Wow, what can you say about this place - it's just amazing. We were expecting quite a lot from our safari, but this exceeded it, by a mile...
As you only go on safari to actually go deep in the bush, we can certainly say that this achieved our goal and more - the Ranger and Tracker working here, Peter and Sandy, are very, very, very good at what they do. We got the see all big 5 in our first 2 safaris, and went on to see them again and again... They made it a point that we get to see each one up close, being very knowledgeable about these and also made us feel comfortable when standing 3m or so from the wild beasts. This included seeing a cheetah feasting on its dinner (by actually walking into the bush next to it), and staring at lions from 2m away.
The Ranger's knowledge of the Karongwe bush is quite amazing, as he was tested quite heavily on this. On one day it started pouring real quick, and we were at the other end of the reserve. He just sped around the waterlogged bush, in what was fast becoming dying light.
On our final morning at the Manor House we got to see a leopard just next to a waterhole placed in front of our pool.
This place is just great, very relaxing and peaceful; very friendly staff who took care of our every request. It probably helped that you do not have internet and tv in your room, but given the excitement outside, you just don't need them whilst there.