Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs S from UK
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
5
Countries visited
4
Lodges stayed in
30
Excursions taken
0
Our Sep 2023 trip
Zambia and 2 other countries between 11 Sep 2023 and 1 Oct 2023
"A fabulous trip featuring some really excellent camps and wonderful wildlife opportunities.
We were delighted to have Lucy Copson's help again in planning this trip.
She is absolutely fantastic in listening to our requirements and attending to detail.
Could not recommend her more highly."
We were delighted to have Lucy Copson's help again in planning this trip.
She is absolutely fantastic in listening to our requirements and attending to detail.
Could not recommend her more highly."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Potato Bush Camp
"Potato Bush Camp review"
4 nights
Arrived
17 Sep 2023
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wild dog
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Kaingo Camp
"Love Kaingo Camp"
5 nights
Arrived
21 Sep 2023
"This has long been a favourite camp with us. The camp staff are exceptionally helpful.
The food is delicious, varied and imaginative and Catherine was very attentive to dietary requirements.
Our guide, Yoram, has been a Shenton Safaris guide for many years and his ability to sense when a predator was close but hidden from view initially was phenomenal. Great detective work paid dividends, particularly for Wild Dogs, Leopards and Lions.
Watching the behaviour of mother Leopards and their sub-adult cubs was fascinating especially when a mother and daughter fought over an Impala carcass in a tree, whilst Spotted Hyenas circled below.
There were good photographic opportunities with the MK and Hollywood Lion prides who successfully took down male Buffalos."
The food is delicious, varied and imaginative and Catherine was very attentive to dietary requirements.
Our guide, Yoram, has been a Shenton Safaris guide for many years and his ability to sense when a predator was close but hidden from view initially was phenomenal. Great detective work paid dividends, particularly for Wild Dogs, Leopards and Lions.
Watching the behaviour of mother Leopards and their sub-adult cubs was fascinating especially when a mother and daughter fought over an Impala carcass in a tree, whilst Spotted Hyenas circled below.
There were good photographic opportunities with the MK and Hollywood Lion prides who successfully took down male Buffalos."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
10+ sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wild dog
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Mwamba Bushcamp
"Mwamba Bushcamp review"
3 nights
Arrived
26 Sep 2023
"Mwamba remains dear to our hearts. It is best towards the end of the dry season when animals particularly appreciate the waterhole as an alternative to the main river. The hide allows for eye level photography as animal come in to drink.
As Zambia had had good rains this year, it was not quite as productive as in previous years but still well worth visiting. Love the drums calling us to meals.
We enjoyed the bird life as the migrants started to arrive, particularly the Southern Carmine Bee-eaters nesting.
Treated to another Wild Dog sighting on our last day, just yards from camp."
As Zambia had had good rains this year, it was not quite as productive as in previous years but still well worth visiting. Love the drums calling us to meals.
We enjoyed the bird life as the migrants started to arrive, particularly the Southern Carmine Bee-eaters nesting.
Treated to another Wild Dog sighting on our last day, just yards from camp."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
7 sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
8 sightings
Wild dog
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Latitude 15
"Latitude 15 review"
1 night
Arrived
29 Sep 2023
"A convenient base in Lusaka before taking international flights the next day."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
My Sep 2022 trip
Zambia between 16 Sep 2022 and 6 Oct 2022
"Our trip to Zambia was absolutely amazing in every way.
It was lovely to enjoy a break away, knowing that we were bringing much needed income back into the parts of the country where families are reliant on tourism.
The camp staff were all so welcoming and the wildlife sightings were exceptional.
We would thoroughly recommend Zambia as a destination for first time safari-goers as well as old hands. Just GO!
Lucy did the most incredible job to put together our itinerary and to adapt it as necessary due to the Covid postponements.
Thank you so much."
It was lovely to enjoy a break away, knowing that we were bringing much needed income back into the parts of the country where families are reliant on tourism.
The camp staff were all so welcoming and the wildlife sightings were exceptional.
We would thoroughly recommend Zambia as a destination for first time safari-goers as well as old hands. Just GO!
Lucy did the most incredible job to put together our itinerary and to adapt it as necessary due to the Covid postponements.
Thank you so much."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Avani Victoria Falls
"Just 5 minutes from the Vic Falls"
1 night
Arrived
16 Sep 2022
"Great location for visiting the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, as we did in the late afternoon and early the next morning.
Personally we prefer the views from the Zimbabwean side, but we did not have sufficient time to visit both sides this time.
We were impressed that on arrival the chef and manager were called to discuss food intolerances in relation to dinner."
Personally we prefer the views from the Zimbabwean side, but we did not have sufficient time to visit both sides this time.
