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Traveller reviews

Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs P from Kilburn

Review Distribution

Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Terrible

Total number of trips

1

Countries visited

1

Lodges stayed in

4

Excursions taken

0

Our trip to Etosha

Namibia between 13 Aug 2017 and 27 Aug 2017

Trip rating: Excellent
"We had two absolutely brilliant weeks in Etosha (and at Erongo Wilderness Lodge on our way there). We have come home with memories of some incredible wildlife sightings with photos that will take a while to sort. We weren't after luxury accommodation - we wanted to be inside the park and maximise our wildlife-viewing time. Staying at Okaukuejo, Halali and Dolomite delivered in spades! Thank you Expert Africa for understanding what we wanted and for securing our bookings for us (as it's virtually impossible for individuals to do this using the online booking facility provided by NWR even though we tried almost a year in advance). Thank you too for the Erongo recommendation as it was nice to start there."

Erongo Wilderness Lodge

Erongo Wilderness Lodge

"Erongo Wilderness Lodge - great walking"

2 nights Arrived 13 Aug 2017
"We enjoyed our two night stay here en route to Etosha. We could happily have stayed an extra night. We really enjoyed being able to do our own walks and there are several excellent and well-marked routes. The walks are a brilliant way to start the day and getting to a high viewing spot for sunrise was magical. As well as the stunning scenery, we actually had some very interesting wildlife sightings on our walk as well. We chose to do the evening guided sundowner walk on both days which we also enjoyed - it was a nice way to meet the other guests.

The rooms and the setting of the camp are lovely. We did find our bed very uncomfortable though (much too hard for us).

We loved how they have a bird bath area visible from the restaurant. The meals were all excellent and delicious. Whilst we found the service at dinner both nights charming, it really was painfully slow."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good

Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Okaukuejo Camp

Okaukuejo Camp

"Okaukuejo Camp review"

6 nights Arrived 15 Aug 2017
"Our priority as wildlife and photography enthusiasts is to spend as much time as possible wildlife-viewing. We spent 6 nights at Okaukuejo and, if visiting Etosha again, we wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. You don't stay here if you're wanting luxury accommodation or personalised service but we weren't after that. Our bush chalet was spacious and comfortable (with really comfortable beds and super crisp white linen). It was nicely serviced each day. The kitchenette was really just a fridge and coffee station so our plans to self-cater were thwarted somewhat despite the braai!

The waterhole is amazing! Unusually for us we didn't do all day or afternoon drives most days at Okaukuejo as the sightings at the waterhole were just so good (10 black rhinos together one evening at sunset including three mums and calves - all at the same time!). It's a big camp but we were in our own bubble and were perfectly happy.

Breakfast was served from 5.30am so that meant we could still have our included breakfast and be at the gate ahead of sunrise opening. Perfect! Breakfast was basic (and a bit disorganised first thing) but more than sufficient for our needs (coffee was not good though).

Gate opening was unpredictable (as it was also at Halali one day) - the clock at the gate which the security staff work off does not match to what Reception tells you (or, more critically, the sun) but you just have to be patient ...

We didn't eat at the restaurant in the evening or check out the bar as we were too occupied at the waterhole. We didn't use the swimming pool.

Check-out was no hassle at all and very efficient.

The location of Oaukuejo is excellent as there are so many routes to choose from in both directions.

The staff we encountered were all pleasant (the cleaning ladies were lovely!) except for the petrol pump attendant. Be prepared for a very long and disorganised wait if there is anyone in front of you. The shop is a bit hit and miss too but they sell ice which is great for cold drinks!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Dolomite Camp

Dolomite Camp

"Dolomite camp review"

2 nights Arrived 21 Aug 2017
"We really enjoyed our stay at Dolomite and next time we'd look to stay here 3 nights (instead of 2) at the end of our Etosha visit. We came here after 6 nights at Okaukuejo and it's fascinating to see a different area of Etosha. There are far fewer vehicles at this end of the park. The wildlife was much more habituated than we had expected (but certainly not as relaxed as in the busier areas of the park). It's worth noting that the alternative route to the Gate has been closed. We had some really good sightings in the Dolomite area though.

The camp itself is gorgeous and completely different from Okaukujo and Halali. We stayed in a Deluxe Chalet and it was beautiful with its own little plunge pool with this incredible view out over the plains and the Dolomite waterhole. We enjoyed the afternoon of our full day in camp in the area off our room just watching the changing view and the animals coming to drink. The room was lovely and atmospheric. Though the pump on the swimming pool is very noisy (we managed to turn it off at night) and the lightning strike pole behind our tent kept "clinking" during the night (something is loose I guess) which was a shame.

We rather liked that it took 10 mins to walk from our room to the mess area but less able-bodied people might struggle (but then there is a golf cart). We had dinner here both nights - both excellent. Breakfast was very good with a wide selection (though whilst service on the first morning was excellent it was non-existent on the second ....). Check-in and check-out was smooth."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Good
Service
Average
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Halali Camp

Halali Camp

"Halali Camp"

4 nights Arrived 23 Aug 2017
"We stayed 4 nights here. This camp seemed the best run and managed of the ones we stayed in at Etosha - check-in and check-out was seamless and the shop and petrol station were well managed. Our Bush Chalet room was really spacious and very comfortable (great beds). The kitchen (again, really just a fridge and coffee station) also came with plates and utensils which was a step up from Okaukuejo. We liked our braai area and courtyard.

We really liked the waterhole here too. It's further away from the accommodation (but a pleasant walk) but very atmospheric and we had some very nice rhino sightings here.

Breakfast was excellent (wide selection and great coffee) and started at 5.30am so plenty of time before sunrise gate opening. On most of the mornings the gate was opened on time but on our last day it was nearly 15 minutes late in opening (clock hands don't match to official gate opening ...).

There was quite a big fire at Halali (not in the actual camp) when we were at Etosha and this may have impacted sightings in the surrounding area - so we found it best to explore the waterholes in the direction between Halali and Namatoni. So location-wise Halali wasn't as well-positioned as Okaukuejo but we still really liked it as a camp and would definitely stay there again.

We didn't eat in the restaurant (though it sounded popular) or use any of the other facilities. We enjoyed our stay here."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent

Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good

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