We have so many wonderful letters and emails from our guests - thank you - many saying the RPS experience is a lifetime highlight.  Here are a few.....

Our guests are welcome to send photos or link their own website with photos of their stay with us. See the photos and links here.

Peter & Alison William

February 2008

It is now, unbelievably, a month since our return from what we can only describe as the most magical, body and soul reviving, exciting and breathtakingly beautiful time we have yet spent at Nkwali.  Two weeks of sheer pleasure with wonderful memories that will sustain us 'till our next visit. 

ALL your staff are WONDERFUL, AMAZING, SIMPLY THE BEST.  From Rob, Emily and Keyala down to the cheerful night watchman, outside our room who was so thrilled to show, and spotlight for us, with his torch, and we quote ''Madam! Sir!  Look, look please, Baby bush, Baby bush.'' And there, in the tree, just above our door was the cutest Bush Baby staring down at us. From this time forward they will always be known as baby bushes.

Our guide, Joseph, who also guided us last June when we brought friends, is a delight to be with, whether walking, driving or talking.  His enthusiasm is boundless and we shared some very special moments with him - from the adrenaline soaked, heart stopping Mummy hippo incident to the quiet evening walk when we watched harvester termites ceaselessly pulling blades of grass into their nest.  And then of course there were The Dogs, or as we call them The Bov'ver Boys, leaping to catch flies caught in the beam of the spotlight, worrying elephants and hippos with their young, rolling in elephant dung, chasing a leopard up a tree, crashing through the undergrowth like Exocet missiles relentlessly zooming in for the kill, then resting and gently nuzzling each other after gorging on impala, their muzzles still wet and matted with blood. 

During most of our stays we meet other visitors become, like us, overawed by the whole set up at Robin Pope's.  Little snippets we hear or are asked
''Are ALL the meals this good?''   ''But we've NEVER got THIS close to the animals!!''   '' All the staff are SO polite and SO friendly.'' ''It's the little things isn't it?''

BUT the one that always makes us proud, and believe us they all mention this sometime during their stay, is when they compliment the guides.  We've lost count of how many times people (who have been all over Africa) say that they are the best they've ever encountered.  We too have spent time in other camps, many of them excellent, but without doubt, for us, You are the best!

Gary and Dory Hardy

September 2007

Gary and I wanted to let you know what an incredible time we had on our 'Classic Safari'. It exceeded our expectations in every way and the game experience was better than my wildest dreams. The people were the best. They did a great job for us - everything went like clockwork and it turned out to be the easiest and best trip we ever had! We especially want to thank your wonderful guides - Zebron, Masumba, Nyambe and his spotter, Chirumba.

Kim and Ted Kelly

August 2007

Kim and Ted Kelly travelled to Africa for their first time in August 2007.  Read their full journal.

Here is a wonderful extract (at Nsefu) ….

“There are several guest books from the years Robin Pope Safaris has been operating and I found a quote that summed up our experience with this group:

Aim, at least, at the perfection of everything that is worth doing at all and you will come nearer it than you imagine; but those always crawl infinitely short of it whose aim is only mediocrity.
From Lord Chesterfield's Letters.

The Robin Pope group strive for perfection and many, many times they reach it.”

Greg and Stephanie Schuler

July 2007

We met at Nkwali on July 23rd, 2007. I just wanted to let you and Robin know that we had a outstanding stay at the two camps (Nsefu and Nkwali). You have an amazing staff. They took great care to make sure we were well taken care of. This was our first safari and we have not stopped talking about it since our return to Seattle.

For a video of a lion hunt go to www.truestory.neptune.com click on ENTER the SITE. It should take you to our main page then click on the video Pride of Nsefu. It will go to a video display page and auto start, you should be able to make to screen larger by clicking on 150, 200 or full screen. It may take a minute to start because it is a streaming microsoft windows media format.

Lucy Labson

January 2007

Can I just tell you that I read your newsletter every Monday, and walk around grinning all day? It's my little secret! I'll be THERE this summer. So wonderful.

Subscribe - for your own grin!

Anna Flood

Australia June 2006

I have just come back from a fantastic holiday with Robin Pope. I am currently travelling round Africa and have written a report for my own website about the trip. Kerry suggested that you might like to include some of it for your monday letter. I hope it is of some help.

• Read Anna's Report
• Visit her website

David and Hilary Short

Canada March 2006

Hilary and I have just returned from our month-long trip to southern Africa including our third stay at Nkwali.

