Your feedback

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 all our photos here.

Iain and Jean Watt
Scotland, August 2009

I'm rarely given to sending emails but have been so affected by our recent trip to Zambia that I feel compelled to make an exception. We have travelled widely in Africa previously but our experience with RPS in Zambia and Malawi will remain in our memories forever. I'm quite certain you are used to the superlatives with which your whole organisation will have been described previously but we would like to add a few of our own. While Nkwali and Tena Tena and all the people associated were wonderful, the walking at Mupamadzi with Kiki as our guide is one of the most fulfilling events of our lives and has changed our perspective of the bush and safaris generally irrevocably. The logistics which allow the understated luxury and the attention to detail are as breathtaking as the experience of the bush and wildlife that goes with it. The whole ethos of your staff and organisation are admirable. Congratulations on a fantastic organistion, group of staff at all levels and providing such a wonderful overall experience of the African bush.

Lorna
July 2009

The trip was fantastic.  Robin Pope safaris was perfect. We were treated so well, learned so much, and were pampered the entire time. The experience was surreal; we saw so much wildlife (including a lioness and four leopards) and were actually always surrounded by the sight and sound of animals and birds. We visited Kawaza village and saw how they lived, we ate their food, saw their clinic, medicine woman, and distillery (backyard hooch made of corn distilled into alcohol in order to make a bit of cash). The people are poor but have a happy spirit.

David Lyon and his walking companions
August 2009

First many thanks for a most fascinating set of experiences. You demonstrated both the predator and the predated relationships, but more importantly those that are symbiotic. You opened a whole new world. No bird will ever again be just a small  black dot. Your staff are simply superb. Excellence shines through in every act,  as does the underlying attention to detail. I have never experienced 5 different napkin foldings in 5 nights.

The Sly Snake

The striped-bellied sand snake
Struck the striped skink
Jaws crunched -
He was dead in a wink.

Link to more from David Lyon and his walking companions.

Mr & Mrs N from Nottinghamshire
Nsefu visit, July 2009

Beautiful rondavels in a beautiful setting with good game viewing, especially from the front porch. Many animals visited the water hole adjacent to the camp.

Excellent and willing guides with exceptional local knowledge who provided us with wonderful game viewing, night and day.

All food excellent: meat, barbecue - exceptional and inventive chefs which added greatly to the pleasure of our stay. Possibly we enjoyed this camp the most of the 4 we visited.

Mr & Mrs G from Kent
A Christmas to remember.

We were lucky to be upgraded to Robin's House giving us the unexpected, but very welcome, luxury of our own bungalow complete with a dedicated team to look after us. We also had the benefit of game drives with just the two of us on board. The game viewing wasn't spectacular - as is often the case at this time of year - but our guide, Obi, ensured that there was always something of interest to see just around the next bend. Game viewing highlights included a pair of Pels Fishing Owls, spending time up close with elephants and their calves, and a male lion roaring from only 10m away! 

Having the use of boats on our doorstep (literally) to get across the river, and into the park, added to the overall experience. Opportunities for walking were somewhat curtailed due to the muddy conditions underfoot, but we manged to get out twice during our 6 days there. 

The carol concert, where all the safari lodges and their guests congregated under a nerby baobab tree, is a memory that will stay with us for many Christmas's to come So, too, was the excellent play performed by local drama group, Seca. This is the second time we've been to Nikwali, and we hope it won't be the last.

Modecai and Tapiwa
Malawi, October 2008

We would like to express the appreciation of my family for the very unique experience we had at Pumulani. The views are stunning; the staff are excellent and the food was great. It was so relaxing in the villas, it was incredible. We look forward to spending more time there.
Mark and Jenna are wonderful and the staff take their cue from them.

All the best to Pumulani.

Mr C from Canada
Nkwali visit, September 2008

All of the staff at this lodge were great - laid back, but very professional, helpful, and friendly. Spectacular leopard sightings, and very good lion sightings, as well as all other expected wildlife. Guides were very knowledgeable and respectful for the welfare of the wildlife.  Meals were excellent.

Farley
USA, 2008

We had a number of different clients with you this past season so I wanted to pass on to you that, without exception, everyone returned from their time with RPS to absolute rave reviews!:

Lyn Andrews

“We could just take in the beauty of the landscape, the serendipitous actions of the animals, the soft and fragrant light at dawn and dusk, the company of curious and fun guests, the warmth and care of the camp staff and the mind altering shift being in the bush creates. The Robin Pope camps were perfect. We were privileged to see nature at its most loving and most brutal. We were grateful for the wisdom, passion and experience of our guides. We woke everyday knowing that something unexpected would happen. We slept deeply and awoke to the chill of the morning with delight and anticipation. My daughter had a transforming experience every day. Our visit to the Kawaza school was profound. It gave us hope for the Planet. It underscored what commitment and passion can make possible. My daughter’s view of the world is forever changed. And I could go on and on……

Kelly Kurz

“Zambia was, as you had predicted really wonderful. Our guide Obi was very very good, and that daily chorus of hippos was really something. Debs 2 day walk was so much fun-she is so interesting - the operation is really well set up-but I am glad we did it for only 2 days as I felt I had to keep looking where I was walking and missed a lot! Robin and his wife Jo came for breakfast one morning. And crossing the river on the pontoon was really cool. Nsefu at the end was also great-and our last game drive was beyond anyone's dreams-including a dead hippo upside down with maybe 150 crocs tearing at him, plus other hippos coming up to pay their respects. This was 5 minutes after seeing a leopard go after impala (we saw 7 leopard in total), and followed by our mistakenly waking elephants sleeping on a termite mound who were quite upset with us.

Bonnie Barnes

“We loved Nsefu the most I think and thought the world of Deb!”

