Travel reviews by Mrs R from Daventry

"This was my first holiday as a single traveller. Everyone was so welcoming, it felt like coming home. A very comfortable place in all senses, very relaxing.

There was abundant wildlife in Chobe and the guide had good knowledge of mammals and birds. My ambition was to see wild dogs and we found them on the first game drive. What luck!

The boat safari gave a different viewpoint and the picnic lunch served on board was excellent. Able to see large herd of elephant and pod of hippos ashore. Found a huge herd of buffalo in the afternoon.

The vehicle was never crowded, usually only three or four passengers."

"Tent very cold in the morning, but it’s winter and a tent. Warm and cosy on early drive with poncho and Bush baby (hot water bottle) yes really needed! Guide made every effort to bring us close to the animals and I was pleasantly surprised at their lack of disturbance and relaxed demeanour."

"This is a Camp I would return to should I travel again in Botswana.

The staff turned out to greet me with a song of welcome which felt really special as I was travelling alone. They were very attentive throughout and ensured that I always had company.

Hippos sang to me through the night. Some lullaby!

The accommodation was first class. I appreciated the the provision of drink-making tray and battery charging plugs in tent.

The guide was knowledgable and we shared some special moments, including a leopard killing a warthog.

I was sad to leave."

"The public areas are similar to other camps, with thatch and open sides but I found the rooms too hotel-like. The facilities in the rooms are excellent but I missed the coolness provided by low hanging thatch. The outside shower gives wonderful view of the nearby water and a lion often walked by in the afternoon.

We spent very special time with lion cubs, leopard cubs and wild dog pups. It could not have been better. Also spotted a serval on night drive.

Boat trip nice and calm after all the “extreme off-roading “ with spectacular sunset. Mokoro trip enjoyable too.

Staff and guides very attentive. Altogether a comfortable place to spend a few days."

"We had a comfortable stay and found the location good. Staff friendly and helpful."

"This made a good overnight stop on the way north. Really liked the layout of the lodge. Room was spacious and well equipped."

"The bungalow was really nice with plenty of space, comfy beds, was clean and within easy reach of the waterhole, where we saw a big variety of animals..
Good value."

"Another clean and comfortable accommodation."

"Well presented accommodation though I have to admit I prefer to have the bathroom more screened from the bedroom area.
Nice toiletries, room well stocked with coffee-making facilities etc."

"A very friendly relaxed place to visit. Two nights would have been good.
The manager and his wife do their utmost to make guests comfortable.
Accommodation units face the river and all have outdoor seats. Coffee arrived outside the door at around 7am.
Staff are friendly and helpful. The river trip was fascinating, with glimpses into rural riverside life in Angola.
What's not to like?"

"Maybe a little tired round the edges, but the tents were clean and comfy,
Lovely riverside lodge, great atmosphere, relaxed. Love the pottery used at mealtimes.
Guests and management dine together which gives insightful conversation into local issues. Felt like one big family.
River trip good. Guide knows his birds and was extremely patient when pointing out his finds.
Close to the National Park - good stay."

"We were really disappointed with this lodge.
We found the managerial staff unfriendly with little inclination to inter-react with guests. Guests sat at seperate tables so not much opportunity to converse at mealtimes, and the staff sat together at their own table.
I was horrified to find birds eating the cereals and butter from the breakfast buffet. Toast served on our first morning was cold and soggy - we wondered if it had been out before.
The room was dark, rather on the tired side with no place to put personal toiletries etc in the bathroom. No tea/coffee facilities or early deliveries, just a bottle of water for teeth.
We were booked on B&B but were not offered or given the option of ordering lunch on our full day there.
But worst of all was the feeling of being watched and overheard all the time by the owner and his friend who sat at right angles to diners.
On a positive note, local staff were fine, the river trip and guide excellent.
But we wished we had only booked one night and felt we'd wasted a couple of days.
Would not recommend this lodge and would certainly not return."

"Would gladly have gone home after two nights at Mazambala Island but Muchenje soon changed all that.
From the moment of arrival this was a wonderful experience and if we go back to Botswana we shall certainly return here
and stay three nights not two!
Excursions were good and guides made every effort to follow guests' interests. Will never forget the carmine bee-eaters on the sandbank!
Liked mealtimes where all sat together including managers and guides. All used Christian names which added to relaxed atmosphere.
Super location, facilities, staff, management, accommodation, atmosphere, activities............"

"Very different experience with a look at local fishermen at work without feeling intrusive.
Liked having own dedicated boat and guide for transfers and excursions.
Service on the houseboat was excellent. How did they share out all the work? Cabin small but spotless, if a bit hot, and bed very comfortable."

"Very friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Owner dined with guests, making one feel welcome.
Tent set above the river so that the sound of the water was ever present, with monkeys in the tree outside. Good bathroom at rear.
Lovely river excursions with knowledgeable guide.
A good stay."

"A good place to stay near the Falls. Comfortable and friendly.
We had a garden room with access to the lawned area and had a lot of bird visitors, plus warthogs, baboons and monkeys
Would definitely use this lodge again."