Reviews of Nyamatusi Mahogany

"Good" See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa

"The Excellent rating doesn't do this camp justice - it is totally amazing - truly one of the best luxury safari experiences ever. We feel privileged to have stayed there and experienced both Mana Pools and the wonderful charming Nyamatusi staff.

We actually stayed in Nyamatusi Mahogany, but the two camps are really one camp with two near identical lodges so that guests get an exclusive experience with 12 guests maximum rather than 24 in each lodge. Mahogany does have two two-bed rooms, so specify the Camp if you don't want to have children in your lodge is the only difference. On our last night the two camps combined for a memorable bush dinner that was in a truly magical setting.

The setting is stunning on the banks of the Zambezi overlooking the Zambian mountains. The lodge is extremely luxurious and the rooms are sheer luxury with wonderful outside areas and cold plunge pools - couldn't be better. Air conditioning is very welcome - it was 42C when we were there. The staff are lovely - thank you to Jason, Bee and their team. Our guide, Shingy, was fantastic - walking through the bush to approach lions and wild dog with him felt controlled and safe, but very special. He knew instinctively when to wait and have patience and we saw some special things (e.g. wild dog greeting ceremony) as a result. The canoe safari with TK was also a highlight - we saw hippos up close but his experience made us feel safe.

The food is delicious and varied with three choices including a vegetarian one at meals. Service is great and the staff really friendly and fun - you feel really welcome.

Highlights include being woken by lions roaring and strolling past just outside our room followed by breakfast in the boma watched by 3 lions; seeing the wild dogs scare off an elephant, wild dog greeting ceremonies and a wild dog kill in our headlights on the way back from sundowners. The bird life is also amazing.

Mana Pools itself is a garden of Eden - it is a long way from Victoria Falls - our flights both ways took over 4 hours in a light aircraft with three stops both ways including a refuel at Kariba. It feels at the end of the earth. The range of animals seen is not as wide as the Okavango Delta due to the migratory nature of the animals who leave the river when the rains set in for the hills - e.g. so no giraffes or cheetah, and the fact that the National Park doesn't allow night drives rules out nocturnal animals (although the lodge which is just outside the national park has requested to be allowed to do so). However the quality of the viewing experience due to the fact that you can approach on foot (not allowed in other national parks) was amazing. At this time of year (early November) when it is usually very dry just before the rains you are very likely to see both wild dogs and/or a kill. Most guests saw both.

Thank you so much to all at Nyamatusi (Mahogany) - we had a fantastic stay and would love to come back. This is a very special place and we wish you all the best." See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana