I visited for four nights on a last minute trip and at random ended up with Old Mondoro Bush Camp. To be honest, I never checked it out and really never checked the itinerary at all. Thomson Safaris apparently works with this camp and they had booked it door to door from arrival to Lusaka to departure,flawlessly.
I was picked up by Solomon from the Lufue airstrip and taken to the camp via a game drive in itself, seeing A leopard , elephants, and too many other animals to mention. After the 40 minute ride in an immaculate open air Landcruiser I was greeted by the staff. Every staff member speaks great English and is happy to be there and it shows. On other safaris I have always had a private guide but due to an apparent miscommunication it wasn’t the case for this trip and really turned out to be great. The camp was not to capacity and so on occasion I had one other traveler or a couple who were all great. Also having time with different employees gave me insight on how things worked and their different specialties and interest.
I spent most drives with Sebastian, James, and Mike and they were all professionals. Licensed in their craft from trees to first aid, I was in great hands here. Most of the guides and support employees were longtime employees of the camp and were happy to be of service and the most kind people on the planet. I cannot say enough about the working staff and the way they interacted with so many different cultures from all over the world, a couple of difficult ones while I was there, with ease and professionalism.
The tents were really beautiful with running water and outside bath and shower. The hot water is solar heated but I never found, even at 10.30 pm,, the water not to be first world hot. The rooms had immaculate daily cleaning and were open to the world and when I was there almost no bugs and very comfortable. I could have just sat on the back patio for four days and been happy. They kept clean ice water in a thermos that somehow was always full.
I believe the food could not be beat anywhere. From the beef to the salads and desserts, made right there, they were all freshly made. The breakfast was special each morning at sunrise with campfire made toast and a great selection on a continental style breakfast. There was never a shortage of excellent food at anytime. The wine and spirits were free flowing with a sunset drive and drink at a special location each night. The Milky Way and the Southern Cross were immediately visible each night. Truly a special time each day, especially with a couple of drinks to throw back!
The boat ride down the river was also beautiful with crocs and hippos everywhere and the boat captain was professional and safe. Also the fishing was touted as a great experience by others while I was there.
Now that I am home with reflection I have no real complaints that amount to anything. The local and loyal staff are the key to this place. All the other things are icing on the cake but they are truly the experience I grew to appreciate immediately. They work tirelessly with a smile and will never say no. They have hot water bottles in the bed and in the landcruiser with blankets each morning. The stop in the morning with tea and coffee looking at the beautiful waterbucks and impalas was something you can’t appreciate till you get there. I cannot say it enough how much I enjoyed the local staff and their dedication and years of service.
There are places for this activity that are certainly easier to eat to from the USA. I recommend you look hard at flights,times, and carriers. I would also recommend anyone to ask for specific weather in the travel timeframe. While we were there in mid-July the weather was perfect but warming. If it were any warmer during the days I believe the bugs would have been a pest. Very few while I was there. Also there are other places that have more game in other parts of Africa in my opinion.

Thanks again to the crew at Old Mondoro for making me feel like a King

From the time we were picked up from the runway our out of this world experience started. The team at old Mandoro are extremely passionate and went out of there way to make it a once in a lifetime visit. Without a doubt the Lower zambezi has the best bush in Africa.

From the moment we arrived we could not be happier. Mark the manager met us at the little airstrip. Enroute to the camp we saw lions, a cheetah as well as elephants and zebra. On arrival his wife Madeleine met us with a warm welcoming smile. Our 4 night stay was fantastic. We met some great like minded travellers as well. Food and wine delicious. Our tent was truly amazing...right on the river with outdoor shower and bath with beautiful amenities. We loved this stay so much. Well done Mark and madeleine. We hope to see you both again one of these days. We wish you all the very best with this venture.