Travel reviews by Mr P & Mr R from London

"On landing at the airstrip we were met by several landcruisers as there were several groups arriving together. The drive to camp took almost an hour but only because we were effectively enjoying our first game drive. It was great.

At camp we were greeted enthusiastically by the managers and staff, provided with a nice refreshing drink, introduced to our guide, July by name and then shown to our room by our housekeeper. The camp itself was just about everything we expected, a very comfortable room with private deck looking out over the delta and all mod cons.

That afternoon , after tea and snacks we were taken by July on our first drive. Just him and we two, it was fantastic. We stayed out until after dark and saw a leopard walking along the road in the light from July's searchlamp, two giant eagle owls and lots of other animals. Magical Back at camp we were given a very good dinner and as much to drink as we wished, and enjoyed the communal dining with our fellow guests.

And so it went on for 3 days. We went out on a motor boat (not a mokoro) for one afternoon and the remainder of the activities were by landcruiser. July always asked us what WE wanted to do or see and was extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of his native country and the delta in particular.

The highlight of the whole trip was definitely on our first morning when we went on the Walking with Elephants experience. To get so close to such huge but gentle elephants was a humbling experience. It was very easy to believe that they are very intelligent and gentle. Looking up close into the eye of any of them you can "see their intelligence". Doug, their american "carer" was brilliant, a good mix of scientific knowledge and twenty plus years of anecdotes. Definitely among the top few experiences of my whole 60 years. Having an elephant put its trunk around you is really something very special.

Overall the camp was excellent. All of the staff were genuinely friendly and could not do enough to make our stay enjoyable. I would recommend Baines for anyone visiting the delta, and definitely to book the optional elephant experience which is definitely a one-off."

"Another warm welcome on landing and another great mini-safari on the way back to Kanana Camp. Our guide Maipaa was a gentle giant for whom nothing was too much trouble. Likewise our host/manager Mark and his wife and all of the staff were great.

Kanana has lots of potential for those wishing water activities with both motor boats and mokoro available, and fishing trips a great way to spend an afternoon. The game here was a little less than other camps that we visited but we did see less spotted genet here which we saw nowhere else as well as Cape hunting dogs and hyenas and many more species as well as great birds including lots of wood hoopoes.

One night we were woken by noises outside our tent (the tents at Kanana are very spacious and comfortable) and on opening the sliding doors we found a mother elephant with her calf browsing on the foliage hanging over our deck area. We watched them for about 10 minutes before they wandered off. The next day we heard them foraging nearby during the morning and then in the afternoon during siesta time they came along to the communal lounge/BBQ area and walked straight across by the fire pit. Just to be so close to them was amazing.

A short trip by mokoro took us to an island where we were able to have a beautiful hour or so walking with Maipaa, by far the best way to see the wildlife and gain a better understanding of the flora in the area.

Definitely the lap of luxury in the most beautiful surroundings. Fully recommend."

"Our final camp (of 3) in the delta and in some ways the best. As we had become by now accustomed, a short game drive from airstrip to camp with our new guide for whom, as in the previous camps nothing was too much trouble. Shinde camp is only a short drive from the airstrip but is perhaps the best located for wildlife viewing of the 3 we visited, there being small salt pans very close by the camp holding a good variety of birds including wattled cranes, and animals including crocodiles.

Once again the camp staff were all very welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. A free self-service bar in the raised lounge was available with views across an expanse of grassland to keep us interested even while relaxing there. The dining area is raised at least 3 metres above the ground and surrounded by trees, a lovely spot too. The tents are as always well appointed and well equipped.

Having been in camp less than 30 minutes I was lucky enough to be walking along the path back to our tent when a small black mamba crossed about 5 metres ahead of me, very exciting. Further close encounters while out on drives were many at Kanana and included leopards, lions, hyenas, Cape wild dogs and a solitary cheetah.

Walking safaris, fishing and game drives kept us busy and happy for our 3 days at this camp with possibly more species of both animals and birds than at either of our other camps. The great service from the lovely staff made this another splendid experience."

"On arrival at the Zambesi Sun hotel we were told that because they had a conference on, we had been upgraded to the sister hotel, the 5 star Royal Livingstone.

For us the hotel was just somewhere to sleep and have breakfast before venturing out to the falls and other excursions, rather than spending a lot of time relaxing by the pool. So, while it was a lovely place, situated as it is on the banks of the river and within easy walking distance of the Victoria Falls, we ate no meals apart from breakfast and spent our days and evenings elsewhere in the main. Breakfasts were a huge buffet and of excellent quality. Such service as we had was good. Both the Zambesi Sun and Royal Livingstone share extensive grounds, or rather a mini safari park given the zebra, antelope and giraffe roaming free therein. There is direct access to the falls from the Zambesi Sun side of the grounds.

A good base for the falls, river trips (we went fishing as well as enjoying a sunset cruise) and the nearby town of Livingstone with its museums, bars and restaurants. We found an excellent indian restaurant (the Golden Leaf) and ate there twice in our 3 days."