Travel reviews by Dr L & Family from Denmark
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
3
Countries visited
4
Lodges stayed in
39
Excursions taken
2
Third time with Expert Africa, still happy
Namibia and 2 other countries between 27 Jul 2019 and 25 Aug 2019
We look forward to use Expert Africa again (our travel agent for the Southern parts of Africa)."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer

Galton House
"Perfect place for 1st night in Windhoek"

Sam's Giardino
"Nice place, but update needed"

Desert Breeze Lodge
"Extraordinary place"

Kayaking with seals
"Drifting around with seals"
31 Jul 2019 • Morning excursion

Terrace Bay
"Location, location, location"
This is a excellent place because of the extraordinary location and the friendly staff, not because of the facilities (then you will be dissapointed)"

Palmwag Lodge
"Average to good, but only option."

Etendeka Walking Trail
"Etendeka Walking Trail review"
We were picked up at Palmwag Lodge at 4 p.m. We were very excited and perhaps also a bit nervous. We were going to trek through one of Namibia’s most remote and untouched landscapes on foot. We drove about 20 minutes to the starting point. We where about to hike approx. 25 kilometers into the Etendeka Mountains. The open Land Rover drove off the small trail onto a small dry riverbed where we set out. We were our family of four people and a very friendly family, likewise of four people, from Switzerland. Our guide Boas briefed us on the trip.
First, a short 3-4 kilometer hike along the dry riverbed to River Camp. The next day, an approx. 14 km long walk up to Mountain Camp, near the top of Crystal Mountain. All through the deserted Etendeka plains and mountains. This is an area with "cats" (we were prepared link), hyenas and black rhinos. Usually the animals are very shy. As Boas said:
"the biggest risk is to sprain the ankle". We believed him.
After a lovely walk along the dry river bed and over a small hill, we reached Rivercamp, which lies on the banks of another dry river bed. In this camp, there are five sleeping platforms where you can sleep relatively safe under the open sky. The two platforms lie a little by themselves on one side of the common area, while the other three lie on the other side. There is no big difference no matter which platform you get. On each platform we found two camp beds with bedrols. The bedrols consisted of a waterproof bivouac coatings (which should prove to be very useful). Then duvet, pillow and a bed sheet. Everything was fine and clean and was ready for use when we arrived.
Our large luggage had been driven to the camp in advance. Pure luxury. In a bag at the end of the field bed, we found a thick blanket, and on a small table, there was a flashlight. Nearby a flush toilet (!) and a nice bucket shower. The bucket shower was a bucket upside down with a shower head. Surprisingly for us, there was also solar heated hot water that could be poured into the bucket. Everything was tastefully built of rusty steel and gabions (steel mesh with stone in it), so it fell nicely into nature.
At sunset, our guide and his two helpers had lit bonfires and prepared our dinner. Chicken pot and fried vegetables made on the bonfire. How nice to sit by the fire and enjoy G&T while darkness creeps in and you can hear the crackle of the bonfire and the sounds of the night.At night, my son and I were on the same platform talking about the moon and the stars. My son saw two shooting stars and a satellite pass across the sky. What a completely enchanting evening and night. It reminds me of a specific night at me and my son's trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
The next day, we went the long beautiful hike through the Etendeka Mountains to the top of Crystal Mountain. The adventure just continued ..."

Opuwo Country Lodge
"The only place in Opuwo, and fine"

Epupa Camp
"Such a nice place"

Kunene River Lodge
"Perfect sundowner cruise Kunene River Lodge"
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Toko Lodge
"Basic but fine and friendly"
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Ongava Lodge
"Ongava Lodge was expensive but lovely"
It is crazy to be able to watch the animals directly from our own private terrace - or the outdoor shower. There is no fence around the lodge and at night an armed guard follows one back to the cabin from to the living area / restaurant.
Ongava Lodge was an expensive and lovely place, though not a very personal lodge. The food and service did not quite live up to the high price. But with a location just outside Etosha's gate, that's probably the price you have to pay. We had a good time at this lodge"

Onguma The Fort
"Onguma The Fort, 24 hours paradise"
Everything is tastefully decorated with several water elements and walkways passing water. Everywhere delicious materials are used and everything is tastefully decorated.
We are welcomed with ice tea in the restaurant. From here there is a direct view of the pool. And to the watering hole where animals come and go.
We are informed when the dinner will be served, after which we will be driven to our room. It is an unfenced lodge, ie. all animals have free access to the area. It is therefore too dangerous to travel outside alone, especially at night.
As we arrive at our room it turns out to be a small mini fort! Impressive Moroccan wooden doors with beautiful carvings everywhere and very high ceilings!
The bathroom is almost a tower room. Outside our own large secluded wooden terrace with lovely sun loungers. We have free views of the bush (room 6). To the right we can see the water hole. Everything is completely secluded including an extra outdoor shower.
Our waiter points out that there is sherry ready on the glass carafe! In addition, there are other carafe and wines from all over the world. Everything is included in the price, which I dare not think about at all.
We enjoy the afternoon completely secluded on the terrace. In the evening, it's the 1001 night adventure on the fort. We sit at a beautifully decked table with a free view of the waterhole. We have our own personal servant all evening. There is "Rust en Vrede" (rest and peace) on the wine list. Our personal favorite from South Africa.
We sleep like a rock all night after a day of wonderland. Here we would like to stay more than one night, but it probably requires an agreement with the bank ...
(We did not do any activities."

