Travel reviews by Ms C. from Redlands
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
3
Excursions taken
0
Shy animals, still loved it.
Zimbabwe between 10 Apr 2024 and 19 Apr 2024
"I have to admit that the wildlife was not overwhelming--I knew the rainy season would have an effect, but I think we were also just unlucky.
I'm sure in the dry season the Hwange camps in particular, with their waterfalls, would offer outstanding experiences. That said, the landscape was lovely--despite the drought, there had been recent rains in Hwange to green up the plains (and also create standing water) and there were several highlights to remember--the group of sable (an antelope I had never seen), the jackals and dozens of vultures diving into the bushes where the remains of a buffalo lay, then exploding outward as someone took fright--the highly vocal lion cubs yowling and yowling--the staredown between a giraffe and lion. . .
I particularly enjoyed the vast open spaces of Hwange and the frequent sense of being alone in the landscape (i.e. no other vehicles around)."
I'm sure in the dry season the Hwange camps in particular, with their waterfalls, would offer outstanding experiences. That said, the landscape was lovely--despite the drought, there had been recent rains in Hwange to green up the plains (and also create standing water) and there were several highlights to remember--the group of sable (an antelope I had never seen), the jackals and dozens of vultures diving into the bushes where the remains of a buffalo lay, then exploding outward as someone took fright--the highly vocal lion cubs yowling and yowling--the staredown between a giraffe and lion. . .
I particularly enjoyed the vast open spaces of Hwange and the frequent sense of being alone in the landscape (i.e. no other vehicles around)."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Ruckomechi Camp
"Ruckomechi Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
10 Apr 2024
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
Little Makalolo Camp
"Little Makalolo Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
13 Apr 2024
"This is a contender for my favorite camp ever. Small, relaxed, with a true "bush feel"--you can even gaze directly out into the bush while seated on the toilet!
Simple dirt paths leading to your tent enable you to see who has visited overnight (in my case, a hyena and spring hares).
Food was excellent and breakfast around the fire pit in the dark was a delight. Our guide Charles was also exceptional in his skills and personability.
Little Mak perfectly fits the phrase "Everything you need and nothing you don't."
The waterhole was not very busy at this time of year but there was an elephant drinking from the swimming pool when we arrived."
Simple dirt paths leading to your tent enable you to see who has visited overnight (in my case, a hyena and spring hares).
Food was excellent and breakfast around the fire pit in the dark was a delight. Our guide Charles was also exceptional in his skills and personability.
Little Mak perfectly fits the phrase "Everything you need and nothing you don't."
The waterhole was not very busy at this time of year but there was an elephant drinking from the swimming pool when we arrived."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Sightings report
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Sable antelope
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
7 sightings
The Hide
"The Hide review"
3 nights
Arrived
16 Apr 2024
"This is a spectacular camp and perfect for those who feel a bit nervous about animals coming too close--you feel a bit of a buffer.
The waterhole with its resident hippo is a real plus. Staff were truly outstanding both in friendliness and in anticipating your needs.
My only quibble is that the outlets for charging devices were a little hard to reach, at least in my tent--on the other hand, the WiFi in the reception area was excellent.
I also enjoyed the variation of just having a quick coffee and rusk before setting out in the morning, and then the bush breakfast. (The chocolate almond horns were delicious!}"
The waterhole with its resident hippo is a real plus. Staff were truly outstanding both in friendliness and in anticipating your needs.
My only quibble is that the outlets for charging devices were a little hard to reach, at least in my tent--on the other hand, the WiFi in the reception area was excellent.
I also enjoyed the variation of just having a quick coffee and rusk before setting out in the morning, and then the bush breakfast. (The chocolate almond horns were delicious!}"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
3 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
There was a problem with the water heater one day and then the generator powering the pump broke--but both fixed as soon as possible and they brought us buckets of water and a dipper to use to flush the toilet! These things happen!
The game viewing was a little thin--even our guide grew frustrated at the way the elephants seemed to be hiding--but we enjoyed several lion sightings, the rare eland, and of course the Everywhere 3--impala, baboons, and guinea fowl!"