Travel reviews by Nick_H from Herts
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
2
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
9
Excursions taken
0
My Dec 2023 trip
Kenya between 18 Dec 2023 and 5 Jan 2024
"My trip to Kenya (Dec 23 - Jan 24) was amazing and I had an exceptional time. I was delighted from the moment that I made initial contact with Claire Scott - Expert Africa to the conclusion of my trip. The safari was expertly organised and I enjoyed every moment.
Kenya, and the properties that I stayed at, gave me the most wonderful experiences. The people are amazing, friendly, kind and beyond welcoming. The camps exceptional, the scenery simply stunning and the wildlife opportunities breathtaking.
Sadly no Wild Dogs on this trip, but I was so fortunate to see Giza; a lioness carrying her cubs; a leopard with a cub; a bull elephant lying down in front of us and going to sleep; a sighting with 3 leopards and 2 male lions; an African Wild Cat; and so much more .... An amazing trip, with incredible memories. I met so many like minded people, wide-eyed and in awe of what this amazing country has to offer.
I can not thank enough Claire, Expert Africa, Kicheche, Laikipia Wilderness, and everyone who made this trip happen. I am already planning my next trip. Claire, let's talk!"
Kenya, and the properties that I stayed at, gave me the most wonderful experiences. The people are amazing, friendly, kind and beyond welcoming. The camps exceptional, the scenery simply stunning and the wildlife opportunities breathtaking.
Sadly no Wild Dogs on this trip, but I was so fortunate to see Giza; a lioness carrying her cubs; a leopard with a cub; a bull elephant lying down in front of us and going to sleep; a sighting with 3 leopards and 2 male lions; an African Wild Cat; and so much more .... An amazing trip, with incredible memories. I met so many like minded people, wide-eyed and in awe of what this amazing country has to offer.
I can not thank enough Claire, Expert Africa, Kicheche, Laikipia Wilderness, and everyone who made this trip happen. I am already planning my next trip. Claire, let's talk!"
Arranged By Claire Scott
Four Points Nairobi Airport
"Four Points Nairobi Airport review"
1 night
Arrived
18 Dec 2023
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Laikipia Wilderness
"Laikipia Wilderness review"
4 nights
Arrived
19 Dec 2023
"Laikipia Wilderness is a very well run camp in a beautiful area. The sightings were wonderful, including 2 nights out of 4 with Giza, and the standard of guiding exceptional.
The team could not have done more to provide a wonderful stay or experience. The food and hospitality were both of a really high standard. Laikipia Wilderness is in a wonderful setting and the accommodation is sympathetic to the environment and also offers a wonderful position.
Every game drive was immensely enjoyable and the guides, trackers and camp staff are all passionate about the guest experience. A beautiful and exciting location with amazing opportunities."
The team could not have done more to provide a wonderful stay or experience. The food and hospitality were both of a really high standard. Laikipia Wilderness is in a wonderful setting and the accommodation is sympathetic to the environment and also offers a wonderful position.
Every game drive was immensely enjoyable and the guides, trackers and camp staff are all passionate about the guest experience. A beautiful and exciting location with amazing opportunities."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Kicheche Laikipia
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
4 nights
Arrived
23 Dec 2023
"Christmas at Kicheche Laikipia was fantastic, I had a wonderful stay and can not praise the team, the camp or the conservancy highly enough. The location is beautiful, sizable and there are exceptional sighing opportunities, especially for Rhinos.
This was my first time staying at a Kicheche property and their standards are evident. From a wonderful, welcome, to exceptional accommodation, vehicles, guiding and hospitality this and their other properties are superb.
The conservancy is amazing and very beautiful. Rhinos are the main draw, but there are many other amazing opportunities and beautiful scenery. I enjoyed amazing time with the Norther White Rhinos, Black and White Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, Cheetahs, birds, antelope species, etc. The guides are superb and game drives are immensely enjoyable.
Kicheche properties are also fantastically welcoming for solo travelers."
