Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs R from Syderstone

"The villa is in a quiet location, easily accessed from the airport road and close to the famous Joe's Beerhouse for your evening meal and introduction to Namibia's cuisine.

The room was quite small, but adequate after an overnight flight. The bed was comfortable! There is a very pleasant guest area, with tea and coffee always available.

We expect that most people just pass through, like us, and this guesthouse does all that is required for that purpose."

"We enjoyed the wide choice of activity at Erongo and especially appreciated that the walks were tailored to suit individual capabilities. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly. The whole atmosphere was of a friendly family-run lodge.

The food was superb, as was the service, and all the better for being eaten outside under the stars.

Make sure that you are confident in driving a 4x4 before you attempt the steep and rocky final approach to the lodge. If in doubt, leave your vehicle in the secure parking area and accept the offer of transport by the lodge.

The only observation is that there are steep climbs both to the rooms and to the main area. This is because it is built in a ravine, but those with walking difficulties or heart problems may find this a problem."

"Okaukuejo has changed little in the four trips, over 18 years, that we have made. It does the job in providing accommodation and food, alongside unrivalled 24 hour access to the floodlit waterhole. We would certainly not choose to stay outside Etosha, just for possible higher-class accommodation at a much more expensive rate.

The check-in and check-out processes are slow, but there are lots of people, especially if you arrive at the end of the day and leave first thing in the morning. Just be patient.

Our room was rather tired and dated and, although there was a kitchenette, this had no crockery or cutlery. It was clean and tidy and everything worked. It would be rather difficult to cater for yourself.

The restaurant has improved over the years and the service is good. You do have to book for dinner, which is easily done, and you will be better received than if you just walk in and expect a table. The food is typical mass-catering buffet-style, but is hot and perfectly edible.

The waterhole never disappoints, day or night. We spent 5 hours there one morning and saw literally hundreds of animals of all types, constantly coming and going. It was an amazing sight and experience.

As long as you go to Okaukuejo expecting lots of people and the limitations that this puts upon the catering, service and accommodation, then you won't be disappointed."

"Halali Camp has been updated compared to Okaukuejo, with new chalets and improved restaurant facilities. It is smaller and therefore quieter than Okaukuejo.

The waterhole is some distance from the rooms, though you can drive and park closer, and it is also a clamber over rocks to find a seat, not easy at night. However, animals are attracted and we saw large herd of elephant here, enjoying plenty of antics and denying access to several black rhino.

Our room was fine, with two large double bedrooms, and a fully-equipped kitchenette. The restaurant food isn't gourmet, but you shouldn't expect this in a camp of this size and type.

Halali gives good access to many other waterholes in Etosha and is a good base for game sightings."

"Namutoni Camp has new chalets and the fort is only in use for a gift shop (last time we were here, we stayed in the fort!)

Our room was large and well-furnished, but, as with all the Etosha camps, there seems to be little maintenance (dripping taps, running toilets). The bathroom was very odd; completely open to the bedroom with a double shower and a bath! The complete lack of privacy could put off some people.

The numbers staying at Namutoni aren't that large, but it seems to attract plenty of coach parties and lodge safari trips, especially for lunch.

It's a good base from which to visit plenty of waterholes, but the one at Namutoni itself is virtually surrounded by tall reeds and, despite a new viewing area, you'd be lucky to see much here."

"Our room was large and there was much attention to detail in the furnishings. We particularly enjoyed the books of Namibian historical tales. The balcony had a direct view of the river so we could watch the villagers and animals on the Angolan side.

Food was excellent, with plenty of choice. Dinner consisted of a set starter and dessert, with a buffet main. The staff were attentive and very friendly during meals and their after-dinner entertainment was well received. However, during the day staff were not much in evidence; certainly not the constant attention that is paid at some other lodges.

A flask of coffee and biscuits were left outside the room first thing in the morning, which was a thoughtful touch.

We enjoyed the sundowner cruise along the river, but otherwise felt that there was little to do either at the lodge or in the area. After busy days driving to waterholes in Etosha, this was a peaceful time, but, personally, we wanted more. It feels very much like a one-night stop for most people, which is a shame."

"Lovely room on the riverside. All very comfortable. The view from the toilet was great!

The food was very good and we liked the fact that the manager and family ate with the guests and spoke to everyone during the meal. The only disappointment was on the braai night, when some guests took far too much, leaving no seconds for us! So get to the dining room promptly!

It was easy to visit Mahango Park in our vehicle, but we were grateful for the advice on routes from the manager. The Park has plenty of wildlife, including water animals."

"We had a superb room beside the water. Be warned that use of hairdryers, chargers, kettle etc. is restricted in the rooms, but facilities are provided in the main guest area.

The food was excellent, with good service. The staff were friendly, helpful and constantly in attendance, offering drinks or just a chat.. I wasn't well one evening and they were most concerned and insisted on providing room service of water and simple food.

Animals, including hippo and elephants, roam the site, so an escort is provided between the rooms and dining area after dark. We will particularly remember the elephants enjoying a midnight feast right outside our room.

The sundowner game drive and morning cruise were both very enjoyable. We could have visited a local village too.

We understand that this is a cheaper version of the main Lianshulu Lodge, but it is hard to imagine how paying more money could improve the experience that we had. Guests from the main lodge joined us for the activities."

"We really loved everything about Nxamaseri! Our room was amazing, beautifully furnished with a large balcony overlooking the water. (actually, it was the honeymoon suite)

The young managers were like a breath of fresh air. They were so friendly and lively and it felt as if we were visiting their home. One of them was always in attendance if we were in the guest area and nothing was too much trouble. We were extremely fortunate to have the entire site to ourselves for one day, so it felt like our own private island.

