Travel reviews by S & S from Bermuda

"Tafika is a wonderful camp right on the Luangwa River. We have been to many in southern Africa, and this and its sister camps stand out. They are owner operated, and the care that Carol, John and Bryan give is immediately apparent. They have a superb team so even if they were not in camp, you would still be warmly welcomed and treated exceptionally.

Each chalet at Tafika is beautifully built from natural materials, catering to every comfort without being over the top. The camp offers a variety of activities and each guest has the freedom to choose what they would like to do -- from game drives to cycling to walking to visiting the village. You are not required to "follow the group" which is a great plus. The evening drives are hugely interesting, and we were introduced to a number of nocturnal animals we'd never seen.

A tremendous morning activity which shouldn't be missed is microlighting with John. As someone who suffers from vertigo, I was slightly wary, but needn't have been. It is absolutely thrilling and gives a whole new perspective on the area."

"Once you start walking on safari, you are hooked. While you see more "big animals" when you drive, you miss the million little things that you can only see on foot. But the key to an excellent walking safari is the guide, and we were hugely fortunate to be taken on The Chikoko Trails by Brent who made the whole area come alive. Well supported by the scout and the tea bearer George, our 4 days walking couldn't have been more enjoyable or interesting.

The Chikoko Tree Camp is rustic, but hugely comfortable. The team is superb, and you will marvel at the delicious dishes which arrive from the basic kitchen."

"The walk from Chikoko to Crocodile takes you through stunning landscapes, which is the same with the walks from the camps. Again, the camp is beautifully made, all from natural materials, with fabulous colourful accents from local textiles.

The Chikoko Trails is well worth doing -- the terrain is not difficult, the guide sets the pace to yours and you are introduced to a wealth of detail about all facets of the bush."

"See earlier comments"

"Mwaleshi is truly stunning. The sense of being away from it all is felt deeply at this camp, and yet your needs are taken care of to the very highest standards. Like all the Remote Africa camps, Mwaleshi is rebuilt each season from grasses and reeds, simply done but incredibly chic!

Like all the other camps, the food was superb. Cleverly, fresh greens and herbs are taken from the large vegetable garden at Tafika with their root balls intact, transported with you and your luggage by plane to Mwaleshi, then re-planted in the small vegetable garden at the camp, ensuring fresh salads each day for the duration of your stay.

Like Tafika, the camp is right on the river, but unlike Tafika, you can walk across this river, or even better, sit in it and cool down after your morning walk. Again, we were so fortunate to have Alex as our guide, together with James, the scout and Special, the tea bearer. Our sightings were wonderful, big and small. If you are looking for a superb spot for walking, you would be hard pressed to find somewhere nicer than Mwaleshi."