Travel reviews by Jacana family from Bristol

Eighteen days without a cloud in the sky

On this trip, I visited Namibia between 18-Jul-2008 and 6-Aug-2008 and I travelled with 4 other people.

The trip exceeded our expectations in every way. The tourist infrastructure in Namibia is outstanding, with the quality of the hotels, courtesy of the people and maintenance of the roads putting much of the UK and Europe to shame.

This was not a cheap holiday, but we felt that it was money well spent and would love to return. We saw and photographed far more than we had expected and this will provide us with many wonderful memories for the future.

We found that we used much more cash on the trip than expected. Fuel is now N$8 to N$9 per litre meaning that refilling tank was around N$400 at each petrol station (6 fills for 3000km). No petrol station we visited accepted cards. Needed more cash for tips, park entry fees etc than anticipated. Had informed our UK bank that we were travelling to Namibia, but they still blocked debit card as soon as it was used in ATM. They left message on UK phone to ring them back -not a lot of help in Namibia!

Fortunately credit card remained functional (had phoned their security dept before leaving rather than relying on website link). Initially took GDP£400 in SA rand, but took out further N$6000 to cover expenses en route. Had to draw this over three days in Swakopmund as ATMs seemed reluctant to give too much in one go. Banks close at 3.30 in afternoon, so not easy to access them if out on trips.

I stayed at and have reviewed:

Place	Overall rating
Hilltop House, Namibia 19-Jul-2008 review: An excellent start	Good
Zebra River Lodge, Namibia 20-Jul-2008 review: A walkers paradise	Excellent
Kulala Wilderness Camp, Namibia 22-Jul-2008 review: Views, dunes & chocaholic mice	Excellent
The Stiltz, Namibia 24-Jul-2008 review: Luxury in the Villa at Stiltz	Excellent
Cape Cross Lodge, Namibia 26-Jul-2008 review: Seas, sand, surf and strolls	Good
Damaraland Camp, Namibia 28-Jul-2008 review: Too short a stay	Excellent
Doro Nawas, Namibia 29-Jul-2008 review: Great views, forbidding architecture	Good
Okaukuejo Camp, Namibia 30-Jul-2008 review: Exceeded our expectations in every way	Excellent
Onguma The Fort, Namibia 1-Aug-2008 review: Onguma Plains Camp review	Excellent
Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Namibia 3-Aug-2008 review: Erongo Wilderness Lodge review	Good