Travel reviews by Linda & Paul from UK

"An excellent lodge to begin our two week photographic trip. Wonderful location and the evening BBQ dinner was wonderful.

A pity we were there for only one night."

"Some reported that rooms were not as clean or well equipped as other locations. The food service was slow.

It is accepted that good accommodation in a town like Keetmanshoop may be more difficult to source."

"A very efficiently run and friendly hotel and the meals were excellent.

The location was wonderful with sea views from the bedroom windows along with the continuous sound of the waves below the window.

We thoroughly enjoyed our 3 day stay here."

"The location of this lodge is truly memorable and the rooms were wonderful too.

One member of the party who has stayed here before commented that the lodge was not of the same highest standard as it used to be.

Additionally, our guide during our stay was not very informative and did not take us to particularly good photographic locations."

"Excellent and very characterful lodges and friendly and helpful staff too.

On arrival we learnt that we only had 5 rooms for the first night and not the 7 that were booked. This was apparently due to a plumbing problem. This meant that 4 members booked into single rooms had to share2 rooms for the first night. The manager was very apologetic indeed and handled the situation well. I agreed a compensation package with her and the 4 people concerned received a refund.

The guide was excellent although he did drive rather too quickly into Deadvlei causing one party member to suffer a back injury. This meant that he could not walk the final section into the salt pan where the dead trees are located. This was a great shame as it was one of the photographic highlights of the trip."

"See comments on previous page"

"This was an excellent place to end our trip. The accommodation and food were top class and it was a very relaxing place before our long journey home the next day.

We wished that we could have spent another night here."

"A very good lodge to start our trip.

We very much appreciated that two family members of the owners met us at sundown for a drink and fascinating conversation."

"An amazing location, really friendly and helpful staff and beautiful food.

Met the owners of the ranch who were so enthusiastic and welcoming towards us.

Taken to see the local family of meerkats - a highlight of our trip."

"Did not expect top accommodation in the town of Keetmanshoop and maybe this is the best place to stay in the town. However, we were put in a sub-standard and tired looking room next to the restaurant as all the other rooms had been filled by a coach party.

Service in the restaurant was also poor and lacked organisation, staff were not coping with the pressure of dealing with a large party and arguing amongst themselves.
Although the manager was walking around he did not appear to be doing anything to resolve the problems."

"An extremely well run hotel with very helpful staff - location and food excellent.

The sea view and sound of the waves right underneath our window were memorable."

"Location of the Dune Camp, its accommodation and meals were truly memorable. An expensive place to stay for 3 nights but well worth it!

A special mention needs to be made of Ringo, a trainee, who took such good care of us during all of our meals here. His standard of service and personality added greatly to the enjoyment of our stay.

Additionally, we had a great guide, Jason, who could not do enough for us."

"Lovely spacious room and exceptionally friendly and welcoming staff. We were very well looked after even though they also had to take care of several large groups of guests.

The food was adequate but this is an aspect that they could seek to improve, otherwise we would have given it an excellent rating."

"Very contemporary and spacious room. However, our stay was badly let down by the attitude of the unwelcoming staff. They need to realise that providing an excellent and stylish room is not enough. It was a very unfriendly stay and much needed customer service training needs to be introduced here!

Despite this we booked for dinner here on our last night, as the Elegant Guest House did not provide dinners and it was nearby. However, on arrival we discovered that they had not reserved a place for us and we were abruptly told that dinners were exclusive to those staying at the Olive Grove."

"A memorable location to stay and the outdoor dining experience here is very special.

Received an extremely warm, enthusiastic and professional welcome from Bradley (the manager).

Within an hour of our arrival we were viewing a family of white rhino just a few metres away!"

"An outstanding lodge in every respect. Wonderful room, excellent meals and two wonderful locations to enjoy the dining experience.

The BBQ on our second night was one that I will certainly not forget!"

"Received a good and helpful reception on arrival. Room was rather tired and small but it was OK for our last night. Not providing dinners was a drawback. Convenient for getting to the airport."