Reviews of Kaingo Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
222 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kaingo Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
98% success
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"Kaingo Camp review"
There was a contrast, however, with the distinctive "family" atmosphere of our previous camp, Tafika. The owners of Kaingo - though very pleasant from our limited contact with them - were pretty much absent. Our room - although very comfortably furnished indeed - was not cleaned once in three days - which I found rather surprising.
These criticisms though are minor points that did not detract from what was a superb overall experience." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
We passed these comments to Juliet and Derek Shenton, who own and run Kaingo. Juliet replied, and apologised for the lack of room servicing during their stay. She observed that whilst these travellers were at Kaingo, a room attendant was on leave. Apparently this left only one person to service all the rooms in camp. To stop something like this happening again, she has now implemented a new system, whereby a senior member of staff checks each room after the morning cleaning service. We hope that this will stop such an issue reoccurring.
In terms of the owners not being present … the truth is that Jules and Derek now have a three-month old baby. The baby, Saphire, has taken up a lot more of Jules’ time than she had expected. Thus, both her and Derek are concentrating on keeping the camp running to a high standard… but they’re not ‘hosting’ their guests as much as they used to. Jules expects this to be a relatively temporary arrangement, and within the year she’s hoping to get back the time that she used to spend with guests – as it’s very important to her.
"Senior Africa Specialist | East & Southern Africa"
"Excellent safari at Kaingo Camp"
"Kaingo Camp review"
"Wild time at Kaingo!"
"see previous"
"See previous notes"
The reason we rated rooms 'good' rather than excellent was lack of cross-ventilation. Solar power might give them the ability to put ceiling or floor fans in room for hot weather." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Can't praise Kaingo camp too highly"
It was solely down to Innocent's sharp eyes & spotting skill that we were able to follow a leopard at night for almost 40 minutes, culminating in an impala kill at a distance of only a few metres.
No one will ever feel faint through hunger whilst staying at this camp! The sole vegetarian (Lisa) ate just as well as everyone else.
The views of hippo & carmine bee eaters from the hides were fantastic and it was nice to have the option of spending some of the hotter part of the day in hides rather than staying in camp being the only option.
Charging facilities for both camera batteries & laptop were easily available. If we were to visit the Luangwa valley again Kaingo would be our first choice of camp." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia
"A 'must return' camp!"
Opportunities to do different activities: bird hide (yes), elephant hide sleepover (interesting?); hippo hide, walks, etc. Hard to keep up with the pace of the camp and its activities. It's an opportunity to overindulge in food and drink in a BIG way -- Mosi beers could've been colder (John), but it was getting VERY warm!
Camp is dedicated to the game and bush, rather than the frills of camp itself (see Shumba). Jules and Derek have the balance exactly right." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
"Shenton love"
Neither of us particularly enjoy game drives that go on until about 2100, so they very kindly arranged for us to be picked up after sundowners and we were very grateful for their special care.
Time spent with the Shentons is always magical and special, regardless of the wildlife." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Great safari at Kaing Camp"
Rooms were well appointed with ample hot water. Food and service was very good. Friendly and very helpful staff.
The operation at Kaingo is in general very well organised but we did feel a bit too organised sometimes.
We were disappointed to find that we couldn't choose our midday activity each day. The activity appeared to be chosen by what other long stay guests wanted or had already done. We therefore only managed to see the hippo hide once.
Brunch and breakfast can be a bit formal as you have to wait all cars to return.
Guides were very good but we would have preferred to keep one guide for our stay who could have got to know what we had seen.
We did feel as though the long stay guests were in control of where we went and what we saw. In hindsight we should have been more vocal as I think the more experienced guests realised how to deal with the system at Kaingo.
I spent a night in the elephant hide alone and it was a fantastic experienced, very well organised and well thought through.
Efficient and flexible transfer to the airport but as we were leaving early we missed breakfast. There was mention of providing us with sandwiches but nothing materialised.
Overall, it is a fantastic camp in a great setting but when there are long stay experienced guests it can feel that you are joining their safari." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
"We were very pleased to hear that overall these clients enjoyed their stay at Kaingo. However, let me address some of the points brought up here:
We were very surprised to hear that the clients didn’t receive the sandwich breakfast on their transfer. Sandwiches were sent with them, as I oversaw the making of them myself. Why they weren't given to the guests I cannot imagine. If guests spend so much time game-viewing on their transfer that they don’t stop for a picnic, then the guides normally hand them the food at the airport to take with them. I can only apologise for this, and follow it up here.
In terms of the midday activity – it’s a shame that these travellers didn’t let us know they wanted to go to the hippo hide again. We weren’t aware of this. We usually send out two activities at midday and we try and accommodate everyone's needs as much as possible. The activities are typically decided by guests chatting with their guides over breakfast, or just before they head out, rather than dictated by us. We like also to be responsive to game movements – for example, today there is lion looking to hunt in one direction and leopard action in another, so the vehicles have gone out to view those instead for their midday activities.
I do think that this traveller’s feedback raises a valid issue though: we struggle to include all the activities and hides for guests who are only coming to us for three days - particularly at this time of year. There is so much to see and do, that it’s impossible to get everyone to see and do everything if they're only with us a few days. When travellers stay longer with us, it gives them a much better chance of fitting in all the various activities, and getting to see and do everything that they want to whilst they’re with us.“
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