Travel reviews by Mrs & Mr W from Dorset
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
3
Countries visited
4
Lodges stayed in
32
Excursions taken
0
Tailor made and perfect.
Namibia and 1 other country between 9 Nov 2017 and 4 Dec 2017
Itinerary: For the wildlife, we wanted Etosha (1 week) and we wanted the Transfrontier Kgalagadi Park (5 days). Previous experience has shown Sabina to be a star at knocking together a sensible itinerary, and she managed it again. There was some difficulty finding accommodation (even in a quiet month) which meant one or two compromises had to be made. It all worked out well. If you haven't been before, it is worth saying that distances are huge and the dirt roads make them feel huger ....but then that all helps to emphasise the emptiness of Africa. It made sense to link our two parks with a visit to Soussevlei. I'm a bit ambivalent about the place. It was worth seeing the endless dunes, but the whole idea of a desert is to have a wilderness, and with only one road, you are not alone. We actually preferred the getting there and away again, 100s of kilometres with vast landscapes, and little sign of humanity (except for fences). The Transfrontier is off the beaten track and just in South Africa. It was very worthwhile (although I'd choose Etosha ahead of it (for its variety)), but there's no obvious attraction to break up the journey returning to Windhoek. Sabina did well to find a couple of comfortable lodges that had game activities on offer.
Practicalities: The journey had no glitches at all. It was so well organised. Even the 'misplaced' car hire voucher was sorted in a few minutes by Expert Africa (via Wilderness Travel). Instructions had all been clearly expressed (for example, what needed to be done to take a hire car into South Africa). We had no issues with petrol, reported in some reviews"
Arranged By Sabina Hekandjo
Hilltop Guesthouse (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Perfectly good"
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Okonjima Bush Camp
"A comfortable start. Just right."
The leopard tracking activity let us see plenty of game - as well as the leopards. It might be a bit 'unreal', but it wasn't a bad way to start. The night drive to a hide produced a Brown Hyena, but was otherwise rather more effort than it was worth. The early morning cheetah tracking was much like the leopard. It was nice to do some of this on foot. And, again, there were plenty of other things to see. I thought our guide was very professional in his work, something that you could apply to all the staff."
Cheetah View Lodge
"Earlier iffy reports endorsed"
....However, the lodge part of the business is a long way short of being up and running. It almost feels unwanted, a new add-on that must be put up with. I don't think that cheetah conservers can possibly put hotel keeping very high up their list of priorities! So that you know about the rooms:
- There is no a/c
- There is no fridge
- There is no shade on the front side (meaning that the verandah and sitting area are unusable in the morning)
- There is no phone (meaning a 1km round trip to reception to sort anything out)
- There are no staff during the day (except at reception)(1 km round trip)
- There is no drinking water in the rooms (1km round trip)
- There is only a very limited view because of the proximity of the bush.
Having said all that, we still quite enjoyed our couple of days here. I found the food much better than an earlier review suggested and I quite liked our room despite its shortcomings. I appreciated learning about the plight of the cheetah and Laurie, the driving force behind it all, was very willing to chatter. The morning cheetah run was a bit of a damp squib, but it was nice to chat with enthusiasts.
The café for lunch had a limited menu. In fact, it only had cheese dishes whilst we were there. And no cheese was available!"
Halali Camp
"Functional ... but a bit more than that"
The staff in the restaurant are attentive and the food is at the better end of 'typically buffet'. Meat was cooked freshly, and the same went for eggs in the morning. Service was pretty snappy. Breakfast is all but over by nine, a bit of a pain if you have been out for an early drive. That's just the time you're getting back!
We didn't get to the waterhole to comment on that. We did do a morning game drive which was a bit of a lion hunt, but was reasonable at looking at other things as well. The guide was quite amenable."
Okaukuejo Camp
"Thank goodness for the waterhole!"
