Travel reviews by Mrs N from Darlington

"We were met by Kearsleys as arranged and the transfer time was reasonable as it was late at night. It seemed to take a while to confirm our room number on arrival but when we were shown there it was adequate. Breakfast was reasonable.

On return from Ruaha we spent a few hours again at the hotel. The food in the restaurant was excellent, along with the service. It made much more of an impression after being in the bush for 8 nights!"

"The facilities at Lake Manze are exactly as portrayed on the website - not as luxurious as some of the camps but kept spotlessly clean at all times and perfectly adequate for the time spent there. It is great to be able to see the animals from your bed as soon as you wake up.

What is exceptional is the service and atmosphere created by Shaun and Mellie. Nothing was too much trouble, we were asked each evening what we would like to do the following day and everything was tailored to our wishes. There are even very cold drinks and ice - a welcome treat after a hot drive.

Although we expected to share activities, every drive and boat trip was exclusive to us. Adam and Ally were a dream team of guide and driver. Adam was very knowledgeable and Ally could spot anything there was to see. It was lovely to be able to get to know them personally. We also had a lady Ranger, Anna, who looked out for us on our walk. Everyone was unfailingly pleasant and cheerful with a good sense of humour."

"Firstly do not be misled by our comments which are not intended as negative but honesty was requested and here it is for the sake of keeping standards high and improving the whole experience for future guests.

We really enjoyed our stay and these are more personnel points and minor at that; We were lucky to have a vehicle to ourselves at our first camp and so were a little disappointed at having six in each vehicle, we got on famously with our other guests but if you don't it really would have a negative effect on your Safari. The old Landcruisers are reliable old things but passed their best, rear seats having no floor felt odd and not ideal comfort or saftey wise.

Compared to previous camps there was a distinct element of more a dictation of what the following days itinery was to be rather than being offered a choice, and our guide although superbly knowledgable had a lack of people skills when it came to picking up on what his customers wanted,"