The journey to the lodge, some 45 minutes by 4x4 and then boat, was amazing. We had own own guide for the entire stay; he was friendly and informative and clearly loved his sharing his home environs with visitors. The boat trips were designed to meet our wishes and interests; the early morning mokoro trip and the sundowner boat trip were both outstanding.

The food was absolutely of 5 star standard and plentiful. The managers ate with the guests and were attentive to everyone.

We can't really praise this place enough; it was the the highlight of our trip.

A word of warning: in September 2018 we found the state of the road, both north of the lodge (to the Namibian border) and south (through Gumare), absolutely treacherous. The locals describe "potholes", which is a gross understatement. The holes are continuous, often stretching across the entire road, and a man could easily lie down inside them. They are very hard to spot until you are on top of them. It is possible to drive off the tar road, as many do to avoid the holes, or you will have to slalom through. Either way, please do take extra care and allow plenty of time to drive slowly on these sections."

"We really enjoyed our stay here, though it felt like the camp is a work in progress. It has much to offer and vast potential, which the current management team are working towards. It doesn't seem to be well-known at the moment, but deserves to be a popular destination in the future.

We had a comfortable, large room, although the furnishings were a little dated, with a clear view of the camp's waterhole. We are aware that our room was far superior to some others at the site.

The activities were excellent, with our own guide. The sundowner drive was very good, with close-up sightings of a white rhino. Our early morning walk was also excellent, with our guide showing a good knowledge of the flora and fauna. We also had a visit to a nearby San village, although this was shorter than expected, due to the 'old man', who should have shown us various bush skills, having gone 'walkabout'! The local art gallery and museum were also worth a visit. The local pre-school project, also a project of the manager's family, was interesting.

Meals were excellent and plentiful. On one evening, just ourselves and our guide ate, with seven Tbone steaks between three of us!

On the day of our arrival, the management seemed very pre-occupied, but this was due to recent rhino-poaching incidents on the reserve, so was understandable."

"We have previously only stayed in Windhoek itself, but will probably stay here in future. It is easy to find from the airport road and s in a lovely location in the mountains. the views were as good as any elsewhere on our holiday in Namibia.

Our room was dated, but clean and tidy, with all facilities working. This was the only place that we stayed at with a television!

The staff were helpful in allowing us to book in online and print tickets for our flight home.

We chose to eat in the restaurant here, although it would have been easy enough to go into Windhoek. The food was fine."

"No good staying here unless you have a car, but driving around is easy. Gardens very peaceful and spotting giant tortoises is good fun. We used the bar mostly for evening meals - very good value and a wide choice. The main restaurant was perhaps a little formal and expensive for every day use. I loved the bedtime stories left on the pillow! A very original touch. The hotel has an interesting history and you should spend time looking at the photos and reading the book provided in the rooms.
Only criticism is that, although internet connection was available for laptops in the rooms, holidaymakers don't usually carry these and their only option was the business centre, where charges were some 3 times that of internet cafes."

"A very short stay here, but very welcoming and we had all that we needed."

"It was quite a surprise to discover that we arrived at cheetah feeding time (especailly as we were still on SA time!) This was very interesting and I loved the opportunity to stroke a cheetah! (I do have some reservations about whether it is the cheetahs or the tourists who benefit from them being kept like this).

We had rung the previous day to ask for dinner, which was provided happily and in good style, although we were the only guests. Likewise for breakfast, where we were rather left to get on with it!

We actually had a whole 'bungalow' of 3 bedrooms, sitting area and kitchen, but this was all in need of some renovation and very basic. Clean and tidy though. In view of this, we felt it was rather expensive to also be charged the daily visitors rate for the Quivertree Forest and Giants Playground."

"A very biased view as we know we were treated royally as our daughter spent some months of her Gap Year here.
Rob and Marianne continue to be welcoming, informative hosts. Nothing is too much trouble for them. The food is fantastic - hot, fresh bread 3 times a day! - and the chat around the dining table between visitors of all nationalities could put the United Nations to shame!

"Lidsten to the silence" is their slogan and I have to say that it is deafening! A beautiful, beautiful place to unwind."

"Sam was a wonderful host and was quick to help in any way. Particular thanks for sorting out a hire car exchange for us while we were out for the day. The constant availability of tea/coffee and internet on the mezzanine floor was much appreciated. Einstein's library was also much appreciated. It was good to see how Sam's hotel is constantly upgrading, with new ideas and development. We were pleased to find secure carparking behind the gates."

"This has been much revamped since our visit in 2001. Our roundel was beautifully furnished and equipped and spotlessly cleaned each day. The restaurant service was efficient despite the numbers of people it copes with. We only had one evening meal there but the game was the best of the entire trip. They still need to sort out how to keep the icecream frozen though! The shop was much better stocked and had most goods most of the time. We took an night game drive which was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, even if no big cats showed up!

The only problem is the length of time it can take to get anything done in the office. They seem to need to produce masses of paperwork for the same thing and there is just not enough staff at the peak times of checking in and out. The few staff work very hard to deal with 6 things at once!

2 corrections to information we were given in UK. Firstly, park entrance fees are not included in accommdation costs and must be paid on arrival. Secondly, the check of your room upon departure is done by radio and is speedy in our experience. Don't be tempted to hand over your passport/driving licence as a deposit on the room - we saw several people hurrying off and forgetting these and another person whose licence had been lost in the office!

Take your own teabags - and Englishman with no breakfast tea is not worth knowing!"

"We have fond memories of this place as an emergency sanctuary after our first visit to Namibia. (when we arrived 36hours late due to a damged plane) We were not disappointed. The rooms are luxurious, well-equipped and surrounded by lush gardens. The hosts are welcoming and attentive. It is a shame this was only an overnighter before flying home. This is our top place to stay in Windhoek."