Travel reviews by Mr T from Johannesburg

"On arrival at airport, Pioneer guys were there to meet us, transfer to camp was without incident. Arrival and check in were fine, though one room had twin beds because of a red ant infestation, not the end of the world. Dinner was fine. Rooms were spacious but the bed and pillows were terribly old and uncomfortable. Our transfer back to the airport was a huge issue. The bus was late. We were told we would be leaving at 6am. Most of our party was already waiting at reception at 5:45. By 6:30 our transport wasn't there. There was a story about another couple needing to leave for the airport, so they took the bus, and the driver was on the way back. They then brought another car, which we loaded and piled in. This car had no fuel. Our original bus came tearing back into camp and almost ran over the dog! We unpacked the car with no fuel and packed into the bus. The drive to the airport was hair raising to say the least - it's a wonder we didn't have an accident. We did make it to the airport with minutes to spare before check in closed. The story about the other couple was nonsense, they would not have fit in the vehicle with us anyway. This was a phantom couple. The driver was just late. Late was bad enough, but the lying was unacceptable."

"We had an incredible weekend at Nkwali. All the staff were great and did everything they could to make our stay an absolute pleasure.

The biggest and more or less only real complaint was the lack of a canopy on the game vehicle. It's not uncommon to experience temperatures in the upper 30's, in that area. It was unbearably hot and to go on a game drive, twice a day with no shade was unspeakable. We stopped to watch an Impala give birth, which was just incredible, but it meant we were sitting in the searing heat (by 8am it was really hot) for half an hour with no escape from the harsh sun. It definitely put a dampener on the game drives, because by the end, we just wanted to get out of the sun and not stop and take everything in. Equally so in the afternoon. We just wanted to stop under a shady tree.

The rooms were great, very spacious and had everything you needed. All I can say is privacy is a bit of an issue. Fisherman in front of your hut and staff walking behind while you take a shower is a bit disconcerting. And when it rained (much celebrated to cool us down) the water pools under the toilet and is unavoidable when you have to use the loo. It just needs a little drain or something, so the water can flow out.

Everyone was great in setting up our private dining. The phenomenon that a lot of lodges insist on, making you co-dine with other guests and the rangers is really something that needs to be re looked. There is plenty of opportunity to mingle with other guests and staff if you want to, but I certainly don't want to be made to sit with a bunch of strangers and make small talk at meal times. I am there to share qualify time with friends and family and I just hate when the mingling is forced.

We had great game sightings, hyena on a kill with a leopard in the tree above. Impala giving birth, lions, buffalo and loads of ellies. Humphrey the resident hippo was a highlight and entertained us no end. The daily visits of ellies splashing in the water hole by the pool was so special. I would love to return to Nkwali after the rains to experience Luangwa when the river and pans are full and everything is green.

I would definitely recommend this lodge, but at the same time would warn about the no shade game drives!

The food was good. Our breakfast in the bush was a particular highlight. The secret is to keep it simple, but do simple well and the chef managed exactly this.

The pool was such a welcome relief. Pool towels were a bit lacking. Suggestion a lilo or pool pillow would have been great!

I really loved our weekend away! Thank you!"