Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs R from North East
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
1
Excursions taken
0
My Mar 2014 trip
South Africa between 2 Mar 2014 and 9 Mar 2014
"Apart from our five days at Kwandwe booked through Expert Africa, the remainder of our three weeks stay in the Eastern Cape involved guest farms privately booked.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Although we only used Expert Africa for a five days stay at Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe, we would have no hesitation in recommending or using them again.
Whilst talking to Expert Africa's MD Chris McIntyre, it was obvious that his company promotes Game Reserves /Lodges who share their ethical, sustainable and responsible approach in respect of wildlife conservation/biodiversity.
My telephone conversations with Chris McIntyre confirmed our choice of Kwandwe and he was most informative. We received excellent customer service with a wealth of helpful written information and maps.
The Expert Africa brochure is actually a 323 page book full of facts, information and photographs covering vsrious South African countries and Indian Ocean Islands. It makes an interesting read even if an actual visit in not possible! We also found their information regarding other accommodation where we have stayed during previous visits to other countries accurate and fair."
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Although we only used Expert Africa for a five days stay at Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe, we would have no hesitation in recommending or using them again.
Whilst talking to Expert Africa's MD Chris McIntyre, it was obvious that his company promotes Game Reserves /Lodges who share their ethical, sustainable and responsible approach in respect of wildlife conservation/biodiversity.
My telephone conversations with Chris McIntyre confirmed our choice of Kwandwe and he was most informative. We received excellent customer service with a wealth of helpful written information and maps.
The Expert Africa brochure is actually a 323 page book full of facts, information and photographs covering vsrious South African countries and Indian Ocean Islands. It makes an interesting read even if an actual visit in not possible! We also found their information regarding other accommodation where we have stayed during previous visits to other countries accurate and fair."
Arranged By Megan Green
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
"A private reserve with a full range of game"
5 nights
Arrived
3 Mar 2014
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Average
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Although Kwandwe does not offer the vast herds of game found in other parts of this continent, it is well represented by most major species and birding is good. Rare and endangered species are also to be found including the beautiful black wildebeest. Kwandwe boasts one of the few herds of TB free Cape Buffalo. Good sightings of Caracal and puff Adder compensated for not seeing aardvark and aardwolf during our stay.
We found the quality of guiding and tracking good. Both Ranger Doc and Tracker Si had lived all their lives in the immediate area and this was their 'backyard'. Doc not only possessed a great depth of knowledge and patience but was most engaging with a wicked sense of humour. We were fortunate to have the vehicle to ourselves on two occasions when my husband and Doc shared their love of birding.
Great Fish River Lodge comprises nine stone chalets. We shared our five days between No 4 and 8- 4 having very limited views whilst 8 provided a panoramic view of the surrounding bush and river gorge. The rooms were well appointed and tastefully furnished. The only downside for us was the feeling of being cocooned whilst in our room and therefore missing the sounds of the bush which tented camps offer.
We welcomed the two opportunities for communal dining which we prefer when staying in game lodges. Both offered the chance to share the game drive experiences of the day with fellow guests. All other meals were taken at our own table either in the pleasant dining room or outside veranda.
Having read of Kwandwe's Executive Chef Guy Nahman and being impressed by his dishes in the book '32 Inspirational Chefs', we were disappointed that such gastronomy was not reflected in the dining room during our stay. The meals were varied and appetising, especially lunches, however we have eaten equally as well at guest farms in SA.
The entire Kwandwe staff provided excellent customer service and spoke of being part of a happy team."