This was my first time staying at a Kicheche property and their standards are evident. From a wonderful, welcome, to exceptional accommodation, vehicles, guiding and hospitality this and their other properties are superb.
The conservancy is amazing and very beautiful. Rhinos are the main draw, but there are many other amazing opportunities and beautiful scenery. I enjoyed amazing time with the Norther White Rhinos, Black and White Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, Cheetahs, birds, antelope species, etc. The guides are superb and game drives are immensely enjoyable.
Kicheche properties are also fantastically welcoming for solo travelers."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Kicheche Valley
"Kicheche Valley review"
4 nights
Arrived
27 Dec 2023
"Kicheche Valley is in a glorious setting within the conservancy.
The conservancy can provide stunning sighting opportunities for sightings and scenery and every drive was expertly guided with enthusiasm. Every game drive was amazing and will live long in my memory. I enjoyed amazing sightings enabled by an expert guide who enjoyed his time in the bush as much as I did.
It can feel that there are too many vehicles at some sightings but the presence of the conservancy vehicle helps to address this. This is by no means on the scale of the issue in some National Parks, but there were a couple of times that we decided to withdraw due to vehicle volume.
Hospitality and the camp accommodation were perfect, the tents beautifully positioned, appointed and comfortable. The food and team were exceptional.
Kicheche properties are also fantastically welcoming for solo travelers."
The conservancy can provide stunning sighting opportunities for sightings and scenery and every drive was expertly guided with enthusiasm. Every game drive was amazing and will live long in my memory. I enjoyed amazing sightings enabled by an expert guide who enjoyed his time in the bush as much as I did.
It can feel that there are too many vehicles at some sightings but the presence of the conservancy vehicle helps to address this. This is by no means on the scale of the issue in some National Parks, but there were a couple of times that we decided to withdraw due to vehicle volume.
Hospitality and the camp accommodation were perfect, the tents beautifully positioned, appointed and comfortable. The food and team were exceptional.
Kicheche properties are also fantastically welcoming for solo travelers."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Kicheche Bush Camp
"Kicheche Bush Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
31 Dec 2023
"Kicheche Bush Camp is located in a conservancy with an enviable reputation for Lion, Leopard and Cheetah sightings and opportunities did not disappoint.
The scenery is wonderful with some spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley.
The standard of the accommodation, guiding, hospitality and food were superb and I was made to feel at home. Every drive was a wonderful experience and expertly guided.
Kicheche properties are very welcoming for solo travelers."
The scenery is wonderful with some spectacular views of the Great Rift Valley.
The standard of the accommodation, guiding, hospitality and food were superb and I was made to feel at home. Every drive was a wonderful experience and expertly guided.
Kicheche properties are very welcoming for solo travelers."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Kafue, end to end
Zambia between 8 Oct 2019 and 20 Oct 2019
"I thoroughly enjoyed my trip. Everyday that I spend in the bush is a wonder and I loved every moment that I was in Kafue. I would not hesitate to recommend my trip: starting in Livingstone and finishing in Lusaka, or vice versa and travelling the length of the park. I would have liked to have stayed longer at each property, but that would have been greedy.
All four lodges offered something very special and I believe that Nanzhila Plains was equal to the other properties that I stayed at. I believe that it would be a worthwhile addition to your portfolio and especially if anyone wants to experience the full extent of the park.
Kafue did not disappoint, it is a true wilderness with an incredible variety of species that is so far removed from some of the artificial game parks. Every sighting is very special as the experience of being there.
I did suffer from Tsetse fly bites, more so in Ntemwa Busanga Camp and KaingU Lodge, but nothing disrupted my enjoyment.
To conclude my trip exceeded my expectation, I loved every moment, from the tours I arranged myself in Johannesburg to the exceptional arrangements that yo made for me. Thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Please keep doing what you are doing. I will recommend you to anyone who will listen and I can not wait to travel with you again."
