Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs Z from Saratoga
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
4
Lodges stayed in
10
Excursions taken
0
My Aug 2022 trip
Namibia and 3 other countries between 29 Aug 2022 and 27 Sep 2022
We went through many ups and downs over the course of these two years, never sure if indeed the trip would materialize. Initially we postponed the September, 2020 trip to 2021, but it still did not seem wise to go then, so we postponed it to August/September, 2022. If we could have gotten most of our deposit returned, we would have cancelled the entire trip, with all of the continued worries and anxiety that Covid was inflicting on the world.
As Expert Africa has a firm policy of not returning deposits, we postponed the trip again to 2022. We are so glad we did! It all turned out fabulous, and thankfully, we remained healthy.
Throughout this long postponement, with the changes involved, Maruska was always exceedingly polite, understanding, and respectful of our worries and concerns. She did an extraordinary job arranging our trip, which involved four different countries, multiple flights, and many different camps.
The organization was outstanding and everything was seamless.
Truly incredible attention to detail. Thank you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Can’t think of any."
Feedback response
We’re so glad that these travellers had such a fantastic time when they were finally able to travel – after so many delays and issues due to the Covid pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic, Expert Africa’s policy was to try to balance the needs of our travellers, our team and the many people at our camps in Africa. This wasn’t always easy, but we feel it was the only way to be fair.
We could not offer all of our travellers automatic refunds of deposits, regardless of their trip's circumstances, as this would have left the camps unable to support their teams at a dire time for them. Instead we asked that where travel might be possible and legal, they either travel or postpone with no loss of deposit. This meant no-one would lose out.
We understood that this meant asking our travellers to take a leap of faith with us in believing things would improve. We really appreciate that the vast majority of our travellers, like this party, agreed to this and then went on to have such a fantastic time when they did eventually travel.
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
Leopard Hills (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Leopard Hills review"
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
City Lodge OR Tambo
"City Lodge OR Tambo review"
It fulfilled the purpose."
Hoodia Desert Lodge
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
It had not been made clear to us that because we were outside of the Park, we could not view the dunes at sunrise.
It also would have been nice to have time to do the balloon ride, but because we were leaving relatively early the next day, there wasn't time. That being said, a two night stay here was adequate. The spot they chose for the "Sundowner" was beautiful and memorable.
We were a bit rushed here, and couldn't have the "Sundowner" on the day we arrived because of a flight delay from Windhoek, which was totally out of everyone's control. But a beautiful spot, and I loved seeing the beautiful dunes, which was always on my bucket list.
The tented room we had, while it had A/C, had open access to the air outdoors, so consequently the room was quite hot. John did mention this to Mr. Thomas, the owner, that was there at the lodge.
The lodge itself was beautifully constructed, with unique architecture."
Oryx
Many sightings
Desert Rhino Camp
"Desert Rhino Camp review"
Our only negative (which left us a bit unnerved at the beginning), was the first day when we were to leave, the Jeep would not start. With help of others, they got it started and we were off. Not too long afterwards, as we were viewing game, he turned off the engine and the Jeep wouldn’t start (in the middle of no where). Fortunately, other jeeps were not too far away. They pushed us to get it started.
Long story shortened, they finally called the camp to get a new battery, and after that we didn’t have any problems, but it left us feeling a lack of confidence in the maintenance of the vehicles in the remote bush. John did speak to the person in charge at the camp about our concern of the maintenance of the vehicles, as it leaves a terrible impression on the guests.
But all in all, we loved Desert Rhino Camp."
Black Rhino
Many sightings
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Zebra
Many sightings
Andersson's at Ongava
"Andersson's at Ongava review"
The gravel roads in Etosha are awful and very uncomfortable, but it’s because so many use them.
Had wonderful game sightings, and also visited the Salt Pan, which we enjoyed."
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
White Rhino
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Weinberg Hotel
"Weinberg Hotel review"
Lebala Camp
"Lebala Camp review"
Our biggest disappointment was with our guide (I think his name was Mike). We feel he lacks the proper personality, demeanor and respect for the guests. He was very inappropriate at a number of times (like when you asked to have some tonic water and he would say No - then just kidding), but it was said in a very disrespectful and non- kidding way.
He also did one evening’s drive (to see Cheetahs, which we very much appreciated seeing), but the drive was done at high speed and we could easily have been thrown out of the Jeep. It wasn’t necessary. We told the camp manager of our concerns."
These guests also gave their feedback on the accommodation to the camp managers, suggesting that some refurbishment was required. Lebala was closed for a period in October, just following these travellers stay, when maintenance and updating work was carried out. Lebala Camp responded that all feedback is important to them as it helps them maintain their high and consistent standards.
Manager
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Roan antelope
6 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
3 sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Kwara Camp
"Kwara Camp review"
Had a great experience on the canoe, and then the boat ride at sunset. We even went fishing and the guys caught some fish. Lots of fun.
Enjoyed our stay here very much."
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Wild dog
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Old Drift Lodge
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Great guide to view the Victoria Falls. Very accommodating and great staff.
We took the helicopter flight over the falls, and even though it’s expensive, it’s spectacular."
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Hippo
10+ sightings
Ilala Lodge
"Ilala Lodge review"
Very helpful and accommodating staff."
We saw an unbelievable amount of game, almost immediately from leaving the camp. It felt a bit surreal being in such close proximity to lions and leopards, along with many elephants and other animals.
As this was our first Safari Camp, it really impressed us with how close the jeeps could get next to the animals. It was a memorable experience."