Travel reviews by The W Group from Berkshire

"Received wonderful upgrade to hotel suite, which was extremely beautiful and luxurious with artistic African decor. Very friendly personal attention and a delicious dinner and breakfast.

Was a bit hard to find as a road was closed. Probably not suitable for people with bad knees as lots of steps.

A really wow factor to start our trip."

"Have visited previously in the wet season. This time, the flowering jacaranda made it look really beautiful.

Principally a destination for wonderful walks and scenery. The evening game drive gives intimate on foot viewing of their 2 rhino which had grown considerably since our last trip!

Not luxurious but a stunning setting. Bush babies on the roof."

"A large camp, so not an intimate feel, but very well organised.
Really good pool area for cooling off, surrounded by attractive outdoor dining area and bar.

The main feature for us was the waterhole which in the dry season is a magnet for a large variety of game - lion, rhino, large herds of elephant and zebra, plus small animals and birds. We were impressed that people sat quietly to enjoy the spectacle.

Well situated within the park for viewing huge collections of animals out on the pans."

"A charming oasis of tranquility, well positioned just outside the park. Warthog and scrub hare wondered around the garden.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and even helped to mend our vehicle for us! Lovely thatched chalets, beautifully furnished.
Atmospheric outdoor dining under the stars in the brain."

"Hakusembe very much has the feel of a place where people stay for one night, which is probably the case. One felt rather processed, and the owners didn't seem terribly interested.

The evening boat trip was an exception, and our boat captain was enthusiastic and knowledgeable regarding the interesting birdlife along the river.

The pool though usable was a haven for wildlife, especially mosquitoes, and perhaps needed a little more attention.
Lovely setting on the banks of the river."

"Wonderful central restaurant perched above the river with lovely views.
Beautiful large individual thatched accommodations all with river views and outside private decks. Bath with a view!

The staff entertained us with their own show of African music.
The lodge is well placed for Mahango game park which is easy to self drive and is a good place to see riverine wildlife.

We enjoyed the sunset cruise to the Popa falls.
Steep steps so not suitable for people with mobility problems."

"Unless you have a 4x4 you will need to rely on their pick up service. We had an exciting drive following their vehicle through deep sand and shallow rivers to reach our destination.

A charming island setting, based around against tree. We enjoyed the view from the raised viewing platforms, and the trees attracted a variety of interesting birds to view at close quarters. The rooms had fascinating individual carvings.

Both the river trip and game drives were excellent. Amazing bird life along the river, and leopard and buffalo herd on the drive.
Manager efficient but probably in the wrong place - he wanted the bright lights!"

"The lodge has a lovely panoramic view which had grazing herds of game as far a the eye could see! The new managers were extremely friendly and helpful, and engendered a house guest feeling. Everyone sits at large tables and chats about their day.

The drive along the plain by the river is stunning and was a revelation as we had not expected much from Chobe. The hillside is indeed bone dry at this time of the year but this concentrates game along the river.

The combined day trip of drive and boat trip is well worth doing. We bobbed quietly in our small boat as a large herd of elephant with young swam across the river in front of us, trunks aloft - magic!"

"What a shame we were only staying for one night! We were whisked efficiently by boat to the islands. Our tents on stilts over a backwater of the Zambezi were luxuriously appointed, and linked to the main restaurant by an exciting swaying suspension bridge.

A refreshing pool with lovely river views.

A fascinating little hideaway to recover from the excitement of the Kazangula crossing!"

"This is where the game gets close and intimate. Closer than you even knew you wanted! The whole experience was superlative, and difficult to know where to start.

The day revolves around game drives and eating! One is guided by extremely knowledgeable trackers and guides. There is a heavy emphasis on seeing big cats with other game being encountered on the way.

The river setting is magnificent, and we lunched on our private deck to the sound and sight of hippo grunting, and elephant munching the vegetation below our deck! The camp is small which encourages everyone to socialise and share their experiences of the day. Clearly appeals to the photographic fraternity - the hippo hide provided a spectacular subject for photos.

Huts magnificently rustic if not entirely waterproof!"

"A splendid morning walk between the camps, learning bushcraft, encountering hyena, hippo and elephant on the way. At Mwambo, wildlife rules the roost. With only 3 huts, this is a really intimate wildlife experience, especially when the elephants trap you in your hut whilst browsing on the tree outside, and hopefully not on your hut roof.

Our guide was an excellent tracker, and was sensitive to our wishes and preferences, especially as a photographer himself. He gave us lots of time for observing animal behaviour. The night drives were an important feature of the experience, with sightings of civet, genet, porcupine and ghostly hippo. We watched a leopard on his kill, completely unmoved by our presence.

The hides add an extra dimension to the safari, and we were glad we chose Shenton for this. Amazingly, our camp would be completely dimantled the following week for the rainy season, and one realises the sheer logistical difficulties of creating such a camp."

"Typical snooty unhelpful receptionist of this type of hotel, who wasn't minded to help us with our minor mix up re transport.
Nice restaurant, with good food, but v expensive.

However, looking at Lusaka this is a good place to stay in a smart hotel."