Unusual Destinations Blog

 05  -  11 December 2009

Firstly I wish to express my sincere thanks to Wilderness Safaris for being afforded the opportunity to experience some of your exquisite camps in Botswana and Zambia and to witness some of the spectacular wildlife and cultural sights. It is indeed obvious that conservation is the most important aspect of your ethos and paramount that you protect the fauna and flora. It is also commendable that you include the local community wherever possible. Your slogan is just so apt. You do indeed change people’s lives.

To follow please find the necessary feedback on the individual lodges that were visited during our stay.

Zambia:

Arrived at Livingstone Airport. Impressive airport but just one cubicle open to clear immigration for a relatively full flight. This was quite a lengthy procedure as this counter serviced the people with and without visas and numerous people were having visas issued on arrival. It would also be advisable for arrival forms to be handed out on board to avoid having to complete the forms once inside the airport building and everybody clamming for limited counter space. Met on arrival by your friendly representative who took immediate care of us. Transferred to Toya Leya in a very comfortable vehicle and given some interesting information about the town of Livingstone along the way. We had experienced a huge storm just after landing so the normal entrance to Toya Leya was flooded to had to arrive through the back entrance.

05 December:

Toka Leya

Arrived to a very friendly welcome and detailed briefing regarding the lodge and activities available during our stay. We were shown to our rooms and a quick visit to see the family room. The layout is very cleverly designed and allows for ample space for 4 people sharing. The family room as well as the room I was in are situated amongst quite thick foliage whereas most of the other rooms as situated with open views onto the river which I think would be preferable for hippo sightings from your veranda. We were then treated to our first high tea which was so enjoyable and then onto the river cruise which was just so relaxing and well organised apart from the boat breaking down but another one coming to our rescue in no time at all.

Back to the camp where we all sat around the campfire and treated to the most scrumptious snacks and drinks prior to dinner.  Met up with Martin and a Wilderness client who joined us for dinner. My special dietary requirements (no red meat) were well adhered to and excellent alternatives offered. Wines were also superb and service good.

On the second day we were once again greeted by the warm hospitality of the staff. Always a broad, friendly smile and nothing was ever too much for them. Breakfast was most enjoyable with a wide variety for choice. Well oiled lodge regarding management and staff.

06 December:

River Club   

After breakfast we headed for River Club where we were met by the charming Peter Jones. He is just so proud of his establishment which is wonderful to see. Sat done and had a detailed briefing on the lodge and then did a sight inspection. The main area and pool area/ gardens are very beautiful with gorgeous views of the river and nearby island. It is awfully colonial and would appeal to the older generation in my opinion. It is however conducive to the history and ambience of this area.

The location of the rooms are good but do feel that they require a bit of sprucing up.

The bathrooms are looking rather tired and are in need of a renovation.

Then set off for Victoria Falls which was a treat. Afternoon boat cruise which was very pleasant and conducted by a very competent guide.

Once again had a delicious dinner.

07 December:

Botswana:

Dumatau

Road/ boat transfer to Kasane for flight to Dumatau. Met by our delightful guide who I found to be the most pleasant of all our guides on the trip. Starting pouring with rain en route to the camp but we were handed out the ponchos which kept us relatively dry. Some did however get drenched and maybe something can be implemented to ensure that the ponchos allow for completed protection from the rain. Room/bathroom very comfortable but perhaps the bathroom could be slightly upgraded and toilet area made more private in the case of it not being a couple sharing the room. Other than this a well maintained lodge with extremely friendly and helpful staff. The stand in manager was doing a sterling job. Treated to traditional dancing in the evening prior to dinner.

Savuti

Did a sight inspection of Savuti which is a beautiful lodge. This I would highly recommend to clients. The rooms are stunning and bathrooms out of this world. Family unit also perfect for families. The communal area is very well laid out and nicely decorated. Lovely view onto the Savuti Channel which is now flowing again.

It would appear that the manger is very hands on. Came to our assistance en route when our vehicle broke down a short distance from the lodge.

08 December:

Very good game drive where we saw more wildlife than anywhere else on the trip.

Flight to Vumbara.

Little Vumbura

Met by our guide who was very humorous and kept us entertained for 24 hours.

Lovely entering the camp by boat. Very interesting and detailed briefing by management and shown to our rooms.

This was my favourite lodge and very spoilt to have  had the honeymoon suite. Cannot fault any detail about Little Vumbura. Everything was superb. The attention to detail was very evident. Late afternoon boat trip which was excellent. Got back to camp just before an almighty storm. Food outstanding.

09 December:

A mokoro trip was planned for early morning but once again it was raining so this did not happen. A huge pity as this I would imagine to be very special. Drove to Vumbura Plains.

Vumbura Plains

Very impressive and could certainly determine why it is classified as a premier lodge. The communal area and rooms are just so much larger and definitely have a more opulent feel about them. Met the manageress at south camp and had a general brief of the lodge whilst looking over the magnificent plains where I am sure many a client spends an enormous amount of time doing just that. Visited the family unit at north camp. The layout of the enormous room is gorgeous and having your own splash pool a bonus.

Kwetsani

 

Flight to Kwetsani. Met by our guide and transferred to the lodge. I did somehow feel that he was lacking knowledge concerning the area. Arrived and met by the most amazing husband and wife managers. They treat you as though they were welcoming you to their own home and their hospitality was commendable.

More traditional décor but the tree houses are beautiful. Thourourly enjoyed my 2 day stay here. Delicious wholesome meals were served.

Went on a short game drive but not much was seen and then proceeded to the mokoro station to have a quick ride through the narrow channels. It was however so peaceful and enjoyable with a little daunting hearing the hippos close by. The lack of wildlife during the green season could present a problem if someone was expecting to see more. This will have to be highlighted if sending clients during this period.

However Lechwe’s abound.

10 December:

Jacana Camp

Sight inspection of Jacana. This camp is somewhat more rustic than any other we had seen but just so cute. Communal area and rooms/bathrooms rather small. The upstairs dining room area allows for beautiful views. I am sure during the high season when the water levels are high, this must be an amazing place to be. Once again the managers ( husband & wife team)  are so funky and just seem to suit the lodge and clientele that it will attract.  Did see a considerable amount of bird life along the way as well as some water inhabited creatures.

Jao Camp

Continued onto Jao Camp which is simply outstanding and once again very visibly understandable why it is a premier camp. Met by the newly appointed husband and wife managers who appear to be hell bend on ensuring that the clients experience the ‘wow factor’.  Just everything about this camp is just mind blowing anyway so not much effort needs to be put in. The 2 pool areas are magnificent as well as the split level communal area and spa. The décor in the elongated rooms does certainly not lack beautiful detail and would be fit for a queen. The outside veranda area and sala is also fantastic for whiling away your time either relaxing or game viewing.

Returned to Kwetsani. Afternoon game drive where not much was seen.

11 December:

Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for our flight to Maun and return flight to Johannesburg. Wilderness staff at Maun airport were very efficient and took good care of us. All the Sefofane flights between the camps were on time and flown by very experienced and capable pilots.

In summary this was a very enjoyable and highly enlightening experience and did indeed allow me to understand the Delta and realise that it is very important to establish which are water and land based camps and which would be preferable for clients. In general there is very little room for improvement from Wilderness Safaris and just keep doing what you are doing as it really works. The clients we have sent to date, come back raving about your properties and service.  Now I know why.

I will therefore continue to sell your properties with the utmost confidence with my newfound knowledge.

Once again many thanks to Zania Claassen and Wilderness Safaris for a wonderful trip!

Janet