We just wanted to let you know that the RPS camps we have stayed in (all three plus the mobile) remain our firm favorites - for their location, the great staff and the superbly managed operation. It was particularly enjoyable to visit during the green season, to see the river high and the lush foliage, and to see many birds that we hadn't previously seen (and the wild dogs!). We will look forward keenly to our next visit

Sue & Graham Russell

UK Nov 2005

Thank you very much for a truly memorable stay at Nkwali Camp.

We were very well looked after by Emily and the staff during our stay and the food was excellent.

Our whole stay was like "staying with your best friend's family" - everyone was so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. We would love to return to Nkwali and will recommend it to friends who are interested in safaris.

Brian and Carol Webber

(Sept/oct 2005)

We will never forget our fantastic 10 days spent with you. We had been on several safaris before but none could match up to the wonderful experience we had. We loved the relaxed atmosphere, talking to all of the staff, our great experienced guides and the sheer ambience of all the camps. We look forward so much to `Its Monday`. It always brings back great moments that we can relate to. We will be back one day, very shortly we hope, to experience the exciting scene behind every corner.

We write saying that your time posting `its Monday ` is never wasted and that it just makes us long to be back with you again.

Vicki and Duncan Burford

Montana, USA July 2005

We've been back a few weeks now and are still raving about our experiences with RPS. I tell people that my life is forever changed because I have had this journey. For one thing, I have a new appreciation of and curiosity about the wildlife in our own backyard. And for another, I was deeply moved by our experiences at Kawaza Village. I walked away from that stay (we were there two days and two nights) knowing that I had to do something to make a difference.

Paul, Mia and Jamie Harper

UK July 2005

It is six o'clock on a pleasant London evening but this is no substitute for the wide open expanses and huge sky of South Luangwa. While we were on one of the evening game drives at Nsefu we were talking with one of the other guests, Sonia, about our flat and how we had chosen this over a big house and garden for the ability to travel with Jamie to places like Zambia whereupon she spread her arms and said "but this is your garden". Today I miss my garden.

Please could you thank all the guides and staff at Nkwali, Nsefu, Tena Tena and the fly camps for all the hospitality, kindness and friendship they showed us during our stay. Again, it was a truly memorable experience. You treat your guests like both friends and family which, I think, is that special quality which RPS possess above all.

See some of the Harper family photos

Liz Atkins

South Africa June 2005

John and I have just returned after 5 magical days at Tena Tena experiencing what must rate as one of the best holidays we have ever had. It was certainly the best safari we have done and we have done basic, luxury and those in the middle!

We both feel that you have hit just the right note at Tena Tena - comfortable and relaxing without unnecessary flummery.

Gail Fehrsen

April 2005

We had a fantastic and memorable time at your Nkwali camp. As far as I am concerned you get a 10 out of 10 rating! Nkwali is such a HAPPY camp and of course it’s the people that make it so. The camp is beautiful, the meals were exquisite (special thanks to Ali) and the game drives superb – thanks to Obie and Kiki. We will be back and have told all our friends what a wonderful time we had.

Paul, Mia and Jamie Harper

Dec 2004

Could you thank every one at RPS for one of the best Christmas's that we have ever had and for all the efforts that everybody (especially Debs and Rocky) put in finding bugs for Jamie. You have provided us again with treasured and dramatic memories of Africa - completely different in every aspect from the dry season. It is difficult to pick what will be the most enduring memory of the holiday as there were so many dramatic and amazing events / sights - the storms, the river, the boat rides, walks in the green (muddy) bush, looking for the elusive Pitta, the amazing dung beetle, the other bugs and birds and the superb Christmas lunch and Christmas eve carol service.

Sandra and Mike Perrett

UK Oct 2004

Just a short note to thank you all in RPS for giving us such a wonderful safari. It was quite simply the best we have ever undertaken in many visits to different parts of Africa and particularly noteworthy for the warmth and friendliness of all the staff at all 3 camps and the quality of the guiding. How the girls create such superb meals in the bush we don't know, but you can be really proud of them.

Bill of California, USA

July 2004

(the camps)... all of them were very nicely done and most professionally run. You have not lost sight of the fact that the bush and the animals themselves are what the true focus of the safari must always be. You obviously have competition throughout Southern Africa from innumerable new luxury camps who are fighting for supremacy among the 'slam, wham, glam' set. Having experienced both, I found it an absolute delight to finish with your camps and a tone that I found close to perfect.