All four lodges offered something very special and I believe that Nanzhila Plains was equal to the other properties that I stayed at. I believe that it would be a worthwhile addition to your portfolio and especially if anyone wants to experience the full extent of the park.
Kafue did not disappoint, it is a true wilderness with an incredible variety of species that is so far removed from some of the artificial game parks. Every sighting is very special as the experience of being there.
I did suffer from Tsetse fly bites, more so in Ntemwa Busanga Camp and KaingU Lodge, but nothing disrupted my enjoyment.
To conclude my trip exceeded my expectation, I loved every moment, from the tours I arranged myself in Johannesburg to the exceptional arrangements that yo made for me. Thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Please keep doing what you are doing. I will recommend you to anyone who will listen and I can not wait to travel with you again."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Nanzhila Plains (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Nanzhila Plains - Great Safari"
3 nights
Arrived
9 Oct 2019
"Nanzhila Plains is not a lodge usually offered by Expert Africa, however, I was delighted that it was included in my itinerary as it allowed me experience the South of Kafue. The journey by road from Livingstone was interesting and an enjoyable experience.
The hospitality is exceptional, with you hosts effectively welcoming you to their home. The standard of the food, the accommodation and of the services provided were exemplary. There was hot running water in the room provided by a donkey boiler, power and a great view of the watering hole.
The only drawback of Nanzhila Plains is that it is not located on the river or a significant water source, however the standard of the guiding was very high. The lodge was extremely accommodating and organised a full day in bush at short notice. The guide and tracker were so enthusiastic for the opportunity to spend a full day in the bush.
I enjoyed may wonderful sightings at Nanzhila Plains, spending considerable time with a pride of 11 lions including 6 cubs. We saw Sable and Roan antelope on a number on a number of occasions and the bird life was extremely pleasing. Many of my highlights were found at a particular watering hole.
The Landcruiser used was not the most comfortable and the sheer size of Nanzhila Plains means that for most of the time you will be the only vehicle in the concession. This is bot a bonus and a limiting factor. It can be an advantage because your sightings are unlikely to be disturbed, however, without another vehicle or vehicles in communication the concession is enormous.
I would highly recommend a stay at Nanzhila Plains, especially if you arrange a trip covering the length of Kafue National Park. It is also really beneficial that it can be reached from Livingstone by road arriving by lunchtime."
The hospitality is exceptional, with you hosts effectively welcoming you to their home. The standard of the food, the accommodation and of the services provided were exemplary. There was hot running water in the room provided by a donkey boiler, power and a great view of the watering hole.
The only drawback of Nanzhila Plains is that it is not located on the river or a significant water source, however the standard of the guiding was very high. The lodge was extremely accommodating and organised a full day in bush at short notice. The guide and tracker were so enthusiastic for the opportunity to spend a full day in the bush.
I enjoyed may wonderful sightings at Nanzhila Plains, spending considerable time with a pride of 11 lions including 6 cubs. We saw Sable and Roan antelope on a number on a number of occasions and the bird life was extremely pleasing. Many of my highlights were found at a particular watering hole.
The Landcruiser used was not the most comfortable and the sheer size of Nanzhila Plains means that for most of the time you will be the only vehicle in the concession. This is bot a bonus and a limiting factor. It can be an advantage because your sightings are unlikely to be disturbed, however, without another vehicle or vehicles in communication the concession is enormous.
I would highly recommend a stay at Nanzhila Plains, especially if you arrange a trip covering the length of Kafue National Park. It is also really beneficial that it can be reached from Livingstone by road arriving by lunchtime."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Musekese Camp
"Musekese Camp - Amazing"
2 nights
Arrived
12 Oct 2019
"Musekese Camp has been described as Eden and it is impossible to disagree. The location on the edge of a dambo close to the Kafue river is nothing short of stunning and it probably offers a higher density of animals than the other lodges that I encountered in the Kafue.