Got home yesterday and am still in a glow over the trip. It was stupendous and everything went like clockwork. All of the places I stayed were terrific, especially I think the walking tented safari, which was extraordinary, thanks to the guide, Debs. She was amazing and knowledgeable and we were entranced by her understanding of and connection to the environment.

Barbara James
October 2008

South Luangwa Valley certainly offers the more authentic safari experience which I loved.

Too many lodges these days have opted for extreme luxury (often OTT), coupled with bush spas/gyms and gourmet bush dining, losing focus on what we are in the "bush" for. This certainly isn't true of the Valley and while accommodation was always comfortable, well appointed and food adequate without that feeling of being overfed (lots of nice salads, vegetables etc promoting healthy eating), focus was very much more on the game experience which, I must admit, exceeded all my expectations.

The game seems far more abundant than what I am used to seeing in SA - herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, eland, puku, impala, kudu, giraffe, flocks of quelea and carmen bee-eaters (or swarms might be a more apt way to describe them!) and much much more. Out of the 5 game drives I did at the different lodges, we had brilliant sightings of leopard on 4 of them. The rangers were also very knowledgeable on all aspects of the bush and spoke well.

Mr & Mrs M from London
Kawaza - informative and great evening 'show', August 2008

A really worthwhile trip. We visited villagers homes, met the headmaster of the local school, attended a church service, talked to a traditional healer, shopped at the local shop, fetched water from the well,..... In the evening they put on a show for us where the whole village seemed to show up. Drumming, singing and dancing with 'audience participation'! Ate 'local' meals, drank homemade brandy and wine - tasted pretty good!

Marsh harriers from Leicestershire
Kawaza Village, July 2008

Kawaza was everything we had hoped for and more. Very relaxed on both sides leading to great interaction with the local population. We have given an excellent score for everything because everything was done to make us feel as comfortable as possible.

On the school visit it helped to take along a few pictures from our life in the UK - everyone was so interested in how we live as well! A very humbling experience and a must for anyone who wants a real feel of Africa as well as looking at animals.

Jeff Smith
USA, July 2008 , after one of David Rogers' photographic workshops.

The trip could not have been any better. First of all, David Rogers is an outstanding photographer and great teacher. The experience of travelling with him for a week was invaluable. Our tour guide, Jacob, was also outstanding. With a keen understanding of photography, Jacob knew when to leave to catch just the right light, where to go and provide an uncanny sense of knowledge of the African geography and wildlife.
[read Jeff's journal]

Vicki Burford
USA July 2008

We were on one of your safaris in 2005. Thanks so much. We are still relishing our safari with you. The whole experience has changed my outlook on the world and on my life.

Alan Clayton
Ireland, June 2008

Visiting the family community at Kawaza was inspiring. The hospitality we experienced was just amazing. Uby, Raphael and friends have created a very special place. It may lack some of the material trappings of a hotel closer to my home, but more importantly it makes up for that with its friendliness, enthusiasm to share what it has, and its ambitions for an exciting future.

Ian Erasmus
May 2008

I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks for a wonderful experience and felt that it is truly a unique place. The room was fabulous, the meals memorable and the service levels excellent. The game experience was a revelation and my guide would have embarrassed many of the so-called experts in South Africa.

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.”

Susan and Chris
August 2007:

As I think Chris mentioned before we arrived, whilst we are not scratching up 34 safaris yet like some of your guests, we have spent a little time in the bush, over the past 5 years since our honeymoon, in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Gabon and Madhya Pradesh in India. We rank our time with RPS in Zambia's South Luangwa National Park (and with the Tethers at Kutandala in North Luangwa National Park) as one of our best experiences to date.

Things that particularly impressed us include the:

• Deep professionalism of everyone we encountered - RPS staff were all friendly, of course, but also very committed and sensitive, but without a level of professionalism, this is not enough. This was unfortunately brought home to us during the 2 nights we spent at another camp prior to coming to RPS where the show was just a bit too slapdash, even though friendly;
• Breadth of variety of experiences available is unsurpassed in our prior experience in the bush in Africa - the flexibility to walk extensively, take night drives, day drives, early morning breakfast picnics for sunrise and probably a dozen other things we didn't get time to try is truly unique, especially within the confines of a gazetted national park;
• Safety - 1 and 2 above are linked in this third point, in so far as we had no qualms about taking up any of the opportunities we were presented with, as a consequence of our faith in the guides. At no point did we feel uncomfortable or that safety was an issue (bearing in mind of course that our own behaviour was relevant as well as the guides'!). Kerri, Rocky, Nyombe and Simon all super-performed, to say nothing of The Boss, but more importantly, were a pleasure to spend time with;
• Precise grasp of logistics and organisation - particularly evident to us on the Mupamadzi mobiles (a little more transparent there), but no doubt underpinning all that you do;
• Seamless service from first point of contact by email, to being met by your representatives at Lusaka International airport, briefings prior to mobiles, handovers between camps, to the final easing through immigration on the return leg - we were cosseted the entire way; and
• Gastronomy - special mention must be made of the real talents in all your various kitchens, and in particular Alfred and team on the mobiles, as their food was a very impressive feat under the prevailing conditions. I remarked on sitting down to the first dinner at Camp 1 on the Mupamadzi that I felt like I was dining again at the Savoy Grill - French Onion Soup with freshly made bread, Fillet of (very tender) Beef with potatoes dauphinoise, cauliflower cheese and greens, followed by an exemplary Creme Brulee. From those rudimentary ovens came amazing menus, consistently.

Grace, tact, in-depth bush knowledge and patience under pressure - this is a real "people" job and you people at RPS know how to do it. Congratulations.

And yes, we definitely want to return.

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.

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!