread and cakes in an oven in the ground) is excellent and all the staff friendly and helpful. Walking in the bush and staying in Chikoko was a highlight. You have to be aware though, that a minimal amount of fitness is needed, especially in the hot season."

"We rented two cars and camped at three spots in Kafue NP (Mc Bride, Mayukuyuku, Kaingu) and had a great time. Less animals then in South Luangwa (but we knew this) and a feel of total remoteness.

We can recommend this only to travellers that have done camping in Africa before, have a knowledge of the wildlife and its risks. Last but not least never travel with one car alone!!!!"