Highlights
- Immersive Amazon experience
- Best for adventurous travellers
- Activities for all ages, great for families
- Mountain biking, cruises, jungle walks
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireThe Peru Nature Portfolio comprises a number of lodges within Peru's Tambopata National Reserve. This chain of lodges provides guests with the chance to gain first-hand experience of what the vast Amazon Rainforest has to offer and immerse themselves in some truly spectacular natural surroundings. Of all the options within the chain, Refugio Amazonas offers the broadest menu of things to see, do and experience, and has plenty to offer for all age groups making it an excellent choice for families. Situated on the edge of the reserve, the lodge is reached via a three-hour motorised canoe ride up the Tambopata River to its picturesque and peaceful setting amidst pristine rainforest.
There are 32 rooms, all opening out onto the surrounding rainforest and offering a generous amount of space. Bedrooms are separated from one another by light cane fencing, with drapes instead of doors so while they are private, they are not soundproof. Amenities include hot water (available at all times), a mosquito net, electrical lamps and outlets, and complimentary eco-friendly toiletries. Note that rooms are open to the jungle, and it can be hot so this property is best suited to adventurous travellers. An electricity generator is turned on once a day to recharge batteries and lodge facilities. Note that although light is provided by numerous kerosene lamps and candles, it does get very dark at night so we recommend bringing good torches.
The food consists of self-service three-course cooked meals, with a selection of Peruvian and international dishes. Specific dietary requirements are catered for and unlimited sterile drinking water, coffee and tea are provided, as well as fruit juice with meals. There's a second story 'loft' above the dining room furnished with plenty of hammocks for that all-important relaxation time and wild animals, including monkeys, are often visible from the lodge.
There’s a huge variety of immersive and enriching group activities on offer, ranging from paddle-boarding and kayaking trips up the river, to mountain biking sessions, hikes to clay licks, sunset cruises, night walks through the jungle and visits to nearby farms where staff grow their own produce. Guests have the unique opportunity to learn about the area’s incredible biodiversity and its fascinating flora and fauna. A particular highlight is the chance to join the 'Wired Amazon' research project - those who opt to do so have the opportunity to study the rainforest from above by drone, set camera traps to capture photos of various animals and maybe even discover a new species. Private excursions can be arranged for an extra charge. A number of massage treatments are also offer for an additional fee.
Of the three lodges in the chain, Refugio Amazonas is the best for families. Many of its activities are child friendly and there are even some tailored in particular to youngsters, such as the rainforest trail for 4 - 10 year olds, along with the lovely on-site playground. It goes without saying that parents should keep an eye on their children at all times due to the lodge’s remote rainforest setting.
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023