Travel reviews by Mr M from Stockport
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
8
Countries visited
4
Lodges stayed in
42
Excursions taken
0
My Oct 2024 trip
Botswana between 13 Oct 2024 and 20 Oct 2024
"Excellent trip - big three animal sighting requests were met between the two camps.
Lucky enough to see some rare sights like cats tracking buffalo and two male lions agreeing who should prepare a giraffe carcass and who should eat first. Lots of bonding between different groups of lions both during snooze breaks and in between attacking the buffalo. Tracked a cheetah for a kill, which it let go maybe because it was startled by our speedy arrival? Fortunately we saw this female again this time with a fresh kill in the early evening.
We sat for over hour waiting for what turned out to be a female leopard only one year old, quite small, snoozing in a tree. Just caught sight of her on the ground, scent marking on our return from the cheetah. Wow."
Lucky enough to see some rare sights like cats tracking buffalo and two male lions agreeing who should prepare a giraffe carcass and who should eat first. Lots of bonding between different groups of lions both during snooze breaks and in between attacking the buffalo. Tracked a cheetah for a kill, which it let go maybe because it was startled by our speedy arrival? Fortunately we saw this female again this time with a fresh kill in the early evening.
We sat for over hour waiting for what turned out to be a female leopard only one year old, quite small, snoozing in a tree. Just caught sight of her on the ground, scent marking on our return from the cheetah. Wow."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
Mma Dinare
"Mma Dinare review"
3 nights
Arrived
13 Oct 2024
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Buffalo
4 sightings
Cheetah
2 sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wild dog
5 sightings
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
Splash Camp
"Splash Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
16 Oct 2024
"Boat trip just speeding down the river avoiding hippos and seeing very little. A couple of malachite kingfishers, but due to speed/noise frightened the birds so good images impossible.
Atmosphere not as jolly here. A couple of staff genuinely pleasant, Gift and Innocent.
Mokoro trip very short, but in the safe shallows, apart from seeing some small frogs angolan ridge back etc, not worthwhile. At least the guide had a rifle in case of meeting a hippo.
The weather was particularly hot for two days so siestas were a chance to trying and cool down a bit.
Great spotter, KB, saw the cheetah brothers on my last morning, without seeing any tracks to forewarn us of their return from Khwai concession. A great finish to the safari. Did well tracking/finding leopards as well, one male and one female and had quality time with the female on two visits long to be remembered, along with the sound of her crunching her way through a steenbok's ears!?
Very enjoyable lunch had out in the concession.
Food was variable again. Lamb chops particularly bad. Yet to have Kudu which is delicious, only ever had it in Namibia.
First experience of following three lions tracking and harassing a buffalo. Kept attacking it when the herd allowed. Last seen after 8pm on top of buffalo on the ground trying to further disable it. Achieved the kill overnight, and bare carcass seen the next morning with vultures/yellow billed kites having the last bits. Presumably hyenas had helped the lions strip the carcass so quickly. Three lions would have struggled to eat it all overnight."
Atmosphere not as jolly here. A couple of staff genuinely pleasant, Gift and Innocent.
Mokoro trip very short, but in the safe shallows, apart from seeing some small frogs angolan ridge back etc, not worthwhile. At least the guide had a rifle in case of meeting a hippo.
The weather was particularly hot for two days so siestas were a chance to trying and cool down a bit.
Great spotter, KB, saw the cheetah brothers on my last morning, without seeing any tracks to forewarn us of their return from Khwai concession. A great finish to the safari. Did well tracking/finding leopards as well, one male and one female and had quality time with the female on two visits long to be remembered, along with the sound of her crunching her way through a steenbok's ears!?
Very enjoyable lunch had out in the concession.
Food was variable again. Lamb chops particularly bad. Yet to have Kudu which is delicious, only ever had it in Namibia.
First experience of following three lions tracking and harassing a buffalo. Kept attacking it when the herd allowed. Last seen after 8pm on top of buffalo on the ground trying to further disable it. Achieved the kill overnight, and bare carcass seen the next morning with vultures/yellow billed kites having the last bits. Presumably hyenas had helped the lions strip the carcass so quickly. Three lions would have struggled to eat it all overnight."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Buffalo
6 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
4 sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Roan antelope
3 sightings
Sable antelope
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
8 sightings
My Apr 2024 trip
South Africa between 18 Apr 2024 and 28 Apr 2024
"It felt like hard work this time, a combination of an uncomfortable vehicle and almost extreme temperatures probably caused this. Everyone said the park was quiet. As we only had a week there is no slack to catch up on missed sightings. This is the second time we have seen a leopard, but no cheetah at all this time. Lion sightings were very good. We saw nine lions in total, of which three were repeat sightings on another day or trip. We met someone who only saw 7 in two weeks. There is a lot of luck involved. Nossob was the least productive area no cat sightings and very sparse in general.
We enjoyed the trip and especially spending 1.75 hours with a pair of lions at Craig Lockhart, who then disappeared after that sighting.
Bird sightings were down, one owl, couple of bateleur eagles, but plenty of tawny and some vultures for the first time.
I mentioned queuing to get out into the park this seemed more time consuming. The roads were not well maintained on the Nossob side, which makes driving tiring.
I wonder whether the park is too full? They are supposed to be building more picnic sights which will break up journeys. This year Auchterlonie toilets was having a refurb so out of commission. The ones at Lijersdraai urgently need an overhaul, I forgot they had no sink, as not visited since 2022."
