Travel reviews by Ms A from NZ
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
3
Lodges stayed in
12
Excursions taken
2
A well organised, fantastic experience.
Namibia and 2 other countries between 21 May 2016 and 11 Jun 2016
The packed breakfast from Roys Restcamp and indifferent management at Ngepi were the only incidents (and not controllable by EA) which were not perfect in a safari which gave us a range of excellent accommodation, a kaleidoscope of stunning locations and landscapes and an unforgettable selection of activities. Transfers and flights were seamless and on time, all bookings were recognised and honoured. Everything worked better than expected!
We have been extremely impressed with the efficiency of the EA service, the response to queries and information provided and overall knowledge available to us in dealing with Maruska who did a superb job in putting together the package for such a disparate group.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Can't think of any."
Arranged By Maruska Adye-Rowe

Villa Violet
"Charming. Great breakfast. Good service."

Desert Quiver Camp
"Luxurious value for money in stunning spot."
Service was good and we found to our surprise that dinner and breakfast were both catered for at nearby Sossusvlei Lodge. We had expected breakfast only and are not sure whether we had a free meal by mistake or the error was ours. The food at the Lodge was outstanding, while the bbq we held ourselves on night two was great fun, with jackals and oryx entertaining us under an amazing night sky.
We felt this camp was real value for money.
the hot air balloon safari is a real must. This was an outstanding experience.
These travellers enjoyed a morning balloon flight over the desert during their stay. Here's what they said about it:
The whole hot air ballooning activity was a superb experience from the drive through the dark in the desert to the launching pad to the exciting landing on the rim of Sesriem Canyon. It was professionally run and had all our group buzzing for days afterwards. The champagne breakfast was delightful overlooking the Canyon and Sossusvlei plains. The pilots were professional, informative and passionate about the flight. Those who started the flight in some trepidation soon felt comfortable and everyone enjoyed the flight to the utmost. The stunning desert scenery added immensely to the whole experience. Cannot be recommended highly enough ."

Sam's Giardino
"Comfortable. Friendly host. Great breakfast."
Breakfast was excellent. We opted to eat in town but found the location just a tad far too far to walk into town on a cold night. Fine during the day for walks around the town.
Sam's quaint and easy to recommend as convenient accommodation in Swakop.
These travellers enjoyed a morning kayaking excursion to Pelican Point seal colony during their stay. Here's what they said about it:
Jeanne Meintjes was the perfect hostess for this activity with her infectious good humour and obvious enjoyment of the whole experience. We had expected to just go kayaking, but instead spent a couple of delicious hours sitting on the water and playing with (mainly young) seals which surrounded us on every quarter. The seals were not shy in interacting with us and the whole experience (despite the mist and fog) was delightful. Definitely to be recommended. Jeanne even fed us rolls and coffee afterwards. The drive around the lagoon with its wonderful bird life and route past the large saltworks was, in itself, special."

Ballooning in the Namib Desert
"Fantastic. A must do activity."
24 May 2016 • Morning excursion

Kayaking with seals
"A great fun, good feeling experience."
25 May 2016 • Morning excursion

Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
"Less personal but comfortable accommodation."
The safari to see the desert elephants was excellent but did involve a very long drive back to the Lodge in the dark. Having said that seeing the elephants was definitely worthwhile and the search up the dry river and back past the local village fascinating. We note the elephants now share the new community water supply and no longer have to dig for their water.
All in all happy with the accommodation and activities."

Taleni Etosha Village
"Excellent accommodation and service."
The camp gives easy access to Etosha, staff were friendly and the food was wonderful.
We were served a wide variety of game meat to sample."

Mushara Bush Camp
"Romantic, luxury tented accommodation."
The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly and entertained us both nights with a celebration birthday song (the second night for Kieran). The food was excellent and a birthday cake presented on request to make it a special occasion.
Very comfortable with a delightful bush setting. All the group commented on how varied and delightful the accommodation had been so far."

Roy's Restcamp
"Basic accommodation, yet quirky & comfy."
The dinner was fine and we enjoyed using the hide overlooking the waterhole which attracted ostriches and eland. The compound included a swimming pool and good camping area and the birdlife was varied.
As we had a long drive the next day we ordered packed breakfasts to eat en route. Unfortunately these were terrible, consisting of one soggy ham and cheese toast and lots of sweet things (lollies etc) which we were unable to eat."

Nxamaseri Lodge
"Definitely a highlight in every respect."
The accommodation was comfortable and fun, being open to the bush and water and accessed by boardwalk. It felt exotic. Our bar tab was generously picked up by the Lodge in recognition of the support over the years from Expert Africa's Maruska and Saskia. The water based activities were wonderful mokoro and fishing trips through a bird rich environment. The isolation of the Lodge on an island adds to the magic and feeling of having left the world behind.
Food was good. It was the only place we all felt we could have easily spent longer."

Ngepi Camp
"Great setting but service average."
The setting along the River is lovely and the grounds around reception are well laid out with quirky, fun touches in the form of statues and signs. Where Ngepi fell down was in the service and food. The latter was okay but the systems around its delivery were awkward, especially at breakfast. Guests were requested to order breakfast at the bar but were then not directed to the tea and coffee or told that they should await their order at the kitchen counter. It would have helped to have the tea/coffee in the dining area and some direction from staff.
We had an incident involving an overflow pipe which soaked the bed of Stuart and Joy's cabin just as they were going to bed. When we tried to get assistance there was no one available at reception and it took some time before our calls were heard and responded to. The young manager eventually arrived to transfer Stuart and Joy to another cabin, by which time they were pretty cold and unhappy. We felt also that the manager could, at the very least, have appeared the following morning to see if Stuart and Joy had had a comfortable night, but he was nowhere to be seen.
Finally, when we wanted to pay the bill the electronic payment system was unavailable and we were advised the exchange rate for our US$ was 12.5 rand when it should have been almost 16 rand. We felt that this was unacceptable."
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
"Beautiful architecture & good service/food."
Roger, the manager, was attentive and was supported by friendly and very competent staff. Great systems in place here. The wildlife was a little disappointing however this is not something one can control. We enjoyed an informative walking safari.
Transfers from and to the Lodge from the village where we parked the car were seamless."

Muchenje Safari Lodge
"Beautiful lodge in stunning setting."
Robert and Joy were conscientious and very capable in their role as hosts, providing us with detailed information over a welcoming snack and drinks as soon as we arrived. They were excellently supported by their assistant managers Natasha and Paul. The attention to detail was further evidenced by the provision of hot water bottles and ponchos to wear during cold morning and evening game drives.
The game and boat drives were excellent with knowledgeable guides and Chobe providing great variety in game viewing."

Ilala Lodge
"Lovely, colonial style Lodge & service."
The food was very good and the location close to the Falls (easily walkable) and township a bonus.
All in all a delightful experience."