Landing at Jeki airstrip, you immediately feel like you're entering another world, with its dirt 'runway', and a modest hut the only building in sight. Fortunately we found Gilbert & Sam from Sausage Tree Camp offering us the most wonderfully warm welcome. We felt immediately at ease. For the next 40 mins the transfer to the Camp was nothing short of amazing; a 20 min drive through the scrub & bush, already stopping for close-ups with elephants & baboons, followed by a 20 min speedboat transfer up the mighty Zambezi under the African sun, seeing hippos and more elephants.

Upon arrival at STC we were warmly greeted, given immediate refreshments, and had an outline of the Camp & what to expect, all whilst seated in the camp's lovely communal dining/drinking/relaxing area which literally overhangs the banks of the Zambezi. Shown to our 'tent' (that word REALLY doesn't do it justice!) by our Muchinda/housekeeper who would look after us throughout our stay, we found our accommodation to be thoroughly decadent, with its outdoor showers, personal bar, day-bed on a deck overlooking the river, and exquisite furnishings. And yet it still managed to retain a bush/safari feel - this was no regular luxury sterile hotel room. Wonderful.

Life in STC is nothing short of utterly relaxing. Have tea watching the hippos. Snooze in the sun. Spend an hour watching the vervet monkies playing (and watching you) in the trees right above & next to you. Have aperitifs by the fire in the evening as the scenery over the Zambezi takes on its magical moonlit nighttime air. And then enjoy a fine 3-course meal. The food is without doubt one of the best features of STC, we couldn't fault it. Cuisine EASILY as good as you'd find in many fine-dining restaurants in major world cities. For me this contributed a lot to the overall feeling of being spoiled & pampered at STC.

And they certainly do this with style & professionalism. All the staff in the Camp remember your name. There is a consistently high level of attentiveness, without ever feeling intrusive. Much of this atmosphere can be attributed to the managing couples, Merle & George, and Nicky & Alan. I've already mentioned the food, for which Merle is responsible. George is the most gracious dinner companion and all-round genuine host. As is the ever-present Nicky, whose seemingly constant smile is perhaps only out done by that of Gilbert?! And Alan's passion for and knowledge of the Lower Zambezi is both incredible and addictive. They all play their roles with such a genuine & friendly enthusiasm, that I felt I'd made new friends.

Of course, I must also mention the main reason why people travel to the Lower Zambezi - the scenery & its animals. Nothing short of SPECTACULAR. STC offer various ways to experience the amazing landscape; we went on both canoe and jeep safaris, which were absolutely fabulous, perhaps the quintessential Africa you might imagine. Constant picture opportunities, with all different types of animals. And SO MANY of them! To see them in the wild like that is something which I'll never forget, and which I'm already desperate to do again.

My stay in the Lower Zambezi National Park, even though only 2 nights, was without doubt one of the BEST and most incredible experiences I've ever had, with STC being thoroughly vital to this. Yes, there are cheaper & more basic places available, but I'd say forget them. Beg/borrow/save the extra money and treat yourself to a stay here, you won't regret a second spent there nor a penny spent on it. An incredibly brilliant way to see one of the most special places in the world. Don't hesitate - GO!!!

Oh, and they will thoroughly appreciate any current magazines you might happen to bring with you!

My wife and I stayed for 2 nights in mid-Aug 10, having flown in from Lusaka (ex-Kafue) to Jeki Airstrip, then travelled up river by power boat for 40 mins or so (a fabulous way to arrive, having had your very own mini boat-borne safari en route. Location is stunning and right on the river, with super views at whatever game chose to wander/swim by (including herds of Elephants). Game was omni-present and we had to be driven to our Room twice in 2 days, due to Elephant & Buffalo. Room was much bigger, grander and stylish than we expected (cynical toad that I am), and not over looked by anything or anyone. Delightful place to lounge after lunch and bird watch (pool was a good spot too, but a bit exposed to midday sun). Game drives were very productive & better than we had hoped as the immediate area round the Camp is quite thick bush, but it varies quite drastically as you go further from the river. Watching a pride of Lions with cubs intent on nothing but mayhem & play for over an hour was a complete joy, especially as Alan had the same camera as me & a passion for trying to get the perfect shot. Night drives were exceptional too, and we found so many Mongoose(s), Leopards, & Porcupines. Tried the Canoe trip (down one of the channels,as main river is far too powerful & staggeringly fast) to try and slay the ghost of hippos past, so a bit of a test of steel & nerve. Exciting - definitely, but whilst it challenged, we never felt really scared - more thrilled at what we saw & experienced & took some great photos. Food was divine & huge credit to the Backroom staff, no doubt aided and abetted by Nicci (a serious Chefesse in her own right), who we first encountered, with Alan, in 2005 in Namibia !! Pinnacle of this Visit was our last luncheon in the middle of the Zambezi. Surprise or what ! Magical experience & again superb food (4 course meal with Wine etc) under canvas on table and chairs resting on a mid-stream sand bar into which we all gradually sank. Many giggles, laughs (or was it hysterics) and hundreds of Photos taken. Then to truely cap it off, & just before we departed down stream in a power boat to Old Mondoro, we had the Elephants crossing the river right infront of us, with snorkles raised, shepherding a 6 month old calf. "Sweet" and "cute" were not the words to describe the scene. A fabulous place, stay, trip, experience, so massive Thanks to ALL the Staff (Sorry we are not going to single one out, but you know who you are). We will be back one day & I WILL try and catch a Tiggerfish. Recommended especially to those that like their safaris in some (quite a lot actually) comfort & style, & Birders (we're not, but hear it is highly rated on that score).

Whilst spending time working in the east of Zambia my wife and I treated ourselves to a four day stay at the Sausage Tree Camp having never been on safari before. From beginning to end we had an absolutely fantastic time. All the staff were excellent from the management to the safari guides to the camp staff. The accomodation was 5 star safari style and the food was incredible. We were there in May when surroundings were pretty green but we still managed to see lots of game. Whilst we loved the action packed schedule it would have been quite full on if you were expecting a relaxing break.
Overall a faultless experience.

This camp is among my favourites. It was our second time at Sausage tree camp and we did not regret it coming back. We love the location on the lower Zambezi. It is so beauftiful to be at this unspoiled part of Africa!
The rooms are luxury tents. They can get very hot in October and this was kind of hart during the afternoons (this is an area for improvement). Their most beautiful accomodation is the private house, which has its own pool. I have found that staying there was much cooler and nicer then the single tents. I did not want to leave the camp but just to observe the animals from the verandah. There was plenty of wildlife, specially elephants and hippos.
Food was excellent. The lodge was fully booked at the time we were there but since it is a small camp you have a feeling of privacy and exclusivity always.
The managers Nicci and Alan were very friendly and always ready to meet any special wish. Thank you guys!!!
Game drives are fantastic. You have several options for activities including river cruises. We had fantastic sightings from leopard and lions. I have got scared from elephants because they were so many and not always looked relaxed. But of course this is part of the reason why we go to a safari camp right? I hope we can come back one day. It will remain a place to return for a safari in our priority list. As they say it in Zambia: It is real Africa!