Travel reviews by Mrs M from Japan
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
6
Countries visited
4
Lodges stayed in
19
Excursions taken
1
My favorite Serengeti
Tanzania between 26 Apr 2023 and 5 May 2023
"Originally I had another plan for my trip this season, however there were some difficulties with logistics. So after talking with Claire on Skype, I finally chose Serengeti and I believe I made a right decision. Thank you Claire for your advice and arrangement.
I have been to Serengeti many times but I stayed at Asilia's camps for the first time. I was really surprised at Asilia's hospitality.
On arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport from Doha, I was treated as a VIP. I was escorted to the VIP lounge, was offered drinks and snacks, cleared immigration in the special room there......really special treatments.
I usually choose small camps with rustic feel. Asilia's camps I stayed were more luxurious than I had expected, but that's not so bad.
I enjoyed staying luxury camps, watching animals....expecially migration and many cats.
I had a wonderful safari again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
Claire's arrangement was very good as usual.
Everything went smoothly. Thank you as always."
I have been to Serengeti many times but I stayed at Asilia's camps for the first time. I was really surprised at Asilia's hospitality.
On arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport from Doha, I was treated as a VIP. I was escorted to the VIP lounge, was offered drinks and snacks, cleared immigration in the special room there......really special treatments.
I usually choose small camps with rustic feel. Asilia's camps I stayed were more luxurious than I had expected, but that's not so bad.
I enjoyed staying luxury camps, watching animals....expecially migration and many cats.
I had a wonderful safari again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
Claire's arrangement was very good as usual.
Everything went smoothly. Thank you as always."
Feedback response
Claire's arrangement was very good as usual. Everything went smoothly. Thank you as always.
Arranged By Claire Scott
Katambuga House
"Katambuga House review"
1 night
Arrived
27 Apr 2023
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Namiri Plains Camp
"Migration and cats!"
3 nights
Arrived
28 Apr 2023
"This camp was far luxurious than I had expected. Room had a nice view and it has a large and beautifull bathroom.
On the deck, there were lounge chairs and a large bathtub. One afternoon, staff prepared bubble bath for me.......nice experience in the wild. All of the staff were very friendly and attentive.
Game viewing here was really wondeful. Migration has just arrived at this area, so I could see huge number of wildbeasts and zebras in addition to a lot of cats (lions, cheetahs).
Fortunately, I had a private vehicle for 2 days. On the 3rd day, I shared vehicle with an another guest but still only 2 guests on the vehicle. It is a real advantage to travel in this season."
On the deck, there were lounge chairs and a large bathtub. One afternoon, staff prepared bubble bath for me.......nice experience in the wild. All of the staff were very friendly and attentive.
Game viewing here was really wondeful. Migration has just arrived at this area, so I could see huge number of wildbeasts and zebras in addition to a lot of cats (lions, cheetahs).
Fortunately, I had a private vehicle for 2 days. On the 3rd day, I shared vehicle with an another guest but still only 2 guests on the vehicle. It is a real advantage to travel in this season."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Cheetah
6 sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Leopard
Many sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Dunia Camp
"Beautiful Lady's camp"
3 nights
Arrived
1 May 2023
"Staying at Dunia camp was one of the purposes that I came to Serengeti. Because Dunia is the only camp run by women in Africa and I wanted to support Asilia's trial.
Dunia met my expectations. All of staff were very friendly and kind, food was great, guide was very knowledgeable. Rooms have been renovated so they don't have real rustic camp feel now, but it's really comfortable to stay.
There were only few guests staying here, I had a private vehicle and private guides. Every day, I could spend my time as I like. Also Dunia offered individual table for every meal.
On one night, there were only 2 solo guests including me. We started dinner separately, but soon we started to talk each other and shared our experiences. That was a wonderful moment.
Unfortunately, Ｉhad to give up to find rhinos because of very bad road condition......so, next time for sure."
