Travel reviews by M & M from Flanders
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
7
Excursions taken
2
Highlights all the way
Namibia between 27 Aug 2015 and 14 Sep 2015
We were extremely pleased with Expert Africa's knowledgable and professional advice in putting together our trip. They conscientiously ensured they understood our aims prior to giving clearly-justified, thoughtful, well-expressed options for us to consider. It was always a pleasure to receive Martha's mails or calls and all discussions were promptly and usefully followed up. As a result, we had a superb holiday in which all arrangements were executed flawlessly.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We appreciated all of the elements of Expert Africa's service that we used.
The website is extensive, free of failing links or outdated information and is well-written.
I especially appreciated that all communications were in impeccable and well-formulated English; such unambiguous and literate writing sadly being a rarity in commercial enterprises!
I can not offer much in the way of help regarding suggestions for improvements. I guess your standards of expertise, professionalism and communication have been built on solid foundations and planning which will keep the business on track for many years to come.
It would have been nice if you had been able to help with travel insurance for non-UK residents (because I am not especially happy with what I find on the Belgian market) but that is the only point I can think to raise."
BullsPort Lodge and Farm
"Great hospitality at a working farm"
Hoodia Desert Lodge
"Beautiful base for Sossusvlei"
Sam's Giardino
"Great hospitality"
During their stay at Sam's, Expert Africa organised two activities for these travellers. Firstly, we organised a Pelican Point Kayaking trip. They commented:
Utterly delightful. A thoroughly enjoyable morning. Jeanne has this expedition organised to perfection and is a brilliant host and guide. Kayaking amongst the seals and flamingos is charming (and surprisingly comfortable and warm) and the environment around the lagoon is stunning.
These travellers also did the Day Trip to Sandwich Harbour, and commented:
Environment and adventure.
A fabulous day exploring the remote and inaccessible coastal environment south of Swakopmund. Berger was a great guide and fortunately, given the nature of the route, a great driver too!"
Kayaking with seals
"Utterly delightful"
2 Sep 2015 • Morning excursion
Kayaking amongst the seals and flamingos is charming (and surprisingly comfortable and warm) and the environment around the lagoon is stunning.
Coast and Sandwich Harbour
"Environment and adventure"
3 Sep 2015 • All-day excursion
Berger was a great guide and fortunately, given the nature of the route, a great driver too!
Kaokoland Private Safari (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"The highlight of the highlights"
Happily there are no compromises in quality for supporting this worthy business. Our hosts (Boas, Sonia and Nico) provided us with a set of unforgettable experiences in amazing landscapes accompanied by a great deal of thought-provoking education. On the animal side, tracking black rhino on foot, observing lions mating in the desert hills and spending half an hour watching a beautiful leopard were especially memorable. Perhaps even more special was the time we spent in Himba communities (where we were accorded warm welcomes with fascinating conversations being facilitated by our hosts who were also from Himba families).
The practical arrangements were - astonishingly, given the remoteness of the journey - as wonderfully comfortable as elsewhere in Namibia's luxury lodges. We camped in style for 3 nights and enjoyed 2 more in a magnificent conservancy-run Etambura lodge in the far north. Food, drink and sleeping comfort were impeccable.
We would encourage anyone interested in experiencing a little more of Namibia than the main tourist highlights to give serious consideration to including a Conservancy Safari in their agenda."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Palmwag Lodge
"Overnight stop"
It caters (when we were there) for group tourism with buffet-style dinner."
Anderssons Camp, Namibia (this camp has since closed)
"Fabulous camp"
The staff went out of their way to be helpful and friendly. Getting a week's worth of washing done for us within about 3 hours of arrival was much appreciated! Our safari guide, Jakes, was just great, locating a large pride of lions and a pair of white rhino for us in the Ongave reserve. Lions roaring outside of our tent during the night was a slightly scary but also amazing experience. The tents themselves are very comfortable and the food and drink of extremely high standard.
There were large groups staying both nights of our stay (taking up about 80% of the capacity). This limited the social contacts somewhat but the Andersson's team did a very professional job making the evenings pleasant for everyone.
The camp seems to us to be a perfect base for exploring southern Etosha - rather nicer than staying inside the park at Okaukuejo we thought."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Ondudu Safari Lodge
"Stunning lodge"
Still, time for a great afternoon walk and scramble on the rocks, a beautiful sunset, cocktails and a delicious dinner under the stars (watching the animals coming to the floodlit waterhole) and a hearty breakfast enjoyed whilst attempting to identify all the early-morning birdlife.
Should have stayed 2 nights!"
All the comfort of the luxury lodges but with a much more interesting atmosphere due to the nature of the establishment as a commercial farm. Joanna and Ernst are fine and entertaining hosts (as are the young interns from Germany who they are supporting).
Our guide David on a couple of activities was brilliant and made sure we got the most out of some fabulous drives and walks."