Reviews of Stanley Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
21 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Stanley Safari Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Returning after 15 years to Stanleys"
Food and service very good, and the arrangements for the activities went very smoothly." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Our final stop at Victoria Falls"
Unfortunately, due to poor communication about the options for our Zimbabwe excursion and the guide being booked for only 2 hours, we didn't get to have morning coffee at the Victoria Fall Hotel as expected and our visit seemed so hurried for the costs involved in going to Zimbabwe for such a short time.. A contact card with a number for our driver or the lodge would have been useful to resolve this whilst we were in Zimbabwe. We would have been happy to have self-guided if we had been properly briefed.
The open cottage was not like Nsefu or Nkwali and the insects were very active. We were moved at their suggestion to a closed cottage which helped, although the effect of the smoke from the many mosquito coils lit for us at night is still trapped on our non-washable belongings nearly a week later!" See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia
"Stanley Safari Lodge review"
The room: wonderful, private with a beautiful view. It was nice to have a mini fridge to have a beer or a glass of wine while we unwind-ed after an excursion at the end of the day. Of course we could also had a drink at the main lodge but it was nice to have the option while we relaxed and showered (plenty of hot water by the way!). The heating blanket in the bed at night was a really nice touch.
Diner and lunch: We really liked the privacy as every group ate separately. Although, it would have been nice to have a late afternoon tea with everyone to share experiences. We managed to discuss with the others guests anyway but it took a conscious effort to do so. We changed table within the lodge for diner which was nice, my favorite was when our table was set by the pool. The food WAS EXCELLENT. Great service too.
Location: perfect. Very close to every activities. Beautiful view. Wonderful serenade by the lions in the mornings and evenings.
Host: Estelle (?) and husband Jon - not sure of the spellings - They made us feel at home. very personable. They also gave us some great advice for the activities and else." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Very pleaseant and helpful staff."
Village market at the end is like being unleashed to the wolves." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Stanley Safari Lodge review"
Not all tours included in price.
Suggest visiting the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides of Victoria Falls at the same trip instead of separately Ideally, this would be one of the included tours. Had to pay a second park entry fee to the Zambia side when returned to visit the Zimbabwe side the next day.
Trip to " authentic village" was very cursory appeared to be a means to get you to visit the market there, which did have some good items. However, a couple who visited the village the previous day reported a very different and worthwhile experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Elegant and refined."
The main building and the grounds are very elegant, superbly manicured and well laid out. Each room is very private. Our room was cute, with a stunning view, although the lodge might update some of the accessories and details given the price point. The staff and management could not have been more welcoming, friendly and helpful, and catered to us at every step.
The only real issue we experienced, which is why we did not give this property 5 stars, was a mosquito infestation that was highly distracting and annoying. Apparently there is a water treatment facilities a few kilometers away that has become a breeding ground for mosquitos – and there were truly extraordinary numbers of them in our room and throughout the property. The staff did the best they could with insect spray, mosquito coils and mosquito netting, but it was a hopeless battle. As we were leaving they had brought in an exterminator to work on it, and hopefully they'll be successful. It's a beautiful place with a great team. It would be very peaceful and relaxing without the mosquito swarms – and we would have happily given it 5 stars but for the mosquitos." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 6n in Rwanda
"Fabulous secluded Lodge"
We had our own personal "butler" called Peter who was one of the nicest, most friendly and helpful people we have ever come across. If you are planning to go to Stanley, you MUST ask for Peter and tell him that the Shiner recommended him.
Each individual "hut" was self-contained, large, well furnished, comfortable and blended with the environment. The units we stayed in were open to the elements (although the Lodge has a fence to prevent wild animals coming into the camp), and this was a great appeal.
Food was exceptional too and our dietary requirements were accommodated.
We were delighted to have chosen this Lodge and would recommend it most highly." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"relaxing stay at stanley..."
We used it as a place to relax, not to do many activities. I'd skip the river safari (pretty but not a "safari").
Wonderful staff." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Stanley Lodge Review"
"Unforgetable at Stanley Lodge"
We then went to the Victoria Falls photagraphs,videos cannot describe the exhilaration of standing there with roar of the falls and spray coming down like a tropical storm it was the perfect end to our holiday" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
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