Travel reviews by Bruce from Harrogate
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
12
Excursions taken
2
Remarkable and special
Namibia between 29 Sep 2016 and 26 Oct 2016
Expert Africa pride themselves on knowing their territory and so it would be without hesitation that we would recommend them to anyone as the company to advise you on a similar trip.
Wilderness Safaris were excellent partners in Namibia and the reception team in Windhoek air worthy of special praise. IN this respect Nandula Malango was a star.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Driving in Namibia is not straightforward as we discovered.
Although the metaled roads are excellent, and similarly many of the dirt roads, a high wheel-base, 2WD is adequate,
But where it is known that the dirt roads are very difficult, varying from smooth to lengthy distances where the surfaces are dangerously rugged , a 4WD should be recommended.
This is especially so in some of the central areas (Sesfontein, Dora Nawas to Palmwag, to Swakpmond) where the roads have been graded directly onto the underlying rock and not built up with gravel or limestone.
In these domains a four wheel drive vehicle is really essential and an extra spare necessary too. Punctures are normal experiences here and the thin tyres for urban use are pathetically inadequate."
Arranged By Megan Green
Olive Grove
"Olive Grove review"
BullsPort Lodge and Farm
"Bullsport Guest Farm review"
Cake and tea is set out at 16:00 hrs and the backdrop of their mountains and the veld was fantastic.
A wonderful drive and walk down the Naukluft Valley which is a must for any visitor. so much to see with wonderful animals and birds and plants.
Perhaps the only comment was that the food was just OK. But it was the same food that everyone was eating and I loved being all together at the table, but we would certainly return."
Hoodia Desert Lodge
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
Wonderful trip at dawn to the Sossusvlei reserve and a really knowledgeable guide who also turned host at lunchtime serving us a great picnic on a white linen table cloth in the shade of a thorn tree! Ridiculous but wonderful at the same time!
Super pool and probably the best cooking we enjoyed on our trip."
Cornerstone Guesthouse
"Cornerstone Guesthouse review"
Safe parking and well positioned. Will recommend it warmly"
Kayaking with seals
"Dream Kayaking adventure"
6 Oct 2016 • Morning excursion
Excellent and charming Jeanne was a prfect and sympathetic guide. Seal colonies amazing and amazing numbers of birds.
Desert tour
"Tommy's Amazing Tour"
7 Oct 2016 • Morning excursion
Schoeman's Skeleton Coast Safaris
"Safari to savour!"
Sympathetic relations with local people and an understanding of the local game which included desert elephants, lion and Rhino's.
A life experience for anyone's bucket list.
Bravo Andre and team."
Doro Nawas
"Singing oasis!"
Fantastic help from the hotel staff (especially Hendricks) when we faced meltdown with car problems."
Etendeka Mountain Camp
"Etendeka Experience"
Dennis our host was gracious and laid back, and Bonny and the other guides (Bonny and Boas) made this one of our star place to stay for us.
Communal dining, great food meant we made several good friends there. Super, albeit understandably small swiming pool too.
Daytime bush walk was not really much of a walk and perhaps could be shorter or faster and further! Game drives remarkable.
We would warmly recommend to anyone."
Dolomite Camp
"Wonderful lookout for Etosha first night"
But the lodges really needed a critical eye passed over them. Every window zip was broken in our tent and if the weather had been anything other than queit and hot they would have allowed wind, rain, and dust dust to pour in. Electrical plugs a shambles and probably dangerous. Any of these issues could be easily sorted with a program of regular preventative maintenance.
But what a setting and such nice staff with good food and remarkable views."
Okaukuejo Camp
"Busy Caravanserei"
In spite of its business, this place is really successful and works well for all tourists. Excellent base for self drivers.
Good food and helpful staff, comfortable lodges and a famous water hole floodlight all night long. Well worth the two nights we spent there.
Good facilities including garage and post office but the shop is awful and really rather sad.
Credit cards worked well at all the NWS lodges."
Mushara Lodge
"Mushara Lodge"
But the food was possibly the worst we had on our trip. Mediocre when every promised so much."
Okonjima Bush Camp
"Okonjima, a must!"
Angel the Manager was excellent and runs a tight ship with everything done to perfection. Attention to detail justifies its success. Helia his assistant must be mentioned too.
Game drives to see Leopards and Cheetahs fantastic and Previous, our Zimbabwean guide, a fund of knowledge about every aspect of the work of this big cat sanctuary.
The early morning walk to see the cheetahs hunting was a fantastic privilege.
Lovely people and lovely place with fantastic accommodation. A must go-to place."
Own arrangement in JNB (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Johannesburg is still worth a visit!"
Many people are working so hard at building the new South Africa and although its reputation is not all sweetness it is well worth stopping over to see what is going on."
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Great food and informal ambiance."