Travel reviews by Miss J from Leicester

"This was a great introduction to going on safari! Fabulous location on the banks of the river. Could only have been improved by a bit more detail on safety arrangements at the start. Wild animals do come into the camp and a bit more advice and reassurance on what to do to keep oneself safe etc would have been helpful. We soon got the hang of it though! Even if one of our trips back to our lodge at night was interrupted by a baby hippo and mother! Our guide dealt with the situation calmly and skilfully.

Our stay was only marred by us both being ill one night - Jane in particular being sick a number of times - we think as a reaction to the anti malaria tablets. It meant we missed one evening river trip and a morning safari. The guides and trackers were excellent and found us some great animals and scenes to observe. They were very knowledgeable and skilled at their job.

Hospitality and food were excellent and the accommodation was of a very high standard."

"This is a lovely camp. The accommodation is slightly older and less grand than in Lagoon but perfect for a three day stay - in fact it felt more authentic.

We had an excellent stay here - great game drives seeing a lot of different animals and birds with extremely knowledgeable guide and tracker. Their willingness to track and find interesting animals was great and included a number of lions, leopards, hyenas and a pack of wild dogs. At times the drives were exhilarating as we raced through the bush in an attempt to both find and then keep up with the animals! we also went on a river trip and out in open canoes which again were great experiences. Food and hospitality were excellent with nothing being too much trouble.

During our stay we learned about the ethos and approach to environmental and conservation issues in Botswana and by Kwando camps themselves and were very impressed with the commitment of the staff we met to this ethos."

"The hotel is a surprisingly long walk from Arrivals even though it is right on site and we would have been better taking a trolley!

There was a problem on arrival - did not seem to be able to find our booking but it was sorted immediately with no hassle. Good standard of accommodation with a nice room with all facilities. Eating at the hotel is limited with just a café with snack style meals but otherwise fine. Good breakfasts."

"The accommodation is one of a row of four beach houses in a great location, latterly opening out onto the beach. The owner was there to greet us and both she and her staff were all very friendly and helpful. We needed assistance with a jammed lock and a blind that had come undone but this was quickly sorted.

The owner had provided a few basics in the fridge to get us started and the free breakfast of fruit and drinks was also very welcome and pleasant. There is great pizzeria next door and a good "all you can eat buffet" restaurant across the road but otherwise it is a bit of a walk to other restaurants.

The hire car was really useful to see the rest of the island."

"The villa at Fleur de Lys was of a high standard and in a great location just off the main street in La Digue. Very helpful and friendly staff - even made special arrangements for us all to watch the world cup final!

The facilities were very good and the accommodation was well maintained. The villas are set in a lovely garden and it was generally a very pleasant stay on a beautiful and unique island."

"les Vilas d'Or is a very high quality self catering group of villas in lovely gardens and with a reasonable sized swimming pool. The villas are straight onto the beach but their are no other facilities nearby - a good 15 minute walk along the beach or road to the village for shops and restaurants. A car was therefore essential.

Some of the restaurants provided free transport too and from their establishment which was organised by the Villa staff. The villas themselves are of a very high quality and a very attractive place to stay."