We were impressed that on arrival the chef and manager were called to discuss food intolerances in relation to dinner."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Zebra
1 sighting
Kutali Camp
"Classic bush camp feel"
3 nights
Arrived
17 Sep 2022
"Kutali Camp was great. The guiding was first rate (thank you Adam, Spencer and Richmond). We really felt the guides took our understanding of animal behaviour to a new level.
The canoe trip was quite an adventure as we had to negotiate our way past Elephants, Crocodiles and Hippos. We saw Elephants crossing the channels linked to the main river. The Wild Dog sightings were a real highlight. We had not stayed in this camp before, but would heartily recommend it.
It is getting increasingly difficult to find proper bush camps, but Classic Zambia has recognised that many wildlife enthusiasts like us still like bucket showers and don't need fancy facilities."
The canoe trip was quite an adventure as we had to negotiate our way past Elephants, Crocodiles and Hippos. We saw Elephants crossing the channels linked to the main river. The Wild Dog sightings were a real highlight. We had not stayed in this camp before, but would heartily recommend it.
It is getting increasingly difficult to find proper bush camps, but Classic Zambia has recognised that many wildlife enthusiasts like us still like bucket showers and don't need fancy facilities."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
5 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Wild dog
3 sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
"45 Wild Dogs including puppies"
4 nights
Arrived
20 Sep 2022
"This was our third visit to Old Mondoro. The camp has a great location overlooking the Zambezi river and the wildlife sightings were tremendous, especially the Wild Dogs and their puppies (pack numbered 45 in total!).
Mark did a great job of driving us especially when the action was fast-moving. We were astonished to find 5 different Leopards (two were youngsters) in one area, challenging the conventional wisdom that these are solitary predators. It was also thrilling to locate an Aardvark (a first for us).
The camp had been upgraded since our previous visit. As photographers we appreciated the extra space for camera equipment, but the camp has lost some of its true bush camp feel.
The food was delicious and varied."
Mark did a great job of driving us especially when the action was fast-moving. We were astonished to find 5 different Leopards (two were youngsters) in one area, challenging the conventional wisdom that these are solitary predators. It was also thrilling to locate an Aardvark (a first for us).
The camp had been upgraded since our previous visit. As photographers we appreciated the extra space for camera equipment, but the camp has lost some of its true bush camp feel.
The food was delicious and varied."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Aardvark
1 sighting
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
10+ sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Wild dog
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Tafika
"Lovely location beside the Luangwa River"
2 nights
Arrived
24 Sep 2022
"It takes about an hour and a half along a bumpy road to reach Tafika from the airstrip but a warm welcome awaited us at the camp. The views from the camp over the Luangwa River are tremendous.
One night there was quite a commotion as two male Lions sought to devour a dead Hippo whilst surrounded by Crocs. The camp now has a Carmine Bee-eater hide which was rewarding as these migrant birds had arrived for nesting in the river bank.
A new hide has been created since we last visited and from there we were able to get eye-level views of a herd of Buffalo drinking. The highlight for us was following a female Leopard as she went to quench her thirst. Although she was not really in hunting mode, she was clearly using the vehicle to mask the sound of her footsteps.
Our guide Lloyd has great experience in guiding and has been at the camp for many years. He also found us Wild Dogs."
One night there was quite a commotion as two male Lions sought to devour a dead Hippo whilst surrounded by Crocs. The camp now has a Carmine Bee-eater hide which was rewarding as these migrant birds had arrived for nesting in the river bank.
A new hide has been created since we last visited and from there we were able to get eye-level views of a herd of Buffalo drinking. The highlight for us was following a female Leopard as she went to quench her thirst. Although she was not really in hunting mode, she was clearly using the vehicle to mask the sound of her footsteps.
Our guide Lloyd has great experience in guiding and has been at the camp for many years. He also found us Wild Dogs."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wild dog
5 sightings
Zebra
7 sightings
Big Lagoon Camp
"Python seen on foot"
1 night
Arrived
26 Sep 2022
"We had a very enjoyable walk through the bush from Tafika to Big Lagoon Camp and back again the next day.
Tafika used to have two bush camps - Crocodile and Chikoko but has now transferred the Crocodile Camp to the nearby Big Lagoon. As the name suggests, it has a great view of a waterhole which is frequented by birds and animals.
The highlight for us was discovering a Rock Python which had just eaten an Impala. Tree Squirrels raised the alarm and with a bit of detective work our guide Amon and scout Titus were able to discover the cause.
The camp is simple but very comfortable. The staff were delightfully friendly."
