Zambia: reviews from our travellers

"From the research we had done beforehand, we had high expectations of both Shenton Safaris and Chiawa camp. Both exceeded our expectations.

The locations were spectacular, the wildlife encounters outstanding and the standard of accommodation, service and hospitality first class.

The abiding memory of this holiday will, of course, be the wildlife. We were fortunate enough to see many memorable things including: several successful hunts by lions, 2 prides of lions disputing territory and a kill, leopards, large herds of buffalo and elephants at (very) close quarters, etc, etc. Due to the locations of the camps being deep within the National Park(s), none of these sightings were shared with large numbers of tourists. At no time were the lions outnumbered by the tourists and on the vast majority of occasions ours, with 6 guests, was the only vehicle present; there were never more than 2 vehicles at any sighting at the same time.
This was a truly memorable experience, our thanks go to all who made it possible.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We really can't fault it, many thanks for your help." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"We are indeed home safely after a wonderful holiday. Logistically, it was perfect; flights on time, terminal guides appeared when required and performed as necessary. The four lodges could not be faulted for accommodation, food and hospitality and all contributed to the holiday which was advertised.

Let me finish by re-iterating that Jeanne and I have had a wonderful holiday and would like to thank you for your efforts which made it happen." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari

"A really great trip which takes you away from normal life so that you completely relax.

Looking foward to going back in future.


Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

- We think two days at a camp is too short, you just get there and have to leave. I would recommend minimun stay of 3 nigjhts.

- Try and keep the same airline for the flight, we nearly missed our connection due to SA Airways delay and did not get out luggage for 24 hours. We also met a number of people who lost theirs for up to five days due to issues with Air Botswana/South Africa.

- Linyati, mention the bugs as they were really bad!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Botswana safari

"We had never visited sub saharan africa before and had real concerns about safety especially taking the whole family in one group to celebrate my husbands 60th.

We can only summarise by saying it was fantastic and will be planning something again - this time they will all have to pay their own way though. The mix of freedom, planning and excitement made the experience unforgettable.

Chris and Claire were very helpful and knowledgeable and gave us great reassurance personally speaking to several of the party individually.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Make it clear in your advisory pamphlets that it is serious hot in October and make sure you do read all the emails customers send so all the details get included right at the beginning. The short time scales we set you were incredibly tight and the schedule you created was faultless - thank you" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari

"Our fourth trip with you and another magnificent holiday in a different country - we're very impressed you can provide consistent excellence over a range of varying trips and destinations. Lucy gave us very good advice on both the camp selection and the balance of the trip (gently refuting a couple of our ideas - you were right!)

Our very positive impression of the company was further enhanced when Ellie came up and introduced herself at Lusaka airport having by chance spotted the luggage labels - many would have just kept there heads down and got on with their own business.

We met many not travelling with you who had admired/used your website but then gone elsewhere and had some minor issues - we suspect some will soon become clients..." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 19 on a Zambia safari

"This is a star holiday. All the senses are fully alert during the walking trips which is what we like best. Zambia is such a friendly country and the lodges work very well. We simply love these trips and hope to return.

Many thanks to Claire and Chris who helped us choose once again to go back to this bit of paradise.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I would like an easier, more transparent view of lodge costs to help rule out the unsuitable early on in the selection process." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"We had a great holiday." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zambia safari

"This was a fantastic trip and experience.

I enjoyed every aspect: the small aircraft flights low over the delta, the landscapes, the camps and the fact that animals could come and go, all the activities, the gin and tonic sundowners every day, the food, the interaction with the staff (and some of the guests!), the flora and, of course, the fauna.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I would like to know why you don't go to Kenya." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari

"Just amazing.

We wanted to experiment a walking safari and it was like a dream out of space, out of time.
We appreciated to spend five days with a very small group of people that we got to know better than in a car safari.
We enjoyed visiting Kawaza village and school to meet local people.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Maybe , find another place for the last night in Lusaka" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zambia safari

"Our trip was overall a very sucessful safari to a beautiful park in an unspoilt part of Africa" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari