Peter C Selig - San Antonio, TX
February 2015
Just back from a two week customized and accompanied walking, camping and lodging safari in the deserted desert of Namibia. Stunning scenery, other-worldly, for those who love solitude and nature with some luxury thrown in. Lovely people and unique accommodations.
Here is an intro to Lloyd Camp, who is South African, based in London, and who has been running camps and guiding for 25 years in Africa and now has a custom African wildlife guiding service. He is personable, reliable, easy to work with and adds a tremendous amount of information, interpretation and camaraderie for any traveler. We met through mutual conservation friends.
I think that he has a tremendous wealth of practice and experiences that could help in Africa programs to rise above all others – that edge you seek.
I hope that you have a chance to chat, then visit soon. Africa is complicated and a bit opaque in my three thrips here over the years, and can be made easier and elevated by someone like Lloyd. The camps just don’t do it alone, completely, even the best ones.
Until the next trip…Pete
Pamela Lodish - USA
Lloyd,
I had such a wonderful time with you when my friend Merrill Hille and I did our Uganda/Rwanda primates trip. And based on that experience and a trip I made to Patagonia, I had my knee replaced in November so that I could continue to be able to dream about such adventures. At that time, you roughed out what I might do with my family should we decide to make a trip to Africa (I know Africa is a big country).
When I have a great guide, I usually remember their name, as was the case with you.
OSCHETI
Article on
CNNSUZY AMESTOY
To whom it may concern,
Last summer (2017) I took my family to Africa. There were nine of us. Five adults and four teenagers. It was a trip of a lifetime! We went to Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. We saw lions, cheetahs, wildebeest, elephants, gazelles, zebras, warthogs, ostrich, hyenas, leopards and more birds than I can name.
Lloyd Camp was our guide and I could not have made the trip without him. He met us in Dar Es Salaam. From there until we boarded our plane to return home I had nothing to do but enjoy my family and the fabulous experience in Africa. Lloyd is extremely knowledgeable about the history, the camps and the animals and birds of Africa. He took care of everyone and everything. He took care of the transportation, luggage, and found all the animals we could hope to see. He is a great storyteller and a fun traveling companion. I highly recommend him! Suzy Amestoy USA
PATTI and ROB BEEBE
In 2010 my husband and I went on safari to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda with Lloyd Camp as our guide. It was one of the most memorable and marvellous experiences of my life. Lloyd was the consummate guide, combining an extensive knowledge and love of wild animals, great eyes, an excellent rapport with all the local guides and a fantastic sense of humor. I’ve been to Africa several times, and can assure you, you couldn’t find a more excellent guide.
In 2015 Lloyd designed a trip to Botswana for us. He cherry picked the lodges and arranged all the plane flights. He managed a lodge in the Okavango Delta and knows the Delta intimately. His name and reputation always evoked a smile and opened all doors. The experiences with wildlife and with the people of Botswana were fantastic!
We can’t wait to have Lloyd guide us again.
Patti BeebeBEN FORBES
Lloyd has taken a lifelong fascination with teaching and African wildlife and turned it into a career. From guiding and camp management with Wilderness Safaris, Lloyd went on to create the guide training department at Wilderness Namibia. There are few guides in that country who haven’t been trained by him or the successful programme he devised. He is now one of a small number of specialist guides who can stick a pin at random in the map of Africa and proceed to design the best possible itinerary. Deserts, jungles, mountains and swamps are environments in which he has led unforgettable journeys with demanding international clients. Over the last 22 years that we have known him, Lloyd has very often been the solution to both guiding and guide training problems we have needed to resolve. He is our first call when we know that a safari just has to run perfectly. In a business where reputation is everything, we trust Lloyd implicitly.
Ben Forbes
Northern Exposure UK Ltd
(April 2018)MICHAEL BROWNER
Lloyd guided our family group of ten on a two week long safari a few years ago. Our group consisted of 6 adults and 4 children. The kids ranged in age from 6 1⁄2 - 10. We went to three different camps in South Africa and one in Zimbabwe.
My wife and I had been to Africa before but this was the first trip for the rest of our family. We were excited but a bit nervous about how the kids would handle the encounters with the wonderful African animals. Would they be excited? Afraid? Would they follow the various safety rules so they could enjoy the trip and not be a danger to themselves or the rest of us.
Lloyd proved to be the answer to all concerns!
He explained “the rules” to the kids and he reinforced them during our game drives. He won their trust and there was NEVER an issue. They literally loved him.
As for the rest of his work for us...he was absolutely terrific there too.
First, he took care of all of the logistics of the trip. He kept us on schedule...with flexibility when needed. He made excellent suggestions re game viewing opportunities at the different camps while, at the same time, working in a totally collaborative and positive way with each camp’s local rangers. He knew most of them from having worked with them before and they all seemed to like and respect him.
Second, he became a real friend. He was a cross between a first class ranger and another member of our family group. In fact, a year or so later, he and his wife came to New Jersey and had dinner with my daughter and her family along with my wife and me. We’ve met several other perfectly competent African guides but never socialized with any of them back in the States.
Lloyd is a terrific resource for anyone making their first or their tenth trip to Africa. In fact, when my wife and I returned to Africa...just the two of us this time...a year after our family trip we again hired Lloyd to go along with us. He added tremendously to our enjoyment and comfort on that trip too.
I highly recommend Lloyd to anyone looking to enjoy a fantastic African experience. We’re planning to go again in 2019 and will definitely have Lloyd with us again.
Michael Browner, FloridaBILL & MYRA BUCHER
My wife and I recently returned from an 18 day trip through South Africa, guided by Lloyd. We hadn't been before and asked Lloyd to come up with as varied an itinerary as possible. It was a marvellous trip and far exceeded our hopes and expectations. We toured, predominantly by car, on a meandering route from Pietermaritzburg to Cape Town. During the trip, we took in mountain hikes, two different game reserves, spectacular rocky coastlines, interesting, (very safe ) old towns, and the most beautiful scenery. We also stayed on a wine estate and ended our trip with three days at a surfing village just outside Cape Town. Accommodation was a mixture of guest houses, thatched lodges, B&B, log cabins, and 5 star luxury at Nambiti game reserve.
The game reserves were undoubtedly the highlight but it was impossible to find fault with a single part of our holiday. It was probably much less adventurous than the majority of Lloyd's African trips, but for older travellers looking for an all round South African experience, it was just perfect. Lloyd was great company, vastly knowledgable, particularly with animals, trees and plants. But most importantly, he clearly loves Africa and that's really what made him such an excellent guide and our holiday so memorable.
Bill Bucher, Brighton, England April 2018
BILL CLOSSEY
Lloyd Camp is the real deal. Raised in South Africa and with a lifelong passion for natural history and the outdoors, his enthusiasm for African wildlife is infectious. We had the pleasure of meeting Lloyd through mutual friends on one of his trips to the States. Having shared a few dinners with him we were entranced with his stories and experiences. We had made several safaris in Eastern and Southern Africa and could relate very well to the subject matter.
On our bucket list was to trek with the great silver-back gorillas in Rwanda. Of course, Lloyd had extensive experience with the gorillas and offered to plan a trip for us. Our trip took place in the Fall of 2016. Lloyd developed an itinerary for us that included a week in Tanzania, two nights at the Hotel Rwanda in Kigali and two visits with the gorillas on consecutive days in Volcanoes National Park in the mountains of Rwanda. The gorilla encounters were a never-to-be-forgotten treasures.
We could not have been more pleased with the experience. Lloyd took care of all the arrangements and reservations for us including stays at fabulous properties in the bush, two nights in a delightful stone bungalow adjacent to the National Park; and all transportation between and among the properties in aircraft, sedans and safari vehicles. Every connection went off like clockwork. His personal attention to every detail was most appreciated. And his personal relationships with the various camp personnel were obvious.
I would, without reservation, recommend Lloyd for an unforgettable African experience. Our only regret is that schedule conflicts did not permit him to join us on the trip.
Bill Clossey
New Jersey, USA
DAVE COCKLE
I have travelled in Africa through a number of different countries in many different ways. While I thought I knew the region well Lloyd has always managed to tailor-make something a lot more special. Taking the time to understand what we want and then deliver that bespoke experience is something that not everyone can do.
David Cockle - SwitzerlandFREYA and PAUL GRAND
My husband and I have traveled with Lloyd twice, once in 2008 and again in 2013, both times in Botswana and Namibia. Our second trip came about because our first experience with Lloyd was so memorable, such a full and nourishing life experience.
Lloyd is not only supremely knowledgeable about the flora, fauna and geology of Africa but he is a student of history and culture as well.
Lloyd is a delight to spend time with, has a great sense of humor, and is skilled in taking good care of his clients and making certain that they have the best possible experience. I would travel with him again any time.
Freya Grand 2018JOSH
In March 2016 Lloyd guided our family for nearly 2 weeks. Our trip was magical and a once in a lifetime experience in part due to Lloyd. Lloyd was with us throughout beginning with our landing in Johannesburg and continuing to the Kalahari, Cape Town, Kruger, Botswana and Victoria Falls. Lloyd was tremendous - smart, engaging, funny, knowledgeable and by the end felt like a part of our family. Our son who was 13, to this day talks often about Lloyd. We can’t wait to travel back to the “Bush”with Lloyd and wouldn’t even think of going with anyone else!
USAJUDY WHEATLEY
Lloyd Camp has been our guide for four of our last five safaris, recovering from a bout with malaria in 2017. While the safari provider substituted the best replacement available, we really missed Lloyd. He’s a well-respected expert and shares his knowledge with passion and joy. A 2.5 week safari is exhausting and stressful for staff members, but somehow he always maintains his energy and fun approach. He is humble, low-key, and has a great story for every occasion. He trains and mentors lodge rangers/guides and has helped inexperienced guides in a non-threatening manner.
REALLY looking forward to his guiding on our 2019 safari! Judy, San Diego, California.THE MUSHARA COLLECTION
Lloyd Camp has been giving guide and hospitality training at The Mushara Collection for the past nine years over the following periods:
From 13.06 – 18.06.2010 From 01.05 – 10.05.2011 From 31.05 – 10.06.2012 From 07.06 – 17.06.2013 From 05.05 – 14.05.2014 From 14.03 – 27.03.2015 From 11.01 – 23.01.2016 From 25.02 – 03.05.2017 From 24.01 – 30.01.2018
Lloyd’s training consists of theory classes, practical teaching as well as on the job training, which is conducted in a very professional way.
Lloyd has a special gift in communicating to all levels of scholars and bringing the subject over in a very understandable way.
Our lodges/camps are run and managed by people who have started as casual workers with us and through “in house training” have achieved to climb the ladder. Lloyd’s influence has helped considerably with that.
Lloyd’s yearly visit is a high light at our lodges and his positive nature inspires all of us.
Lloyd Camp is a highly professional person with excellent teaching skills and very much liked by his pupils.
The Mushara Collection consists of three lodges/camps on the eastern border of the Etosha National Park where we conduct daily game drive activities into the Etosha National Park.PALMWAG LODGE
It is herewith confirmed that Mr. Lloyd Camp offered formal guide training at Palmw'ag Lodge / Namibia from I't February 2018 until gth February 2018.
The following subjects were completed by our guides:
1) Safety / safety talks for drives and walks 2) Guest expectations
3) Product knowledge
4) Guiding protocols
5) Communication
6) Walking: safety / looking at smaller things
7) Guiding tricks
8) Special knowledge: endemics, local specials, desert ecology, local ecology
Level two training for our guides will take place at Palmwag Lodge during February 2019.
Fritz & Birgit SchenkPATRICK AMESTOY
In June/July of 2017, our family of 9 ranging in age from 14 to 80 years old was able to experience something most people only get to see in books, movies and in their dreams. Wow, what a trip!!! We were most fortunate to be led by Lloyd Camp. Since you are probably booking your trip from a world away and don't know who or what to believe, I assure you that Lloyd is the real deal and you will not be disappointed. I live in California and would be happy to speak to anyone with questions. Lloyd was able to quickly read our group as he prepared us for what was about to happen and found his own ways to connect with each and every one of us. He immediately fit in and felt like part of the family. We started in Tanzania, made our way to Botswana and finished off the trip in South Africa. Each lodge has it's own local guides but we also had our own secret weapon in Lloyd. Given his years of experience guiding and managing camps, he is as knowledgeable, if not more than the local guides. He has a way about him which allows the locals to do their jobs but makes sure he nudges them in the right direction if needed. One of many examples, we were at the hippo pool in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania when through his binoculars he noticed some hyenas way in the distance acting a little funny. He pointed it out to the driver/guide and then suggested that we go check it out. We ended up tracking the clan of hyenas while they were hunting wildebeest. I'll leave the rest to your imagination but long story short, we would have missed one of the most exciting parts of the trip had Lloyd not been with us. He knows about every animal in the bush from the small insect to the king of the jungle to the tiny birds resting on the hippos. He is a walking encyclopedia and will teach anyone who will listen about each and every animal's sounds, behaviors and history. When we first booked the trip, I assumed that Lloyd's job was to make sure we saw the animals and had a good time. I didn't realize that was only half of it! He made everything so easy for us as we traveled from country to country and lodge to lodge. We never had to check-in, deal with our luggage or figure out what we were going to do next. At every airport, he knew exactly where to go and made sure our bags were handled. Our only job was to fill out customs forms and to not to lose our passports and hand luggage. He and/
or his office were always speaking with each other and the lodges ahead to make sure they understood which cabins/tents would be assigned to our group. Before we moved on to the next lodge, he would tell us the room layouts and sizes and work with us to figure out who would be where. Once we arrived our bags would magically appear in the correct rooms. He would work with the lodges and suggest things to make our trip feel even more special. He also worked with the managers and guides to determine the best times for meals and game drives so all we had to was show up. In addition, we didn't have to try to figure out the correct amounts to tip people along the way. Lloyd handled EVERYTHING!!!! He is worth every penny and I guarantee at the end of your trip you will say, I can't even imagine doing this without Lloyd. He is one of a kind and provides the ultimate 6-star service. Enjoy!! On a side note, if you get the opportunity to take a hot air balloon or helicopter ride, don't pass it up.