Dunia met my expectations. All of staff were very friendly and kind, food was great, guide was very knowledgeable. Rooms have been renovated so they don't have real rustic camp feel now, but it's really comfortable to stay.
There were only few guests staying here, I had a private vehicle and private guides. Every day, I could spend my time as I like. Also Dunia offered individual table for every meal.
On one night, there were only 2 solo guests including me. We started dinner separately, but soon we started to talk each other and shared our experiences. That was a wonderful moment.
Unfortunately, Ｉhad to give up to find rhinos because of very bad road condition......so, next time for sure."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Cheetah
Many sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
Many sightings
Lion
6 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Trip for the first time in 2 years
Zimbabwe between 28 Apr 2022 and 8 May 2022
"I was really happy that finally I traveled to Mana Pools. I had to postpone this trip for 2 years and had to change my itinerary many times.
Covid-19 pandemic is going to be over soon and we are starting to get back our normal.
Thank you Claire, for being patient and supportive. I will plan my trip to African countries with Expert Africa again."
Covid-19 pandemic is going to be over soon and we are starting to get back our normal.
Thank you Claire, for being patient and supportive. I will plan my trip to African countries with Expert Africa again."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Armadale Lodge
"Beautiful Lodge "
1 night
Arrived
29 Apr 2022
"Armadale lodge is a very nice place to relax after a long journey.
Fine food, comfortable room, and we really enjoyed arts such as paintings, statues everywhere in this lodge."
Fine food, comfortable room, and we really enjoyed arts such as paintings, statues everywhere in this lodge."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Kanga Bush Camp
"Kanga Bush Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
30 Apr 2022
"Starting from welcome dance, we enjoyed our 3nights stay at this beautiful camp. Room was spacious, food was amazing.
Only one thing that I regret is we couldn't see painted dogs .....Animals were a bit quiet during our stay. But elephants sometimes visited the plunge pool to drink water. We were excited to watch them walking around the guest rooms.
Our guide Reggie and all of the staff were very friendly and helpful. I appreciate their great hospitality."
Only one thing that I regret is we couldn't see painted dogs .....Animals were a bit quiet during our stay. But elephants sometimes visited the plunge pool to drink water. We were excited to watch them walking around the guest rooms.
Our guide Reggie and all of the staff were very friendly and helpful. I appreciate their great hospitality."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Elephant
Many sightings
Zambezi Expeditions
"Zambezi Expeditions review"
3 nights
Arrived
3 May 2022
"Reggie, our guide at Kanga camp drove us to Zambezi Expeditions and we were greeted by welcome song and dance again.....and we joined and danced with them.
Room was simple, but it is my preference to stay at mobile type tent with bucket shower.
Our main purposes to stay here were walking and canoeing. We did both. Approaching to lions on foot was amazing experience.
I love African Bush Camps' warm hospitality. Thank you everyone and I would return soon."
Room was simple, but it is my preference to stay at mobile type tent with bucket shower.
Our main purposes to stay here were walking and canoeing. We did both. Approaching to lions on foot was amazing experience.
I love African Bush Camps' warm hospitality. Thank you everyone and I would return soon."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Eland
Many sightings
Elephant
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
Many sightings
Harare City Tour
"Harare City Tour review"
6 May 2022 • Afternoon excursion
A guide took me to the Museum, Art center, Flea market, supermarket, etc.
I have been to Zimbabwe twice before but this was the first time to go to see the city sights.
Tour was a good opportunity to have a glimpse of Zimbabwean life.
I have been to Zimbabwe twice before but this was the first time to go to see the city sights.
Tour was a good opportunity to have a glimpse of Zimbabwean life.
Botswana trip
Botswana between 26 Apr 2019 and 5 May 2019
"We spent a wonderful week in Botswana. Both camps were really nice.This was the second visit to Botswana for me and the first visit to Africa for my sister. She enjoyed this trip and I believe she will be back to Africa again.
Thank you very much for Meet and Greet service at Johannesburg airport for both of us. It was really helpful."
Thank you very much for Meet and Greet service at Johannesburg airport for both of us. It was really helpful."
