Travel reviews by The S Family from Plymouth
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
8
Excursions taken
1
Our July 2023 trip
Namibia between 29 Jul 2023 and 16 Aug 2023
"We had a lovely and memorable trip with two teenage boys. The itinerary was realistic for the time we had available and we had a great range of experiences tailored to our requests.
We have given individual feedback on lodges and experiences but overall they were of a very high standard.
Estimated timings of road transfers were reasonable although we appeared to be slow on dirt roads. Overall B and C roads were good and we never felt we needed to rush.
We went “off piste” from Mundulea to Ongava - going north to the east gate to Etosha and driving through the park rather than the suggested route on tarmac. This meant we got to Ongava around 4pm and declined a sun down drive but meant we saw the east of the park.
We visited Namibia 25 years ago with no children, the first edition of Chris’ book and no device that needed to be plugged in to USB. Despite the changes in the world since we had an equally amazing time in 2023.
This was (for us) an expensive holiday but the service we were provided was good and we had confidence we would have a great holiday. That confidence was well founded.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Wilderness Safaris did not meet us at Windhoek - another guide showed us their lounge where we invited ourselves in.
But the lounge was a godsend as Europcar tested our goodwill with unprepared hire cars on a very cold morning and when check in IT failed as we tried to depart - leading to very long queues and our Frankfurt London flight “waiting” for us.
I was a little put off by Maruska living on the other side of the world. If we went again I’d have a 30 minute call before we left the UK to check my thoughts on gas stations (much easier than 1990s) and to get some insider tips - the one disappointing experience for us was a poor sundowner drive at our last stop at Red Dunes which we should have skipped."
We have given individual feedback on lodges and experiences but overall they were of a very high standard.
Estimated timings of road transfers were reasonable although we appeared to be slow on dirt roads. Overall B and C roads were good and we never felt we needed to rush.
We went “off piste” from Mundulea to Ongava - going north to the east gate to Etosha and driving through the park rather than the suggested route on tarmac. This meant we got to Ongava around 4pm and declined a sun down drive but meant we saw the east of the park.
We visited Namibia 25 years ago with no children, the first edition of Chris’ book and no device that needed to be plugged in to USB. Despite the changes in the world since we had an equally amazing time in 2023.
This was (for us) an expensive holiday but the service we were provided was good and we had confidence we would have a great holiday. That confidence was well founded.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Wilderness Safaris did not meet us at Windhoek - another guide showed us their lounge where we invited ourselves in.
But the lounge was a godsend as Europcar tested our goodwill with unprepared hire cars on a very cold morning and when check in IT failed as we tried to depart - leading to very long queues and our Frankfurt London flight “waiting” for us.
I was a little put off by Maruska living on the other side of the world. If we went again I’d have a 30 minute call before we left the UK to check my thoughts on gas stations (much easier than 1990s) and to get some insider tips - the one disappointing experience for us was a poor sundowner drive at our last stop at Red Dunes which we should have skipped."
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
Olive Grove
"Olive Grove review"
1 night
Arrived
30 Jul 2023
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
"Erongo Wild review"
1 night
Arrived
31 Jul 2023
"We liked Erongo Wilderness - but only had one night there which limited our ability to see all they offered. The walks looked interesting. The staff were friendly and attentive.
The tents were nice, sympathetically sited and well spaced out with attractive outdoor seating. The sundown drive was good although wildlife is limited. Food was good, catering for vegetarians."
The tents were nice, sympathetically sited and well spaced out with attractive outdoor seating. The sundown drive was good although wildlife is limited. Food was good, catering for vegetarians."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Mundulea Reserve
"Mundulea Reserve review"
3 nights
Arrived
1 Aug 2023
"This was a highlight of our trip - three days off grid with a passionate guide who cares deeply about the environment.
We were very well looked after - including catering for vegetarians. Our excursions were tailored to our interests. We absolutely loved walking through the bush learning about the flora and fauna close up - but animal sightings will be much more limited than “on safari”.
This was an amazing experience but would only be suitable if you are comfortable camping (very comfortably in the bush) and walking."
We were very well looked after - including catering for vegetarians. Our excursions were tailored to our interests. We absolutely loved walking through the bush learning about the flora and fauna close up - but animal sightings will be much more limited than “on safari”.
This was an amazing experience but would only be suitable if you are comfortable camping (very comfortably in the bush) and walking."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Eland
4 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Ongava Lodge
"Ongava Lodge review"
3 nights
Arrived
4 Aug 2023
"We had a great stay at Ongava. The staff were very friendly and the guides knowledgeable. The lodge has the advantage of Etosha on its doorstep and an impressive range of animals on their land.