Tafika used to have two bush camps - Crocodile and Chikoko but has now transferred the Crocodile Camp to the nearby Big Lagoon. As the name suggests, it has a great view of a waterhole which is frequented by birds and animals.
The highlight for us was discovering a Rock Python which had just eaten an Impala. Tree Squirrels raised the alarm and with a bit of detective work our guide Amon and scout Titus were able to discover the cause.
The camp is simple but very comfortable. The staff were delightfully friendly."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Buffalo
8 sightings
Elephant
7 sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
Kaingo Camp
"Fabulous Kaingo Camp"
4 nights
Arrived
27 Sep 2022
"This was our third visit to Kaingo and hopefully it won't be the last. We love this camp.
The wildlife sightings were superb, particularly those featuring Kuita and Chipazuba - two Leopard mothers with two cubs each. We also saw the Hollywood pride lionesses climbing a tree for a better vantage point.
The Southern Carmine Bee-eaters were present in huge numbers and we found it satisfying to photograph from the floating hide opposite their nesting sites in the river bank. The food masterminded by Catherine is fantastic.
Our guide for 8 days (including Mwamba) was Phil who was excellent at predicting where the wildlife could be found. Many thanks too to Mishek who enabled us to explore areas off the road."
The wildlife sightings were superb, particularly those featuring Kuita and Chipazuba - two Leopard mothers with two cubs each. We also saw the Hollywood pride lionesses climbing a tree for a better vantage point.
The Southern Carmine Bee-eaters were present in huge numbers and we found it satisfying to photograph from the floating hide opposite their nesting sites in the river bank. The food masterminded by Catherine is fantastic.
Our guide for 8 days (including Mwamba) was Phil who was excellent at predicting where the wildlife could be found. Many thanks too to Mishek who enabled us to explore areas off the road."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
10+ sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
7 sightings
Mwamba Bushcamp
"Love this bush camp"
4 nights
Arrived
1 Oct 2022
"We love Mwamba. It is everything that a bush camp should be. Our four nights here were full of interest.
On the first night a male Leopard had stashed a Baboon kill in the tree opposite our chalet and the Hyenas were keen to share in the meal. The hide at the camp's waterhole was a great place to observe Red-billed Queleas, Blue Waxbills and Red-billed Firefinches hastily drinking before the resident Crocodile could snatch one of them.
We also witnessed Lions, a Leopard, Elephants and Impala coming to quench their thirst. Later the Lions killed a lone Elephant calf (the mother was nowhere to be seen for some reason). The Lions retained possession of the kill despite the Hyenas' presence. The Vultures had to be very patient for their turn.
Eventually the young male from the MK pride was chased away by two of the Hollywood pride males who had heard roaring and came to see off the upstart."
On the first night a male Leopard had stashed a Baboon kill in the tree opposite our chalet and the Hyenas were keen to share in the meal. The hide at the camp's waterhole was a great place to observe Red-billed Queleas, Blue Waxbills and Red-billed Firefinches hastily drinking before the resident Crocodile could snatch one of them.
We also witnessed Lions, a Leopard, Elephants and Impala coming to quench their thirst. Later the Lions killed a lone Elephant calf (the mother was nowhere to be seen for some reason). The Lions retained possession of the kill despite the Hyenas' presence. The Vultures had to be very patient for their turn.
Eventually the young male from the MK pride was chased away by two of the Hollywood pride males who had heard roaring and came to see off the upstart."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
7 sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Mwamba Camp-out
"Mwamba Camp-out review"
1 night
Arrived
3 Oct 2022
"Although we were due to stay at Numbu Star for a one night camp-out to watch the stars and listen to the bush, we did not do this because there was so much excitement with the Lions, Hyenas and Leopard at Mwamba Bushcamp and we didn't want to miss part of that action!"
Excellent
Latitude 15
"Latitude 15 review"
1 night
Arrived
5 Oct 2022
"This was a convenient place to stay in Lusaka after our flight in from Mfuwe and before our flight out to Jo'burg."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
My Aug 2022 trip
Botswana between 27 Aug 2022 and 16 Sep 2022
"We loved every minute of our trip. Just go!
The trip was postponed during the pandemic and Lucy worked tirelessly to make every aspect of it perfect at every stage."
The trip was postponed during the pandemic and Lucy worked tirelessly to make every aspect of it perfect at every stage."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Botswana Private Mobile Safari
"Botswana Private Mobile Safari - Savuti Marsh"
4 nights
Arrived
28 Aug 2022
"The camp was erected just for us! The tents, which have ensuite facilities, are simple but very comfortable.
There was plenty of water at the perfect temperature from the bucket shower. The camp team looked after us well and produced amazing food from an extraordinarily simple kitchen.
