Travel reviews by Dr R from Melbourne

"The first thing that impresses at Shinde Camp is the quality of the people and the welcome they give on arrival. Following a musical greeting the staff introduce themselves individually, taking care to hear, repeat and remember your name. The rooms are beautifully appointed and very comfortable. I loved the hot water bottles to warm the beds at night.

The management team and the guides make sure you have an individual experience and are happy to do what they can to ensure that you get what you came for... really good game viewing. The guides have one eye for the animals and one eye for the guest. Everyone is looked after, animals and people!

You will not go hungry... breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are generous and the home cooking offers plenty of healthy options. The bar is always open and you can help yourself to a Bloody Mary heart starter to nightcaps before turning in. Sundowners while out on Safari are a real treat."

"The best part of this is the armchair style of watching the animals. One of my best memories of Africa is of watching the sun come up while I lay in bed. Another is of the elephants crossing the river in the dark of the night. The bed and the rooms were comfortable but the bathroom really needed a touch up. The sink and the floor coverings were stained and the shower "shell" had holes in it from prior attempts at fitting the shower screen.

The trek up to the Namibian Police station on top of the hill I could have done without. We really should have had a guide accompany us up this road to reduce confusion regarding directions and uncertainty under the gaze of less than friendly locals.

The water safaris were a great way to see the local wildlife and birds.

The management and staff do a great job under difficult resourcing conditions."

"The cabins here are more substantial than some others with actual glass windows. This obviously meant they were warmer than others we stayed in. The beds and rooms were very comfortable. The staff were very friendly and capable. The food was good quality home cooking with good options. We saw a multitude of giraffes and lions here among other creatures. The last day on the drive along the river we also saw plenty of hippos and elephants and buffalo of course.

The managers have decorated this camp with some really beautiful sculptures and craft collected over the years and there are good options for purchase as well."

"This Lodge is situated right on the edge of parkland and the rooms open out onto beautiful gardens. The bar and restaurant are excellent.

The village is just outside and there is an ATM less than 50 m away. The staff at the lodge can help with bookings for all activities. There is less confusion and easier payment options if you stick with the hotel booking service.

The foyer has some really interesting art work providing one version of the history of the area. There is a good art market nearby."