Let's be positive. The staff, especially in the rooms, do a good job. And the waterhole - as many reviews suggest - makes up for all of it. Where else will you see a couple of groups of lions, a few elephants, half a dozen white rhino, and giraffe, all within a couple of hours. And there always seems to be exciting animals not too far away ( south and east being the best directions in drier times)
There are moves afoot to add an element of privatisation to the camp. It may well shake things up in a few years. Glory be."
Namutoni Camp
"Quite a pleasant experience...."
We had some good drives from here, especially northward. I suppose it all depends on where has had some rain, but we saw ridiculous collections of giraffe (30 at one time), cheetah, some lion, plenty of elephants, eland, and then all the main culprits."
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
"What a treat!"
We have been before, a few years ago, and there is inevitably a bit of comparison to do. It seemed marginally less fresh and kempt (especially in the approaches), but I'm not complaining; it was still a delight. The tented rooms are still lovely, and the restaurant terrace is still well placed to catch the evening breeze. The setting is fantastic. The manager did his rounds and chatted enthusiastically, much appreciated.
The 6 o'clock morning walk was a great pleasure and informative, well pitched in terms of exercise . You won't see too much four legged animal life, but there are birds, insects, plants and flowers to learn about."
Barkhan Dune Retreat
"Retreat is an apt word"
The retreat is well off the beaten track in an isolated valley. I loved its solitude. It doesn't feel the least bit like a business, just somebody's house with a few rooms. The current owners are most interesting and great hosts. You dine with them and I find that much more entertaining and informative than sitting in a restaurant.
The food, dinner and breakfast, was very good and beautifully served. Well done the (silent) kitchen team!"
Desert Homestead
"Quite businesslike, but good"
We did the sundowner horse ride as rank beginners and were well and thoughtfully looked after. Thank you. We also did the Soussevlei trip in a group of ten. I think you'd have to arrange a private trip to get the isolation you'd expect from a desert trip, but I did quite enjoy it, and it's handy to have someone taking you to the right bits. Both activities were worthwhile."
Kalahari Anib Lodge
"Far better than anticipated"
The restaurant seems well run - and whilst there is a buffet, it is of a very good and fresh quality, both for dinner and breakfast. Service is good.
The whole place seemed well run and made for a good stop-over.."
Mata Mata Rest Camp
"A handy, hard-to-get base"
There's nothing wrong with the chalet; it's a bit bleak, but it does a job. For drives, there's only one road, the one to Two RIvers. It is slow-going and, with distractions, it could easily take four hours to get to the other end. With open eyes, there's plenty of wild life; not dense (after all its semi-desert), but it is there.
We didn't do any of the organised game drives"
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
"Government run"
You wouldn't recommend Twee Rivieren. It is too institutional and bureaucratic, but it is OK for a Transfrontier visit. There are two options for game viewing; heading north towards Nossob (fine near waterholes, but blank in many other patches), or heading west towards Mata Mata (fine once you get into the Aoub Valley after about 20km)
We didn't use any of the activities."
Kalahari Game Lodge (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"A brief, pleasant visit"
We might well have gone on some activity or other (there was lion tracking in the morning) but nobody organisational had appeared by the time we retired, and we gave it a miss."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge
"A place that made an effort"
You have to hoof it a bit (on a boiling day) to get to the dining area. This is equally spacious and feels very comfortable. The food and service was good. There's a pleasant sitting area to retire to with a coffee.
We did do a sundowner game drive here. It's not going to be too exciting with only various grazers and browsers to see, nor is it quite real (as some of them are 'imports' - like Eland and Bleesebok), but we enjoyed it and it was done well - and we came across an African Wild Cat. They are developing this side of things in a thoughtful way.
We were sorry to have to move on so quickly."
