Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs R from Hereford
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
4
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
37
Excursions taken
0
Our 2015 visit to Nanibia
Namibia between 26 Aug 2015 and 25 Sep 2015
The only down side was the car, not the one we ordered and not up to the gravel roads very hard and tiring to drive."
Arranged By Sabina Hekandjo
Galton House
"Peaceful and comfortable"
BullsPort Lodge and Farm
"we found it a good over night stop"
Hoodia Desert Lodge
"A lovely lodge tucked away in the mountains"
Sam's Giardino
"Disappointing"
When our travellers visited Sam’s Giardino it was towards the back end of the winter period (which generally lasts until the end of August). Sam has confirmed that they have two gas heaters in the restaurant that can be wheeled around to warm up the restaurant, creating a cosy atmosphere.
Sam’s Giardino is a small owner run guesthouse and Sam is a very hands-on owner. Sam always makes a point to stop by each table to chat to his guests and also give them a chance to ask him any questions. We are just sorry to hear that this approach did not quite work for these guests. Sam has lived in Namibia for the last 15 years and he is very knowledgeable about life in Namibia. We know that client relations are very important to him and we have every faith that Sam will endeavor to meet expectations in future.
Camp Kipwe
"A wonderful addition to Mowani"
We also went on a trip to find the desert elephants, which was one of the highlights of the holiday, when James was kissed on his hand by a little 5 year old elephant who was being mischievous .
Just a wonderful place ."
Huab Lodge
"Our third visit to Huab"
However, the accommodation is really lovely with balconies overlooking the dry river bed, and the reception area attractive and welcoming as are the staff ."
Hobatere Lodge
"Great to return after the Fire"
The new reception/dining building is modern and functional but not as attractive as the old ones, but very well positioned overlooking the plain and waterhole to the mountains. where you can sit and watch all the animals pass by . It was good to see some of the original staff , and very good guides.
This Lodge has just about everything, and it is run by the local community who are all very friendly and extremely enthusiastic.
We will return."
Okaukuejo Camp
"Good base for doing your own safari."
Meals are served buffet style. and are reasonably priced, you have to remember to sign in for Dinner.
A good place to do your own thing."
Ongava Tented Camp
"Very attractive camp, beside Anderson gate"
Our only criticism was that the guides concentrated on the big animals, ignoring the smaller ones which are just as interesting. we felt that we were driven vast distances just to get a glimpse of something, without our guide telling us what he was aiming to find."
Halali Camp
"Halali Camp review"
We prefer Okaukuejo, and then outside the East gate."
Mushara Lodge
"Our first visit"
.i went with one of their guides into Etosha ,and was lucky to see a male leopard a caracal and couple of bat eared foxes, which we wouldn't have spotted on our own. James went on a bush walk, he saw a herd of wildebeest and heard a lion calling."
C'est Si Bon (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Handy one night stop"
Last time the food had been very good, this time the portions were grotesque.
It was also noisy as children were allowed to play in the pool until late in the evening.
We won't return, but the gardens are very attractive."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Waterberg Camp
"interesting area"
We went on a drive up to the plateau, which was our main reason for going, once up there it was very difficult driving in deep red sand, we saw two sable briefly, and visited two hides, where we saw giraffe cape buffalo and a white rhino, as we spent rather a long time at the hide we had to drive as fast as possible to get back to the gate before closing time."
Okonjima Bush Camp
"Okonjima Bush Camp is perfection"
The rooms were quite fabulous before but are even better now giving a separate sitting room with wide open windows overlooking the plane , The communal areas are very attractive with loads of sitting areas,
The guides are very knowledgable and apart from tracking the leopards and cheetahs, they spot any thing else that moves, and even showed us footprints and snake tracks.
James has an interest in cheetah anatomy and was able to spend some time talking to Tristan Boheme and his vet again at the Africat.education centre
The staff always make us so welcome, we really hope we can go again before long."