I was fortunate to be guided by Gareth for all of my activities bar one and he continued to guide me when I moved on to my next location Ntemwa Busanga Camp which is also operated by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris. Gareth was an exceptional guide, whose knowledge and enthusiasm was limitless. I was also guided by one of the owners, Phil Jeffery, for a great drive.
The flexibility offered by Musekese Camp is fantastic, simply there is no compromise, you can go out on a game drive, a bush walk, or on to the river. The vehicles and boats are superb as are the tents which have bucket showers but power is limited to lighting. Cameras are charged at a central location, so take a spare battery or two and it's not an issue. The food and hosting are of an extremely high standard.
The wildlife in the dambo is spectacular with a resident pride of lion and a high likelihood of leopard sightings. In one incredible drive we found ourselves watching a leopard climb a tree with a pride of lions about 100 metres away. The animals were generally relaxed and there were some fantastic photographic opportunities with the leopard in the tree gangling as on a leopard can. The lions were very photogenic and it was interesting to spend time with 'tripod' seeing how he has adapted to his injury.
The availability of water in the dambo ensures that there are plenty of birds, antelope and elephants present which in turn attracts the predators. Lions calling in the dambo at night close to the camp is an overriding memory.
The opportunity to explore the banks of the Kafue river should not be missed. I was fortunate to many wonderful bird species including fin-foots, kingfishers, daters, etc and crocodiles, hippos and elephants. Sunset over the river is very special.
Musekese Camp is very special and very popular. The conservation work that they undertake is really important and I encourage an guest to engage any of the team about the topic when they stay there. The passion is boundless. I would not hesitate to recommend Musekese Camp to anyone wishing to experience Kafue."
I was fortunate to be guided by Gareth for all of my activities bar one and he continued to guide me when I moved on to my next location Ntemwa Busanga Camp which is also operated by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris. Gareth was an exceptional guide, whose knowledge and enthusiasm was limitless. I was also guided by one of the owners, Phil Jeffery, for a great drive.
The flexibility offered by Musekese Camp is fantastic, simply there is no compromise, you can go out on a game drive, a bush walk, or on to the river. The vehicles and boats are superb as are the tents which have bucket showers but power is limited to lighting. Cameras are charged at a central location, so take a spare battery or two and it's not an issue. The food and hosting are of an extremely high standard.
The wildlife in the dambo is spectacular with a resident pride of lion and a high likelihood of leopard sightings. In one incredible drive we found ourselves watching a leopard climb a tree with a pride of lions about 100 metres away. The animals were generally relaxed and there were some fantastic photographic opportunities with the leopard in the tree gangling as on a leopard can. The lions were very photogenic and it was interesting to spend time with 'tripod' seeing how he has adapted to his injury.
The availability of water in the dambo ensures that there are plenty of birds, antelope and elephants present which in turn attracts the predators. Lions calling in the dambo at night close to the camp is an overriding memory.
The opportunity to explore the banks of the Kafue river should not be missed. I was fortunate to many wonderful bird species including fin-foots, kingfishers, daters, etc and crocodiles, hippos and elephants. Sunset over the river is very special.
Musekese Camp is very special and very popular. The conservation work that they undertake is really important and I encourage an guest to engage any of the team about the topic when they stay there. The passion is boundless. I would not hesitate to recommend Musekese Camp to anyone wishing to experience Kafue."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Ntemwa Busanga Camp
"Ntemwa Busanga Camp - Great Safari"
3 nights
Arrived
14 Oct 2019
"Ntemwa Busanga Camp is operated by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris, the operator of Musekese Camp. The lodge is in tented accommodation on the edge of the Busanga Plain. You are greeted by the breathtaking vista of the plain opening up in front of you when you arrive in the lodge.
My guide Gareth travelled with me from Musekese Camp and was exceptional. His knowledge and enthusiasm were boundless and he was also great company. Ntemwa Busanga Camp is more basic than Musekese, however, it is not detrimental. There is power in the bar area to charge batteries and bucket showers and lighting in the tents. The food was of a very good standard and the hospitality excellent.
