Reviews of Lianshulu Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
60 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Lianshulu Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Lianshulu Lodge review"
Good food, and tables were beautifully decorated.
Very well-appointed room.
The game drive was a little pricey - unfortunately there was not a great deal of game to see but the view of the Carmine Beeeaters was a highlight.
We did not take the boat ride." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia
"Messing about in boats 2"
The facilities are excellent and the staff helpful and the NP is a little known treasure." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 3n in Botswana
"Lianshulu Lodge review"
There is no doubt that the lodge facilities are excellent. We had a large room which was well equiped, and the common areas of the lodge are wonderful, immediately overlooking the swamp and river channels. However apart from a few birds there was little to see directly from the lodge during the day - but note that hippos were regular visitors across the lodge grounds in the early hours.
We did go on the evening boat trip which was excessivley expensive (N$550 pp), but I wished afterwards that we had not. I know that animal sightings cannot be guaranteed, but then a much lower price would make such a trip seem more reasonable. We did have a price from elsewhere to compare this with.
The food was dissappointing. It seemed as if they were trying to be extra special, but just not quite making it. Nearly all of the main course on our second evening was left uneaten by all 4 of our party. How a game stew can yield pieces of meat that are so dry and tasteless remains a mystery. This was the worst meal (and only really bad meal) that we had on our entire 3 week holiday. And why at breakfast one could not just get a piece of bacon, but instead had to have a bacon, potato, mushroom (and goodness knows what else) concotion is also a mystery.
At our second evening meal there was a group of VIPs who I took to be senior executives from the company. I was approached by one of them who asked how were things. I said so-so. "What did I mean?", he asked. I said that the food was very dissappointing. His reply was just appalling. He said, "What did you expect?". I replied, "The same stanadard as I have had everywhere else that I have been." If this was his approach to customer service, then I think he has a lot to learn. This is very odd since I thought the same company ran many of the other lodges we had stayed at.
One pleaseant surprise is that we were advised at the end of our stay as we settled our bill that the drinks were free. I am not sure why this was - we were not on all inclusive rates. We spent some 2 hours at the pool but no-one came to ask if we wanted a drink." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
We are sorry that we didn’t notify these clients about the high cost of Lianshulu’s activities prior to their visit. Whilst it’s wise to double-check the cost of any extras on the ground – we should have pointed out the relatively high costs of activities here. We have subsequently added a comment on the lodge write-up to this effect.
As a result of this (and a couple of other) feedbacks, Wilderness Safaris has lowered the costs of their activities by 25% to try to make these better value for money - however there are still quite pricy.
Wilderness Safaris have assured us and these travellers that the comments and feedback is highly valued, and they see this as constructive, and as a very important tool in assisting them to achieve the high standards that they aspire to. Their sincere apologies have been forwarded to these clients for any inconvenience that may have been caused.
"Southern Africa Manager"
"Lianshulu Lodge review"
"Lianshulu Lodge review"
We did find the stay at Lianshulu the least of the holidays, but that has more to do with the overall standard of our accommodation during the entire trip than Lianshulu itself.
Wildlife was not abundant, but it was special once we encountered some: we saw big herds of roan for example. It was very cold and windy when we were there and that may have affected the wildlife." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 1n in Zambia
"Fantastic location"
The staff were very attentive, rooms fabulous, and the food was also very good. Sitting around the fire on the deck after dinner listening to the sounds from the river was great.
Took the boat trip which was very enjoyable and informative." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Lianshulu Lodge review"
The guide seemed more interested in arranging an activity for another group for the following morning! We did not ask the price as we assumed a river trip would be similar throughout our travels but was at least six times that we had previously paid. We feel that Expert Africa should warn other guests of this matter.
The evening meal was at best warm. Thankfully no activity was on offer the following morning as we would hate to think what the price was!" See all these reviews: 8n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Wilderness Safaris, who own Lianshulu Lodge, commented that since these guests stayed at the lodge, new managers have taken over. They have changed the way that the lodge is run, aiming to give all guests more equal attention, so that individuals aren’t marginalised when groups are around. They also now only served plated hot food, rather than warm buffets.
For 2011, Wilderness has decreased the activity rates at Lianshulu by at least 25%, to try to make these better value for money. They have also apologised that the service, food and activities did not live up to expectations.
"Lianshulu Lodge review"
"Best lodge in Caprivi Strip"
Resident croc in river under decking. Elephant and hippo in camp at night. Good activities ~ the only place other than Etosha where we saw lions." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana
"Very nice place to be in Caprivi"
Previously, we went to Lizauli traditional village; totally disappointing : not to recommand." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
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