Zimbabwe Reviews

Hi Janine. We have done a number of Zimbabwe game reserves in the past but Mana still remained on our list. And now, having just returned from 10 days in Mana, split between River Camp and Ingwe Pan, we thought we ought to write to you about our experience. Wonderful sums it up, and I apologise in advance for using the word ‘impressive’ so often. Mana River Camp, run by Justin, was highly efficient, with smiling Eddie always ‘there’ to help in every way. The meals and snacks, produced by chef ‘Zim-one’, were varied, tasty and very professional – an impressive beef wellington on our first night! Henry, our guide for the five days, was amazing. We saw most of the game available and there was no end to his extensive knowledge and abilities – especially tracking and forecasting the whereabouts of the painted dogs, a walk to see those elusive lions, and his reassuring advice and encouragement to sit perfectly still and enjoy the elephants as they wandered through our campsite, simply metres away. Inge Pan camp, run by Sheppard, was equally efficient. And Howard, with his broad grin and wonderful sense of humour, was always ‘in attendance’. Every evening Howard would prepare a different and innovative ‘venue’ and lighting arrangement for supper, and chef Joseph never failed to impress with his cuisine and nibbles – what a team! Honest, our guide at Ingwe, was highly impressive too. The bush at Ingwe was much thicker than previously on the flood plains and how he spotted things was remarkable. Also, we took to doing a bit of walking to seek out more wildlife – his tracking, calmness, and knowledge (especially his love of the bird life) were amazing – we learnt so much and saw stuff from a different perspective. But you know all that already, I’m sure. What we really wanted to write about, however, are two special things we will always remember. Firstly, (for some unknown reason, probably concerns about the national elections) we were the only people in camps apart from the first two days in River Camp. So (maybe because they didn’t want us to feel lonely), the managers and guides both sat with us for dinner each evening and we really appreciated the chance (having previously lived in Zimbabwe) to chat with them about many issues – we learnt so much from them and we absolutely treasure the time they gave us. And most impressive of all, and locked into our memories forever, was our anniversary celebrations at Ingwe. Somehow, we had let slip that it would be our 47th wedding anniversary whilst there, and on the eve of which Howard surprised us by laying up our supper table on the decking of our tent – all beautifully lit up with lanterns, and a lovely dinner followed. And then, the next day (our anniversary), after our usual afternoon game drive, Honest suggested we finish up at ‘gumboot pan’ for our sundowners - and there, laid up and waiting for us, facing the setting sun, were three chairs and a bar, and a bottle of bubbly on ice. How thoughtful and extra special was that. That was then followed by another lovely lantern-lit ‘surprise’ supper beside the pan, culminating in a procession and dancing from all the staff, and the presentation of a beautifully decorated anniversary cake by Joseph. Wow. We were simply overwhelmed. We would be extremely grateful Jeremy (we met you briefly at Ingwe) if you could pass on to your teams (including backup staff) at both River Camp and Ingwe, our huge appreciation of the wonderful way they all really cared and looked after us, always going way more than that ‘extra mile’. What a very special trip it all turned out to be. Our thanks to you all. An experience we won’t ever forget. Kind regards. Richard and Sue Calderwood.

A big thanks to Inken and all at Rainbow Tours we had an outstandingly great holiday. No negatives to report, all the arrangements made went like clockwork (except BA on way out with a 2 hour delay nothing to do with you guys). . Wild Horizons were brilliant , on time courteous and so very helpful. . All our trips were great (wished I had booked in 1 more day at the falls but maybe we will have to go back). . Ilala Lodge was beautiful we loved it. Ivory Lodge and the staff was outstanding. Don’t think I can say much else other than to repeat a BIG, BIG, Massive thanks to you all.

"We had a wonderful time - but the water was too high for us to go to Devils pool. We really enjoyed just looking at the falls and amazing rainbows from the Zimbabwe side, the Zambia side and from a helicopter. Truly amazing to see. Walking across the Knife Bridge on the Zambia side with a 360 rainbow round us is not something to forget quickly! We saw all the animals we were hoping to on the safari, with the exception of the Wild Dogs. Highlights were Leopards (I think we saw four of them), Lions (including three males that had killed a baby elephant), Cheetah, Honey Badger, lots of Elephants, Hippos, Antelope and the birds were amazing. We saw Rhinos in Zambia as well. . Guides were great, . The Mokoro trip was very beautiful and serene made even more special by a family of elephants coming down to drink very close to where we were. The boat trip on the Chobe was also very interesting - we saw elephants swimming across the river to the island and an enormous crocodile! . The Safari support crew was great. Food was very good and plentiful. Accommodation in the tents was good - listening to hippos, elephants and lions while laying in bed will be remembered for a long time. All the transfers and flights worked without a hitch and there were no delays at the border crossings. Would have appreciated a shorter layover in Joburg on the way back but given the airline flight times nothing could have been done. Moving camp on safari results in a couple of long days over some rough roads. We were OK but anyone with a back complaint would need to be warned about this as the back row of the jeep is very bumpy. . Ilala Lodge is very comfortable and in a good location. We ate there each night and the food was very good. All in all a tremendous trip. ".

I could not have asked for more! Everything was seamless. I know that some aspects of a trip are beyond anyone's control, ie weather or delayed flights. I had great luck and everything on my trip was on time with great service. The hotel at Victoria Falls was just incredible. The food, the service, the hotel physically itself was just top notch. Camp Moremi was fantastic. My guide there and at Camp Savute were really knowledgeable and just hard working guys. Camp Okavango was more of a relaxation place to me...the room was probably the best there in terms of luxury (among the camps) but not as much activity as the other camps. . BTW the Peech Hotel was also a great recommendation. I told them you sent me. I got your bday message at 6 am at camp savute --was quite surprised and touched at the some time. Thank you! Overall the Okavango delta is magical place. I am so happy you recommended it. I would recommend you guys wholeheartedly. I will contact you when I decide to return to Africa hopefully in the near future!. Thanks again for all your help! . .

Fantastic experience, absolutely no complaints. Would not hesitate to use and recommend Rainbow Tours to family and friends.

Please thank Inken very much from us. She did a fantastic job of sorting out our brilliant holiday. The guide and tracker went the extra mile for us (several miles in fact) to find some wild dogs. They spent all morning trying to track them down but didn't manage at first, but we did see them in the evening. The following morning we saw a lioness hunting wildebeest. . The meerkats were fantastic! and we thouroughly enjoyed the sleepout under the stars! . I would recommend this holiday. I think it's the best I've had. Everything went well!

A big thank you to Inken for helping to organise a fantastic holiday. .

It was a real privilege to have such an outstanding and knowledgeable guide - he was excellent company. The tents and camps were first-rate in terms of comfort, service and location. .