Reviews of Zebra River Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
94 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Zebra River Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Comfortable Lodge"
We used it as a base to go to Sossusvlei one day (we had been there before), but in truth it is a little far away on bad roads." See all these reviews: 26n in Namibia
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Memorable walk at Zebra River Lodge"
We enjoyed an evening walk to Gail's Cave but the highlight was the Quiver Tree Trail up to the plateau with amazing views.
We were very well looked after. The only disappointment was that the swimming pool had been drained due to a combination of leakages and drought. It may be a while before the pool is replaced." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 1n in Zambia
"Poor"
We were given one of the new rooms - slightly further away from the lodge. It was so new that there was no furniture in a large room - nothing so all our bags, clothes etc could only be left on the floor . The mosquito nets were still to be delivered which was not good given there were quite a few insects about. We complained three times that there was zero hot water - nothing was done about it but no one gave us any update either.
This is really not a good lodge - by far the worse place on our trip.
[Ed: As part of a brief email exchange about this with these travellers, they commented further:
Zebra River Lodge – we liked the place – its just that the management of it seemed inept to be honest. The local staff were lovely and helpful but the place is not at all well run at the top in my view. Easily overcome I’d imagine." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
- Firstly, they were sad that the guests hadn’t complained immediately, to any of the lodge team, whilst at the lodge. (Apparently the owner, Mr Jean Pierre Rambert, was present during their stay.)
- They assured us that all rooms were fully furnished when these travellers stayed here, although apologised for the lack of mosquito nets, which had been delivered late. They assured us that they had explained this to these travellers.
- They assured us that they always do their best to accommodate all guests needs – and that the lodge was full when these travellers visited.
We understand that within the last year Zebra River Lodge has had a change of ownership. We have built up a great relationship with the former owners over a number of years and we hope that the experience of these travellers is an isolated one.
We will keep a close eye on feedback coming back from further travellers to this lodge and will not hesitate to stop recommending it if we think it is not up to standard.
"Zebra River Lodge review"
We went for a walk with Jobi, who was enthusiastic but couldn't answer many of our questions about geology and plant life. The lodge didn't have guide books to aid us either." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Zebra River Lodge"
Shadow the dog made us very welcome, and Shadows younger playmate the cat made very good entertainment. We stayed two nights and could have stayed for longer!
Stunning scenery and we did a self guided walk, plus an afternoon drive, including the impressive stromatalite fossils, with the lodge's guide 'Jobi' who was very informative and a valuable asset to the Lodge. All the staff were exceptional, including Shadow and the two cats. There is building work going on increasing the number of rooms, as there has recently been a change in ownership. So it would be interesting to see what happens here. Great singing from the staff after dinner.
A very enjoyable stay." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
"Zebra River Lodge review"
The owners were very helpful and the excursion to the winery was well worth it." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Zebra River Lodge"
Back at base the pool was good - if cold! Jobe took good care of us and Jeanette, sitting in for the owner was great too.
Headed up for sunset looking over the valley - amazing light, the odd zebra in the distance and hard to beat." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"An absolute gem"
Very welcoming staff, beautiful room and verandah, fabulous evening meals, knowledgeable guide who took us for a nature walk and spotted zebra which we would otherwise never have seen. The sky at night was amazing. After dinner some zebra came to the waterhole which was a real treat.
In addition a member of staff washed the car during our stay so that, at least to start with, we were not covered in dust every time we opened and closed the boot!
We understand that this lodge is shortly to be sold at auction and hope that the new owner will continue to provide the same high level of service." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"Quirky lodge in a remote and beautiful place"
Activities on offer weren't well explained and we could probably have done a bit more with our time there. We did the shorter walk, as the '5 hour' one sounded daunting, but were told afterwards that it would have been no more strenuous and given us more time up on the plateau.
The lodge was up for sale while we were there and it seems likely whoever buys it would make some changes - hopefully for the better. Guests were a strange mixture: from a group of 'overlanders' doing their own catering, to a couple flying in on a private plane." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia; 5n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana
"Zebra River Lodge review"
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Sossus Dune Lodge
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Little Kulala
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Desert Quiver Camp
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Elegant Desert Lodge
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Camp Sossus
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Desert Hills Camp
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Le Mirage Lodge
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Desert Grace
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The Nest
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