Travel reviews by Mrs C from Windlesham

"This place is outstanding. The camp is small, only 8 tents, and you cannot see another from yours. It is situated right on the river.

But it is the people that make it. Each and every staff member is full of smiles and dedicated to making you feel at home, and making your holiday perfect in every way.

Dennis, our guide, has over 20 years experience, with the keenest "bush eye", and eager to impart his incredible knowledge of flora and fauna. He is also an incredibly kind and thoughtful person, always ready to go the extra mile. We were oftenlate back because he had found something exciting again !
Every day I thought "this can never be topped, and everyday it was.

Victor, our waiter. -. another really kind, special person. Patiently trying to teach me Swahili whilst explaining all the delicious dishes. He too is very informed about all the surrounding nature.

Faisal the boat captain, again a kindly soul, and knowledgeable about the watery goings on. The boat ride gives another dimension to the safari. The river is teeming with hippo and crocs, plus many, many birds.

Joy, our Masai responsible for escorting you to and from the tent, is also a delight. (This is necessary because it is an open camp; hippo, hyena, warthog, elephants and many more will pass through). He is always smiling, but can hear/see things that we never would.

The chef is truly amazing. Every meal was delicious and everything home made, including the passion fruit marmalade served at the bush breakfasts, and bar snacks.

The tents are spotless, and laundry left in the morning was back that evening. The bed was so comfortable and the shower worked perfectly.

I cannot wait to return, and will do so as soon as the piggy bank is feeling better.

(We also met the new co-owner who seems a thoroughly nice guy, and very appreciative of his staff)."

"This is a lovely beachside location. We loved the bungalow;. and sitting on the veranda late afternoon was a delight. The room was spacious, as was the bathroom. We made use of the sunhats, beach bag and reef shoes, plus beach towel (just one less thing to pack).

We had a problem with the shower after a day. - the water pressure had dropped and temperature control temperamental. It was fixed very promptly, but the next day started playing up again. Perhaps a need for more investigation (room 13).

Also there were many mosquitos getting into the room, I think through the open slats in the door !

The food was really good. We had a fish night, and Swahili buffet over the four nights, plus some very good local entertainment. It can get a bit chilly at night on the upper level of the dining room, so bring a wrap.

Breakfast was lovely. Cereal, toast, home-made jams,, fruit platter, pastries, and you can choose from the hot menu.

The staff are lovely, friendly and helpful.

I am not a pool person, so cannot comment on that, but spent time on the beach loungers, and you can walk for miles, a delight. You can swim at high tide, but beware the urchins, hence necessity for reef shoes.

The Masai peddling gifts can be a nuisance, but just keep walking and they soon melt away. (And they do not bother you on on the loungers).

There is a very good diving/snorkelling trip advertised, which I would recommend. (Scubafish Dive Centre), a short way up the beach. Very well organised, they take time to fit you with the right gear, and carefully explain everything. Our guide would dive down and show us different fish.

I would definitely return here."

"There was a mix-up with the booking. We had booked a standard twin, but was told it was two single rooms on arrival ! They found a twin for us, but I think a bit of an emergency room, no balcony and view of a brick wall ! However it was perfectly ok for 2 nights, very long room, loads of storage, super comfy beds, and the lovely tiled corner bath.

Breakfast was good, a bit chaotic if you got there at busy times, but plenty to eat and cheerful staff.

There are many interesting artefacts dotted around this hotel, a pleasant pool, and there is now a lift !

They were very helpful on the last day when we had a long gap between check-out and pick up, letting us spend time at the lovely roof garden.

We love the location, in the heart of town, near the post office, alleys, and my favourite shop, Memories of Zanzibar !"

"This place is just perfect for us. We visited 9 years ago, loved it & loved it again.

The fact that you cannot see anyone else's tent from your own is a huge bonus. Tents are comfortable, plenty of charging time for cameras etc., lighting available constantly. Fantastic view of river with exciting sights & sounds of bush.

We had our own personal guide (Dennis) throughout our 5 night stay who was AWESOME. He knew so much about the bush, took time to explain it to us, was excellent at tracking & locating game.

We had a lovely warm welcome from Chania, the manager, and also Fausto when she was on leave, both friendly and very helpful.

A fishing trip was arranged for Mike, which he absolutely loved.

Our waiter, Victor, was such a kind man. He patiently was teaching me some Swahili words. On our last night he arranged a private dinner away from the main dining area with our own fire & Masai ! It was very touching.

Also, the surprise sunset champagne on our last day, a really lovely touch.

The Masai who escorted us to and from our tent several times a day, A kind and friendly man.

We loved that every night before dinner, you got to chat with manager/guide about your day, and what you wanted to do tomorrow.

I actually shed tears when I left.

I really hope that nothing changes here."

"I was concerned that it had been taken over by a large company, but it was rather dated when we last visited. Although it doesn't have the personal, homely feel of Impala , it is still an excellent camp.

The manager, Angela is a lovely person, and she works extremely hard to ensure guests have a good time. She is working very hard, within quite clear constraints, to try to improve Rufiji River Camp.

The food is excellent. Every meal was a delight.

The guides we had were all very good. Not quite in the same league as Dennis at Impala, but he is a hard act to follow !

The tent was great. Loved the fact it had a door, easier than all that zipping & unzipping. It could have done with more electricity time as it was very hot and you need to use the fan. Also the one solar lamp is not really adequate for 2 people getting ready in the dark for an early morning drive. The bed was extremely comfortable."

"Our first stay here, and I hope it won't be the last.

The location is superb, right on the beach, the accommodation set in lovely gardens. Very comfortable room, superb air con. A lovely veranda complete with bed for al fresco lounging !

But the best thing about this place is Sue & Andrew, the owners. They have worked so hard to make this place an absolute delight.

They are kind, they are beyond helpful. During our stay, another guest lost his passport, and they were doing everything possible (and more) to sort this out. I loved chatting to Sue in the evenings, she has lead such an interesting life. Andrew has the best sense of humour !

The food is beyond excellent, worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant. The portions are perfectly pitched (I had reached the stage of not being able to face another 3-course meal !). I couldn't get enough of the coffee.

Again, didn't want to leave.

Really hope that they will still be there when we have saved up enough money to go back."

"An old hotel, with lots of atmosphere. It's location is ideal for seeing Stone Town, very near the Post Office and some good shops and cafés.

We were lucky to get an upgrade to a much larger room, which was great. Not much storage space, but fine for a 2-night stay. Loved the mosaic bath, Zanzibar chest, fridge and 3 balconies !

Rather hot at night, despite fan and air-con.

The pool is great after a dusty day sightseeing.

Breakfast buffet good."