Travel reviews by The B family from Didsbury

"Flatdogs was very good for our family trip. I have been on many safaris but was taking 2 family members who had never been before. The family room was ideal, although the lack of bathroom facilities for the 3rd bedroom caused a bit of inconvenience. The accomodation was spotless and we never saw the cleaning staff as they managed to get the room done while we were on game drives so we were never disturbed. All the staff were friendly and helpful and our guide, Malamba, was very good.

We saw all the main game - leopards, lion, elephant, buffalo on the game drives and it was really exciting to see the elephants walk through the camp. Night drives were good, but I don't think we needed 4 of them as they got a little repetitive.

Food was good in that there was a great variety to suit all tastes and we liked the fact that meals could be taken any time of day, which gave us lots of freedom. However, service in the restaurant was quite slow and we had to wait quite a long time for breakfast.

The South Luangwa park is great for game with plenty to see but we found the overcrowding by vehicles a bit disturbing in that once a leopard was seen it would be quickly surrounded by as many as 6 vehicles. However, the guides were very good at giving way to each other so all clients got a view.

I would recommend Flatdogs for a family trip, but maybe not if you are a seasoned safari goer or couple and want a more secluded experience."

"We were really taken aback by Kasaka - everything about it was wonderful. It gave a great contrast to Flatdogs and the combination of the 2 places made the perfect trip for variety.

We stayed in the Hippo Pod and were blown away by the accommodation, overlooking the river in a secluded spot. Rooms were fabulous and the bathrooms huge and luxurious. We had our own small pool, deck and garden area. We intended to spend a bit of time at the main lodge but we didn't bother as Hippo Pod was so lovely. The camp fire, which was lit before dinner, was very welcome and gave a very rustic safari feel to things. We relished taking out G&Ts there before dinner. All meals were served outside and the food was truly delicious all 3 days we were there - fresh bread, great breakfasts with toast cooked on the small fire, delicious dinners. We were also pleasantly surprised and a little shocked to find all drinks free in Hippo Pod and the fridge bursting with drinks as well as bottles of gin, rum, vodka and local liquer.

The variety of activities was such that I felt we could stay there a whole week and not get bored. We did river trips where we got very close to hippos and crocs (best ever croc photos!), morning walk, game drives my favourite activity which was an afternoon canoe trip down the Chongwe river where we got superb views of the animals and particularly the birds.

The only negative comment is that there are 2 rooms in Hippo Pod - a double and a triple so my mother in-law had to share with her 2 grandsons. However, that was no big issue and we loved the place."