The Savuti Marsh area was very scenic with rocky hills, yellow flowering acacias and pink kalahari apple leaf trees.
We were fortunate to come across a male Leopard, who started hunting Impala before dark. We also saw a pride of lions on a Wildebeest kill at at waterhole. Their presence made for some interesting interaction with Elephants as most of the herd were too nervous to come forward to drink.
We had sightings of Wild Cat, Eland, Greater Kudu, Tsessebe, Steenbok, Honey Badger, Yellow Mongoose and Rock Monitor.
Andrew was a great guide and helped us to find very young Lion cubs too."
There was plenty of water at the perfect temperature from the bucket shower. The camp team looked after us well and produced amazing food from an extraordinarily simple kitchen.
The Savuti Marsh area was very scenic with rocky hills, yellow flowering acacias and pink kalahari apple leaf trees.
We were fortunate to come across a male Leopard, who started hunting Impala before dark. We also saw a pride of lions on a Wildebeest kill at at waterhole. Their presence made for some interesting interaction with Elephants as most of the herd were too nervous to come forward to drink.
We had sightings of Wild Cat, Eland, Greater Kudu, Tsessebe, Steenbok, Honey Badger, Yellow Mongoose and Rock Monitor.
Andrew was a great guide and helped us to find very young Lion cubs too."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Many sightings
Spotted Hyena
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Lagoon Camp
"Wild Dogs at Lagoon Camp"
3 nights
Arrived
1 Sep 2022
"The Kwando reserve is renowned for its Wild Dogs and we had booked this and its sister Lebala Camp to maximise our chances of seeing these amazing and endangered predators.
To our astonishment a pack of 8 showed up on our very first afternoon. We were privileged to watch their ritual greeting before they set off on a hunt. We spent our next few days tracking their whereabouts and this was a great thrill. There was plenty of other predator action too.
The Red Lechwe were spectacular when they leapt across the shallow water areas to escape the Lions of the Holly Pride. We saw Leopard too. Our more unusual sightings included Aardwolf, Wild Cat, Eland, Sable Antelope and Honey Badger.
The lodge has very spacious bedrooms overlooking the Kwando River. One afternoon a mother and baby Elephant passed right in front of our front window. We recommend the double deck boat trip in the evening to pass Hippos and Elephants as well as Carmine Bee-eaters.
Great guiding from KB and his tracker Vincent."
To our astonishment a pack of 8 showed up on our very first afternoon. We were privileged to watch their ritual greeting before they set off on a hunt. We spent our next few days tracking their whereabouts and this was a great thrill. There was plenty of other predator action too.
The Red Lechwe were spectacular when they leapt across the shallow water areas to escape the Lions of the Holly Pride. We saw Leopard too. Our more unusual sightings included Aardwolf, Wild Cat, Eland, Sable Antelope and Honey Badger.
The lodge has very spacious bedrooms overlooking the Kwando River. One afternoon a mother and baby Elephant passed right in front of our front window. We recommend the double deck boat trip in the evening to pass Hippos and Elephants as well as Carmine Bee-eaters.
Great guiding from KB and his tracker Vincent."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Many sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Lebala Camp
"Lebala Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
4 Sep 2022
"Another Kwando camp which we much enjoyed.
Great game viewing with Myaesi as our guide and Kaiser as our tracker. Our first evening was spent at a Spotted Hyena den.
The next day was spent locating two of the Lion prides, notably following a famed huntress named Striker. We were delighted to see part of the Golden Boys coalition of Lions in lovely early morning light.
Elephants were present in large numbers and we spent quite a bit of time watching their antics on the water's edge.
Less common species we were fortunate to see included Bat-eared Fox, Roan and Sable Antelope and Wild Cat."
Great game viewing with Myaesi as our guide and Kaiser as our tracker. Our first evening was spent at a Spotted Hyena den.
The next day was spent locating two of the Lion prides, notably following a famed huntress named Striker. We were delighted to see part of the Golden Boys coalition of Lions in lovely early morning light.
Elephants were present in large numbers and we spent quite a bit of time watching their antics on the water's edge.
Less common species we were fortunate to see included Bat-eared Fox, Roan and Sable Antelope and Wild Cat."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Lion
Many sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
Many sightings
Spotted Hyena
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Selinda Explorers Camp
"Selinda Explorers Camp on the Spillway"
3 nights
Arrived
7 Sep 2022
"Not as luxurious as Selinda Camp has now become, but nonetheless really good.
The atmosphere at Selinda Explorers was delightful and we appreciated the camp’s friendly staff. Lovely position on the scenic Selinda Spillway.
