Travel reviews by Mrs S from UK

"This was our first (and certainly won't be our last) trip to Africa for safari. We spent a lot of time researching our options and our final choice of Flatdogs was amazing in every way. It was a wrench leaving this place. All the staff are wonderful, warm and welcoming and always happy to hear our tales from the game drives each day. Our fantastic guide Byron was a gift - able to answer the most ridiculous questions posed to him by out 2 boys, aged 10 and 13, and with his extensive knowledge, he was able to share information that we wouldn't have ever dreamed of asking - especially about birds. It was truly magical going over the South Luangwa bridge each morning into that wilderness. Those memories will stay with us always - we were very lucky that the park gave us so much. Awesome.

We chose to stay in the chalet rather than the tents. It was gorgeous! More than enough room and beautifully appointed throughout - the bedrooms especially lovely- the comfiest bed ever. Listening to the hippo's through the night was fabulous, and the monkeys jumping around our roof entertained the boys even further! The layout of the camp was perfect - we were a short stroll from the central meeting/ dining area as well as the pool. This was a fantastic bonus for our boys, so while we had a midday siesta or a read following our 'second' breakfast on our return from the morning drive, they were happy splashing about and watching the beautiful elephants roam through the camp. What a treat!

Being able to eat at any time too was a real bonus rather than set meal times - although we didn't require this flexibility as we ate every time we came back from a drive - when we weren't looking through binoculars, or sleeping, they fed us!

We took advantage of Wendy's guided visit to the local school and the conservation centre, both of which Flatdogs are heavily involved with. This was a humbling experience and one that I would strongly advise visitors do - especially with children. My eldest son and husband also took advantage of the world renowned walking safari's with Yotam which they found amazing - a totally different view of the park - and now my 13 year old is a poo expert!

All in all, I would recommend Flatdogs - and South Luangwa - to everybody - but I'm scared that it becomes too popular and the hoards arrive! As it was, we felt that the park was just ours at times, and the 'homecoming' to this wonderful camp every day was just as special as the game drives."

"We came here for some R&R after spending time in South Luangwa and it was a great choice. As it is 'connected' to the Falls and offers free entry, we wondered to see them every one of our 3 days. They are breath-taking. We had inter-connecting rooms so our 2 boys, aged 10 and 13 - had their own room. The rooms were exceptionally clean and well appointed. Although the pool was a freezing for a comfortable dip, it was perfect for the kids for a quick splash during the day.

The grounds of the hotel are beautiful - the wildlife wandering around - zebra & impala were an added bonus in a very different landscape to where we'd been on safari. I found myself 'held up' by 4 stunning giraffes on my short stroll to the Royal Livingston for a massage one morning! Beats Liverpool rush hour any day!

All the staff we came across were friendly and helpful. We booked the African Princess sundowner trip from the hotel which was a stunning evening and greatly recommended.

The food was disappointing though. Expensive for what is was and the service a bit hit and miss We could have ventured into LIvingstone, but didn't bother, so it couldn't have been that bad! We did book the Royal Livingstone for dinner one evening and while not that significantly different in price, was much tastier. Take the time to take the short stroll through to this hotel - even for a sundowner, as you can see the mists from the Falls from the sun terrace as you gaze across the Zambezi. A truly remarkable view to sip a gin and tonic with."