Bruce and Toni Duncan

UK August 2004

Toni and I wish to thank you and all at Robin Pope Safaris for giving us such a wonderful taste of the African wilds. Our daughter Zoe and her husband, Ben, who were with RPS last year, urged us to come and the experience more than matched our expectations. The hospitality was outstanding, as was the skill and knowledge of all the guides; it would be wrong to single anyone out - you have a marvellous team in all departments.

Kica Murillo and family

July 2004

Hello to all the people that make Robin Pope Safaris such a grand experience! We look at the pictures and videos now and yearn to be back in South Luangwa with you. We felt very well taken care of by you, even in the smallest details. We really want to thank you wholeheartedly for making this safari an unforgetable...dream!

Betsey Cutler and family

June 2004 (First mobile of the season)

Dear Simon.....we have been home just a few days and are still basking in the glow of our wonderful time with Robin Pope Safaris. Our entire trip to Africa was fabulous but clearly the "topper" was the mobile safari with you, Jo, Piela, John and all the mobile staff. From the moment we started off in the vehicle, stopping to see the petrified wood, right through to when you sent us across the river to Tena Tena it was one glorious moment after another. Your knowledge and enthusiasm is infectious and made us all eager to learn more and more. Jo (Spencer) did a superb job hosting us, and, I might add, if we hadn't been told this was her first mobile as well as ours, we would have thought she was very experienced. Needless to say the food, accommodation and every detail of our stay was excellent. Just to have the experience of 5 days totally in the balance of nature in such a beautiful setting is something I wish all people could enjoy. For Karyn and myself this trip exceeded our expectations even though it was our second visit to RPS and we knew it would be great! For Peg, John, John and Liz it was truly a trip of a lifetime although with luck we'll all be back. Simply saying "thank you" doesn't seem like enough to express how much we appreciate all you did for us.

We had a wonderful time at Tena Tena with a day at the village, a walk with Rocky and a spectacular night drive with Ross...it was a perfect way to end our perfect time with RPS.

I wish you a continued successful season and my best wishes to you, Shanie and all the staff at RPS.

Joe and Judy

Naples, Florida September 2003

It was terrific to sit back and recall some special moments of an exceptional trip while looking at the pictures in "Safari Dreaming", which we recently received. The "re-entry" process to life in the States seemed to take a little longer than usual this year. Zambia is a special country as the Luangwa is a special place and Robin Pope Safaris is a special organization. It is unusual to see such an assembly of extraordinary personnel within one organization. We would love to have Robin and Jo's secret for putting together such a staff. They truly made this trip a most memorable one for us.

We are thoroughly enjoying your Monday mailings. It sounds like things have been very active over there as the winter season is ending for you. Again, thank you for one of the best travel experiences we have had. We can't wait to do it again.

Anne and Iain Douglas

August 2003

A month has passed since we came home and nothing has faded and the images of our holiday are as strong as ever.

These few brief words are to thank you and your team for making our brief time in Zambia the most wonderful, happy and exciting holiday that we can remember.

I'm not sure that we can list the experiences in preferential order. Certainly jockeying for position will be being greeted with cold towels, a gin and tonic and a stupendous sunset on our arrival at Nkwali after some 27 hours of travelling. The entire walking safari experience. The sound of elephants outside the tent in the middle of the night. Laying up silently on a night drive, straining our senses to hear and perhaps see lions make a buffalo kill (they didn't of course, but maybe next time), superb meals taken under the stars.

Above all what we will never forget will be the relaxed companionship of each and everyone we met whilst in your care. We had great drives, wonderful meals and too many moments of laughter to recall. To be able to achieve all of this and maintain such superb standards whilst giving the impression of it taking no effort at all is simply fantastic.

We would all love to return and see whether it was all real or imagined and whilst it won't be for a year or two I'm confident that we'll be back!

I would like to thank a lot of people by name but I'm fearful of leaving out others who contributed from behind the scenes. Instead I hope you will accept a collective 'Thank you' to each and everyone at Robin Pope Safaris.