One morning on our drive out we were treated to Spotted Hyena frolicking in the water, bathed in orange light. We also saw a male Cheetah a male Leopard and four of a coalition of male Lions. Parks was a great guide and we were able to watch Lionesses hunting too. After dark we were very fortunate to see a pack of Wild Dogs on a kill, with puppies present.
It would be remiss not to comment on the delicious lunches prepared for us by Chef Mike. He and Chantal were very attentive to dietary requirements."
The atmosphere at Selinda Explorers was delightful and we appreciated the camp’s friendly staff. Lovely position on the scenic Selinda Spillway.
One morning on our drive out we were treated to Spotted Hyena frolicking in the water, bathed in orange light. We also saw a male Cheetah a male Leopard and four of a coalition of male Lions. Parks was a great guide and we were able to watch Lionesses hunting too. After dark we were very fortunate to see a pack of Wild Dogs on a kill, with puppies present.
It would be remiss not to comment on the delicious lunches prepared for us by Chef Mike. He and Chantal were very attentive to dietary requirements."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
Many sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
Many sightings
Wild dog
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Chitabe Camp
"Fabulous sightings at Chitabe Camp "
3 nights
Arrived
10 Sep 2022
"We had a ball here! Wildlife encounters were prolific and very close to camp.
A bigger and more luxurious camp than we might normally favour, but definitely one to put on your list. The staff members were very attentive under the guidance of camp manager Masedi.
Lesh was our excellent guide. The Leopard sightings here were exceptional - a male on a kill, a female hiding in a Sausage Tree poised to pounce on some unsuspecting Greater Kudu, and Leopards mating.
There was other cat action including a male Lion chasing an intruder out of his territory, a Cheetah making a successful kill to feed her young cubs and a Wild Cat pouncing on a mouse."
A bigger and more luxurious camp than we might normally favour, but definitely one to put on your list. The staff members were very attentive under the guidance of camp manager Masedi.
Lesh was our excellent guide. The Leopard sightings here were exceptional - a male on a kill, a female hiding in a Sausage Tree poised to pounce on some unsuspecting Greater Kudu, and Leopards mating.
There was other cat action including a male Lion chasing an intruder out of his territory, a Cheetah making a successful kill to feed her young cubs and a Wild Cat pouncing on a mouse."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
Many sightings
Cheetah
Many sightings
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Leopard
Many sightings
Lion
Many sightings
Roan antelope
Many sightings
Sable antelope
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Little Vumbura
"Little Vumbura review"
3 nights
Arrived
13 Sep 2022
"This camp has changed visibly since our previous visit. Many trees have fallen across the camp and it has lost some of its feeling of intimacy.
That said, it has some very loyal staff who have remained for many years and we were well looked after by them. Not a camp known for its game drives, but our guide Sam worked tirelessly to find sightings of interest.
On one day we stayed out all day and followed a Lion pursuing a Lioness who clearly did not want anything to do with him! Poor girl was hungry and just wanted to be free to hunt. On another occasion we saw a male Lion dragging a full sized Buffalo which he and his brother had brought down a short while before.
The mokoro trip on the water was a little bit underwhelming and we suggest that the polers are given a bit more guidance on how to present life in the delta to their visitors."
That said, it has some very loyal staff who have remained for many years and we were well looked after by them. Not a camp known for its game drives, but our guide Sam worked tirelessly to find sightings of interest.
On one day we stayed out all day and followed a Lion pursuing a Lioness who clearly did not want anything to do with him! Poor girl was hungry and just wanted to be free to hunt. On another occasion we saw a male Lion dragging a full sized Buffalo which he and his brother had brought down a short while before.
The mokoro trip on the water was a little bit underwhelming and we suggest that the polers are given a bit more guidance on how to present life in the delta to their visitors."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
Many sightings
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Lion
Many sightings
Sable antelope
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Still plenty of unspoilt parts of Kenya
Kenya between 22 Jan 2014 and 2 Feb 2014
"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and it was really illuminating to find that the game viewing in the conservancies is even better than in the parks/reserves. With the right guide, wonderful sightings can be had away from the crowds that are associated with some of the main parks. Given the places we specified we wanted to go to, we do not think you could have chosen better camps for us and you did well to recommend adding Lewa to our itinerary.
We went on from our trip with Expert Africa to join a photographic trip in two of the conservancies north of the Maasai Mara, staying at Kicheche Mara and Bush camps. The sightings here were superb and we highly recommend these camps/conservancies too.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep up the good work! Every trip Expert Africa has planned for us has been superb and we are very grateful.