Highlights included walking with rhinos and a separate bush walk with our guide the next day. The hide by the watering hole allows a very close up view of animals - including rhinos and elephant. Staying for three nights gave more flexibility in what we did with our guide.
Accommodation was luxurious and the food good."
Highlights included walking with rhinos and a separate bush walk with our guide the next day. The hide by the watering hole allows a very close up view of animals - including rhinos and elephant. Staying for three nights gave more flexibility in what we did with our guide.
Accommodation was luxurious and the food good."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
5 sightings
Giraffe
7 sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
White Rhino
5 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Damaraland Camp
"Damaraland Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
7 Aug 2023
"One of the most welcoming places we have ever stayed. Their ability to deliver such hospitality in the “middle of nowhere” is spectacular.
We were accompanied in our 4wd from the road to the lodge to be welcomed with singing, refreshing towels and juice.
Our guide was knowledgeable and attentive. Whilst most go to see the desert adapted elephants (which we did on three occasions) he was equally keen for us to learn about other aspects of the environment and culture. He was keen for us to drive across the desert to the rock art and living museums and we were not disappointed!
We particularly enjoyed a short walk on our day of departure.
We only spent two nights at DWC but could easily have spent longer had time allowed."
We were accompanied in our 4wd from the road to the lodge to be welcomed with singing, refreshing towels and juice.
Our guide was knowledgeable and attentive. Whilst most go to see the desert adapted elephants (which we did on three occasions) he was equally keen for us to learn about other aspects of the environment and culture. He was keen for us to drive across the desert to the rock art and living museums and we were not disappointed!
We particularly enjoyed a short walk on our day of departure.
We only spent two nights at DWC but could easily have spent longer had time allowed."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
1 sighting
Strand Hotel
"Strand Hotel review"
3 nights
Arrived
9 Aug 2023
"Strand Hotel is a well located 130 room hotel on the seafront and close to amenities of central Swakopmund. It is pleasant place to stay whilst exploring the area."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Kayaking with seals
"Kayaking with seals review"
11 Aug 2023 • Morning excursion
An amazing experience getting close to hundreds of juvenile seals in a sheltered bay with expert guides.
Whilst the seals are a key part the drive to the area is also intersting. We stopped to discuss the sea salt industry, photograph flamingos and pelicans and the Skeleton Bay surf break!
Whilst the seals are a key part the drive to the area is also intersting. We stopped to discuss the sea salt industry, photograph flamingos and pelicans and the Skeleton Bay surf break!
Kulala Desert Lodge
"Kulala Desert Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
12 Aug 2023
"Kulala has an amazing location close to and overlooking the dunes and we had a very good guide in to the park - but I think you would need a full day (two nights) to see both dunes and canyon.
Groups for the cars were well planned - we were with a similar family.
Sleeping on the roof with extra blanket and hot water bottle was a special experience.
Whilst the location and individual staff were good overall the team seemed a “step behind” compared to other lodges we stayed at. Others anticipated the rhythm of the day whilst during our stay this lodge was full and staff seemed to be on the back foot."
Groups for the cars were well planned - we were with a similar family.
Sleeping on the roof with extra blanket and hot water bottle was a special experience.
Whilst the location and individual staff were good overall the team seemed a “step behind” compared to other lodges we stayed at. Others anticipated the rhythm of the day whilst during our stay this lodge was full and staff seemed to be on the back foot."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Oryx
4 sightings
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge
"Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge review"
1 night
Arrived
14 Aug 2023
"We used Kalahari Red Dunes at the end of our trip which might influence our view.
The rooms were a little OTT in their size and decor. The dining was formal compared the other lodges we had stayed in.
The sundowner was disappointing - this is a converted farm surrounded by farms and the guide was limited in his knowledge of the animals and environment. Of note this was the only lodge where drinks on the sundowner were charged additionally (we were charged for a full bottle of wine).
On the positive it was a pleasant place to while away the day before a drive to the airport."
The rooms were a little OTT in their size and decor. The dining was formal compared the other lodges we had stayed in.
The sundowner was disappointing - this is a converted farm surrounded by farms and the guide was limited in his knowledge of the animals and environment. Of note this was the only lodge where drinks on the sundowner were charged additionally (we were charged for a full bottle of wine).
On the positive it was a pleasant place to while away the day before a drive to the airport."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Poor
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Sightings report
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
There is a good supermarket a short walk / drive away to stock up for car journeys."