Sun Karros Daan Viljoen
"Not such a bad place to finish up"
Our room was quite nicely designed and had a good terrace from which to watch the birdlife and a fair bit of hooved life as well. The a/c was a bit underpowered maybe. The restaurant was probably easier to drive to than walk (very hot weather). Again, suggestions were of poor food, but it wasn't too bad at all and they were quite flexible if nothing on the limited menu really appealed. The waiting staff were pretty good and I didn't see any of the shambles referred to in some earlier reviews.
There's a good sized swimming pool which it was nice to see getting some local use.
Sun Karros might be linked to Daan Viljoen Park, but be aware that this is tiny, and it is more a nature reserve. It's nice to see a few animals here and there but you are not getting Etosha or a game lodge just yet. In fact numbers are still building up from a time when it was a squatter overspill from Windhoek.
I did the 9km trail which was well marked. It's medium to tough, not difficult to anyone reasonably fit; it's best done at the start of the day - as I discovered, 35C makes it tougher! It was more scenic, than wildlife-y.
Speaking to the owners of Sun Karros, they have been new to the business (less so now) and the learning curve still has some gradient to it, They are linked to the NWR and represent a hint of enterprise. There are plans afoot to operate at Okaukuejo in Etosha, and I can't wait for that to settle in!
(p.s. Don't leave stuff on your terrace. There are baboons about)"
Glad We Chose South Africa
South Africa between 21 Oct 2015 and 7 Nov 2015
Because of South Africa's bad press, we were a little concerned, but at no point did we feel unsafe. Everyone we met was very proud of their country and deservedly so. At times we had to remind ourselves we were not in the Home Counties; it was so well-kempt, smooth running and friendly. The quality of hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and shops is very high. Everyone strives to give the best service possible. The political issues that we hear about are evident, but not defining of a country which is looking forwards not back.
It was a great trip, wonderful hotels, beautiful scenery and welcoming people. We would happily recommend a visit to anyone else.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Our second excellent trip with Expert Africa and I really do not see how your service could be improved (Just a minor point - a better map would have helped our travels!)"
Arranged By Claire Scott
Grootbos Garden Lodge
"Amazingly comfortable and keen to help"
We thoroughly enjoyed the provided activities (with every attention to detail provided again). They are not adrenalin kicks, but gentle and well-paced. If I was to be critical at this point, I'd say that we could have had more in-depth information about whales or fynbos or archaeology. It was a bit sketchy.
Highlights were watching whales both from shore and sea. I enjoyed a look at the fynbos, and a go at horseriding."
De Hoop Opstal
"Remote and beautiful"
We enjoyed a drive to Kopje Allen with its magnificent dunes and a lovely beach from where we watched whales at close quarter.
6 a.m bird watching with Patrick was worthwhile and he's certainly at the twitcher end of the scale, with a good knowledge of other fauna to boot. A boat trip on the vlei was very good too but the wildlife is subject to the wind - of which there's plenty."
Schoone Oordt Country House
"Lots of effort made and a real treat"
We ate in on the first night - and didn't bother to do otherwise the next night; it was excellent. The dining room is airy and very attractive. It looked beautifully fresh for breakfast. The car was washed each morning.
The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed (but don't expect to be in the house itself); they are set in quiet, attractive gardens. Swellendam was a pleasant little town. I enjoyed the museum. We forgot to go to the Faerie Glen. Damn.
Of all the places we stayed, we are not sure this was not the best because of the service and attention to detail."
The Last Word Franschhoek
"Like The Tardis!"
Breakfast was lovely and the nightly 'treats' a self indulgent end to the day. The provision of complementary drinks in the room and lounge were a real bonus. The staff were very friendly and helpful with the evening restaurant bookings. There was an excellent map in the room showing the wineries and eateries in the surrounding area.
Franschhoek is very safe to wander and it is a lovely little town with plenty to offer. We enjoyed The Huguenot Museum and the one at Solms Delta where we also had a delicious lunch."