The client feedback on your website and your staff's knowledge of the camps also really helps us to make the right choices time after time."
We went on from our trip with Expert Africa to join a photographic trip in two of the conservancies north of the Maasai Mara, staying at Kicheche Mara and Bush camps. The sightings here were superb and we highly recommend these camps/conservancies too.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep up the good work! Every trip Expert Africa has planned for us has been superb and we are very grateful.
The client feedback on your website and your staff's knowledge of the camps also really helps us to make the right choices time after time."
Ole-Sereni
"Ole-Sereni location is great"
1 night
Arrived
23 Jan 2014
"Ole-Sereni is very well positioned for accessing the airport as you can take a back road to avoid the terrible Nairobi traffic. It was lovely to have a great buffet breakfast overlooking Nairobi National Park.
The two downsides for us were the hard beds (a travel agent we met says she asks for her guests to be given extra padding!) and the fact that we were given a room directly above the entrance and there was considerable noise from vehicles/people arriving and departing throughout the night."
The two downsides for us were the hard beds (a travel agent we met says she asks for her guests to be given extra padding!) and the fact that we were given a room directly above the entrance and there was considerable noise from vehicles/people arriving and departing throughout the night."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Excellent
Offbeat Meru, Kenya (this camp has since closed)
"Offbeat Meru was delightful"
3 nights
Arrived
24 Jan 2014
"We had not been to Meru since the early 1990s when the ravages of poaching were still very evident. It remains a wonderfully scenic park and we were delighted to find that the game has substantially returned.
This park's strength is that it is still off most tourists' paths. All our game drives were good for mammals and even better if you enjoy your birds. Offbeat Meru has just the atmosphere we love on safari - enthusiastic hosts, nice size, good accommodation but not ridiculously luxurious, enjoyable conversation over the dining table, delicious food and great guiding (Dominic)."
This park's strength is that it is still off most tourists' paths. All our game drives were good for mammals and even better if you enjoy your birds. Offbeat Meru has just the atmosphere we love on safari - enthusiastic hosts, nice size, good accommodation but not ridiculously luxurious, enjoyable conversation over the dining table, delicious food and great guiding (Dominic)."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Elephant Bedroom
"Great location"
3 nights
Arrived
27 Jan 2014
"We have been to Samburu twice before and enjoyed it again although the Park has become much busier. Our guide Julius has been with this camp since it opened some eight years ago. With his experience and patience, he was able to initiate memorable lion cub and leopard sightings away from other vehicles.
Elephant Bedroom Camp is brilliantly located for the game and has a superb location on the river for watching elephants crossing and was probably the best option in the Park for us, although with its large number of tents all close together and its 'lodge' feel, it is not our preferred style. We had the far end tent which was great as it was open to the bush on one side."
Elephant Bedroom Camp is brilliantly located for the game and has a superb location on the river for watching elephants crossing and was probably the best option in the Park for us, although with its large number of tents all close together and its 'lodge' feel, it is not our preferred style. We had the far end tent which was great as it was open to the bush on one side."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Lewa Wilderness
"Lewa Wilderness was fantastic"
3 nights
Arrived
30 Jan 2014
"Of the three places we stayed in on this trip to northern and central parts of Kenya, arguably this was our all round favourite. The atmosphere at Lewa Wilderness Trails is very different and more like a house party - the owners and staff are so hospitable and the food is amazing. We stayed in the newest cottage which was delightful.
We were so impressed with the success of conservation in this conservancy and it is surely a marvellous model for others. Simon was our guide and his patience particularly with the black rhino and cheetah really gave us an insight into these two species. The scenery, with its backdrop of Mt Kenya really adds to this location from a photography viewpoint.
We only did game drives and a bird walk around camp (highly recommended) but there were a large range of activities on offer which other guests enjoyed."
We were so impressed with the success of conservation in this conservancy and it is surely a marvellous model for others. Simon was our guide and his patience particularly with the black rhino and cheetah really gave us an insight into these two species. The scenery, with its backdrop of Mt Kenya really adds to this location from a photography viewpoint.
We only did game drives and a bird walk around camp (highly recommended) but there were a large range of activities on offer which other guests enjoyed."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Another excellent trip
Zambia between 24 Sep 2010 and 14 Oct 2010
"Our fourth trip with you and another magnificent holiday in a different country - we're very impressed you can provide consistent excellence over a range of varying trips and destinations. Lucy gave us very good advice on both the camp selection and the balance of the trip (gently refuting a couple of our ideas - you were right!)
Our very positive impression of the company was further enhanced when Ellie came up and introduced herself at Lusaka airport having by chance spotted the luggage labels - many would have just kept there heads down and got on with their own business.
