Travel reviews by Mr B Bath from UK

"Liked the bar area overlooking the water holes (re-named The Swamp). Shame the river was all but gone. We particularly enjoyed Simon - his knowledge and enthusiasm is a joy, and he was a most excellent host. We learnt a great deal about Africa and the bush generally from him. He is very diplomatic - particularly as we had some tiresome folk there are the same time. Sebastien, our guide, was exceptionally knowledgeable about birds which makes a drive so much more interesting. Really opened our eyes.

We found the game drives in the evening too long (same as all camps probably). It would have been better to return to camp by, say, 7.30 latest, which gives time for quick wash and brush up (and a glass before dinner). Having talked to other guests, the feeling was generally the same.

It was exceptionally hot and with no fans, I personnally found it difficult at times, but wrapping myself in a wet kikoi (sp?) helped! Looked a bit odd on the game drives........!! I am glad they were provided.

Bit shocked that the water in the bathroom was brown. More storage space would be helpful and getting rid of the concrete bed heads and replacing with "normal" bedheads would free up space and make it easier to walk around the room. Views of course, were wonderful."

"We had only just arrived when a lioness ran through areana in front of the dining area chasing a warthog.......! She caught him, but seeing people peering over the kitchen "wall" , dropped the frightened beast and ran off. Robin Pope was there at the time. We then had around 5 lions in the entrance area to the camp, so we all had the chance of wonderful photos and lots to talk about over dinner!

The boiler in our tent (4??) kept going out, which was very annoying. Catherine was going to report it. We found the little dressing area between the bedroom and the bathroom very useful but very dark and hot. It was certainly more spacious than Nsefu.

Again, the guides were first class. Food was served in a different place each night, which was fun - we all enjoyed the Mongolian BBQ sitting outside by the camp fire. Catherine had to shoo us all to bed at 1030 as the generator needed to be switched off!"

"Fab - wonderful views of the river. A much more spacious camp accommodation wise, although the bathroom could have done with a screen in front of the shower! It was bliss to have a pool.

Elephants were frequent visitors - bit too frequent really! Baboons went into our bathroom and threw the toiletries all over the place, and stole the toothpaste (our only tube of course) so NB to other guests to take your essentials into the tent.

No kikois here - It would be a good idea to advise future travellers to take a sarong that can be damped down if the weather is too hot. Also old flip flops for wearing to the bathroom and in the shower would be a good tip.

Russell, the chef, and his team were a marvel. How such superb food was created in the back of beyond in all that heat is baffling. And unfortunately, fattening...! Caroline was a superb hostess who seemed to be at work behind the scenes but also always with us. We all enjoyed listening to Duncan - there cannot be much he doesn't know about the bush and all that entails. A great asset. This was my favourite camp - probably because of the water.

We went on a river crusie, a game drive, went fishing (caught 2 tiger fish), canoe down the Chongwe - wonderful."

"Even though one stays at the Sun, it is easy to get the shuttle to the Royal Livingstone and this is what we did each day as it had a lovely piano bar, and generally more facilities.

We were a bit niggled that upon arrival we went to the pool bar for a drink - one menu said a glass of wine was
USD 4.25 and another USD7. when we queried it, the waiter took the cheaper menu away. We wondered if there is a weekend price! Wine in the Royal was cheaper!

The international buffet dinner in the Sun was USD 35 whereas silver service dinner overlooking the Zambezi at the Royal was USD28 - no contest. Wonderful sun deck for a glass to watch the sun go down.

The Sun was very comfortable and I would definitely stay there again but drink and eat at the Royal."