Travel reviews by Mrs Barn owl

Holiday of a Lifetime in Namibia

On this trip, I visited Namibia between 14-Sep-2007 and 30-Sep-2007 and I travelled with 1 other person.

The initial delay [Ed: their flight to Namibia] at the beginning of the holiday was unfortunate as we did want to spend some time in Windhoek but that was the only problem we encountered.

Strange though, was the fact that the highlight of our trip to Etosha was perhaps a slight disappointment, and that other areas not expected to be as good, actually exceeded our expectations. The stay at Desert Homestead and the balloon ride were great. Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast had a totally different atmosphere. I'm so glad that we entered the Skeleton Coast Park. Its seems a barren forsaken area but the great waves pounding onto the shore and the mists rolling in gave it such a dramatic feel. Absolutley wonderful.

Damaraland was attractive but we didn't see many animals. I believe the area has been heavily poached up till quite recently and the Rhino Conservation is doing well now and other animals are increasing in numbers also.

We saw loads of animals at Etosha but didn't expect quite so many people. There is a speed limit to the roads around the park but we saw very few people adhere to it. Especially at the mad rush to get back to your camp before they closed the gates. There were birds and smaller animals run over because people either couldn't stop or couldn't see them in time. There were also instances at waterholes when people in 4 wheel drive vehicles decided to leave the ample veiwing areas around the waterholes to get closer to the animals for better filming. This was dangerous and very inconsiderate to the animals. We just wish that this area could be policed to stop this unthoughtful behaviour.

Erongo exceeded our expectations, although we were already looking forward to seeing it. The walking was very good and the birdlife beautiful. Personally if I had gone there first I probably would not have moved on.

I have no suggestions to help you improve your service, but must say that it was good not to be pressured as some agents do on a daily basis and it was very thoughtful of you to send a map with the suggested route to take. There were lots of little details that put your service above other agents and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody. Thank you all.

I stayed at and have reviewed:

Place	Overall rating
Hilltop House, Namibia 15-Sep-2007 review: One night stay at Hilltop House	Excellent
Bullsport Guest Farm, Namibia 16-Sep-2007 review: A day at Bullsport	Average
Desert Homestead, Namibia 17-Sep-2007 review: Lovely setting at Desert Homestead	Excellent
Sea Breeze Guesthouse, Namibia 19-Sep-2007 review: Aptly named Sea Breeze	Good
Palmwag Lodge, Namibia 21-Sep-2007 review: Peaceful Palmwag	Good
Okaukuejo Camp, Namibia 23-Sep-2007 review: The gateway to Etosha	Good
Onguma Etosha Aoba, Namibia 25-Sep-2007 review: The long and winding road to Aoba Lodge	Good
Halali Camp, Namibia 26-Sep-2007 review: Just another restcamp	Good
Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Namibia 27-Sep-2007 review: Picturesque Erongo	Excellent