Paul, Mia and Jamie

August 2003

I would like to congratulate you and your staff again on the exceptional quality of your safaris. When we visited you last year we were bowled over, especially our son, Jamie. At his behest we returned this year. Mia and I were, to be honest, a little nervous - would the safari be as good as last year? would Africa be as magical, would RPS be as welcoming? or was last year one of those special flukes that occur in life. To our delight all those questions were a resounding YES. Africa was as, or even more, magical. The safari was beyond words and most of all RPS were, if possible, even more welcoming than last year. How do you manage to find people who are as charming and engaging as the guys (and girls) at RPS? How do they manage to put up with us with a smile at all times. We know that we are demanding (especially Jamie who must drive them to distraction with all his questions) and yet everyone at the camps and on the drives emanates an infectious air of enjoyment which make Nkwali, Tena Tena (and last year Nsefu) extremely special places.

You have managed to conjure up a magical recipe which delivers a feeling unsurpassed on any other vacation we have been on - as one of your other guests said, yours is a 'life affirming' vacation. Please do not change your formula - we don't think there is anyway you can improve it. Please pass on our thanks to your staff, with special mention to Ross (who must be glad that we are gone), Daudi, Shanie, Simon, Blackson (a more dignified man we have never met), Zebron, Benise (please excuse if we have misspelt his name), Kiela, John and the fantastic cooks at Nkwali and Tena Tena. Please also thank the wildlife of Africa for some amazing spectacles. It is with some regret, from a bank balance point of view, that you have well and truly got us hooked - we look forward to seeing you again next year. I now fully understand why some of your guests have been coming back year after year.

Jonathan and Claire

UK April 2003

We wanted to say a big "thank you" for the wonderful week in Zambia. On reflection we both think that the holiday was the best either of us have had and are so pleased that we chose Robin Pope Safaris.

 

John

October 2002

Robin Pope Safari and South Luangwa are an unbeatable combination. I only wish I had stayed longer.

Virginia

USA October 2002

This has been one of the most spectacular experiences I have ever had. It is hard to put into words.

Alton and Harriet

LA October 2002

Words cannot describe the profound beauty, serenity, and peace we have experienced in this splendid place. The huge variety of wildlife, the delicious food, the gracious and knowledgeable staff, the delightful company of our fellow travelers - all contributed to memories of a time that we shall never forget!

Paul

Sept 2002

One final note from Shirley and I ......... we have completed a number of trips since our visit in 1997 and can honestly say that RPS are the only organisation that we can safely recommend to others .... clearly Pat's letter reinforces this.

Mark & Wendy

Sept 2002

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Tena Tena between 9 to 13 September. We want, through you, to thank your team comprising Daudi, Ross and John as our guides, Kim and Izzy as our catering manager, and all the other staff. Their enthusiasm, commitment and friendliness combined made this an outstanding team to host visitors at your beautifully positioned camp. This was Mark's fourth visit to the Valley over the last thirty years. He was excited to see that the character, ambience and excitement remain as outstanding as they always have done. This makes the Valley one of the great wildlife experiences in Africa. Please keep the high standards up and pass this message to all those who made our honeymoon visit so special.

Paul

August 2002

We cannot emphasise what an impact everybody at the camps had on us. Your kindness, enthusiasm, charm, good humour went beyond the call of duty. Your enjoyment in what you do was infectious and took what was an excellent safari into the realms of the superlative - words cannot express how you made us feel. It is rare that you arrive and feel that you are immediately in the presence of friends. We have been raving about RPS and Zambia non stop since we arrived back - I think we are about to bore our friends senseless.

Joan

June 2002

A wonderful experience of wild life here, the trip to the village and the people will always be in my memory. A very happy one. Great people here at the camp.

Jennifer and Antony

June 2002

A lion hunting an impala followed immediately bu 6 lion hunting two leopard in the tree above us! A truly amazing experience. Thank you for making it so special.

Helen

Canada June 2002

Would come back in a heart beat! Loved the whole experience.

Daun

August 2002

I waited 40 years for this - reality so much better than dreams. We shall return.

Karen

June 2002

Thank you RPS for retaining a simple, comfortable style safari. Your staff have all been superb and the gameviewing outstanding. Coming to the South Luangwa has been a lifelong dream and my expectations have been exceeded. Thank you so much.

Natalie

Kenya November 2001

I will never forget my first walking safari. Such diversity and full of laughs and fun. Thank you Robin, Daudi, Carinna and ALL!!

Pearl

Boston, USA October 2001

This experience has been a highlight in my life. The camps, walking in the bush and mostly the wonderful array of wildlife. I wish to do it again and again. Thanks to all those who made it so pleasant. I can say my 6th trip to Africa has been better than the first 5!!

