Travel reviews by Mr & Ms Rockjumper from UK
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
10
Excursions taken
2
We will return to Namibia!
Namibia between 9 Feb 2008 and 26 Feb 2008
When we return, we would want to explore whether there is some way of staying in less luxurious places (short of camping).
We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we have never had such excellent service from anyone in any sphere!"
Arranged By Sabina Hekandjo
Pension Kleines Heim (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Overnight stay"
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
BullsPort Lodge and Farm
"Bullsport - insight into lives and wildlife"
Meals were taken with Johanna and Ernst and the other guests. The atmosphere was relaxed and relaxing. The food was fine - homely and filling (though canned fruit was disappointing). The most interesting aspect was that we had the opportunity to talk at length with the owners about their Guest Farm (in the family for several generations), and the country generally.
As to activities, we went on a drive with the owners and also on the Quiver Tree Gorge walk, both of which were interesting. Overall our few days there were an excellent way to begin our trip.
One small point - it would be nice to have the ability to make tea/coffee for ourselves at any time, either in our room or in the main house. (I know there were issues about electricity in the rooms so perhaps just a kettle and tea/coffee in the lounge would do the trick.)"
Desert Homestead
"Amazing place and setting"
The communal facilities and food were similarly luxurious and sophisticated. The staff were excellent and we felt we got First Class treatment in the middle of the desert!
We went for a short walk behind the lodge site which was worthwhile for the views. We also went on a morning excursion to Sossusvlei (with another couple at the Lodge) which seemed to be the standard package on offer. Although we enjoyed our visit, we would have liked something more tailored to our interests and focus. Instead, we felt we were only offered what everyone else was doing at exactly the same time - arrival at 6.30 for opening, climbing Vlei 42 (although we did manage to avoid this and instead climb Dead Vlei), a very quick drive through the dunes and a great deal a time spent eating an extravagant brunch (Including sparkling wine which none of us wanted). We would have preferred less time on eating and more time exploring the dunes!
Is it possible to have a more flexible option for those who want it?"
Lagoon Lodge
"Lagoon Lodge unconditional recommendation!"
The accommodation was so comfortable and lovely that we bought our own food and ate dinner on the balcony for both nights of our stay. The breakfasts were the absolute best of the whole trip."
Coast and Sandwich Harbour
"Coast and Sandwich Harbour"
15 Feb 2008 • All-day excursion
Cape Cross Lodge
"Cape Cross Lodge mixed experience"
In any event, we swapped for a sea view (and paid the extra), and the room and the view were excellent. The communal facilities were like a luxury hotel but they had an odd feel because there were very few guests. Also - and in our view this is a serious crime in a place like this! - they had piped music in the dining and bar areas. I can't imagine any guest would ever want to listen to this and I would really recommend that they don't turn it on.
Our dinner was fine, though rather elaborate and fussy for our tastes. Breakfast was good.
Our only reason for staying there was to be close to the seal colony and that worked fine. However, next time we would probably aim to get to the seal colony earlier and then move on to stay somewhere else."
Dolphin and seal cruise
"Dolphin and seal cruise"
16 Feb 2008 • All-day excursion
The trip left at around 09.30 and there was a (longish) stop for lunch and champagne at around 11.30 - which we could have done without. However, it seems that all harbour cruises offer the same thing.
Doro Nawas
"Doro Nawas an unexpected find"
The individual chalets were designed to such a high level and they were done so imaginatively, we felt we'd never seen anything like it anywhere in Europe or North America. One small design flaw - the ceiling fan only had one speed (very fast) and it would have been more comfortable to have a range of options. But otherwise it was luxury and stimulating detail and comfort all the way.
Food was similarly First Class and sophisticated. Service was fantastic.
The tours offered seemed very expensive. We chose to go to Twyflfontein to see rock carvings - and we would have liked to spend more time there. But we had an interesting drive, stopping at other places going to and coming from the site, so overall we were happy with our morning excursion."
Okaukuejo Camp
"Okaukuejo Restcamp location is all"
The restaurant was like a vast dining hall and the service was indifferent. The breakfasts were good enough. We bought our own food for dinner, but there was a very limited selection in the shop. So - it's recommended that you stock up on the way before you arrive.
However, the location was excellent. Because we were in the park, we could make the most of driving around the west side of the park."
Namutoni Camp
"Namutoni Restcamp more fun than Okaukuejo"
The restaurant in Namutoni was more cheerful than Okaukuejo and although service was good, it was bit erratic. The shop was poorly stocked (as in Okaukuejo) so if you want to eat your own food (as we did for dinner), you should bring it in from elsewhere. Breakfast was fine but they may not have always had sufficient of everything for the numbers of visitors.
The site of Namutoni is imaginatively done and fun. The location is great for easy driving to waterholes and around the eastern section of the park.
We went on a night drive which was relatively expensive but had an excellent guide (Danny?)."
Frans Indongo Lodge
"Frans Indongo Lodge"
The Lodge was luxurious and comfortable and the service was good. There was a largish group of tourists there when we were, and it may be the sort of place that attracts groups because of its facilities and ease of access.
Breakfast was very good. We bought our own food for dinner (from a nearby town) and the room was very spacious and comfortable to eat in."
Astrid & Alf, the managers at Frans Indongo Lodge, have asked us to point out that they do not encourage their guests to bring food into their rooms. They are not equipped with self-catering facilities and for hygiene reasons they request that travelers only eat in the dining room.
Astrid and Alf also mentioned that they very seldom have large groups coming to stay with them and that they cater, in the main, for self-drive clients.
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
"Erongo a magical experience"
The location is amazing and the facilities are equally amazing. We were very comfortable and happy here, which was particularly nice since this is where we spent our last two days in Namibia
The managers were very welcoming and friendly - great hosts! The food was excellent.
We went on several walks on our own and also did a very good morning excursion with a guide."
We walked into town but because it was Saturday afternoon, most things were closed. We wouldn't bother to do this again - next time, we'd probably stay at a lodge near the airport (which is some way out of Windhoek) and avoid the town altogether."