Travel reviews by The M Family from London

"We were warmly received at the ranch and the staff were helpful and friendly. The bungalows were beautifully situated and well appointed. The courtyard in which we had dinner was very atmospheric although the food itself was only average.

We were not totally convinced about the scientific basis for the cheetah sanctuary however and as a game ranch it was very limited. It would be hard to imagine staying there multiple nights."

"Canyon Lodge is beautifully situated and its location is impressive and the facillities overall are of a good quality. The location of the swimming pool looking out over the desert is spectacular. However the rooms are looking a little tired - holes in the mosquito nets etc - and could benefit from some refurbishment.

The lodge clearly caters to the German market which is reflected in the food which is plentiful and one gets the impression they are trying a little too hard with some of the combinations which are to say the least eclectic.

We also found the service a little too formal and even perfunctory at times. Certainly compared with Bagatelle and especially Desert Homestead.

One concern we had was the abundant notices telling us to conserve water while they continually watered a verdant garden at the front of the lodge and outside our rooms the sprinklers were on regularly trying to coax life from a large expanse of soil. Maybe they should concentrate on planting more succulents!"

"We received an exceptionally friendly welcome from Joerg and Michelle (and by Nala the Rhodesian Ridegback) and we immediately felt part of the family. Joerg is clearly one of the world's enthusiasts and while we were unable to arrive in time for the farm tour, he showed us around and gave us some fascinating insights into his innovative approaches to farming, especially into breeding sheep suited to the terrain.

(By the way they mentioned in passing that they had been delighted with the people who had come to them via Expert Africa but had been having some - unspecified - problems with your local agents)."

"We thought the service at Desert Homestead was excellent and the staff friendly and well-organised. The atmosphere engendered meant that the guests communicated with each other in a way that just doesn't seem to happen at Canon Lodge.

The food was probably the best among the commercial lodges.

My family very much enjoyed the sundowner ride."

"Again the Guesthouse staff were very welcoming and we enjoyed our (brief) stay. The design is modern and a nice change from the more traditionla places we had stayed at during our stay. It is very convenient for the centre and especially Joe's Beerhouse!

We would highly recommend."