Travel reviews by Ms T & Mr C from San Fran

"It's a simple motel with a good location (especially for Joe's Beer house). Rooms are simple, breakfast is adequate.

The owner and his wife are friendly and helpful."

"Pricey for the value, but travelers have no other choice! We had two wheel drive car, so we had to depend on the shuttle to take us to the dunes.

They told us to park at the 2wd car park and wait for the shuttle which will come by around 6:15am, in time for the sunrise. They didn't come till 6:45am, way AFTER the sun rose by the time we get to the dunes! The shuttle driver claimed that he was not contacted by the Dune lodge to take us up there. Who knows what's the truth. It is annoying to spend that much money and stay in the park, THEN MISS THE SUNRISE.

We were also given a room stuck behind a pile of rocks, while there were other empty rooms in the lodge."

"Great experience at Barchan Dune Retreat. William and Hannetjie are friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining!

We took a sundowner game drive with William, enjoyed the sunset and the drinks along with spectacular views and conversations. The dinner was family style with other traveller and our hosts. Food was yummy, wine was excellent and the conversations were priceless.

Definitely one of the highlights of our Namibian experience."

"Sam's was nice. The room was nicely decorated. Bathroom was huge, modern and clean.

We had dinner on site one night. It was 5-course fish meal at 5-star level for reasonable 2 star price. Sam was very helpful providing information, advise and suggestions. The restaurant he recommended in town (Erich's) was also excellent.

They also played a key roll in getting us a scenic flight to see the dunes and skeleton coast."

"The lodge is located in a beautiful setting and the each tent was private.

The rooms are tastefully decorated with comfortable bed and clean bathrooms. The sunset area, pool area and dining area are inviting. Services were good. The only big drawback was the plumbing. When we flush the toilet, there was the sewerage back up/leaking stink in the room and around the tent, lasting for 20-30 minutes!

We were wondering if we were placed in a particularly "undesirable room" because we just stayed for one night. From behind a pile of rocks in Sossus Dune lodge to Sewerage leaking in Mowani lodge."

"Very dated room. Definitely one of NWR's in-the-park lodging that traveller have no other choice but putting up with it. The rooms are minimally equipped, with unattractive concrete tables and countertops.

But it is very very close to the waterhole!"

"Another beautifully designed and tastefully decorated lodge.

There is not as much personal feel as Barchan, Sam's Giardino or Nhoma lodges, but the services were good and the food was delicious."

"One of the highlights, if not the highlight of our trip.

Both the experience with the bushman and the personal interactions with Arno and Estelle are exceptional."

"The lodge is good with a beautiful view of Windhoek in the distance, off the rooms and the sun deck.

A good place to stay for a night before flights."

"Convenient location for transfer. Standard western comfort and convenience."