Travel reviews by Dr M from Calgary

"Tubu Tree has a warm, rustic charm about it with very friendly ex-pat camp managers and equally friendly local staff. Food and beverages were top notch.

Our guide, TK, was knowledgeable and personable, and was the best guide we had during our trip. Great variety of animals spotted include two leopards, several lions, are moderate sized groups of elephants, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo. Also spotted crocodiles, hippos, and lots of impala and kudu. Game found very close to camp with minimal driving required before encountering wildlife.

Due to late arrival of flood water, no water activities on offer."

"Chitabe has luxurious "tents" with a somewhat modern design. (We preferred the slightly more rustic style of Tubu Tree, but this is only a matter of personal taste!). Camp management and staff were all local people and all extremely warm, outgoing and accommodating.

On our final night in camp, they set up a surprise cocktail reception for our group out in the bush, which was a very nice touch. Breakfast food not quite as varied as at Tubu Tree, however the other meals were comparable and of very good quality. We enjoyed the fire pit at Chitabe as it is close to the main lounge area and therefore gets more use by guests compared to Tubu Tree.

Wildlife here was further from the camp and sometimes required 30 to 45 minutes of driving on rough road before spotting much in the way of animals (other than birds and impala). Elephants, zebra and giraffe were in small groups compared to Tubu Tree. However, the long drives were worth it given the abundance of baby animals were saw: leopard cubs, lion cubs, hyena cubs, as well as baby elephants and zebra!

We also saw a large pack of wild dogs which we would never have found without the expert tracking skills of our guide, Phinley. Phinley was a man of relatively few words, and you needed to actively ask questions if you wanted to get information from him. Each guide has there only style and he was more reserved, but no less knowledgeable, than our guide at Tubu Tree."

"Very comfortable lodge in a great location.

Walking distance to the Falls on one side and to the shop and restaurants of the town on the other side. Right next to the bank machines and post office.

Friendly and accommodating front desk staff, and good food at the on site restaurant. As in all of the places we ate at in Zimbabwe, service in slow by American and European standards."