moremiles

I didn't find the food great at any of our Wilderness camps, especially Jao, the most expensive one on our safari. Chitabe Trails had the best food so The River Club was no surprise to us but it was certainly edible, just not anything gourmet. As for insects, the beds do have mosquito netting and there is insecticide in the chalets which we did use, but it was not a big problem and I have a real insect phobia. As for the steps to the bathroom, it was not a problem for our family but if you have to get up during the night, maybe it will be for you.

linjudy

Hi Julian,

Sorry, still have not had time to write a trip report.

I was at the River Club this May (2005), so, unfortunately, I don't think improvement is likely. Sounds like you're familiar with bad British food (as am I -- my inlaws are British ). It is exactly what you will get.

Unlike Moremiles, I thought the food at Duma Tau, Kwetsani and Mombo was very good. Simple but delicious. We live near San Francisco and would consider ourselves "foodies". The camp food is not the French Laundry or Chez Panisse, but still very tasty. And the atmosphere certainly can't be beat!

Judy

jasher

In general, I've found the food at WS camps to be homely -- hearty and tasty, but definitely not gourmet. Better than British food though -- thankfully!

When I've stayed at CCA camps, on the other hand, they've served up some first class food. It may just be a difference in camp style. CCA also does 'bush dining' which the Wilderness camps don't do.

More food for thought...

Cheers,
Julian

moremiles

I don't mean to bash the British but we've found most food on our travels to be better than what we've had in Britain, even The River Club!

jasher

Hello Linjudy,

Guess improvement in the food next year would be unlikely, since you were there in May 2005. I am used to bad British food, but hope for better food when I travel...though I suppose I could view it as preparation for going home, since Vic Falls is my last stop before heading back to England.

Cheers,
Julian

cooncat2

At the prices cahrged at most of these places you're talking about, I'm really surprised to hear all of this about the food! I'd think it would be better! It doesn't have to be gourmet, as long as it's fresh. As vegetarian, as long as I can have a plate of roasted veggies, or a good salad, and some fruit in the morning I'm fine. I really hope I don't end up having to eat various types of breads and "biscuits" everyday. My innards wouldn't be too happy about that. (And it awould be no picnic for a potential tentmate either!) ;-)

matnikstym

short hijack here-Sharon, is it o.k. to eat the salads/fruit there? I've read to avoid them but I can't imagine going that long without!
Dennis

cooncat2

I am so glad you cut in - I meant to ask the same thing. Possibly just avoid fruit we can't peel, and salads may well be out. Hope some others with experience will answer!

jasher

Hello,

If you are staying at any of the upmarket (Wilderness, CCA) camps, you can eat the salads and fruit without fear. People at every camp I stayed at munched away, and no one came down with any stomach ailments (I would have known. as I was the only doctor in the house).

The hygiene standards are quite rigorous in the kitchens, which is where the problems usually occur. Don't forget, the staff have to eat the food too -- all the more incentive to keep things clean.

It's a different matter entirely in cities and villages -- there you might well be advised to boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it!

Cheers,
Julian

Knightsound

Hello: I just returned yesterday from 2 weeks with Natural Habitat/Wilderness Safaris. The River Club was our first stop, and it is FINE. We didn't have our sundown trip on the river because we did the Livingstone Island trip instead. My room had a perfect branch just outside that attracted the early morning hornbills; what a thrill. Yes, there were a few bugs in the bathroom but nothing special. If the staff pulled down our bedroom shade, we pulled it up. What a view! If you do Livingstone Island, you get the boat from the Royal Livingstone Hotel, so you will get to see that hotel. It was awsome swimming across a little place on the Zambezi and sitting in the pool at the edge of the falls. I think I am the luckiest person in the world to have had David Luck as guide.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Diane

evelyntrav

I have a sensitive stomach and although I have been careful I have gotten ill from the food in many international places (including Europe), however, I had no problems with food at the Wilderness camp sites.

Knightsound

Jasher, sorry, I replied to the message above yours by accident. I just got up from a 4 hour nap. Diane

jasher

Hello Diane,

Was the food as awful as some people have said it is?

The Livingstone Island trip sounds great. How much did it cost?

Cheers,
Julian

Knightsound

Jasher, the food was very, very good. Trip to Livingstone Island was $55...this was for the boat from the Royal Livingstone, help along the way over rocks to the water, and help IN the water to and from the edge. Then we had tea and drinks right there. We did meet Peter Jones, too at the River Club. Diane

matnikstym

thanks julian for your answer.
Dennis