The full day activity was the highlight as it provided the opportunity to venture far on to the plains where we encountered large herds of antelope including Sable, Roan, Puku and Red Lechwe. The bird life at the water holes was incredible and a particular highlight was spending time with a Secretary Bird. It was incredible to watch a herd of elephants cross the plain.
The Tsetse flies were aggressive around the edge of the woodland, but non-existent on the plain.
The Hippo pool was an exceptional experience and I was thrilled by the photographs that I was able to take. I was an incredible experience to be on foot so close to these amazing animals.
I would not hesitate to recommend a visit to Ntemwa Busanga Camp and I would suggest that it is included with a stay at Musekese camp."
My guide Gareth travelled with me from Musekese Camp and was exceptional. His knowledge and enthusiasm were boundless and he was also great company. Ntemwa Busanga Camp is more basic than Musekese, however, it is not detrimental. There is power in the bar area to charge batteries and bucket showers and lighting in the tents. The food was of a very good standard and the hospitality excellent.
The full day activity was the highlight as it provided the opportunity to venture far on to the plains where we encountered large herds of antelope including Sable, Roan, Puku and Red Lechwe. The bird life at the water holes was incredible and a particular highlight was spending time with a Secretary Bird. It was incredible to watch a herd of elephants cross the plain.
The Tsetse flies were aggressive around the edge of the woodland, but non-existent on the plain.
The Hippo pool was an exceptional experience and I was thrilled by the photographs that I was able to take. I was an incredible experience to be on foot so close to these amazing animals.
I would not hesitate to recommend a visit to Ntemwa Busanga Camp and I would suggest that it is included with a stay at Musekese camp."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
KaingU Lodge
"KaingU Lodge - Exceptional Experience"
3 nights
Arrived
17 Oct 2019
"KaingU lodge is located on the banks of the Kafue river in the Game Management Area, however, it is a short boat ride to the park and the vehicles. The location on the banks of the river is stunning and it is not to the detriment of the lodge to in the GMA.
My guide, John D, was extraordinary. He has a knowledge that is second to none and appears to have an instinct for finding things. John was able to traverse the park off road moving from one pride of lions to another, finding 12 different lions at 3 different sightings in one morning. An afternoon on the river with John was another great experience where we were able to find and photograph many incredible species including Fin-foot.
Gil was kind enough to take me out at night to help me take photographs of the Milky-way. It was an incredible experience standing on an island in the middle of the Kafue river in the pitch black taking sensational photographs of the stars thanks to Gils's teaching and great company.
I found that the Tsetse flies were keen to bite me at KaingU, however, this was offset by sheer enjoyment of every moment. The lodge was exceptional as was the food and hosting. One incredible dinner was taken in the bush besides the rapids. The rooms have hot water and lighting and charging is available at a central location.
I thoroughly enjoyed KaingU and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone, amazing! Lusaka is also accessible by road."
My guide, John D, was extraordinary. He has a knowledge that is second to none and appears to have an instinct for finding things. John was able to traverse the park off road moving from one pride of lions to another, finding 12 different lions at 3 different sightings in one morning. An afternoon on the river with John was another great experience where we were able to find and photograph many incredible species including Fin-foot.
Gil was kind enough to take me out at night to help me take photographs of the Milky-way. It was an incredible experience standing on an island in the middle of the Kafue river in the pitch black taking sensational photographs of the stars thanks to Gils's teaching and great company.
I found that the Tsetse flies were keen to bite me at KaingU, however, this was offset by sheer enjoyment of every moment. The lodge was exceptional as was the food and hosting. One incredible dinner was taken in the bush besides the rapids. The rooms have hot water and lighting and charging is available at a central location.
I thoroughly enjoyed KaingU and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone, amazing! Lusaka is also accessible by road."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Due to international flight schedules the restaurant was closed when I checked in but breakfast was excellent. Th staff were all very friendly and helpful and the Four Points was an excellent overnight starting point for my trip to Kenya."