Duba Explorers Camp
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
27 Apr 2019
"Beautiful and very comfortable camp. Our room had a terrace with sofa and very spacious bathroom. There was a small waterhole in front of our room, we enjoyed to see some animals coming to drink water in the daytime.
Game viewing was wonderful. We stayed here for 4 nights and saw wild dogs and leopards every day.
Staff were friendly and food was excellent."
Game viewing was wonderful. We stayed here for 4 nights and saw wild dogs and leopards every day.
Staff were friendly and food was excellent."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
Many sightings
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
Many sightings
Lion
Many sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Selinda Explorers Camp
"Selinda Explorers Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
1 May 2019
"Small camp with rustic feeling. Our room was spacious and very comfortable.
Because the area was very dry, we were not offered any water activities but game viewing was very good.
Our guide, Oats is really knowledgeable. It was so good to listen to his talk about animal's behavior.
Staff were very friendly. Food was very good. Bush lunch and special Botswana style dinner were memorable experiences.
We love sociable atmosphere of this camp."
Because the area was very dry, we were not offered any water activities but game viewing was very good.
Our guide, Oats is really knowledgeable. It was so good to listen to his talk about animal's behavior.
Staff were very friendly. Food was very good. Bush lunch and special Botswana style dinner were memorable experiences.
We love sociable atmosphere of this camp."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
Many sightings
Lion
Many sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Zebra
Many sightings
Kafue National Park
Zambia between 9 Aug 2018 and 18 Aug 2018
"This trip was my 2nd visit to Zambia and 1st vist to Kafue.
I often travel solo. so camp's friendly atmosphere is a priority. In this sense I think Musekese and Ntemwa are the best camps I've ever stayed in Africa.
I will go back ---probably next year."
I often travel solo. so camp's friendly atmosphere is a priority. In this sense I think Musekese and Ntemwa are the best camps I've ever stayed in Africa.
I will go back ---probably next year."
Pioneer Camp
"Pioneer Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
9 Aug 2018
"Nice place to stay after long flight into Lusaka. I was glad to have large room with bath tub.
There was a large party (35 people) staying at the camp and they gathered at the restaurant area before each meal, so I sat at the bar and waited for a while until my table was set. But staff were very friendly and food was good."
There was a large party (35 people) staying at the camp and they gathered at the restaurant area before each meal, so I sat at the bar and waited for a while until my table was set. But staff were very friendly and food was good."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Musekese Camp
"Peaceful and friendly"
3 nights
Arrived
10 Aug 2018
"I had a superb time here. The setting is beautiful. Every day I saw animals and birds spending peaceful time in front of my room.
Elephants are regular visitors to the camp. I was fortunate to have been guided by Tyrone, James, and Ephy. Guinding was excellent. I missed wild dogs but I saw lions, leopards, many antelopes, and many kind of birds.
Camp manager Kolo and all of the staff are super friendly. Food was very tasty and my food preference was well catered for.
I apreciate their family hospitality.
Thank you Tyrone and Musekese team for wonderfu holiday. I will definately go back."
Elephants are regular visitors to the camp. I was fortunate to have been guided by Tyrone, James, and Ephy. Guinding was excellent. I missed wild dogs but I saw lions, leopards, many antelopes, and many kind of birds.
Camp manager Kolo and all of the staff are super friendly. Food was very tasty and my food preference was well catered for.
I apreciate their family hospitality.
Thank you Tyrone and Musekese team for wonderfu holiday. I will definately go back."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Ntemwa Busanga Camp
"My favorite camp in Busanga Plain"
3 nights
Arrived
13 Aug 2018
"Ntemwa is a small, rustic but comfortable camp with en-suite oper-air bathroom with flash toilet.
I stayed there for 3 nights and was guided by James. I was amazed by his knowledge. He was also looked after me very well. Busanga plains is stunning. I love this vast open plain.
The game was a bit quiet while I was there, but I saw buffaloes, wothog families, many antelopes, and beautiful birds.
