Reviews of Islands of Siankaba

"We loved Islands of Siankaba and were so pleased that we had started our trip with the more relaxing part of the holiday. Ok you are a fair way of out Livingstone but the setting is stunning and the lodge is so peaceful.

We were given the honeymoon "tent" which was lovely - the shower and WC could do with a spruce up (nothing significant) but the room and open areas were very comfortable and nicely designed. Housekeeping and laundry were excellent.

The staff were friendly and accommodating. We did not see that much of the managers Sonja and Paul but Sarah, Nami and Steven were always around to talk and see that we had all that we wanted. We were particularly impressed with the waiting and bar staff as they were extremely efficient but charming with it. No wondering where your food/drinks had got to but not rushed either.

The food was consistently very good. A good choice for breakfast and lunch and, although the 4 course dinners had a set menu, all dinners were excellent. As with the safari lodges, the only difficult part is that you are served so much food and we always felt bad about what we could not manage (and we are big eaters!) With breakfast, a substantial lunch, afternoon tea, canapes on the river and then dinner, we had to ration ourselves.

We were really at Siankaba to relax so we may not have done as much as other guests but we did not feel pressured to do anything. We went out on a sunset cruise each evening. Victor, our guide and boatman, was very interesting to talk to and knew a lot about the bird and animal life in and along the river. We also did a nature walk around the islands with Victor and were amazed at the different trees and plants and what they can all be used for.

We had a half day trip to Victoria Falls and went to Livingstone Island and to swim in the Devil's Pool - quite an experience! Although the falls are low at this time of year on one side, there is a lot to see on the far side of Livingstone Island so we were pleased that we made the trip. It also meant that we saw some of the Livingstone hotels that we could have stayed in. For us, Siankaba was perfect as it felt outdoorsy and like part of our safari and the hotels that we saw would not have given us this. Anna was spot on in suggesting Siankaba for us." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia

"We loved Islands of Siankaba - it really is a magical place. Activities at the Falls are very easily arranged from here but they also do an excellent guided village walk as well as sunset boat trips.

The staff were all lovely and the food good - we did not want to leave." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 3n in South Africa

"This was our fourth visit and we were really looking forward to it. However we were so disappointed. On arrival we were given the honeymoon/VIP chalet (great) but turned out to have no hot water – OK this happens but management showed no energy in sorting the problem – water finally returned on our last morning after numerous requests.

The Islands are beautiful and rooms very comfortable but the suspension bridges had been re-built following this year's floods and, in our opinion (and that of some other guests), the safety of one was questionable.

The food and beverage manager has changed and a choice is no longer offered at lunch and dinner. This is consistent with the approach of many safari lodges, but breakfast is also now a set menu with choice only for 'cooked' – we were very disappointed by this. Not everybody loves muesli and yogurt (combined). The food is still generally good but there is less choice than there used to be.

We had an enjoyable trip to Vic Falls and an excellent lunchtime River Safari (no longer offered by the lodge (why?) but we'd pre-booked with the owner by email). A good range of activities is offered but they are expensive, partly due to the charge per person for transfers if not combined with the trip to Vic Falls included in the room rate – for a family this could be prohibitive.
Sundowner cruises on the Zambezi remain a highlight.

Siankaba is still an excellent way to end a holiday and relax but for us it has lost its sparkle and we're sad to say it's unlikely we'll return.

NB our grading for Facilities relates to our hot water problem." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia; 1n in Botswana

"We had a lovely stay here. After the wildlife and lodges of the Okavango lodges, it did feel a little more commercial and hotel like and less special but still very good.

The connection with the local villages and the chance to visit was a bonus.

A great morning guided around the Victoria Falls." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia

"We were met at Livingstone airport and in no time at all we were outside the reception at I of S where we ran through some of the do's and don'ts with Sonia - very low key.

We were then taken by boat over to the island, given a welcome drink and taken to our room which turned out to be the VIP/Honeymoon suite even though there appeared empty tents available. I don't know why we had this treatment but it was certainly appreciated - you didn't have anything to do with this did you?

Later that evening went on a sundowner cruise and saw the most beautiful sunset imaginable along with the hippos, crocs and the birds. Next day we did the helicopter flight and walk to the falls (not much water on the Zambian side but this was expected). At this time of the year the flight is a must as you don't see too much from the Zambian side just walking.

Our last day was spent doing a nature walk around the villages birdwatching and generally relaxing.

The food at I of S was just great and couldn't be faulted (as good as any 5* hotel). The transfer to Kasane went smoothly in the main thanks to our drivers on each side of the river and the speedboat crossing instead of the ferry. After a short wait at Kasane we were taken out to a little 4 seater plane for the flight to Lebala Camp." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia

"A beautiful place to stop over and relax after a safari- the food deserves a particular mention being imaginative and high quality.The staff were attentive and friendly , and the sundowners on the river were memorable.

I think 3/4 nights for a stay here is about right as the distance from the falls means repeated trips take a bit of time." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

"This matched (and beyond) our expectations - superb rooms and view.

All trips were great and well organised (slight misunderstanding in our wish to see local markets) but this did not spoil the stay. Visit to villages was wonderful and inspired us to look to support the school particularly pre school.

Food and service were good and everyone was very welcoming." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia

"Fantastic location - beautiful room overlooking Zambezi. Loved the rope bridges and mastered them very quickly! Very relaxing and picturesque with the opportunity to do a variety of activities - something for everyone. Excellent food and service. Fantastic sunrises over the river. Great for birds and hippo.

Management were pleasant, friendly and competent. We were persuaded to take helicopter trip over Victoria Falls - I'm glad we did as it was very enjoyable and we would probably have regretted it if we hadn't.

The walk with village elder to the local villages was worthwhile, interesting and rewarding." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia

"A very impressive and beautifully appointed series of small lodges ideally located on the banks of the Zambezi. Most of the staff beamed with pleasure almost continuously and the more senior managers (Lisanne and Sonia ) went out of their way to meet our every wish and at very short notice, including activities that were not normally undertaken (such as horse riding.) A wonderfull start to our brief Africa holiday for both of us.

However be warned that use of Mastercard incurs a 10% extra charge." See all these reviews: 3n in Zambia; 2n in Botswana

"A lovely camp in an idyllic location on the river. Only downside is the distance from Livingstone as if you arrive in the afternoon and want to go to Victoria Falls the next day it is 3 quite long and dull car journeys on the trot - it may be better to go to Victoria Falls before going on to Siankaba if you are flying in to Livingstone if that is possible?

Birdwatching is quite interesting but if i had gone to Botswana first it would have been a real let down. Much better to do this at the start rather than at the end of a trip." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia