Reviews of BullsPort Lodge & Farm
Wildlife sightings and reviews
200 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited BullsPort Lodge & Farm and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Bullsport Guest Farm review"
The game/farm drives with Ernst were interesting and instructive and the hike down Quivertree well worth while - even if a bit demanding for septuagenarians! Bullsport is also ideally situated for the Naucluft and we were able to sample Waterkloof en route to Kulala.
Accommodation was, as outlined, fairly basic but would, in normal circumstances, have been perfectly adequate. At minus 4 degrees, even with a butane heater going full blast we were not comfortable - and there was no heat at all in the bathrooms. Hot water bottles, which we met elsewhere, would have been some help! Likewise, temperature accentuated by a significant wind chill factor, the edge was very much taken off the latter stages of the afternoon and early stages of the morning drives.
We comment later on pre-tour kit advice, but inadequacy of cabins to cope with conditions which we were told were not abnormal pulls down our overall rating" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Great self-guided walks at Bullsport"
Our room was simply furnished but clean. The food was good, with a convivial atmosphere in the evenings (you eat with the family). They have a huge area of land that includes part of the Namib Naukluft mountain range. What we appreciated most here was the walking trails, the family have gone to the trouble of making and mapping a variety of walking trails, all setting out from the guest farm. They also provide descriptions of these routes in various languages, including French. As keen walkers we were quite impressed. However, we found the markings on the trails were not always easy to follow so a little experience and good sense of direction is advisable, especially on the longer trails!
Needless to say, always make sure you're well back before dark. We visited the local caves on one of our walks and were convinced we found a couple of stone spearheads! We did the Quivertree gorge walk at this farm and it was truly spectacular. We saw Klipspringer, Rock Dassies and Baboons here, as well as of course the famous Quiver Trees. The whole gorge was just bursting with life and since this gorge is on the farm's property, we were the only people for miles around. What an experience!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Bullsport Guest Farm review"
Good for organised self-guided walks.
Lovely swimming pool, and very friendly welcome." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 3n in Zambia
"Bullsport - insight into lives and wildlife"
Meals were taken with Johanna and Ernst and the other guests. The atmosphere was relaxed and relaxing. The food was fine - homely and filling (though canned fruit was disappointing). The most interesting aspect was that we had the opportunity to talk at length with the owners about their Guest Farm (in the family for several generations), and the country generally.
As to activities, we went on a drive with the owners and also on the Quiver Tree Gorge walk, both of which were interesting. Overall our few days there were an excellent way to begin our trip.
One small point - it would be nice to have the ability to make tea/coffee for ourselves at any time, either in our room or in the main house. (I know there were issues about electricity in the rooms so perhaps just a kettle and tea/coffee in the lounge would do the trick.)" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Wonderful"
"A day at Bullsport"
One of the nice touches of this stay was how the owners sat with the guests at the table for the evening meal. They were charming people and made the evening meal feel very 'homely'" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Earnst and Johanna often sit with their guests at dinner and breakfast, sharing information, giving advice on activities and making them feeling at home. There's plenty of mountain game to be seen on the farm - from kudu to mountain zebra - and a wide range of well-marked, regularly maintained walking and hiking trails - plus a map and description for every trail. They also offer guided horse-trails, and their horses well-fed and trained.
Really they want us to emphasize to us that staying at Büllsport is not about luxurious accommodation; it's about walking, hiking, horse-riding and spending time with engaging Namibians. They assure us that travellers really only get the full feel for the place when they stay for 2-3 days at minimum, and that longer stays are usually better.
Earnst and Johanna do have plans to renovate the rooms at Bullsport in the next months, when the season is over - but the essence of what they're proud to offer won't change at all.
"Africa Specialist | Namibia"
"Overnight stay"
Two nights would have been better to enable us to do these. Pleasant walk roung the Kudu Trail.
Ernst and Joanna were very welcoming, and we spent an enjoyable evening meal around the table with them, and other guests." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"A very warm welcome - excellent hosts"
"Wonderful Quiver Tree Gorge Walk"
The welcome was great as were the afternoon coffee and cakes. Lots of local walks either from the farm or after being dropped off. VERY good value for money and the evening meals all together were a delight.
The mix of nationalities was great. The horse ride for complete beginners was marvellous even for the two most nervous of our party. Easy reach of the Naukluft park.
We would like to stop here again if we are lucky enough to return." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Great location, good hosts"
Hosts were very friendly and welcoming and we spent a very nice evening sharing with them and the other guests at the dinner table. Lovely food too.
Had a superb hike through Quiver tree gorge after a bumpy drive up into the mountains. However, the hike was more of a "scramble" at one point and maybe not for the less adventurous - unless we chose the wrong route here!! There was potential for accidents on the steep sided sections so possibly a safety issue if only 2 people doing it - we were ok as there were 5 of us doing it together. However, we enjoyed tremendously and would highly recommend it.
The only negative point was that although the room was adequate and reasonably comfortable, the bathroom could perhaps do with a bit of a re-furb" See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Regarding the Quivertree Hike, we do agree that this is a hike through an unspoilt and undeveloped mountain gorge, and it’s important that those attempting it should have basic fitness and be fairly sure-footed.
Johanna & Ernst commented that the trail is marked and from ‘point 3’ of the trail, there are then 2 options. There’s an easier option with concrete steps, a chain and handles to go around a boulder. There’s also a more challenging route, for more adventurous hikers.
Both of these routes are clearly mentioned in the detailed description our hikers receive from us before the hike, and both are clearly marked – and we’d agree completely that the hiking here is best-suited to Namibia’s more adventurous visitors.
"Africa Specialist | Namibia"
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