Reviews of Somalisa Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
39 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Somalisa Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
93% success
33% success
43% success
17% success
93% success
93% success
93% success
86% success
85% success
85% success
77% success
62% success
36% success
25% success
23% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"Large camp luxury"
The facilities are obviously outstanding - luxury tents, copper baths, a wood burner(!) in tent, plus small pool and high quality furnishings in private and public areas. Staff were delightful (a feature of all three African Bush Camps we visited) and guides excellent in quality vehicles. If this is what you like then you will not be disappointed!
What surprised us, however, was how close the sister camp of Somalisa Acacia was i.e right on top of it, enabling it to act as a single entity for large groups. Our tent #7 looked onto the back of Acacia and was certainly less than 100m from it. We dropped the curtains to give us a sense of privacy. This was no intimate Bush experience, and was therefore not for us. Other tents had more privacy but it is still a sizeable complex." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
4 sightings
Cheetah
2 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Lion
6 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
"Fabulous property and experience"
Exercise awareness of where the elephant are if you decide to use your private outdoor shower. Having your shower interrupted by an elephant is funny now but it required quick thinking and reaction - quite exciting at the time.
Extensive wildlife sighting notes will be emailed." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
""Home Sweet Home" Somalisa"
Bee also found the previously elusive Secretary Birds and a pack of Wild Dogs for me to photograph, and we enjoyed a half dozen close-up sightings of Sable Antelope and two Lion prides.
My tent (No. 1) was the one farthest from the reception/dining area, so it seemed like a pretty long walk back there late at night. However, during the day I liked being far removed from the crowd, and each afternoon I enjoyed sitting out on my back deck "alone" with the Elephants, Kudus and Zebras as they paraded by (oblivious to me) on their way for a drink at the Somalisa waterhole.
The food, as during my previous stay, was very good and there were many new and quite interesting additions to the menu. One evening at dinnertime we were given a very special treat when members of the staff performed a short program of traditional songs and dances for us. Outstanding!" See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe; 10n in Zambia; 7n in Malawi
"Over the top"
"5 star rooms, great guides, food just ok"
Our guide Calvet was one of the best guides we have ever had.
The staff were kind and Dophus, the camp's host was very good.
The only minus point was the food. We don't go on safari for great food so it was not a big issue. Overall food was ok but not great (trifle for example was not a trifle, vegetables served quite raw) but the worst was that at lunch time especially there was not enough food. We had a wonderful pizza but only a tiny salad to share between 7. The next day I asked for more salads and they did not seem to like that.
Asides from that we had a wonderful experience and would consider the camp again" See all these reviews: 5n in Zimbabwe
"Amazing sightings at somalisa"
Our guide Lewis was excellent, very keen to find things and enthusiastic. When he told us that we would walk up to 4 young cheetah, I think that the honeymoon couple thought that they had misheard him!
A lion kill outside camp, failed lion stalks, eles galore and lots of birds to boot. A fabulous start to the trip." See all these reviews: 14n in Zimbabwe
"Great location and guiding at Somalisa"
In addition from the second of 3 days the owner of African Bushcamps was there with some friends, this is no criticism of him because he was charming and helpful, however it felt like we were intruding on a private party. The staff seemed aware of the issue and did their best to make us feel comfortable. However some service was a little erratic, if you are asked if you would like tea with your wake up call it would be nice if it arrived. We only got this on the last morning and then we hi-jacked someone elses. I would comment that there appeared to be a lack of management oversight and attention to detail.
Now the positives: The accommodation is very good quality and the food good. Tent 5 which we had is perhaps a little close to the kitchen but not a major issue. The staff are very friendly and do their best to ensure that all is well.
The guiding was excellent and a very knowledgeable guide in Louis made all of the trips a great experience. Once again there was the opportunity to walk which was very welcome and I would recommend it as an alternative to spending hours sat on a safari vehicle." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
"Somalisa Camp review"
Camp has recently been upgraded and it is amazing, however the food was a big disappointment. No choice and poorly cooked." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 8n in Mozambique; 4n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
"Somalisa Camp review"
We arrived mid afternoon and Dophos gave us a very good arrival brief and then showed us to our tent which was spectacular. Due to the time of year we were there we had hot water bottles and a log fire in the room every night. Any washing we needed doing was done the same day.
Our guide, Lewis, was amazing. His knowledge of the area and wildlife is second to none. On the day of our wedding anniversary he arranged a surprise for us at one of the sun downer stop offs, we had a beautiful cake and champagne as the sun set. It certainly will be an anniversary we will never forget.
All of the staff were very friendly and always on hand for any questions we had." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
"A Great Safari Experience"
We saw abundant & varied wildlife especially around the waterholes and, if you like Elephants, then this is the place to be.
There is a waterhole less than 100yds from the camp with a constant stream of Elephants coming down for a mud bath and a plunge pool 10ft away were all the Elephants come to drink!
A special thanks must go to our guide Calvet, who was simply superb." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
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