Travel reviews by Mrs & Mr S from Yorkshire
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
2
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
17
Excursions taken
1
Namibia NHS Zimbabwe October 17
Namibia and 1 other country between 29 Sep 2017 and 18 Oct 2017
All our transfers in Zimbabwe also worked like clockwork.
The information provided by Expert Africa meant that we were well prepared for our trip and had no nasty surprises.
It was a holiday of a lifetime and the memories will be remembered for many years."
Arranged By Tom Morris
Galton House
"A comfortable stopover stay"
Immanuel Wilderness Lodge
"It was ok for one night"
The bedroom accommodation is looking tired and badly in need of an update. Also it was strange that we had a small fridge in our room but our friends did not. The outside area was in full sun and therefor could not be used during the day.
Food was excellent but despite trying to engage the host in conversation on a number of occasions, she was quite abrupt. This was the least friendly of all our accommodation and we wouldn't return.
Directions to this lodge were unclear and we turned off the main road too soon, travelling miles on a gravel road to then realise we were back close to the main road again."
We’re sorry if our directions were not clear; there are some changes to the road network nearby which are currently in progress – and we’ll try to update these when the new road network is clear.
Anderssons Camp, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"We loved Anderssons Camp"
We received a warm welcome and staff were all friendly and attentive throughout. We loved the fact that wherever you were in the main area you could see the waterhole. A giraffe was drinking when we arrived which was fantastic as it was our first giraffe of the trip. We also saw a rhino whilst eating dinner. Food was great and the accommodation lovely.
What a shame this camp is closing to tourists."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
"Erongo Wilderness Lodge review"
The Rock Dassies are prevalant in the area. We enjoyed watching them climb trees to feed on the leaves, very entertaining. You can see many bird species here particularly from the main lodge where water is provided.
A very comfortable lodge, good food and friendly staff, as well as the chance to get some exercise makes this a good place to spend a couple of days going to or from Etosha."
Galton House
"See previous comments"
Victoria Falls Hotel
"Very impressive hotel"
We ate our evening meal on the terrace which we enjoyed. Breakfast was very impressive. Make sure you leave enough time to do it justice.
Our only negative point was that the standard rooms are very small."
Somalisa Expeditions
"Absolutely fantastic"
The tented accommodation was beautifully appointed and very well designed. The main lodge had a number of seating arrangements both inside and out. Drinks were readily available and you are encouraged to help yourself, if a staff member is unavailable. Lunch and dinner are taken around a large table with other guests, Hope, and guides. This we enjoyed and gave us chance to discuss experiences as well as get to know more about the background of staff members which we found very interesting.
If you love elephants then this place is a must. Sitting on the deck area directly next to the pool and water trough was a highlight of the holiday. You see elephants so close up as they fill their trunks with water to drink. An amazing experience that we will never forget.
Robert our guide also deserves a special mention. Such a lovely, gentle, and knowledgable young man. We very much enjoyed all the game drives we experienced with him. The area is abundant with wildlife. As well as seeing hundreds of elephants highlights were observing a herd of around 250 buffalo.
We witnessed a pride of lions feeding on a recent buffalo kill and followed a lone male lion along the road for at least 30 minutes. He had no intention of moving over so we had to follow him until the road split. The animals in this area are used to seeing vehicles and appear very relaxed in their presence."
Hwange Bush Camp
"A wonderful experience"
They also produced the most imaginative vegetarian meals, which were much appreciated. Another surprise to us all was the care and attention that went into setting the table for dinner. Lucky went to astonishing lengths to produce beautiful table settings which even included napkins modelled as giraffes. All very impressive in a bush camp.
There is no waterhole at this camp but the night noises and animal visitors make up for this. We frequently heard lions quite close to camp and one evening the staff has to chase away a hyena.
The time spent on game drives can be quite tiring. Up at 5.15am for a quick breakfast and out by 6am. A break on route for a drink and biscuit at around 11am was much needed. Although the homemade biscuits are delicious, maybe something more substantial is required at this point as we didn't return to camp until 1pm with lunch at 1.30pm. After a delicious lunch we had a short rest before going out again at 4pm until 6.30pm. Dinner at 8pm then bed. This regime may it suit everyone but for 2/3 days it is worth it.
The animals in this area of the park are less used to being observed and are therefore quite skittish and more difficult to find. The advantage of this though is you do not share the experience with others, which makes it more special? Our guide, Andrew was very experienced and along with Felix the tracker, they made a formidable spotting and tracking team. We not only went on game drives but also tracked lions on foot as well as elephants. We were keen to see hippo so Andrew took us to a section of river one evening where we had our sundowner watching them. It was a magical experience, particularly as we were the only ones there.
Don't be put off by the bucket showers it's not as bad as it sounds. A canvas bag on the outside of the tent is filled with warm water when you request it. You then turn on a tap in the shower as normal and water appears through a shower head. There is ample water for 2 showers.
We were so pleased that we stopped at this camp."
Ilala Lodge
"Nice hotel for our last night"
The ample and delicious breakfast set us up perfectly for our long haul flight home to the UK."
A wonderful introduction to Namibia
Namibia between 9 Aug 2008 and 27 Aug 2008
Olive Grove
"The Garden Suite - Olive Grove"
BullsPort Lodge and Farm
"Friendly Bullsport"
The food is excellent and plentiful. Although it is a set menu, Joanna will do her best to accommodate something different. Sitting with other guests as well as our hosts at brekfast and for the evening meal allowed everyone to socialise and discuss their plans. We met some very interesting people and for us this meal time arrangement was a real strength of Bullsport."
Kulala Wilderness Camp, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"Kulala Wilderness Camp review"
The one slightly negative comment was the quantity of food. The food was very well presented and of a high quality, but larger portions, particularly of vegetables and starch would be better."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Sam's Giardino
"Sam's Giardino review"
Coast and Sandwich Harbour
"Turnstone Tours"
18 Aug 2008 • All-day excursion
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
"Erongo Wilderness Lodge review"
Okaukuejo Camp
"Okaukuejo Restcamp review"
It is not as intimate hear as the lodges and the food is a hot buffet which was plentiful but quite expensive. Also it gets quite repetative if you stop for a while. Paying a deposit of 500 Namibian Dollars for return of the key seemed strange and unnecessary.
All in all I would rather stop here for the amazing water hole that outside of Etosha."
Halali Camp
"Halali Restcamp review"
The waterhole is smaller than at Okaukuejo and further from the camp. It was not visited by the same numbers of animals but we did see leopard and enjoyed a sunset watching a herd of 15 elephants coming to drink. The waterhole is in a more natural setting and the atmosphere is quieter. Very enjoyable, nut you have to be patient."
Frans Indongo Lodge
"Frans Indongo Lodge review"
Food here is excellent and staff friendly and helpful. A visit to the Cheetah Conservation Centre was worthwile."
The only slight issue is regarding afternoon tea. It is advertised as complementary tea/ coffee and cake between 3-4pm. However, on both occasions cake was not available. The staff then set to and baked one which was delicious when it arrived sometime later."