It takes more than 3 hours drive to get there from its main camp Musekese (and Tsetse were very active in some places) but worth to visit. I want to stay longer next time."
I stayed there for 3 nights and was guided by James. I was amazed by his knowledge. He was also looked after me very well. Busanga plains is stunning. I love this vast open plain.
The game was a bit quiet while I was there, but I saw buffaloes, wothog families, many antelopes, and beautiful birds.
It takes more than 3 hours drive to get there from its main camp Musekese (and Tsetse were very active in some places) but worth to visit. I want to stay longer next time."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
Many sightings
Elephant
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Roan antelope
Many sightings
Sable antelope
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Musekese Camp
"Musekese Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
16 Aug 2018
"Please see previous comment."
Excellent
Hwange safari
Zimbabwe between 28 Apr 2018 and 4 May 2018
"This was my 10th safari and my first experience of walking safari. As Freddie advised me before booking, I know wildlife was not so superb in this season・・・that said I saw many kind of animals and birds, and I enjoyed walking and game drive as well.
I was very lucky to have Julian throughout my stay and really impressed Julian's enthusiasm and hospitality to the guests.
I shared my all activities (6 days) with a nice American couple from California. We've become friends and this is another highlight of this safari.
Thank you Freddie for your travel arrangement of my safari."
I was very lucky to have Julian throughout my stay and really impressed Julian's enthusiasm and hospitality to the guests.
I shared my all activities (6 days) with a nice American couple from California. We've become friends and this is another highlight of this safari.
Thank you Freddie for your travel arrangement of my safari."
Camp Hwange
"Beautiful camp with great view"
3 nights
Arrived
28 Apr 2018
"Camp Hwange is a beautiful camp. I like the view of wide plain and waterhole with an elephant from my room.
Food was excellent, I think one of the best food experience I have ever had at the camps in Africa.
Julian, who has wealth of knowledge, was my guide throughout my stay and I really enjoyed walking. It was an exciting moment facing an elephant. We happened to find Bat-eared fox while walking. And walking up to buffaloes was another exciting moent as well.
All of camp staff are very friendly and helpful."
Food was excellent, I think one of the best food experience I have ever had at the camps in Africa.
Julian, who has wealth of knowledge, was my guide throughout my stay and I really enjoyed walking. It was an exciting moment facing an elephant. We happened to find Bat-eared fox while walking. And walking up to buffaloes was another exciting moent as well.
All of camp staff are very friendly and helpful."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Hwange Bush Camp
"Awsome experience"
3 nights
Arrived
1 May 2018
"Hwange Bush Camp is smaller than Camp Hwange and I really like this rustic camp. Each room has comfortable beds and very large bathroom.
I always enjoyed meals with other guests, camp staffs and guides. I love this familiar atmoshere.
My guide was Julian. On the way to the camp, I had my first experience to touch a Python. We tracked lions on foot but didn't find them, but on my third day , finally we saw the lion, "Vusi", with 4 females and 2 cubs.
I would definately stay there again."
I always enjoyed meals with other guests, camp staffs and guides. I love this familiar atmoshere.
My guide was Julian. On the way to the camp, I had my first experience to touch a Python. We tracked lions on foot but didn't find them, but on my third day , finally we saw the lion, "Vusi", with 4 females and 2 cubs.
I would definately stay there again."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Absolutely wonderful!
Tanzania between 5 Aug 2017 and 15 Aug 2017
"This trip was really enjoyable and memorable. It was organized by Elizabeth Chapman first, then it was taken over by Claire Scott.
All of my travel arrangement ran very smoothly and I had nothing to worry about.
As I stated before, I like small, rustic camps and I really love warm hospitality of the people working there. This might be one of the reasons why I don't stop going to African countries on safari."
All of my travel arrangement ran very smoothly and I had nothing to worry about.
As I stated before, I like small, rustic camps and I really love warm hospitality of the people working there. This might be one of the reasons why I don't stop going to African countries on safari."