The Constantia
"A Good Base - Lovely Gardens"
Conveniently, there is a restaurant next door - it does not pretend to fine dining, but it is more than adequate for a meal at the end of a busy day! Once again the complementary drinks system was much appreciated as was afternoon tea and cake - another pleasing touch of Last Word.
Despite being out of Cape Town, it's well placed for Kirstenbosch, THe Cape, Boulders Beach and the city itself.
Just one small suggestion - an umbrella to shelter under en route from our garden room to the dining room would have been appreciated on a rainy Sunday morning! A minor point, but one worth thinking about!"
Long Beach
"The Perfect End to our Holiday."
Fanie was particularly helpful on arrival and it was great to be able to chat so easily to Jennifer. The two meals that we ate at Long Beach were a treat and considering their small kitchen they performed miracles! It is a delight not to have to venture out again at the end of a day and to have staff determined to make your evening meal special.
The huge picture window and the balcony beyond were a perfect spot for whale watching. Considering how excited all the guests were when the whales were spotted, it was a shame that there was not a member of staff who could help identify them and give us a bit more information - perhaps it's worth a bit of training for next whale season!"
Was Beyond Expectations!
Namibia and 2 other countries between 7 Nov 2014 and 29 Nov 2014
The itinerary was beautifully constructed, never repeating experiences and building our excitement. There was not a day that we would have changed and many where we wished we had had longer.
The choice of accommodation suited us. The transfers, in fact everything, went smoothly.
It was an incredible holiday from beginning to end."
Arranged By Sabina Hekandjo
Galton House
"A Good Stopover"
Not very exciting surroundings."
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
"Wish we had stayed longer!"
Sundowner walk is gentle, but very pleasant. Early morning walks worth doing and tailored to your needs."
Mowani Mountain Camp
"Loveliness in the middle of nowhere!"
Food excellent, staff friendly and helpful. Fantastic trip out to see the desert elephants with an informative guide.
If you have time, the official petrified forest is worth a visit."
Okaukuejo Camp
"Worth it for the waterhole"
The early morning game drive was excellent and a good foundation for our subsequent trips out in the car. To be honest you could spend all day at the waterhole - rhino, lion, elephant, hyena, giraffe and yet more rhino!
No signs of any of the reported scams and the staff were all very helpful."
Halali Camp
"Wish we had stayed longer!"
Because we were only there one night, we did not make a lot of use of the waterhole, but it was a lovely setting."
Onguma Tented Camp
"Glorious Setting"
Service was a cut above and the food was excellent."
Hakusembe River Lodge
"Lovely Grounds and Beautiful Setting"
Service in the restaurant was lovely, but the room was a bit cavernous! The sundowner and morning nature boat trip were both well-informed and worthwhile. The track leading to Hakusembe was a bit of a challenge as it had recently rained!"
Ndhovu Safari Lodge
"Well Placed for Mahengo"
Enjoyed the conversation at the communal supper table. Good evening boat trip = our first introduction to hippos! loved Mahengo that we returned the following morning - a lovely little park, not to be missed."
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
"Real Wilderness"
However the service was excellent, the food was good and the setting incredible and remote.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would happily recommend it."
Chobe River Lodge
"3 lovely nights"
Every meal was a culinary treat - including afternoon tea in temperatures of 40C! Excellent inclusive trips ( although our relief driver learnt a bit about wildlife from us!!) Lovely and airy and relaxed."
Ilala Lodge
"A Great Place to End Our Trip"
The room was comfortable without being luxurious (and a tad noisy at times as they are building an extension to the Lodge!). Bar and restaurant prices were high compared to Namibia. The restaurant setting was lovely and the service excellent.
I don't think they are used to people staying 3 nights as the meat heavy menu did not vary from night to night!"
We had hoped to arrange a sandwich or a bite to eat upon arrival so that we could get straight to bed, but this unfortunately had not been possible (e-mail communications). Shattered arrivals like us might want to insist on somewhere that can provide some food rather than a b and b."