We met many not travelling with you who had admired/used your website but then gone elsewhere and had some minor issues - we suspect some will soon become clients..."
Our very positive impression of the company was further enhanced when Ellie came up and introduced herself at Lusaka airport having by chance spotted the luggage labels - many would have just kept there heads down and got on with their own business.
We met many not travelling with you who had admired/used your website but then gone elsewhere and had some minor issues - we suspect some will soon become clients..."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Kaingo Camp
"Excellent team at Kaingo"
4 nights
Arrived
25 Sep 2010
"This is a superb camp, made excellent by the consistent top quality and enthusiam of all the staff - there just appeared to be no weak link. Derek and Jules have clearly put together a great team and show constant effort to go the extra mile with a number of nice small touches. We had some great game viewings with Gondwe and the potentially disruptive handover as managers from Brian & Michelle to Isabelle and Ian (which happened while we were there) was handled in a way that actually added to our experience....
The Shentons (at both Kaingo and Mwamba) have a different timetable from other camps we visited, with a quicker early morning start and an added midday activity. With their specialist hides, this normally works well. We particularly enjoyed the Carmine Bee-eater and Hippo hides (although strangely the highlight at the "Hippo hide" was an elephant amusingly "tobogganing" down the bank to the river....)
This is a lovely camp with a great feel which we'd very much like to return to."
The Shentons (at both Kaingo and Mwamba) have a different timetable from other camps we visited, with a quicker early morning start and an added midday activity. With their specialist hides, this normally works well. We particularly enjoyed the Carmine Bee-eater and Hippo hides (although strangely the highlight at the "Hippo hide" was an elephant amusingly "tobogganing" down the bank to the river....)
This is a lovely camp with a great feel which we'd very much like to return to."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Mwamba Bushcamp
"Possibly our best camp ever....."
3 nights
Arrived
29 Sep 2010
"We loved everything about this camp and are struggling to think of one we've preferred in Africa (and we've been to a lot of camps over the years).
As at Kaingo, the staff are all excellent and genuinely welcoming. Patrick is a truly exceptional guide, combining an infectious enthusiasm, enormous experience and a lovely, quiet sense of humour. The camp is away from the main river but overlooks a tributary with some water and has a charm of its own.
We also saw lots of game. For example, we were walking there from Kaingo but the scout, Gideon, spotted lion en route. With Patrick, we followed them to their kill and afterwards radioed for a lift as we'd diverted a long way off route! The excitement continued as we witnessed a lion pride ambush 200 yards on one side of the camp and, at another time, leopard sparring over his kill with hyena a similar distance on the otherside. With elephant walking through the camp and creating some havoc for the staff, there's almost no need to leave on drives...."
As at Kaingo, the staff are all excellent and genuinely welcoming. Patrick is a truly exceptional guide, combining an infectious enthusiasm, enormous experience and a lovely, quiet sense of humour. The camp is away from the main river but overlooks a tributary with some water and has a charm of its own.
We also saw lots of game. For example, we were walking there from Kaingo but the scout, Gideon, spotted lion en route. With Patrick, we followed them to their kill and afterwards radioed for a lift as we'd diverted a long way off route! The excitement continued as we witnessed a lion pride ambush 200 yards on one side of the camp and, at another time, leopard sparring over his kill with hyena a similar distance on the otherside. With elephant walking through the camp and creating some havoc for the staff, there's almost no need to leave on drives...."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Tafika
"Good variety of game"
2 nights
Arrived
2 Oct 2010
"John and Carol are good hosts and have created a very pleasant environment.
This is generally a strong camp which we enjoyed, although we felt that a couple of the staff were perhaps ready for the end of season! We did however very much appreciate their flexiblility when we needed to change the itinerary around.
The terrain is varied and, in addition to good leopard and lion etc, we enjoyed the flocks of crowned crane, our first oribi and a best ever serval sighting. Brian was a good guide. The night drives are particularly rewarding, while the microlight flight with John is just not to be missed...."
This is generally a strong camp which we enjoyed, although we felt that a couple of the staff were perhaps ready for the end of season! We did however very much appreciate their flexiblility when we needed to change the itinerary around.
The terrain is varied and, in addition to good leopard and lion etc, we enjoyed the flocks of crowned crane, our first oribi and a best ever serval sighting. Brian was a good guide. The night drives are particularly rewarding, while the microlight flight with John is just not to be missed...."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Big Lagoon Camp
"Good bush feel at Crododile"
1 night
Arrived
4 Oct 2010
"A nice, well located camp, comfortable rooms, attentive staff and a good bush feel. Our room was very close to the waterhole. Our guide Stephen spotted a leopard drinking there while we were at dinner.
