Travel reviews by Mopane squirrels from UK

"Everything about this camp was excellent. Alex the camp manager was a perfect host and clearly an extremely competent manager. The setting of the camp and the Bandas was fantastic. So very comfortable with amazing views of the dry river bed.

The service was attentive and friendly. There was a magic about the place which could not have been created without the management and motivation of the staff.
The quality of the food was incredible given the difficulties of cooking in the bush. All meals were imaginative and delicious and served in a variety of amazing locations, eg riverbed and bush. Meal times were a sociable and enjoyable experience which enhanced the safari experience for us.

We particularly liked the fact that we had a driver and guide which enabled the guide to give more attention to the guests. We appreciated the fact that radios were not used which made sightings more private. Our guide Jeme and driver Vincent were sensitive to needs and were extremely knowledgable and shared that with us. We are experienced safari travellers but we still learnt a lot from them.

In conclusion, a memorable and fantastic four days."

"We first went to Impala in 2009 and had excellent guiding. This time, because of the early rains predators and prey were not concentrated and as a consequence we experienced fewer sightings. We did not feel the guiding was quite as good this time and felt our guide did not engage with us as much as we would have wished during those times of sparse game viewing.

However, Impala is a fabulous camp, well run and in a great location, with excellent service."

"We had the best game viewing experience we have ever had. Our guide Marius was sensitive, attentive, extremely knowledgeable and as keen as us to take things slowly and really observe animal behaviour. He was a perfect match for us. We loved the harsh beauty of the terrain. We enjoyed stunning sunrises and sunsets. Daudi, the assistant guide with such an engaging personality really helped to make this such a memorable experience

The food and wine was really excellent. That all guests and guides ate at one long table set outside each night sharing the days experiences added to the enjoyment of the camp.

This camp is not for the faint hearted with game drives totalling 9-11 hours some days, with very little down time."

"A unique experience. Like your very own coral island staying in a banda that Crusoe and Man Friday could have made. Only reservation was the closeness of the long drop toilet to the wash basin and shower. Delicious food. Happy,friendly staff who seemed to enjoy making our stay special.

The snorkelling was the best I have ever experienced."

"A comfortable stylish oasis in Zanzibar's answer to Marrakesh. Helpful, considerate staff. Lovely rooms and really good food."

"This camp was well described by Claire [Ed: of Expert Africa!] and as expected. A lovely setting with diverse terrain and very good for game viewing. The quality of the guiding was not as good as Impala but the guides were friendly, fun to be with and did their best to please. We got on really well together. We enjoyed the communal dining but on the one night the camp was full staff struggled to cope.

Liked the fact the camp was open and enjoyed regular visits from elephants. Good value for money."

"There is no doubt this is a very good camp with excellent guiding. Our guide, Pietro, an Italian, was an excellent communicator. We are split on Impala. Juliet did not feel the camp was in as good a location as Manze although the view from the dining area was fantastic. The camp we agreed was more luxurious than Manze but we missed the communal dining.

We think this important, to eat with other guests and guides, even if only for an occasional meal. Saw lots more birds but less game here, although we did see leopards from both camps. Again an open camp with daily visits

This camp was accurately described by Claire [Ed: of Expert Africa!]. We really enjoyed the diversity of activity. We particularly appreciated for the first time ever for us on safari, (we always go July/August) seeing green by the lakes and rivers which gave us and indication as to what the landscape in East Africa would be like in their summer months."

"We have had difficulty grading this.

It was as described but we would have preferred a more authentic experience, perhaps cooking and eating around a fire rather than served food at a table formally set. Although we ate with the guides it gave the feeling of living in the bush in colonial times.

We really enjoyed walking in the bush particularly the long walk back to Impala. A great experience we would not have missed."

"Real barefoot luxury. Having been before we were a little apprehensive that it would be so good but it was actually better. This may have been due in part to the weather,which was hot and sunny,but the lodge seemed fresher.

The service was really excellent and everything came with a smile. Nothing was too much trouble. We were so lucky to see turtles hatch on the beach and head for the sea."

"Only there one night. Lucky enough to have Abraham. Great drive.

Really enjoyed our trip to Kawasi village and school on the way."

"Our chalet was beautiful in a perfect setting. John, who had collected us from the airport was an excellent guide.

We were disappointed that the other guests at the lodge were more inclined to drive than walk. We felt uncomfortable having to ask to do a short walk on our first afternoon. We did feel we had to 'persuade' with regard to safari walking but did have a great walk with John the following day on our own.

Got on really well with John and the 'guy with the gun'. Lucinda the deputy manager was very friendly but preferred socialising to organising. Highlights were lion cubs, hippo lullaby and relationship with guide and tracker."

"Great walk from Mchenga to Nsolo. Met by Natasha who was the perfect hostess. Couldn't rate her highly enough.

This was a new camp in an lovely position. Perfect chalet. Ratio of walking to driving was good. This is what we felt we had come to Zambia for. Tracked lion on foot.

Shaddy, manager and guide obviously very experienced. Bartwell, the 'man with the gun' we will remember for his kindness, interesting conversation and expertise.

Highlights were elephant under our chalet at night, buffalo by water hole whilst dining on the river bed and the bush walks."

"This was an ideal hotel for a short trip to the falls. The location was excellent.

Food and service very good, although rooms a bit tired."