Travel reviews by Mr SM from NW London

"We thoughly enjoyed our stay at Kapani - the staff and service could not have more friendly, and the whole place has a very welcoming feel. The food was excellent and the whole team worked hard to provide a customised service. The guiding was excellent, with some specacular sightings - including a pair of courting leopards.

The daily game viewing was very much influenced by the guests needs and interests. April was also an excellent time to go, as the light was excellent for photography and the seasonal roads were back in use, providing a wide area.

Other highlights were a cruise on the luangwa and meeting Robert - the semi-tame warthog. The only downside was the occasional noisy night guests - hippos munching loudly on grass and hyenas laughing outside the chalet in the very early hours!"

"After Kapani, Mfuwe had a more formal and regulated feel to the place - although the accomodation with lagoon views was excellent.

The game viewing was excellent - with a couple of great lion sightings on the night drives. Being inside the park, we were able to stay out longer, and it was on the extended night drives that we saw the lion. Again, the guiding could not be faulted and the drives were tailored to our interests.

The lodge did feel a bit regimented, particularly at mealtimes, and felt a bit like a canteen rather than an intimate lodge. Having said that, the food was very good."

"The Zambezi Sun is an excellent location with great access to the Falls allowing guests to visit as often as they wish without having to pay park fees, so we were able to visit at various times of the day.

The rooms were very comfortable and the staff at the hotel very fiendly and the resident giraffe and zebra added a nice touch. The hotel is also home to a young albino vervet monkey - worth looking out for. the only negative on the hotel was a lack of an al a carte menu - the evening buffet menu being rather pricey if you ony want a standard meal. However, Squires restaurant on the site did offer an alternative which was very good food at a good price.

It might also be nice if the hotel promoted trips into Livingston a bit more, to help encourage vistors to see some of the real Zambia."

"The hotel is a very high standard - although as a business hotel, a bit more formal than the others on the trip, but that did not affect the welcome and service we recieved. The lobby staff and bar staff were very helpful and friendly and the food was excellent - particulalry the Friday night curry night.

While Lusaka is not a typical tourist destnation, it is well worth a visit for anyone who want's to experience the real Zambia and we felt extremely comfortable walk around - both in the city centre and in some of the surrounding areas near the hotel."