Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs C from E Sussex
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
4
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
28
Excursions taken
0
Surpassed our expectations
Zambia between 16 Jul 2019 and 31 Jul 2019
The staff, guides and scouts are highly trained and knowledgeable. They are also entertaining and, as far as the guides and scouts are concerned, fill one with confidence when, for example, out on a walking safari or when confronted by elephants as we were on several occasions.
The camps are small (maximum of six chalets) and we were often the only two people in a jeep with a guide and a scout, which is very spoiling.
All being well, we will be returning to South and North Luangwa in the next year or two and in the meantime will have to rely on our memories of this magical country."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Tafika
"Lovely Tafika"
Mwaleshi Camp
"Mwaleshi Camp review"
We have marked all the "aspects" as excellent (here and for Takwela) - some might consider that this is too generous BUT given the location of these camps and the fact that one is in the bush, we feel that it is well justified.
If others arrive expecting swimming pools etc then they will be disappointed!"
Takwela Camp
"Takwela is a splendid new camp - love it."
Alex and his team have done a splendid job and we cannot wait to return."
Kakuli Bushcamp
"Kakuli Bushcamp review"
The romantic surprise dinner for two on our veranda suddenly included an elephant "in the room" eating the pods from the acacia next door and we had to continue with an armed guard to protect us! Huge fun.
More close encounters with elephants at the surprise lunch on the banks of the Luangwa - a really memorable stay."
Mchenja Bushcamp
"A long-awaited return to Mchenja"
Whilst there we had several close encounters with the local wildlife: lions in the camp by the swimming pool on our last day (they munched through the cleaning pipe and scattered it around the area); a small herd of elephants when we arrived for a surprise sundowner which had to be diverted by our capable guides and scouts; two elephants in the camp on the day we arrived, one of which was enjoying the taste of a chalet's doormat and knocked our bathroom's light fitting away. The elephants both kept us in the sitenje for 20 minutes or so after lunch. Life wasn't dull and it was huge fun."
My Jul 2014 trip
Namibia between 8 Jul 2014 and 29 Jul 2014
The camps were mainly excellent and certainly as good as we had hoped. We had an unfortunate incident when my wife's bag was stolen from the car outside our guest house in Windhoek and the staff at Galton House couldn't have been more helpful, as were the head office staff at Wilderness Safaris in helping us resolve matters.
There is obviously quite a bit of crime in Windhoek (and possibly other towns) and travellers should be aware of this and keep their wits about them. We were identified as a target once we arrived in Windhoek while driving a hire car with South African number plates, followed, and then robbed outside our guest house in a quiet street with nobody else around. If my wife's handbag had been hidden in the back of the car or in the boot things may have been different.
However, this didn't detract from a very enjoyable three weeks in a scenically amazing country with Namibian people who made our stay memorable."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
Galton House
"Galton House review"
Having said that, Galton House was very comfortable, with good food, decent white wine but rather poor red.
The staff were absolutely excellent and could not have done more to help than they did.
The room was clean, comfortable and spacious.
No problem in recommending this Guest House."
BullsPort Lodge and Farm
"Bullsport Guest Farm is very enjoyable"
The morning activity was to be driven to the top of the gorge and then to walk down. The whole experience was excellent - great views and scenery, some splendid wildlife which we had not seen on other safari type holidays - and a very good walk to increase the appetite!
The afternoon "game drive" was a disappointment, we did see a couple of Secretary Birds and a couple of Oryx but, otherwise, nothing other than some farm stock and pregnant mares,
For those interested in riding, I imagine that this could be an amazing place for a longer stay."
Kulala Desert Lodge
"Kulala Desert Lodge is a super place to stay"
Central Guest House, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"Central Guest House is a great place to stay"
Nadine made us very welcome and did everything possible to make our stay very pleasant.
Best packed lunch of the trip.
We ate one dinner at The Tug which was first class - we had booked a table before leaving UK which was necessary as the place was heaving.
We also had a meal at the Western ???? - not recommended. They had Crayfish on the menu which I ordered - they had tried to cook it from frozen and it was still cold and, knowing that a very upset stomach would result, I returned it uneaten. The very pleasant waitress showed no surprise and said that it was frozen because it was out of season!"
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Camp Kipwe
"Camp Kipwe review"
Etendeka Mountain Camp
"Etendeka Mountain Camp is splendid"
Dennis set up his telescope and let all visitors see Saturn, rings, moon and all - small but much more exciting than seeing it on TV."
Anderssons Camp, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"Anderssons Camp - Hmmm."
The afternoon game drive was very poor, saved only by a fortuitous encounter with a white rhino very late on. We discussed this with Elizabeth and, when we came to pay the bill, there was no charge for the drive - we did offer to pay half but Elizabeth refused to accept it and, for that, we have to give full marks for good client relations.