Onguma Bush Camp
"Excellent high service"

Nunda River Lodge
"Good place near Popa Falls"

Nxamaseri Lodge
"Wonderfull place off-grid at Okavango"

Hippo
Many sightings

Nambwa Tented Lodge
"Another highlight!"

Buffalo
10+ sightings

Eland
Many sightings

Elephant
10+ sightings

Giraffe
Many sightings

Hippo
10+ sightings

Sable antelope
5 sightings

Sitatunga
Many sightings

Wildebeest
Many sightings

Zebra
Many sightings

Serondela Lodge
"Nice lodge in "safari Ibitza""
Speaking about peaceful, Chobe National Park is "safari Ibiza", boats everywhere crusing on the river, including several "floating hotels". When you see an interesting animal on the shore, it´s accompanied by 3-4 safari cars. We did not really like this part of the place and have perhaps been to many other good places to appreciate the easy access to animals at Chobe.
We had a nice excursion the a nearby village, not tribal, thus perhaps even more interesting after seeing many himba and bushman villages earlier on."

Buffalo
Many sightings

Eland
Many sightings

Elephant
Many sightings

Giraffe
Many sightings

Hippo
Many sightings

Leopard
Many sightings

Lion
Many sightings

Wildebeest
Many sightings

Zebra
Many sightings

Avani Victoria Falls
"Nice place "to end journey""
Perfect trip to Kgalagadi in Kalahari
South Africa between 21 Nov 2015 and 4 Dec 2015
We got qualifyed and kind help from the staff. At arrival in Africa, everything went according to plans. You can get full help from Expert Africa. However, as experienced in travelling in Africa, we prepared the route on our own. Afterwards, we got good input from Expert Africa and make changes accordingly. This worked fine.
We will use Expert Africa again in the future."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
"Good starting point for Kgalagadi"
You can buy quite a lot of basic groceries in the shop including meat.
OK restaurant and fine little pool. Good place to start the trip."

Kalahari Tented Camp
"Wonderfull wilderness Camp with a view"
Super view to the riverbed from terrasse. See animals come and go.
The "tents" (huts) seems quite safe. All kitchen equipment present - only bring food and drinks (og buy at Mata Mata 3 km away).
You can easily use 3 days here enjoying the view, reading a good book ect."

Grootkolk Wilderness Camp
"Extraordinary place close to waterhole"
Animals very close... Not a problem if you behave wisely. Look before you leave the ground. Perfect place to relax and enjoy the wildlife.
Fair kitchen, room and bathroom. Everything you need, no more. Use 2-3 days here.
We only spent one day and moved on to Gharagab."

Gharagab Wilderness Camp
"Perhaps the best Wilderness Camp - remote"
Difficult access and especially exit road. You need 4x4 WD, low gear, diff. lock and traction control. Bring at least 10L water per person per day if you get stock. Stay by the car until someone pass by - could take a day or two!
Nevertheless, wonderful place if you like nature. Expect predators close up! Look where you go..."

Ta Shebube Rooiputs
"Luxury in Kgalagadi; its the place"
If you are already experienced in travelling in Africa, you might not need all the activities, but can use your own car. Our tour guide was OK but notreally fantastic. We have tried better expert guides elsewhere. We learned nothing from the guide, we did not already know.
Note that there is no fence around the place. Predators get very close. Look where you walk all the time. We had lions in the camp - sleeping under hut no. 3. The lodge is very exposed on the top of a dune, especially if very windy. It could be a problem but it is also part of the excitement.
In conclusion, we have tried better luxury wilderness lodges elsewhere, e.g. Etendeka Mountain Camp in Namibia, but Ta Shebube Rooiputs is the best in Kgalagadi; and its a nice place to spend 2-3 days, e.g. in the end of a trip around Kgalagadi."

Augrabies Falls Restcamp
"Might be good in rain season"
However, the staff were very friendly. The cabins were nice and well maintained. The restaurant was fair (heavy "american style" meals), and there were 3 pools available for swimming. It could be a good place with young children for a few days.
The paths are nice and very well marked. Also, it was fine to drive around in the park."

Yellow Aloe Guesthouse
"Fantastic guesthouse"
The guesthouse is a nice old villa, located in a very nice large garden. Like an oasis in the city. There is a little shop with organic products, especially based on rooibos. The garden is full of flowers and pots. There are two small pools. The main street in the small town is located just outside the gate.
I would very much like to spend a few days in this place another time and explore the sourondings. The mountains are right next door and offers great hiking."
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa
We will use Expert Africa again
Namibia between 17 Jul 2009 and 15 Aug 2009
There were only to mistakes a) we did not get the 4wd car we asked for and b) we did not get a familyroom at Kulala Winderness Camp as indicated in our confirmation invoice due to a booking mistake. However, everything else went fine during a one month long trip staying many different places."