Ted Sneed

Malawi September 2001

Thanks a million to your entire organisation for our excellent stay at Nsefu a few weeks ago. Camilla, Michael and I have only superlatives for your operation. Truly first class in all respects - overall, the best animal viewing experience we've had in our years in Africa. (resident in Africa since mid 60's)

Fran and Grant

Edinburgh, UK August 2001

I can honestly say that it was the best holiday we have ever had and I never wanted to leave. I hope we can return before too long.

Debbie

USA August 2001

It was Brilliant! We started our trip at Nsefu for 3 nights and moved on to Tena for 2 nights. I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed both of your camps. The staff, accomodations and knowledge were first rate.Most of us had traveled to other places in Africa but the ability to walk at your camps opened another world for us. From the time that Jason and Noodles picked us up at Mfuwe to the time Dowdy dropped us off we were well taken care of.

Eleanor

Philadelphia August 2001

We loved every moment with you. I have been to Africa many times, and I have never stayed at camps where the staff is as friendly and enthusiastic and accommodating as at RPS. The food was the most innovative I have ever experienced in Africa. Who would ever expect Mongolian hotpot one night and then a surprise candlelit Moroccan buffet in the bush the next? And a birthday cake and champagne and margaritas? (Thanks to the wizardry of Noodles and Corinna!) The guides were all superb too, and everybody working behind the scenes made our stay a great pleasure.

Linda and Chris

UK July 2001

Just a quick note to say 'many thanks' for a fantastic few days. We both really appreciate the hard work which goes into making these experienced so 'guest focused'. We came away feeling 'part of the extended family' and are already planning to see how we can get back out again next year!

The Bailey Family

UK July 2001

This wonderful place, situated somehwere near the end of the world, is run by selfless people whose sole aim is to ensure you have a visit of memories of a lifetime - they succeeded!

Barbara

USA July 2001

I had a fantastic time and will definitely be back. What a fabulous operation you run. I found myself filled with joy on so many occasions and at so many different times of day doing so many things. But "doing" was not the operative word while "being" was. It is so wonderful to be able to drift along in an almost altered state of consciousness but yet fully present and also to have terrific people with whom to share. Still not quite fully present here in Chicago.

Madge

USA 2000

We've been using our summer relaxed time to sort photos from last August's trip. My father spent some time with us last week and the photos led me into some retelling and some rethinking. Our experience else in Africa made me realize and now rerealize the effort that you all at RPS put into making your guests feel comfortable and content. I know you put a great deal of thought and consideration into this as well as a lot of work. It shows and it matters at the time and in retrospect. Clearly most camp staffs want to please their guests. You go the extra mile. Bravo.

Nick and Anna

UK October 2000

We have just come back to earth with a bump, having spent a wonderful fortnight in Zambia, the highlight of which was definitely our time at Nsefu and Tena Tena. We could not have asked for more, everything was perfect - you made it very difficult for us to leave! My only problem is that you have spoiled other camps for us, because we will now measure everything on an RPS scale

Linda

UK September 2000

RPS have clearly mastered the paradox of producing a relaxed, informal approach with a feeling of competence and safety.

Pam and Roger

Australia July 2000

Thanks to all the wonderful people at Tena Tena & Nsefu who enabled us to have a holiday that one only dreams about! The walking safari next!

Geoff

South Africa July 2000

The camps were extremely comfortable and the Mobile was beyond our expectations it was so fantastic. It should be something everyone treats themselves to at least once in a lifetime.

Peter and Jennifer

South Africa June 2000

Eating under the stars, with the full moon in the heavens was a memory we shall treasure for ever! What we enjoyed so much was the total flexibility which Robin insists on: it definitely makes for a more relaxed and enjoyable time.

We spent a great holiday with you, just a couple of weeks back with time at Nkwali and Tena Tena. Thank you to the teams at both camps for making our time away so magical. A truly world class travel experience.

Outi and John

Malawi August 2000

The staff at Nsefu camp made it an absolutely unforgettable weekend for us: surprise sun downers and surprise bush lunches not to mention the funniest game drive we have ever had.

Bill and Helen

Scotland October 2000

We loved our stay at Nkwali. A wonderful happy camp with a relaxed and easy approach to all things. Nothing was too much trouble. The guides knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun; great meals served in an unflappable way with a touch of masterly diplomacy!