Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs P from Hants

"Staff very friendly and helpful, especially Solomon the guide, with whom we enjoyed wonderful sundowners.
Food was ok, but tried too hard, it would have been beter to keep it more basic and wholesome. The afternoon cakes were a treat to look forward to.

Sleeping on roof, under the stars was an experience to remember.
We think the dunes visit would have benefited from a very early start to capture the early morning shadows."

"Extremely helpful owners.
Very useful drive in secure parking.
Centrally located for exploring Swakopmund.
In our opinion the breakfast was not as special as we read about, fairly average.
Good eating at Eriks and The Tug."

"Staff friendly and helpful.
We visited early September and there were very few guests, it was a bit eerie.
It was a useful base to get a short experience of the desolate coast.

It is worth spending some time walking north along the deserted coast and observing the specialised flora, and seeing some of the skeletal remains of seals etc and just listening to the wind and the waves-wrap up well, its verycold, particularly as you will have just come away from the hot hinterland!l"

"A re-visit to Vingerklip after 14 years. Very much as we remember it, but changes include waterhole, new additional restaurant called Eagles nest, additional guided walks.

Staff very helpful and friendly.
A lot of people use this lodge for 1 night, but would benefit from 2 night stay to relax and see more wildlife at waterhole and on walks.
Food was good, particularly the game."

"Very experienced,enthusiatic and dedicated owner Dennis, asst manager Bonnie, supported by good staff.

Walks and safari drives very enjoyable and informative in amazing environment.

Food was outstanding, homemade and could be on a menu in a quality restaurant. They also catered well for a vegetarian.
We were well looked after and even enjoyed the bucket showers."

"Extremely clean and tidy camp, no mean achievement for such a large camp.

Chalet was comfortable, well equipped, very well placed for waterhole viewing.
Food was a bit mass catering, but ok.

The administration is bureaucratic, out of date, prone to error."

"Our first night spoiled by noisy guests around the pool and bar, manager put us in a quieter chalet on second day.
First meal was very poor from start to finish, but second night was ok.

We felt they were pushing the alchohol too much, clearly a profitable item. They even charged for coffee, even though it was not made clear that it was an extra after dinner (in many places incuded as free).

Access road needs attention, too many potholes."

"The sign for River Crossing is very small and hard to see, as it is thin pale blue writing on white background, your eye is drawn to the much bigger sign for the group Desert Star and so we thought it was the Desert Star hotel. We missed it twice, no one knew it at the airport and we only found it by asking a dairy company worker.

Access road steep and very poorly maintained, probably a problem in wet times, leading to an ugly building in a scenic location.
Room was spartan, concrete floor, basic facilities, no hair dryer, warm water took several minutes to come through, which is ridiculous in such an environment where water is precious and we felt guilty running all that water. TV control did not work properly, we were not the only people to find this a hassle. Access path to room was difficult,could be better illuminated. There should be better enclosed handrail.

Food left much to be desired, offering no choice, which is amazing considering how near it is to Windhoek. Breakfast particularly poor.
There was no information in room as to activities and when enquiring about the walks, staff looked blank and only referred to a walk to the stable.

Our opinion is that they are inward facing, content with the short term one night guest. If we had known all the above, we would not have chosen this place for our last night in Namiba. Staff could do with better training.

We did not like sitting in an open breakfast room setting with kitchen and office staff ambling past or standing with their arms folded, chatting and looking like they did not have enough to do."