Reviews of Old Mondoro Bushcamp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
129 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Old Mondoro Bushcamp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
95% success
100% success
0% success
57% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
97% success
68% success
37% success
3% success
3% success
0% success
"Is there a better location - anywhere?"
Whilst game may be more abundant at the other end of the park, here it is much more visible, especially with Levy as your guide - and you are likley to have the seclusion of private viewing. River activity here is excellent - and you must take a trip down 'corocdile alley' with Andrew.
Mondoro is a bush camp, but there is comfort a plenty. However, there may be some changes in place for the 2010 season, including new managers when John and Lana move on, so you will need to ask about these." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"On the banks of the Zambezi"
This was more relaxed - no middle-of-the-day activities, and later starts in the morning.
The boat transfer between Old Mondoro and Chiawa was "made" when we came across a family of elephants swimming across from Zimbabwe; hearts were in mouths while we willed the baby to make it to dry land - it did." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Old Mondoro review"
"Old Mondoro"
I did not have any luck here with seeing cats, but the canoe trips were great and a real highlight here. Excellent bird life and lots of wildlife along the river. Guides were very knowledgeable and respectful for the welfare of the wildlife.
Meals were excellent." See all these reviews: 15n in Zambia
"The peace of Old Mondoro"
You have the feeling of being so far away from civilisation and have just the bush and the sounds of Africa to keep you company.
Our 3rd visit to this camp and it never disappoints." See all these reviews: 16n in Zambia
"Old Mondoro review"
Would have enjoyed doing a bush walk... but there was no armed guard available during our stay a Mondora." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"A gem in the bush"
The powerboat transfer from Chongwe continued an excellent acquaintance with the Zambezi, which was furthered during our stay at Old Mondaro. The drives were also great, especially the "adventure" drive to a reported leopard sighting.
Both the domestic and guiding staff were extremely hospitable and knowledgeable. We were especially delighted to be treated to a bottle of champagne on arrival and a private dinner, later, on our verranda, overlooking the river, an adjoining channel and the bush beyond." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"Old Mondoro review"
Apart from the wonderful elephants, he game in this area was not good - impalas galore, but we did not see any cats. The night drives did produce some interesting owls though.
One worrying thing was that our scout appeared to have malaria and really looked very unwell on our walking safari; it felt like management did not take this very seriously - at one point I was told he was just being lazy. Compared to the Shenton camps we stayed at later, the management attitude to 'staff' appeared far less inclusive, which made us feel uncomfortable at times. The managers were very pleasant to the guests however.
I am a now completely converted to bushcamps and would encourage others to go to Mondoro." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 3n in Malawi
In this case, a scout who had just arrived at Old Mondoro to escort walks appeared unwell. This put the new managers, John and Lana, in a tricky spot – with a choice between trying to conduct the walk with the scout who they had been sent, or cancelling it – and risking upsetting the clients.
They asked the scout about his health, as he seemed very frail to them. He assured them that he was fit and able to conduct the safari. They assure us that they would never have agreed for him to walk if he had been ill with malaria.
In the event, they chose to walk, and lighten of the situation with a few jokes. Once out walking, they realised that they had made the wrong call – as the scout was more unwell than he had said. They’ve now learnt from it. In the event – this was the wrong choice: this walk should have been cancelled before it began. Back in camp, when they returned, Lara gave the scout some medicine before calling the Wildlife Authority to arrange for a relief scout.
So when our travellers note the managers ‘not taking the scout’s illness seriously’ – we now understand that, in fact, they were trying to make light of a situation that they knew was quite serious. They now realise that their levity wasn’t wise – and they should have just let the travellers know what was happening before cancelling the walk.
"oustanding bush camp safari"
Well laid out on Zambezi, great management and staff who took care to always be of service without being obtrusive. Outstanding guiding with tremendous care to be informative and point out both the "Big" and the "Small". Diverse activities - walking, game drives and river trips with the excellent guiding, or relaxing in camp, made this camp a great experience with no reservations to recommend to others.
This is a camp that gives you an authentic feeling of the bush in Africa. Comfortable but not OTT." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 6n in Botswana; 2n in Namibia; 2n in South Africa
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in Lower Zambezi National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Chongwe River Camp
A blend of the stylish and traditional in a most picturesque site in the Zambezi Valley, Chongwe River Camp offers an excellent safari experience and real value for money.
Chiawa Camp
One of Zambia's top safari camps, Chiawa is family owned and run, offering superb service and a flexible approach from a location well inside the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Sausage Tree Camp
Sausage Tree is a high-quality safari camp offering a luxurious stay and excellent personal service deep inside Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.
Anabezi Luxury Camp
Anabezi Luxury Tented Camp offers a high degree of understated luxury in a very lovely, quiet part of the Lower Zambezi with outstanding wildlife.
Potato Bush Camp
Potato Bush is located right in the heart of the Lower Zambezi National Park, with privately guided activities taking you on game drives, walks, boat trips and canoeing.
Amanzi
Opened in 2015, Amanzi is an intimate and rustic yet luxury camp in a very quiet area of the Lower Zambezi, with plenty of wildlife and good birding.
Kutali Camp
Kutali Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple tented camp located on Kulefu Island.
Chongwe River House
Chongwe River House is a stylish four-bedroom house designed for the exclusive use of families and small groups, affording the ultimate in flexibility on safari.
Kasaka River Lodge
Kasaka River Lodge is a relatively simple, family-friendly camp. It's outside the Lower Zambezi National Park and, with a recent change of ownership for the better, it offers a great-value safari destination.
Chula Island Camp
Chula Island Camp offers the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, in this simple fly-camp located in a natal mahogany grove on a small island on the Zambezi River.
Lolebezi
A chic safari spot, luxurious Lolelbezi is the Lower Zambezi’s newest camp and offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by excellent guides.
Royal Zambezi Lodge
This family-friendly lodge is located just on the outskirts of the Lower Zambezi National Park, in a great location overlooking the river.