Arranged By Elizabeth Chapman
Legendary Lodge
"Beautiful lodge"
1 night
Arrived
5 Aug 2017
"This is my favorite lodge in Arusha. My room was very large and bathroom has a tub and separate shower booth.
Each room has a terrace with a table and chairs. I love watching the cute visitors (dik dik) while sitting in the chair on the terrace."
Each room has a terrace with a table and chairs. I love watching the cute visitors (dik dik) while sitting in the chair on the terrace."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp
"Small, intimate camp"
4 nights
Arrived
6 Aug 2017
"The camp is simple, but comfortable enough. I love this small, intimate camp with bush feel.
I was very welcomed by the Manager John and camp staff. They are very kind and friendly, I was able to relax at my room as if I were in my home. I enjoyed bucket shower, and it was my favorite moment to have coffee in front of my room at dawn. Meals were great.
I was picked up by my private guide David at Kogatente Airstrip. He was a friendly, experienced guide. We saw wildebeests' river crossing on the way to the camp from the airstrip. Next day, we saw black rhinos.
I really enjoyed chatting with him about amimals, cultures, etc.
It was nice to meet and talk with other guests during meal times."
I was very welcomed by the Manager John and camp staff. They are very kind and friendly, I was able to relax at my room as if I were in my home. I enjoyed bucket shower, and it was my favorite moment to have coffee in front of my room at dawn. Meals were great.
I was picked up by my private guide David at Kogatente Airstrip. He was a friendly, experienced guide. We saw wildebeests' river crossing on the way to the camp from the airstrip. Next day, we saw black rhinos.
I really enjoyed chatting with him about amimals, cultures, etc.
It was nice to meet and talk with other guests during meal times."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Chada Camp
"Wonderful camp!"
3 nights
Arrived
10 Aug 2017
"It took about 3 hours from Serengeti to Katavi.
Katavi is remote but a beautiful place. It has variety of landscapes, animals, birds ......
I was welcomed by Katavi team. Manager Hamza was very friendly and helpful.
My guide, Jo was skilled, passionate, and helpful.
I shared the game drives with an American Gentleman for 3 days. It was fun to share the experience with him.
Elephant sometimes passed close to my room...I got thrilled...I was scared a little though.
On my 4th night, Hamza (the manager) and another guide took me a night game drive. It was a wonderful drive, it didn't take more than 5 minuites to find 2 leopards.
It was lovely to interact with other guests...very friendly Italian families.
I love Katavi so much. I really want to go there again.."
Katavi is remote but a beautiful place. It has variety of landscapes, animals, birds ......
I was welcomed by Katavi team. Manager Hamza was very friendly and helpful.
My guide, Jo was skilled, passionate, and helpful.
I shared the game drives with an American Gentleman for 3 days. It was fun to share the experience with him.
Elephant sometimes passed close to my room...I got thrilled...I was scared a little though.
On my 4th night, Hamza (the manager) and another guide took me a night game drive. It was a wonderful drive, it didn't take more than 5 minuites to find 2 leopards.
It was lovely to interact with other guests...very friendly Italian families.
I love Katavi so much. I really want to go there again.."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Chada fly-camping
"Paradise!"
1 night
Arrived
13 Aug 2017
"One of the most impressive experience in Katavi. I love beautiful landscape, a lot of hippos, buffalloes, birds, dinner in the bush...
Sleeping in the small tent with matress was comfortable. I'd love to go there again."
Sleeping in the small tent with matress was comfortable. I'd love to go there again."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Legendary Lodge
"Relaxing place"
1 night
Arrived
14 Aug 2017
"I stayed at Legendary Lodge again on my last day of this trip.
After 8 days bush experience, I relaxed at this beautiful lodge. The food is delicious and spa treatment was excellent."
After 8 days bush experience, I relaxed at this beautiful lodge. The food is delicious and spa treatment was excellent."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
The hot shower made me feel relaxed. Food was good but portion size was large for me."