The walking was interesting but we question whether in October when walking time is limited by the heat there should be a long tea stop. However, that's just a minor thought and we had no other issues."
The walking was interesting but we question whether in October when walking time is limited by the heat there should be a long tea stop. However, that's just a minor thought and we had no other issues."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Chikoko Tree Camp
"Great sightings in a short visit"
1 night
Arrived
5 Oct 2010
"Like Crocodile, this is another good bush camp, feeling reasonably remote despite its accessabiility, and with attentive staff. We found the walking and the environment more varied than at Crocodile.
Of course, this might just reflect our fortunes - we found lion and roan while walking, had a very atmospheric encounter with a large buffalo herd and had some great bird sightings (particularly maribou stork and marshall eagle). The split level rooms are unusual but work well."
Of course, this might just reflect our fortunes - we found lion and roan while walking, had a very atmospheric encounter with a large buffalo herd and had some great bird sightings (particularly maribou stork and marshall eagle). The split level rooms are unusual but work well."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Chiawa Camp
""Simply messing about in boats""
4 nights
Arrived
8 Oct 2010
"For us, Chiawa is all about the river. The vegetation ashore is thicker than elsewhere, but we had great elephant sightings. Good guides (particularly Paul) do make the most of it, but it's the river that is special.
We spent most of our time on canoe trips and river cruises. There are two very different canoe trips which bring the river to life and give a different perspective on hippo in particular! The so called "river cruises" were the highlight for us. We had a boat to ourselves with very obliging guides (Clement and Ruben) and were able to get very close to photograph birds, reptiles and mammals. While not specialist birders, close up views of beeeaters with food for their chicks and malachite and giant kingfishers with their catches provide some of our best memories.
Steve and Lynn are great camp managers, who show constant enthusiasm and try their hardest to meet individual needs. This is very important as Chiawa is a relatively large camp that might lose intimacy, while it has been upgraded to a luxurious level which erodes some of its bush feel. It's also a hotspot for anglers in Sept/Oct and this can be an issue - we saw several couples who were trapped on a fishing table listening to the merits of a blue fly etc.
We very much enjoyed our time there, but the camp needs the strong management it currently has."
We spent most of our time on canoe trips and river cruises. There are two very different canoe trips which bring the river to life and give a different perspective on hippo in particular! The so called "river cruises" were the highlight for us. We had a boat to ourselves with very obliging guides (Clement and Ruben) and were able to get very close to photograph birds, reptiles and mammals. While not specialist birders, close up views of beeeaters with food for their chicks and malachite and giant kingfishers with their catches provide some of our best memories.
Steve and Lynn are great camp managers, who show constant enthusiasm and try their hardest to meet individual needs. This is very important as Chiawa is a relatively large camp that might lose intimacy, while it has been upgraded to a luxurious level which erodes some of its bush feel. It's also a hotspot for anglers in Sept/Oct and this can be an issue - we saw several couples who were trapped on a fishing table listening to the merits of a blue fly etc.
We very much enjoyed our time there, but the camp needs the strong management it currently has."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
"A lovely finish"
2 nights
Arrived
12 Oct 2010
"We were told this is the only bushcamp now in the Lower Zambezi NP and this explains its popularity. We could only get two nights (and wanted to stay longer) and we met several who couldn't get in at all. It's a small camp, feels intimate and remote, yet is of a very good standard. We hope they don't follow the trend and upgrade it too much!
The terrain is much more open than at Chiawa so the camp offers good land and water activities (with fishing stated to be secondary). It's this wide variety that makes this camp special. We particularly enjoyed the night drives - we shall never forget the leopard leaping over a 7m stream - twice! Well tracked, Livvy.
However, we also had a most enjoyable river trip (thank you, Andrew) and constant interaction with animals (elephant in particular) in the camp."
The terrain is much more open than at Chiawa so the camp offers good land and water activities (with fishing stated to be secondary). It's this wide variety that makes this camp special. We particularly enjoyed the night drives - we shall never forget the leopard leaping over a 7m stream - twice! Well tracked, Livvy.
However, we also had a most enjoyable river trip (thank you, Andrew) and constant interaction with animals (elephant in particular) in the camp."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
In our opinion the scenery in this part of the Lower Zambezi National Park is not quite as good as the parts further East which we had enjoyed in the past. That said, our wildlife sightings were very good. Our guide Henry worked hard to ensure that we had excellent sightings of Wild Dogs with puppies as well as a Leopard sighting.
We particularly enjoyed the moment when a mating pair of Lions roared straight at our cameras - spine-tingling."