Coast and Sandwich Harbour
"Turnstone Tours - Sandwich harbour"
28 Jul 2009 • All-day excursion

Pension Steiner
"Pension Steiner"
Family room basic but clean and functional. Extraordinary good breakfast. Frendly service in reception."
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
The afternoon nature drive was very nice, but the "cheetah drive" in the small enclosure only interesting for small children or if you have never seen cheetahs at close hand before. The resturant served nice dinners and there was a good atmosphere.
You should stay for 2 nights (one is to little)"

Central Lodge
"Central Lodge review"
At least the family rooms need a serious makeover! However, the staff in the reception were friendly and the restaurant fairly good. The pool could be nice at summertime, but freezing cold at winter."

Klein Aus Vista Camping
"Klein Aus Vista - campsite"
However, the warking trails are fantastic and highly recommended. Use at least 2 days here - 3 days if you also visit Luderitz area. The staff were friendly and service minded and you can by meat and firewood for the brai. The campsite need a bit more maintainance but the ablution block was fine."
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Namtib Desert Lodge
"Namtib Desert Lodge, Little Hunters rest camp"
The nature drive was full of interesting information about farming in Namibia - but only possible to participate if not occupied fully by logde guests. We went on a walking safari on our own and climbed the mountain behind the campsite, great expirience! You can bye meat for the brai but need to bring everything else!"

Kulala Wilderness Camp, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"Kulala Wilderness Camp review"
Also, ballooning approx. 4000 N$ per person, absourd price in our opinion!"
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Sam's Giardino
"Sam's Giardino review"
The rooms were nice. Wine tasting for amateurs like us was a pleasent expirience. Good food and the most compleete breakfast during our month in Namibia.
We also tried the Turnstone tour to Sandwich Harbour with Ernest. Because of his excellent guiding a great expirience.
Ernest was the perfect guide. He could take you anywere - and you would have a good experience. Was wery friendly to our children and first of all full of interesting information about the nature we passed. Driving through the high dunes were a highlight for our children - amazing where a land rover can go!! Walking around the saltwater lagoon was beatifull. Altogether a fantastic day, highly recommended!"

Aba Huab Camping
"Aba Huab Community Campsite"
Also, an overland truck was allowed to stay outsite the group area, despite place, disturbing everybody else. Its worn compleetly down and the facilities need renovations to function again. Cannot be recommended, find another place nearby. Only possitive comment: the staff vere friendly."
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Etendeka Mountain Camp
"Etendeka Mountain Camp review"
Dennis, his vife, and the guides were the perfect hosts. Talking around the fire, watching the stars, and enjoying the meals in this remote location in Namibia was a lifetime expirience. The walks and drives in Etendeka highly interesting, also for our children at 8 + 9 years.
The tents vere good - you felt like sleaping on another planet. Exciting and a bit scarry to hear the animals just outside during night!"

Halali Camping
"Halali Restcamp - camping"
The restaurent OK but nothing special, and in the shop you can bye the most basic food and other stuff for camping. The pitches are quite close to one another."
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Onguma Bush Camp camping
"Onguma Bush Camp - Campsite"
This restaurant was extraordinary good, especially the service! Good base to see eastern Etosia. Recomended campsite. Rooms = campsite in rating."
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa

Nhoma Camp
"Nhoma Camp review"
Our children at 8-9 years often talk about how they made fire with stiks, made arrows, caught birds in traps, tried different berries, played with the children in the village, saw a snake, and saw bushmen shooting at a Kudu. Still, we could relaxe in our nice luxury camp next to the village and have a glass of wine before bedtime!"

Ghaub Guest Farm
"Ghaub Guest Farm review"
The guide was very friendly and took good care of the children (and parents). Highly recommended for adventures families. There were good walking trails on the farm and a beatifull large garden (park). We got the best South African red wine in Namibia in the nice little restaurent "Rust en Vrede" (rest in peace) - try it.
The waiters were attentive and the manager asked to our well being all the time - hope they get a good salary. The family room was spacious and nice, the pool was perfect (but cold). Spend no less than 2 days here, highly recomended."

Waterberg Camp camping
"Waterberg Plateau Resort - bungalow"
The pool was "out of order" and and was not possibe to get info on why and for how long time. The shop was nearly empty - a problem for those planning to make their own meals - bring everything. The afternoon game drive was pricy - and we did not really see any game during the 4 hours drive incl. stoping at 3 waterholes.
The bungalow was OK - but most vere empty even though we were there during high season? Curtains should according to a notice in the room be closed at all time because of the baboons! The walking trails were good, especially the view from the top af the plateau. The buffet i the restaurent was also good. Alltogether not good value for the money. Needs a makeover so the price matches the place. Go for the campsite - looked like best value..."
Lodge not featured by Expert Africa