Travel reviews by Drs Martin from Queensland
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
3
Excursions taken
0
My Jan 2025 trip
Zimbabwe between 8 Jan 2025 and 18 Jan 2025
"Once again, Maruska came up trumps (the first time by recommending Flatdogs in Zambia).
This was a totally different, but fascinating experience.
It was a little wet at Amalinda but not enough to spoil it, and they badly need the rain."
This was a totally different, but fascinating experience.
It was a little wet at Amalinda but not enough to spoil it, and they badly need the rain."
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
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Sable Valley Lodge
"Sable Valley Lodge review"
3 nights
Arrived
9 Jan 2025
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
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Black Rhino
Many sightings
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Buffalo
10+ sightings
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Cheetah
1 sighting
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Elephant
10+ sightings
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Giraffe
10+ sightings
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Leopard
2 sightings
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Lion
1 sighting
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Sable antelope
1 sighting
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Wild dog
1 sighting
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Wildebeest
4 sightings
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Zebra
4 sightings
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Amalinda Lodge
"Amalinda Lodge review"
4 nights
Arrived
12 Jan 2025
"We went here after Sable Valley, at Maruska's suggestion, and an excellent suggestion it was!
It is totally different - you go for the landscape, the history and rock art, rather than the animals (though walking with the white rhinos was a thrill. Amalinda is unique (as for the room with the rock art IN it) with superb food, and a gorgeous infinity pool (the grazing zonkey was an added extra). Howard was a fabulous guide - very knowledgeable about history, and interesting on politics.
The visit to Rhodes' grave was a highlight, as was the trip to the Ethandweni Childrens' Home - don't miss either."
It is totally different - you go for the landscape, the history and rock art, rather than the animals (though walking with the white rhinos was a thrill. Amalinda is unique (as for the room with the rock art IN it) with superb food, and a gorgeous infinity pool (the grazing zonkey was an added extra). Howard was a fabulous guide - very knowledgeable about history, and interesting on politics.
The visit to Rhodes' grave was a highlight, as was the trip to the Ethandweni Childrens' Home - don't miss either."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
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White Rhino
1 sighting
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Bulawayo Club
"Bulawayo Club review"
1 night
Arrived
16 Jan 2025
"This is probably the most interesting place to stay in Bulawayo.
The town itself is crumbling before your eyes - terrible to see - but the Club has been well restored and is historically fascinating.
We also did a walking tour of the town with Paul Hubbard which I really recommend."
The town itself is crumbling before your eyes - terrible to see - but the Club has been well restored and is historically fascinating.
We also did a walking tour of the town with Paul Hubbard which I really recommend."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
the food (excellent!),
the location with its hides and great views over the vlei (we watched the wild dogs hunting at our last breakfast,
the drives (had a three cat day, which is rare; and saw sable and lots of carmine bee eaters as we wanted),
the guide (Rodwell was fabulous) and
the room (we asked for the Queen's room, complete with the original avocado green bathroom).
Highly recommended!"