Patrick, California April 2018ROBERT LEE
Lloyd Camp was our safari guide when we trekked in to see the gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda in 2010. He was the best guide we have ever had - anywhere on any trip. In 2015 he planed our trip to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Although he did not actually accompany us, he selected and booked all the camps where we stayed, decided how long we would be at each camp, and organized our transportation between camps. The planning was excellent. We loved everywhere we went. Everything went off without a hitch.
Lloyd is totally dedicated to his clients. He is deeply in love with wildlife and the earth and is excited about taking his clients to see those things. He is both smart and wise, delightful, fun, funny, intelligent, inventive, well-spoken, a superb naturalist, and very attentive to detail. He was highly respected and well loved wherever we went. He is a very good judge of character and temperament and of the physical abilities of his clients.
Robert Lee, ColoradoSUSAN HANNAH
Lloyd put together a wonderful trip for us in Namibia and Botswana in the summer of 2017. He listened to our opinions and steered us in the right direction. He supported us before, during and after the trip. We enjoyed everything he arranged for us!
Susan USACLAUDIA VOGELBACH
In May 2015 and May 2016 I had the pleasure to have been on a walking safari with Lloyd and some friends first in Namibia in the Skeleton Coast area and next time close to the Etosha Pan. Then we flew over to Zimbabwe and walked around the Chitake River in the Mana Pools National Park and also in the Hwange National Park and Gonarezhou National Park.
All my trips with Lloyd our main guide have been excellently planned and our requirements have been carefully taken care of. The whole trips with tents and the whole equipment, lodges, planes always worked out without any problems or delays. We had a wonderful time with him, adventures joyful and we saw not only a lot of animals also bush life and the small details in Africa's daylight life. I can highly recommend Lloyd as a guide and in the mean time as a friend. This year I am lucky to have the pleasure to go with him on another tour around Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Claudia , GermanyZULWINI TOURS & SAFARIS
I have known Lloyd Camp for the last 37 years, an acquaintance which long predates both his and my involvement in tourism related businesses. Zulwini Tours has operated for the last 25 years and latterly in our dealings with Lloyd as a guide we have had exceptional feedback from guests who have rated their holiday experiences with Lloyd as a once in a lifetime or extremely memorable vacation. Lloyd has guided throughout South Africa with his most recent trip for us being a 17 day trip (March 2018) through Kwazulu Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Garden Route and Cape Town. Tour logistics, tour finances, tour reports and client needs are always professionally and meticulously attended to.
In our dealings with Lloyd Camp Consulting, as a UK based agent we have found them to be extremely professional and efficient and we would have no hesitation in recommending their services to anyone planning a trip to Africa / Southern Africa.
Yours truly, Mike ChaterPAUL AND KATHLEEN
Just back from a few days in the Zimbabwe bush. Brilliant itinerary, stunning locations and lodges and simply wonderful wildlife. 'This is Africa' but as usual your arrangements were perfect and seamless. Thank you so much for all of your support in arranging another sensational trip.
To anyone looking to book a trip to Africa or perhaps interested in the idea then do not hesitate to contact Lloyd. His knowledge of the continent and his local network of contacts will help you to build an itinerary that will allow you to enjoy Africa and see what you want to see in whichever way you choose. As a guide he is as knowledgeable as he is enjoyable to be around. He has a wicked sense of humor but a relaxed charm with people and a proud professionalism to ensure his guests enjoy yet another trip of a lifetime.
Paul and Kathleen (Istanbul , May 2018)
PAUL LIECHTI
To Whom It May Concern
This is a reference to certify that Lloyd Camp has worked together with Namibia Tracks and Trails on various safaris in Namibia.
