Reviews

The Retreat is probably my first choice in terms of Kigali Hotels. As it has a little bit more character and life compared to the larger branded hotels such as the Serena or Marriott. It offers good-sized contemporary rooms with a minimalist feel to them. In the Superior rooms, there’s a lovely stylish bathroom with an indoor shower which leads out into the outdoor shower. This in turn leads out to a small courtyard garden with comfy chairs.

Nyamatusi is a beautiful, well run camp. The flight from Bumi to Mana Pools was approx 30 minutes. The camp is exquisitely decorated and is the only camp to offer both air-conditioning (much appreciated) and private plunge pools (likewise). it offers beautiful scenery with floodplains, the wide Zambezi River and the mountains on the Zambian side as a backdrop. We enjoy stunning evocative sundowners by the river. The food was by far the best food on the trip and the hosting was very friendly and attentive. 

Clifftop lies within the Welgvonden reserve which is 34,000ha with the Big Five. It sells itself as a romantic lodge and in that it doesn’t disappoint. It has a spectacular setting on cliff with views over ridge and river (which always flows). A lot of focus on exclusiveness and romance & they do it well.  The rooms are beautiful with bath, aircon, inside and outside shower, plunge pool, outside shower.

Kololo is one of the most affordable places to stay in the Welgevonden area.  It is more relaxed than most of the private lodges that we normally use. The superior chalets are very nice and good for our clients looking for an affordable and flexible option. So great for multi-generational groups that want to be together and on budget.

Madikwe Hills was probably the most spectacular lodge I saw in Madikwe.  The lodge is perched on a ridge with beautiful views down to their waterhole; we saw elephant, zebra, giraffe and antelope as we were doing our visit.

Saseka is a brand new tented camp. But it’s not your usual tented camp. Very luxurious, spacious and unique with a cutting edge design. The main area of the lodge is huge and has three different lounge areas each with a different ambience which I liked. The roof is designed in a way so that light reflects in diverse ways in the various lounge areas. If it is hot, you can sit in the shaded lounge, if you’re looking for a bit of sun, the lounge in the sun will do and if you’re cold, the lounge by the fireplace is perfect.

In contrast they call Xudum Lodge “The Man” – all dark woods and charcoal/grey/black throughout. Xudum comprises huge bedrooms with sitting area, then a level down to the bathroom with a doorway out to your private plunge pool. Nice touches include a day bed and an upstairs sala.

They call Xaranna the “lady”, with softer colours inspired by the water lily – olive greens/soft pink. I loved this lodge the most and I didn’t feel it was TOO feminine at all. It had a light hearted feel with great staff.

Sandibe is a great new design-orientated lodge, which is the flagship product. I loved the open layout of the main area with the light airy decor.