Travel reviews by Family J from UK

"Our party of middle-aged parents and four young adults were were completely bowled over by Lake Manze Camp. This was very much due to the professionalism of the camp management. They personally came out to welcome every vehicle drawing up at the entrance whether it was new arrivals or guests returning from a short game drive. We were impressed by their clear instructions for our safety, efficient organisation, good staff management and their healthy respect for wild visitors to the camp, however familiar they might be. Everything was clean, and all activities and meals happened on time though we never felt rushed at all.

We loved our tents. One after-lunch 'verandah safari' saw us lounged on our own porch gazing quietly around between snoozes. I could see hippos in the lake, a giraffe on the far shore and, nearer at hand, an elephant munching the bushes, and a number of tiny bright pink birds pecking at the ground near our feet. From our bed at dawn we saw a family of elephants lumbering past 20 metres away in the misty half-light.

The tent was completely insect-free; if you spotted a mosquito you could zap it with the spray helpfully provided on a convenient shelf. A comfy bed, African woven mats and rustic storage completed the tent. Through another zip-door at the back was the spacious bathroom. Tall people can peep over the canvas while showering to look out at the bush. The towel rail was more generous than in many a posh hotel bathroom. My only slight discomfort was the lack of a toilet seat – but I saw a boxfull being delivered as we left!

Food was really good. Considering the kitchen receives a truck delivery (10 hours from Dar es Salaam) only once a week it was amazing. One of our party is a non-fish veggie; she was amply catered for without special arrangements because there is plenty of variety among the selection of tasty dishes at each meal.

Out on safari we had wonderful experiences from the first moment we arrived; we found ourselves among a pride of lions less than an hour after arriving at the airstrip. The management try to make sure you are taken out by the same guide and driver each time so that you get to know each other. Ours were truly fantastic. They were knowledgeable, professional and kind and they made us laugh. We were constantly amazed by their ability to spot interesting animal behaviour and nothing was too much trouble for them.

I have recommended Lake Manze to all my friends and will go on doing so."

"Fumba was Paradise. It was everything I had imagined for a few luxury days by the sea. The rooms were spotless, with lovely colourful soft furnishings. We thought that the whole setting and the beautiful pool area were just perfect.

Evening meals were carefully thought out by the staff; every party had a turn down on the beach and the staff worked extremely hard, carrying chairs and tables around to give us this experience. The cooking was excellent; we especially enjoyed the traditional evening with costumes, music and tasty local dishes. Our young adults appreciated the diving and kayaking opportunities; mum loved the hammock on the beach and the Fumba Sunset cocktails.

It seems awful to be critical of Fumba but, compared with Lake Manze, it was not being run with the same total attention to detail. We noticed a couple of maintenance issues (eg bathroom door wouldn't stay closed) and we didn't feel that the management genuinely cared."

"I'm sorry - running out of time but - the hotel is lovely.

We found it very interesting with its traditional furniture and decorations.

The owner was very friendly and welcoming and we appreciated the early breakfast before we flew home."