Travel reviews by Mr C & Mrs M from Cheshire

"I have to say that we were somewhat disappointed with Impala Camp. We felt it was lacking good management; there was little of the care, enthusiasm and pride that we have experienced in other camps; as an example we were not welcomed back from game drives with towels and drinks; there were no sundowners; although we knew in advance that we had to buy our own drinks this is not something that we have experienced before.

It seemed to have a feel to us of struggling to survive and was cutting corners in order to do so.

New Years Eve was another case in point of very poor management. There was a group of Tanzanians in to celebrate and a BBQ was set up for them (& us) and then after dinner (which was not very appetising) there was music and singing. We decided not to participate in this as we were going to be up at about 5.00am for a game drive and so went to bed.

Despite the fact that the camp was no where near full, this was all set up right outside our tent when it could so easily have been located elsewhere within the camp.

Additionally we were never asked if we wanted to have the BBQ in the first place."

"By contrast we simply cannot speak highly enough of Ikuka; it was simply fabulous in every respect from start to finish - care, friendliness, expertise, pride in the camp, and the facilities that were provided.

This was almost certainly the best camp we have ever been in on safari. The managers, Tommy and Chevy, could not have done more to make our stay completely unforgettable. Everything was thought through in order to make the stay memorable. They and the staff were always there to see us off and to welcome us back, hot water bottles, hand warmers, water, drinks all provided as a matter of course.

Our guide Festo, equally, was fantastic both as a really knowledgeable and professional guide and also great company when out on game drives."

"Lovely boutique hotel. Close to the airport.

Friendly staff and really good food."

"Great Camp in all ways but what we particularly enjoyed was the variety of activities on offer. We especially enjoyed the river safaris and canoeing.

All the staff did everything possible to ensure all guests were able to have their preferences met and overall it was a really fun place to be."

"This small camp is in a great location and there is a high concentration of game.

Guiding was excellent. Walking safaris on offer but we chose not to do one so spent our time on game drives."

"Kaya Mawa is an absolutely outstanding place.

We just loved everything about it from staff to service to location to activities.

Would definitely seriously consider returning here."

"very friendly; great food."

"Fantastic place and people.

Would recommend 2 nights for future guests not 1 as we had."

"We really enjoyed our stay here. All staff very friendly. All very good but we probably prefer slightly smaller places."

"Quite simply the very best!!!

3 nights next time please!"

"Surprised at no air conditioning in such a new camp. However very good overall and being within the park is really worthwhile. Did not use their activities.

Staff very helpful and friendly especially regarding the shuttle service."

"Very good actually. Food of course was excellent. We were just recommended a wine for our meal; no wine list. Perhaps we should have asked but rather surprised that we had been given a £40 bottle of wine!

Lovely garden"

"A great camp and plenty on offer to do. The desert adapted elephant activity very well worthwhile.

We did other things ourselves and it was easy from here. Again staff very friendly and knowledgeable."

"Another excellent camp.

We were there for as purpose and not disappointed."

"The camp looks pretty grim but in fact the chalets are spacious and very well equipped and pleasant inside.

Food was really not very good at all and we had to ask for the wine list several times before they arrived and then another wait for the wine and water.

Breakfast also very poor.

Staff did not seem to care as in the other camps."

"We only had 1 night here but it's a really lovely camp.

However I'm not sure what you would do here for longer other than go into Etosha."

"Fantastic in all respects. We wished we had had 2 or even 3 nights here because it is so good and there is so much to do,
The View rooms (which we had) are much better than the garden rooms

The guides are amongst some of the very best."

"We were given an upgrade to a suite in the newly opened sister hotel. Absolutely fantastic.

Doubtless done so that we could report back to you! or is that a bit cynical? Anyway it was much appreciated."

"We feel that Somalisa is distinctly 'well worn' and that seems to be reflected by the owners who are expanding and updating. Unfortunately we had a tent that wasn't new or modernised even though at least 1 other Expert Africa guests were in a new tent.

For 3 days we had to ask at least twice for the water for our shower even though we had agreed a time; so service didn't overimpress.

We were also unlucky I suppose with game given that we were there for 4 nights and saw no hyena, leopard, rhino, only 1 solitary lioness and only cheetah on our transfer back to V Falls.

There seems to be no flexibility in activities. Every day it's just the same old game drives round the same roads at the same times. Compared to our other camps and previous safaris we were not hugely impressed with the quality of guiding although the 2 guides we had were both knowledgeable and pleasant."

"2 great days here. a lovely way to finish our holiday. Would recommend this to anyone.

Brilliant location for the falls and all activities can be booked at the hotel and include transfers."