The staff were very good and attentive, with good humour."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Okaukuejo Camp
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
The water hole is the main attraction and certainly lived up to all our expectations, particularly after dinner when there was great interaction between elephant and rhino and the sighting of a leopard creeping away.
The staff were very good and friendly."
Onguma Tented Camp
"Onguma Tented Camp is splendid"
Great staff, particularly Cacious (sorry if misspelt) who had to deal with a rather unpleasant American and handled it with great dignity."
Nhoma Camp
"Nhoma Camp"
The visit to the village was fascinating but really only holds the attention for a couple of hours unless one is a photographer - and one visit was enough. My wife is a photographer and came away with lots of amazing pictures - the best of the holiday!
The hunting walk wasn't really hunting, it seemed to be a predetermined walk where the bushmen could show how they would prepare snares etc. which is amazing, but there really didn't seem to be any chance of anything being caught - particularly when there are ten people tramping along!
The camp is comfortable but there is no "Charisma"."
Ghaub Guest Farm
"Ghaub Guest Farm is lovely"
Ondudu Safari Lodge
"Erongo Wilderness Lodge is super"
Our Aug/Sept 2013 trip
Zambia between 29 Aug 2013 and 12 Sep 2013
The whole trip was seamless - I do not wear a watch so have no idea of date or time and I didn't need one. Whenever we were supposed to move on, we were told in good time and passed from one place to another. So relaxing - Expert Africa's planning had everyone where they should have been when they should have been. Thank you so much."
Mchenja Bushcamp
"Excellent time at Mchenja"
Bwalya is a first class guide - we know that he was in a bit of trouble because we arrived at camp about one hour late for lunch - but we had seen so much game, it would have been criminal to have driven past it and, indeed, he might have been lynched had he tried!!
All the staff were very friendly and efficient and, as expected, full of real smiles.
All in all, super return visit."
Tafika
"Tafika is Tafika (We have arrived!)"
There are many great camps in South Luangwa but none has the "family warmth" of Tafika - John, Carol and Jenny with old hands Bryan, Heather and Rhona together with all their most excellent staff generate a fantastic feeling of welcome, warmth and well being. We should love to be able to mention all the staff by name but are happy to claim old age and to say - Thank you to all."
Chikoko Tree Camp
"Chikoko Tree Camp"
We had a very happy stay and have nothing but praise for this little camp - indeed, to have a maximum of six guests is brilliant, so long as you have the right guests which we did!"
Big Lagoon Camp
"The lovely Crocodile Bushcamp"
Excellent staff with a sense of humour - needed when we gave a very short, impromptu concert!
We wish that we had spent at least one more night."
Tafika
"Tafika"
Eight Reedbuck Hotel, Zambia (this camp has since closed)
"Eight Reedbuck Hotel review"
We were only there for about 11 hours so could not do justice, but it is very acceptable."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Overall
Zambia between 2 Jun 2010 and 17 Jun 2010
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not at at the moment."
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Luwi Bushcamp
"Luwi Bushcamp review"
What a shame that Mouse suffered a bout of malaria whilst we were there - but she was great. Paul collected us from Mfuwe International (!) and also guided us during our stay - very good."
Nsolo Bushcamp
"Nsolo Bushcamp review"
Pria was an excellent hostess and all the troops were super."
Kakuli Bushcamp
"Kakuli Bushcamp review"
The MD of N Carr (Dave) paid a brief visit and we mentioned to him that we felt that the camps were super and that the food had improved enormously in quality in the last five years.
Our cabin was excellent but the Thatch (roof) came down so low that very shortly after arrival I walked into it and had to have various bits of elephant grass removed from my (bald) head by Ann."
Tafika
"Tafika - Wow!"
Tafika rewarded us with the best game sightings of the holiday and also the longest drives.
The "house" staff also are great and we enjoyed our tour of the kitchen garden with Isaac!
A number of nice touches: purpose built steps to aid access to the jeeps - taken on trips when those less agile were aboard; light on in the bedroom on return from evening drives; Good electricity; super showers that really made one wet and warm.
The open grassy area gives such a wonderful feeling of space - one is instantly relaxed.
We loved the visit to the village and school - very moving."
Old Mondoro Bushcamp
"Old Mondoro Bushcamp review"
Levi, our guide, was excellent and also went out of his way to ensure that we saw loads of animals.
Ann is not very comfortable with "bugs" and does feel that the chalets could be upgraded to something similar to Kakuli where there is a mosquito net surrounding the inside of the tent. Otherwise we had a grand time."
Everyone involved in the running of Tafika from the Bosses to the night watchmen are very cheerful and helpful.
A visit to South Luangwa would not be the same with out a visit to Tafika."