Reviews of Ndhovu Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
128 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Ndhovu Safari Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Ndhovu Safari Lodge review"
We liked Ndhovu a lot but we had a number of niggles which prevent us giving it a 'Excellent' rating.
The track to the lodge was fairly rough and signage could be improved – basically follow the signs for Mahangu Lodge until you pick up ones for Ndhovu. On arrival we were greeted by South African Chris, so laid back he's horizontal. There was no real explanation of the activities available and no price list was ever seen. We always had to ask to do activities – there was little proactivity. We had checked on the internet before leaving but our trip to the park across the river turned out to be at significantly higher cost than expected; although we'd still have done it, the cost should have been pointed out. A drive in Mahango NP was very good but we'd recommend anyone with the appropriate vehicle (4X2 plus) to drive yourself – the cost is N$90 rather than N$600 for two – and you can spend all day if you like, which we did on our last day.
Tents were adequate – comfortable but smallish – plenty of blankets provided for cold nights- and our first night was very cold – tents 1-5 are close together so, unless your neighbours lower their voices every word is audible. Only 1 small bottle of water per person was provided no matter how many nights you were staying.
They claimed they had not been informed of my cheese allergy – unfortunate as the first night's dinner was lasagne – but an excellent alternative was quickly provided and everybody was very careful thereafter. Accepting that, the food was generally excellent, particularly given the open-air kitchen and windy conditions!
The laundry service was efficient and good value." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia; 1n in Botswana
"Ndhovu Safari Lodge review"
The food here was OK, but not great, except for the eland lasagne which was very good and especially appreciated by the children. The staff seemed less friendly here than at many of the other lodges. We saw very little on the sunset cruise which was unfortunate, especially as we'd seen such a lot at Hakusembe, but that's not the lodge's fault - the wildlife doesn't follow the boating schedule!
However, there were a large number of boats out at the same time and one wonders if the traffic does scare off some animals. Unfortunately, I was ill during the cruise and for the day after and Horst, the owner, was very nice about it. We spent a relaxed day driving round Mahango and a very interesting day in Botswana.
Interestingly, although they are so close, the staff at Ndhovu didn't seem to know what papers we would need to cross the border with a hire car, which would have been helpful. Fortunately everything was in order and we had no border problems. On hindsight, three days here was perhaps a little long for us, but as I was ill for one of the three days it all worked out fine." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"The hippos at Ndhovu send you to sleep"
The food was OK, though not haute cuisine (but it was served on the most beautiful hand-painted crockery).
The location is great, with wonderful views of hippos and elephants on the other side of the river - hippo noises make for a truly African lullaby! The owner Horst is a good guide on the sunset cruise." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana
"Ndhovu Safari Lodge review"
We stayed in the tent floating on the river and the first morning there was a family of otters right next to us. The evening boat trip accompanied by Horst was superb. Eating all together (the funny members of staff included - there were few other guests when we were there) at breakfast and dinner was very nice and family-like." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Great Potential"
"Getting close to the hippos"
When we arrived our room and bathroom were filled with wasps - checking out the accomodation before guests arrive might be a good idea. Also providing insect repellants in the room would be appreciated as being near the river there are quite a few insects.
When we were in our room after dusk the hippos sounded very close and their trail/ river entry point was very near our tent. We were provided with a torch but I didn't feel very comfortable walking over to dinner in the dark- as other guests haven't commented on this maybe I'm being a wimp!
On the plus side the food was very good and the owner and staff were very accessible and helpful. For example as soon as we arrived (by boat transfer) we asked to be taken straight out again and they were very very obliging. After dinner the staff gave an impromptu concert of singing and dancing which enjoyed." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Ndhovu Safari Lodge review"
The road to the lodge was flooded when we got there but we were collected by boat and transferred with little fuss and a sense of humour.
The welcome , the decor, the position all put us at ease immediately.
We at all meals together with all guests and the owner Horst.
Wonderful experience." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Ndhovu Safari Lodge review"
A morning drive in the Mahango Park was great fun , but did not see the elusive sable . Really enjoyed the camp and the personal service. One plus point was that unprompted our car had been washed after the mud of Etosha and that was a real bonus." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana
"Ndhovu Safari Lodge review"
Horst also improved on better aquaintance,food was fine,we did move to tent on dry land for second nite,which was rather more peaceful,we didnt do their game drive." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Ndhovu Safari Lodge review"
we changed the next day lovely location and hippos No activities done as felt like a lazy day" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
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