Reviews of Mowani Mountain Camp
(94%) From 120 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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ok place to rest
The location -- built onto huge rocks in the mountains -- is amazing. Our tent/cabin had an incredible view. And the sundowner is fabulous. We were a bit tired, so this was a good place to unwind a bit. We went for a nice hike in the morning -- saw a big flock of Springbok.
We did the afternoon execursion to see the Tweifelfontein rock art. The rock art is great, but the heat was brutal. It's too bad they don't do this excursion in the morning. On it's own though this place is a bit dull in comparison with the other places we visited, which was ok because we needed some down time.
The food was odd -- the menu is fine, and it looks pretty, but tastes weird. The chef has few taste buds. It felt more crowded with guests than the other places we stayed, and the service seemed a bit off at times, even-though the staff certainly is working hard to please. It's not a bad place, the setting is amazing, just doesn't quite compare to the other lodges we stayed (eg Woldewans).
A small thing about this place is they charge you for all drinks, even bottles of water. It's kind of like USA domestic airlines charging you random fees. No big deal really, but ... somehow this was our least favorite place on our trip. Maybe we had just gotten spoiled by all the other places.
A real highlight
We had a fantastic chalet that was very well designed. The lack of air con wasn't a problem given the time of year we visited but I would have been more concerned if it had been any hotter.
The sundowner bar was a huge plus and we really enjoyed it both nights. Dinner/breakfast service was a bit erratic at times but overall very good. The elephant safari was excellent and our guide willy was outstanding.
The absence of internet access/wi fi is a big issue and a negative. Every other property (no matter how remote) we visited had it. Several other people we spoke to shared our concerns about this. It really does need addressing.
Luxury in the remotest of locations
To find such a unique place to stay in the raw wilderness of Damaraland was so unexpected.
Our spacious chalet afforded us the most wonderful views of the surrounding area and across to the mountains in the distance. Well appointed and with a very modern shower cubicle. Part canvas and part stone built we really felt we were camping, especially as there was a fair walk through the boulders to the main camp buildings.
One major issue we had during our 2 night stay was with the split level room. We both tripped over, in fact Mr L tripped over twice. In our view a warning reflective strip should be installed on both sides of the bed - we did in fact move the furniture to remind us there was a step up but the staff had re-positioned these on servicing the room. We made our guide aware and in fact also reported it to the front desk as Mr L had incurred very nasty bruising and also damaged his trousers.
We didn't have time to make use of the small swimming pool but we did enjoy sun downers and snacks on top of the boulders where seating was arranged to take advantage of the setting sun.
The restaurant was very well appointed and our first dinner was excellent. On the second evening, our guide had arranged for a surprise private dinner on our veranda by candle light. This was a lovely idea however the chicken dish we both chose was rather overcooked and very tough. Had we been dining in the restaurant we would have sent it back as it was inedible.
Scenic and unique location
The accommodation was excellent - spacious and well equipped with great views out from the balcony - but don't be surprised if a few small uninvited guests (small lizards and spiders) find their way inside. The pathways to the tents are stony and uneven in places and not brightly lit at night so we found torches useful. Our security safe didn't work initially but was quickly rectified with a new battery. For the sundowner drinks we recommend getting up to the ridge early to get your preferred comfy seat to watch the sunset amid the unique location.
As a whole we found the evening meal experience disappointing and not what we had expected - whilst my husband enjoyed his meal I had chosen a different option and my main course was served tepid and the vegetables very overcooked and meat tough and I communicated this to the waiter who surprisingly seemed unconcerned and gave no reaction or offered a replacement as he took the plate away with food virtually untouched. At the end of the meal there was confusion with billing and we were charged for drinks ordered by other guests and this took two attempts to correct.
We went on the early morning elephant safari with our guide Rosie which was very entertaining and she ensured we spent plenty of time with the elephants once located. The desert elephants near Mowani are used to the jeeps and approached them with curiosity making this a very close encounter indeed. Rosie then took us back to camp via a scenic drive showing us some very unexpected green and lush landscape making this a very memorable experience.
Rocks, more rocks, even more rocks.
If you like rocks, definitely come here. The superior views room open up to a panaramic amphitheater of granite boulders. The public areas and sundowner spot are also lovely. For a 2 day stay the desert elephant tracking and Twyfelfontein are run by nice guides. The elephant sightings are guaranteed at the time I went, but it was the bumpiest road to get there over 2 hours.
We were given almost 2 hours with the elephants, so it was a good experience to be able to observe their behavior. The 2 year old calf kept falling asleep on the ground as she was foraging. It was very funny. The other tour included a visit to Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain, and Organ Pipes. Burnt mountain didn't feel worthwhile to me.
The rooms were spacious, fairly cool, and comfortable. The camp lacks water so doesn't want to offer laundry services. They wanted to charge me USD $40 to wash seven items.
Staff were nice but a bit backward. Rooms do need more signage to get to.
Peaceful and relaxing with stunning views
Our review is influenced by having been upgraded to the Suite when we had booked a mini suite. The suite comprises three huts and an area of decking. The whole suite was completely private and for our access only. Truly special and luxurious!
The welcome was fine, and the staff were very friendly. One of them very helpfully fixed our one and only puncture. Overall it was very comfortable with great views.There was a lovely spot for sundowners.
Only one of us went on the early morning drive to see the desert elephants - the guide was very knowledgeable. The afternoon trip was to Twyfelfontain but we actually drove there ourselves and saved a lot of money. You have to use a local guide there anyway and so there was no real benefit in going on the 'official' tour.
If anything the staff were too attentive. It becomes a bit annoying when your conversation is interrupted time and again by someone asking if everything is alright!
Beautiful lodge
This was a beautifully designed lodge that blended in extremely well with its surroundings and with a fantastic pool. Good excursions to the rock paintings and to the desert elephants.
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Our only gripe was that there were a large group on our first night and then a group of 10 travel agents on an educational which rather spoilt the ambience.
They were a little roudy at times in a place where calm and peace was called for.
Expressed our views to Zane the general manager who was going to take it further.
Otherwise pool area delightful and accommodation great.
Perfect Sundowner spot - Wonderful!
We thoroughly enjoyed everything about our time at Mowani. Its unique design, stunning views, engaging staff, beautiful decor in the communal areas and rooms, perfect pool and view all topped off with a rather spectacular sundowner spot and superb food.
Our superior view room was very comfortable, beautifully presented and well equipped and the views and peace amazing, although the insects slightly affected our enjoyment of sitting on our terrace.
We took a nature drive and were fortunate to see some desert elephants. An enjoyable morning with a good and knowledgable guide. There was no wi-fi available in the entire lodge. This was not a problem for us but maybe for some.
The only negative was unfortunately being witness to an unpleasant altercation at reception by a guest at the campsite who was loudly and rudely objecting to not being permitted use of the facilities at the lodge, and pointing at guests in her earshot telling them how privileged they were. I agree we felt extremely privileged to be able to enjoy Mowani so thank you Expert Africa for booking it for us.
According to reception this is not an uncommon mis understanding by camp guests so they may want to clarify this or not make exceptions depending on occupancy.
For us there was nothing not to like with the exception of leaving! Thank you for a very special stay.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Fantastic place to stay with a great sundowner viewing point just a few steps from the main area (no need to get in a car! yay!) Did a game drive and saw desert elephants which was well worth while.
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