Namibian adventure 2012
Namibia between 3 Sep 2012 and 26 Sep 2012
Many thanks to Sabina for her organisation. Diana nearly always benefitted from accommodation close to the main area.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
An annual update of the prices in Chris McIntyre's manual ( the bible ) would be helpful."
Arranged By Sabina Hekandjo
Elegant Farmstead
"A good first night stop over"
Okonjima Plains Camp
"Our forth visit , even better than expected."
The standard of the Game drives is excellent, as is the knowledge of the guides.
The staff always friendly and efficient and food very good.
We are interested in the education and research aspect of Africat, we had a very informative talk with Tristan Boheme, one of the owners .
We found that our room was quite chilly at night time."
C'est Si Bon Hotel (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Very pleasant if you have a garden room"
We had no trouble getting moved to a Garden room which was very nice, the staff became much more friendly and the food was very good. and we had a pleasant stay."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Okaukuejo Camp
"Best place to do your own Safari"
The shower over flowed and was not repaired.
The Bush chalet was only a short walk from the water hole , was much more spacious ,quieter .and more comfortable .
The reception and eating arrangements are somewhat chaotic, we don't feel Dinner was good value but breakfasts are good.
Easy to drive around to the water holes ,where animals come to drink in the dry season."
Dolomite Camp
"Interesting new camp"
Cars are left at the base and you are ferried up the mountain by golf buggy. Tents are up steep walkways and the buggy is necessary , which I found very difficult. Food good and staff very pleasant , helpful and proud of their new facility.
We took a drive but could have done it ourselves as it is restricted to the public roads. However we came across a small herd of elephants with young crossing the road and the guide gave us an excellent example of how to avoid confrontation by deliberately blocking the road to impatient and aggressive drivers. A valuable experience."
Etendeka Mountain Camp
"A Real Bush Camp"
The activities include a 3 1/2 hour morning walk which is energetic but worth every minute and an afternoon drive.There is plenty of game to see.and takes you even further into the mountains.
We loved our tent and the bucket shower which worked well. Every one was very helpful and Dennis and Ivan very knowledgeable.
You need at least 2-3 nights here.
Not a place to go in the winter."
Doro Nawas
"A Gothic experience."
Room well appointed but gloomy. Cold at night, needed hot water bottles, and windy in the afternoons. Staff friendly and helpful with very good english.
Very little game near the fort but desert elephants were found after a drive up the Huab river bed through spectacular scenery. Probably only worth one night if you can get there in time to do the elephant drive."
Huab Lodge
"Nice to be back with friends."
The food is the best we have experienced and Jans personal selection of wines is a bonus.
There seems to be more game than when we visited before, unfortunately the guides english was poor. Jan's morning walk however, should not be missed. This is full of information and anecdotes and his knowledge of wildlife is encyclopaedic."
Erongo Wilderness Lodge
"End of a great holiday."
Because of the position amongst the rocks it was quite a climb to and from tent and restaurant.
The amount of game to be seen was very limited apart from Damara dik dik and Klipspringer, however the geology and flora were of interest."
Interesting to see Namibia "Green"
Namibia between 7 Apr 2011 and 23 Apr 2011
The lack of variety of wildlife in Etosha was disappointing but expected ,The exposure to the cats at other camps was compensation
The stay at Huab was a welcome rest.
in these weather conditions a low wheel based 2 wheeled drive car was not adequate and we were very lucky not to have caused major uninsured damage to the car.
We cant thank your people in Windhoek enough for helping us to find accommodation when we had to leave Erindi early before our flight home.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It would be useful to have advance info: about the weather and suitability of the car booked for the camps to be visited
Advise clients to have local sim cards for their phones if necessary, available at the Airport."
Arranged By Sabina Hekandjo
Amani Lodge, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"good first night stop"
Useful conversation with Olivier in relation to my forthcoming trip to CCF."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Under own arrangements (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Very satisfactory and stimulating visit."
Accommodation was basic but adequate we were treated as the other volunteers. Grading the aspects is not applicable."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Huab Lodge
"Very relaxing and peaceful."
