Travel reviews by Mr R & Mrs N from NI

"Hilltop was an excellent start to the holiday although finding it can be a little tricky, and having done so, the parking is a little tight.

The staff are excellent, from help with parking to receiving guests and helping with any enquiries. The accommodation is first class and spacious.

We found that it was simple to arrange a taxi to the iconic Joe's Beerhouse for N$70 each way. It is the type of place that makes one regret that they hadn't booked another night."

"It was interesting to pass close by to the previously visited Desert Homestead. The Outpost involves a roughly 7km drive further inland from the main road. The drive is a little rough in parts but well worth it as there are stunning views and a real sense of peace.

The manager, Claus, is really hands-on. He has an excellent and professional staff and he himself was constantly on hand at all times of day. His sense of humour and professionalism shone through. The accommodation is superb with excellent air conditioning. The activities are well organised ... although the sundowner guide might have had a better grasp of the local geology. One unexpected bonus was the tiny waterhole close to the dining area: Oryx and Springbok in particular trekked in numbers across the plains to visit.

The food was of a high standard throughout and the braai night was very successful indeed."

"Cornerstone was easy to find. It has a superb location, being only a short walk to the seafront and, importantly, to the top restaurants. The accommodation is both spacious and superb ... spotless. The owners are incredibly efficient and personable: Robyn and Peter in particular being very helpful. Breakfast is a very pleasant experience.

An excellent idea was the availability of an electronic fob giving us access to the property and to the private parking. In addition we were given a cell phone with preloaded emergency numbers for members of staff. Excellent service.

This was the base for a tour to Sandwich Harbour.

A place that one is reluctant to leave."

"The roads in Damaraland are a little rougher than average in places. Arrival at Doro Nawas was memorable not only in the striking appearance of the buildings, but in singing-welcome.

The main lounge and the view from it are excellent. The accommodation is luxurious with excellent air conditioning. The wide patio windows can be opened and bed wheeled out to sleep under the Milky Way. An excellent experience: the hot water bottle and blankets are welcome as temperatures can drop considerably before dawn!

Our trip to see the Desert Adapted Elephants was a highlight of our whole trip. It largely took place along the dry riverbed of the Huab River with its sandy bed and magnificent mature trees. Our highly informative and humorous guide, Liberty, made the trip very worthwhile. His knowledge of the ecology was excellent.

The dinner at night is very atmospheric as the restaurant appears dark but for the superb use of solar lamps at each table, making the tables themselves brightly lit.

The braai night was amazing. It could have been an 'activity' in its own right. We were driven for 15-20 mins in the dark to arrive at a Chinatown type experience ... dozens of solar lights and candles complementing fire pits. A table for almost 30 was set out and each diner had a hot water bottle and blanket. The buffet service and the food itself was really good. The staff singing was very genuine and enjoyable.

Interestingly, the Lodge is something of a hub for the area. At one stage there were seven light aircraft present: some visitors were flying to Etosha.

A top class lodge with a great staff."

"Three nights at Okaukuejo in a Bush Chalet turned out to be a pleasant experience. This NWR resort is sometimes criticised in terms of its staff and its food. We found the staff to be very courteous and efficient. The food was buffet style and of pleasing quality. It is important, however, to eat earlier than later in order to avoid big numbers and the choice at breakfast is perhaps more limited.

The Bush Chalet was excellent with the air conditioning good. We were able to park at our door. It was but a short walk to to the waterhole. The iconic waterhole was disappointing at times, there being virtually no animals ... at other times it was superb.

Okaukuejo has several excellent waterholes within reach and the potential bonus of night time viewing at the illuminated waterhole.

Overall, a pleasing stay ... but why is the shop not better stocked?"

"Being just outside the eastern gate, the Lodge is in a great location for visits into Etosha. I had not expected the amazingly pleasant surroundings in woodland. This was a contrast to the desert vistas enjoyed in Outpost and Desert Nawas.

The accommodation is superb with chalets in a setting in which birds, dik dik and kudu wander freely. The antelopes walk within metres of bedroom windows and tables in the restaurant. The food is of high quality and the staff first class. They, like those at Doro Nawas, sang briefly during the evening meal."

"The 23km drive from the main road was worth it. The reception at The Barn with its space, its vista and friendly, professional staff was impressive. The Standard Room was really well appointed with private, covered parking.

Activities are well-organised and the idea of being allocated a guide for your whole stay is very good. It is easy to plan the days with main activities at 06:30 and 16:00 each day. Only staying two nights we were able to pack in 3 activities during which we saw leopard, cheetah and wild dogs in addition to a rich variety of other fauna.

The staff are very flexible and were able to change seating quickly when three couples returning from a game drive wished to eat at a table for six. The food is of good quality.

The only regret was not squeezing in the Africat visit between main activities.

This is one Lodge which will inspire."