Most recently (May 2018) we have teamed up with Lloyd on an adventure race through the remote parts of North West Namibia, Lloyd was instrumental in all facets of the safari from planning (recce) to the final implementation of the safari with the clients. His immense knowledge of the country and its people make him a key part of this safari. During a Safari of this nature many skills such as extreme off-road driving, vehicle maintenance and time management come into play, to make the safari successful. Besides these skills Lloyd has an in depth knowledge of all fauna and flora and other topics pertaining to his field.I highly recommend Lloyd’s services to any client, as I am confident that his input will result in an amazing safari experience.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries.
Yours Sincerely
Paul Liechti – Operations Manager NTT
GROOM
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my distinct pleasure to take a moment to tell you about Lloyd Camp. As you no doubt know, Lloyd is a professional safari guide with a great deal of experience.
In 2015, My wife Chris and I, along with another couple and their children ages 9 and 11, spent over two weeks with Lloyd in Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. Chris and I and the other couple are very experienced Travelers and fairly demanding. Lloyd made the trip a truly exceptional experience due to his personality, demeanor, knowledge and commitment to us as a group.
We identified, up close, nearly 60 different species of mammals, hundreds of birds most of us had never seen ( all of whom Lloyd claimed to know their official names!). Lloyd made the trip a very special one for the children so, if you are thinking “should we bring the kids?” the answer is yes, by all means!Because he has managed some of the top camps in the area, he is familiar with the routines that most high-end camps try to provide to their guests, so he makes a concerted effort to make your experience several levels better – and he succeeds. I can say this because my sister and her 3 adult children and their kids and spouses also travelled with Lloyd last year to all the same areas. They all had the same experience as we did.
Africa is an amazing place to visit and for those of us who have to travel long distances to get there, you want it to be exceptional. So, you should want to have the very best safari possible and having someone like Lloyd, who is experienced in providing that kind of safari, is the way to get that done.
As a final endorsement, Chris, my sister and a friend and I are going to spend another few weeks with Lloyd in Africa next year.
I hope you too have the opportunity to share Lloyd’s knowledge and his entertaining and educational character on your first or next trip to the Dark Continent
Sincerely
Michael P. Groom
VICTORIA MCWILLIAM
Dating back to 2000, we have enjoyed numerous safari drives with Lloyd over the years and his hospitality and expertise is second to none. On one game drive in Botswana, whilst waiting for a battered old lion to move from his safe spot under a distant bush, Lloyd engaged us all with his absorbing accounts of the lives and habits of the other animals around us – the zebras, the giraffes, the wild dogs, the birds. Lloyd's passion and knowledge make every safari drive a sheer joy. And then there are the sundowners..... a carefully observed and very welcome ritual on any evening game drive!
More recently, in 2016 Lloyd helped us to scope a family safari holiday to Namibia. Together we pored over maps as Lloyd highlighted the road that would give us the most jaw dropping entry to a valley, where to make short diversions, what to skip and essentially the last roadhouse and petrol station for miles. He also recommended boutique hotels which perfectly combined a swimming pool for the kids (then 8 and 10 years old) with a superb restaurant for us. We saw cheetahs, lions, herds of elephants, rhinos - and to the delight of my daughter, a family of warthogs. Namibia captivated us all.
Thanks again Lloyd! It’s high time we plan our next African adventure.
Victoria McWilliam Solicitor
LondonGORDEN KEPPEL
I travelled with Lloyd Camp Consulting Africa in May 2018 to the Okavango Delta of Botswana and had a wonderful trip. Lloyd understood exactly what I needed in terms of photography and chose the camps that best suited my needs: Xigera, Tubu Tree and Savuti. The game viewing was exceptional, the lodges welcoming and perfectly situated, the guides were caring and knowledgable, the food was excellent and the service was outstanding. This was a long-held dream come true!
But none of it would have happened without Lloyd’s experience, attention to detail and personal involvement; we met personally in London both before and after the event, and he was always available to consult with in order to make this trip perfect. Lloyd’s love of the wilderness is obvious, and his enthusiasm to make sure that the people he sends to it will have the best possible experience is legendary. He has lived in all parts of southern Africa, and knows it backwards. My trip was hassle-free, too: all arrangements went very smoothly. Truly professional. All I had to do was take pictures, look at the wildlife and enjoy the sunsets.
I heartily endorse LCCA as a safari travel company, and indeed Lloyd himself as a guide, companion, wildlife expert and raconteur. My trip wasn’t just rewarding, it was damned good fun!
Gorden, London and CologneKELLY WILLIAMS
Lloyd designed a seamless adventure for us that we will never forget. The progression of visiting 3 different luxury camps throughout the Okavango, all with diverse terrain and experiences could not have been more intuitive. We were made to feel that we were the first travellers to be having this experience…and everyone we encountered was committed to making sure we loved every minute!
Kelly Williams, Washington DC