The accommodation was beautiful and very well positioned to ensure privacy and outlook."
Okaukuejo Camp
"The wet season is a different experience."
As expected the water holes were empty of game but large collections of springbok and zebra were spread out over the planes to the west as advised by the staff in reception."
Okonjima Bush Camp
"Lovely to be back."
As returning guests we were made very welcome.
Both Leopard and Cheetah tracking was excellent. I was privileged to be lent an ATV to track their four wild dogs, a rare and unforgettable experience. I also had the opportunity to talk to Tristan about my interest in Cheetahs which has already given me some new avenues to explore."
Erindi Game Lodge (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Holiday Inn meets Longleat !"
After dinner we spoke to one of the rangers who agreed that we should leave the following day to ensure that we arrive at the air port on time as the diversion had added several hours to our journey time and more rain was forecast.
For our requirements the accommodation was inappropriate and far to far from the main buildings."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Can't wait till next time
Namibia between 8 Sep 2009 and 25 Sep 2009
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
This is the most difficult question you have asked and we cannot think of anything so far. Very sad to hear that Maruska has left, who will organise our next trip?
Expert Africa responds
Maruska has sadly left the UK office to set up an Expert Africa satelite office in her home country - New Zealand. She is still reachable by email and will remain very much part of Expert Africa. However, for ease of contact, she recommends that all our UK travellers contact one of her very able colleagues at Expert Africa by phone or email - whilst she will be concentrating more on our travellers who live in Australasia and North America."
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
Terra Africa, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"Relaxing day in Windhoek"
A stop over in or near Windhoek after a long overnight flight is a good idea and supermarkets are well stocked for travel requirements. There seemed to be more evidence of crime prevention fencing than 3 years ago."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Amani Lodge, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"A very pleasant start to our trip."
Big cat experience well organized and a good introduction to these charismatic animals despite them being captive. Could make a good first night stop as the drive is not until mid afternoon."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Otjibamba Country Lodge, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"Accomadation for trip to CCF"
It is worth noting that wine in Namibia is expensive but local beers are cheap and good."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Onguma Bush Camp
"Good choice for East Etosha"
Game drives a bit limited which may improve if,and when more land becomes available. A good base from which to explore East Etosha. Would recommend"
Halali Camp
"Great Etosha waterhole tour"
Overall not good value for money. Fortunately breakfasts were good and plentiful and it is wise to eat well as lunch can be a challenge,we suggest putting together a picnic from bits and pieces from breakfast and a few items from the shop. Unfortunately most of the roads around camp were closed for repairs and therefore several water holes were not available.
Two nights would have been enough."
Okaukuejo Camp
"Luxury waterhole viewing."
Sadly there was very little view of the water hole as there is a large tree in front of this chalet, but let us not get too picky.The water hole activity was amazing and continued throughout the night only a few paces from our chalet. As with Halali there were no cooking facilities or a BBQ and the shop was no better.
Beware--we made the mistake of not paying our park fees before leaving the camp on our way to leave the park and so had to drive 18Km back to camp."
Hobatere Lodge
"Hobatere the ultimate game lodge."
The new accommodation and public buildings are very well done and an improvement on an already very nice facility.Steve and Louise Braine were so welcoming and all the staff were excellent, so nice to see Martin again who is an excellent guide. Steve,of course, is a mine of information and always ready to share his enthusiasm. Extraordinary range of wild life with two hides to watch it from,early morning bush walks with Martin,day time game drives seem almost superfluous.To complete the picture the food was the best we had during our holiday.
We will return."
Okonjima Plains Camp
"Okonjima Main Camp review"
Activities were extensive and well organized,collared leopard tracking was particularly rewarding considering how difficult these cats are to see in the wild. What a pity we have to cheat to achieve it but I am not really complaining. Our only complaint, a serious one, was using a metallic radio tracking aerial on top of a hillock in a tropical thunder storm with lightning strikes within half a mile of us. On the positive side, the bushman trail was very well done and should not be missed."