Travel reviews by N & J Lancs from UK
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
3
Countries visited
5
Lodges stayed in
18
Excursions taken
0
Return to Kenya after 36 years
Kenya between 20 Jan 2023 and 4 Feb 2023
With hindsight we would have flown from Sand River to Elephant Pepper.
All the staff at the lodges were extremely welcoming and helpful."
Feedback response
We were so pleased that these travellers enjoyed their time in Kenya. One clarification - unfortunately it is not possible to book flights between the various air strips in the Maasai Mara region. So transfers through the bush are the only option and can be quite lengthy.
Arranged By Claire Scott
Four Points Nairobi Airport
"Four Points Nairobi Airport review"
Elsa's Kopje
"Elsa's Kopje review"
A must is to walk to the top of the hill and get a 360 deg view of the area. There is a bit of steep exposed ground to get to the top but well worth the effort and the guide will direct you.
Our guide Joel was excellent and we were lucky to see a striped hyena and an African wildcat which we have never seen before.
One day we travelled into the rhino reserve and saw three white and three black rhino.
It is nice to be in an area which is not overrun by jeeps.
The food was exceptional and one of the best 35 lodges in Africa we have visited."
Lewa Safari Camp
"Lewa Safari Camp review"
We saw 7 female lions, once on a daytime drive on once on a night drive. On the night drive they were lying on the track, we had to drive on the ground above the track looking down on them. Further on we got back on the track and the lionesses all greeted each other right by the vehicle.
By a waterhole we watched a big family of elephants coming down to drink and bathe. One of the young elephants wasn't too sure about passing our vehicle and gave out a trumpet call and all the family turned immediately to look at us. Fortunately he decided it would be OK to walk around the vehicle and he then re-joined the group."
Saruni Samburu
"Saruni Samburu review"
Meals were very good.
The drive from the lodge to Samburu reserve was devoid of wildlife but once inside the reserve plenty to see. We were lucky to see a family of 5 lions just finishing off a waterbuck, including 2 six month old cubs crunching the bones and then trying to run off with the leftovers before being told off by mum.
Samburu is completely different from other areas in Kenya and is well worth a visit."
Sand River Camp
"Sand River Camp review"
We were there for two nights only and in this time we saw 35 lions and maybe only 5 of those did we see twice. On a couple of occasions we watched them eating what was left of a kill. On a morning drive we had 2 big male lions walking on the track towards us and then just standing inches away from the vehicle before carrying on.
We were fortunate enough to see a serval cat out in daylight."
Elephant Pepper Camp
"Elephant Pepper Camp review"
On arrival at Elephant Pepper we were taken to our tent which was overlooking extensive grass and woodland. Elephants could be seen walking across and through the woodland from the tent. At night we had an elephant walking past the tent, a hippo grazing outside and lions and hyenas calling close by.
On game drives we were lucky to see many lions, 2 leopards and 2 cheetah. Both cheetah stalking but unsuccessful on their hunts.
Saw a family of lions finishing off a zebra kill and two tiny cubs coming out to look at the vehicles and then crying to mum and going back to suckle.
Had a picnic breakfast by the Mara river and another day a surprise full service breakfast again by the Mara river.
The meals were excellent and challenged Elsa's for some of the best we have had in Africa."
Zambia - Luangwa's, Shoebill and Lower Zam
Zambia and 1 other country between 17 Jun 2022 and 30 Jun 2022
Arranged By Lucy Copson
City Lodge OR Tambo
"City Lodge OR Tambo review"
Tafika
"Tafika review"
Guiding on game drives with Lloyd, finding a pride of lions on our first outing. Lloyd is a considerate and conscientious guide and has considerable experience of the area.
The meals - probably the best of over 30 different lodges we have visited in Africa over the years. Lots of fresh, homegrown produce.
Good to stay with someone like the Coppingers whose heart is in Africa and the help they give to the local area."
Takwela Camp
"Takwela Camp review"
Food excellent as in Tafika and all staff helpful and attentive.
Our guide Alex, was very knowledgeable - an expert guide - enthusiastic and even tried to find an Aardvark for us just but just managed two holes it had dug! Exceptional!"
Shoebill Island Camp
"Shoebill Island Camp review"
Unfortunately we did hear some gunshots at night and our guide Lewis reported it to the scouts in the area.
Lewis our guide here was extremely knowledgeable about the birdlife having grown up in the area."
Chongwe River Camp
"Chongwe River Camp review"
Elephants walking in to camp and past our tent! Great close up shots. Elephant in musk charging the jeep as we somehow we got between him and some females hidden in the bush.
Saw lioness with cubs and two juvenile males. Also saw 6 wild dogs, they ran past the jeep and then later we caught up with them as they were sleeping.
Our guide here was Hastings and again he was very knowledgeable and experienced. Very expert reversing down a narrow 800 metre track to get away from the big bull elephant!"
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp
"Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp review"
Lots of wildlife in the area and never a dull moment on drives or walks.
Food - well prepared and varied but don't get on the scales when you return home!
Presley our guide and Taps the trainee guide were the dream team! On our first afternoon we see 5 lions and a young leopard in a tree with a waterbuck kill, then see it's mother with another young one. Hundreds of elephants about from very small babies to big bulls. Also see a big male leopard.
Went on a morning game walk and a Greater Honeyguide constantly trying to lead us to the hives and an elephant which we had to do a detour to get past.
Evening game drive we come across a big male lion just lying across the track and refusing to move and two females with cubs playing.
On our last drive to the airstrip Presley finds a big pack of 26 wild dogs and a few minutes later they set off on a hunt after 3 warthogs and we have a fast and exciting drive trying to follow them. The warthogs lived to fight another day. We then find the dogs again scattered in the bush and a few lie down by our jeep, 16 of them and 15 minutes later the other 10 arrive to a lot of greeting from the others."
My Jul 2019 trip
Zimbabwe and 2 other countries between 10 Jul 2019 and 25 Jul 2019
Two beautiful lodges with a good range of wildlife
Excellent food at Mkulumadzi
Thomas at Chilo Gorge & Mali at Mkulumadz were excellent knowledgeable guides with a sense of fun. Thomas was an expert on birds."
Arranged By Tom Morris
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
"Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge review"
Over 150 Elephants seen plus to of antelopes etc
Drive up to top of Chilo cliffs was spectacular
Over 145 different birds seen"
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
"Chilo Gorge Tented Camp review"
Leopard calling just in front of tent a 5.30am
Lions calling & night & they made a kill 100 yards away
Hyena also calling near by at night"
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
"Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge review"
City Lodge OR Tambo
"City Lodge OR Tambo review"
Mkulumadzi Lodge
"Mkulumadzi Lodge review"
Good guiding from Mali
Food the best of all the 20+ lodges we have been to in Africa & some of the others very good
Service at meal times also very good"
Pumulani
Sniffer dog checking vehicles entering the gate to the hotel."