We enjoyed the trip and especially spending 1.75 hours with a pair of lions at Craig Lockhart, who then disappeared after that sighting.
Bird sightings were down, one owl, couple of bateleur eagles, but plenty of tawny and some vultures for the first time.
I mentioned queuing to get out into the park this seemed more time consuming. The roads were not well maintained on the Nossob side, which makes driving tiring.
I wonder whether the park is too full? They are supposed to be building more picnic sights which will break up journeys. This year Auchterlonie toilets was having a refurb so out of commission. The ones at Lijersdraai urgently need an overhaul, I forgot they had no sink, as not visited since 2022."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
"Twee Rivieren Rest Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
19 Apr 2024
"Reception staff efficient.
Toaster fully operational in unit 19. Enjoyed meal in the restaurant. Refueling easy and card machine was working by 9:30 after a time out earlier on I was told. Shop well stocked, bought some chicken kebabs to try.
Long queue to get your pass and enter into the park."
Toaster fully operational in unit 19. Enjoyed meal in the restaurant. Refueling easy and card machine was working by 9:30 after a time out earlier on I was told. Shop well stocked, bought some chicken kebabs to try.
Long queue to get your pass and enter into the park."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Sightings report
Giraffe
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
7 sightings
Wildebeest
8 sightings
Nossob Rest Camp
"Nossob Rest Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
20 Apr 2024
"Toaster worked on one side only. Fresh bread ordered for first time very good. Unit fine, 10A. Showers and toilet due for overhaul.
Staff all pleasant and friendly including the braai cleaner.
Waterhole not productive. Lion apparently there at 4:45 am one morning.
Due to imminent stock take plus delivery breakdown, not much in the shop."
Staff all pleasant and friendly including the braai cleaner.
Waterhole not productive. Lion apparently there at 4:45 am one morning.
Due to imminent stock take plus delivery breakdown, not much in the shop."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Facilities
Average
Rooms
Average
Sightings report
Eland
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Mata Mata Rest Camp
"Mata Mata Rest Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
23 Apr 2024
"The river front chalet (number 8 again) was fine. However, the cleaners leave windows open which resulted in a lot of mosquitos being present this time. It was very hot for the time of year (34-38c) which may have caused the explosion of mossies.
Toaster performed well on both sides of bread! Fresh bread bigger and better than Nossob.
Waterhole very productive. Twice saw two lions once at the waterhole when sat out after dinner and another evening they passed by the waterhole trying to avoid all the searchlights tourists point at them.
Queues here even longer to get out and as a result we missed two leopards, in addition you are also behind vehicles from Kalahari tented camp."
Toaster performed well on both sides of bread! Fresh bread bigger and better than Nossob.
Waterhole very productive. Twice saw two lions once at the waterhole when sat out after dinner and another evening they passed by the waterhole trying to avoid all the searchlights tourists point at them.
Queues here even longer to get out and as a result we missed two leopards, in addition you are also behind vehicles from Kalahari tented camp."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Rooms
Good
Sightings report
Giraffe
8 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
"Twee Rivieren Rest Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
26 Apr 2024
"We were allowed in unit early, however, cleaning wiping down cutlery!?
Toaster only worked if held the button down.
Another good meal.
Tyre pump hard work to reinflate tyres. Double press and it may work eventually.
At check out unable to have pass stamped as mine had been given to a South African with the same surname!"
Toaster only worked if held the button down.
Another good meal.
Tyre pump hard work to reinflate tyres. Double press and it may work eventually.
At check out unable to have pass stamped as mine had been given to a South African with the same surname!"
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Food
Average
Rooms
Average
Sightings report
Oryx
6 sightings
Wildebeest
8 sightings
My Aug 2023 trip
South Africa between 20 Aug 2023 and 31 Aug 2023
"Good trip. Although cat sightings were lower than expected, the quality was good two being on our own.
The Park has let go of the roads a bit hence there is more corrugation making it hard work, I raised this also with the Park Manager who blamed speeding and people not deflating their tyres. That is only half the problem, they are saving money by not grading the roads as much and as a consequence 2 wheel drive vehicles get stuck.
It is great to self drive and feed off other people's sightings, this time more so for birds in particular owls, which I had not seen in the Park last time.
Seeing two leopards close up was very special Miera and Mashubu (the fully grown cub) were their names."
The Park has let go of the roads a bit hence there is more corrugation making it hard work, I raised this also with the Park Manager who blamed speeding and people not deflating their tyres. That is only half the problem, they are saving money by not grading the roads as much and as a consequence 2 wheel drive vehicles get stuck.
It is great to self drive and feed off other people's sightings, this time more so for birds in particular owls, which I had not seen in the Park last time.
Seeing two leopards close up was very special Miera and Mashubu (the fully grown cub) were their names."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
"Twee Rivieren Rest Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
21 Aug 2023
"Rooms are adequate and you get a good shower, more of that later.
Used the shop for pork chops (only R50). Also made use of the restaurant still very reasonable price.
Fuel is marginally more expensive than outside the park, but at only £1 a litre, a whopping discount to the UK.
We did 1519 miles and used 39.5 gallons, so just as well."
Used the shop for pork chops (only R50). Also made use of the restaurant still very reasonable price.
Fuel is marginally more expensive than outside the park, but at only £1 a litre, a whopping discount to the UK.
We did 1519 miles and used 39.5 gallons, so just as well."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Average
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Sightings report
Cheetah
1 sighting
Giraffe
3 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
5 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Urikaruus Wilderness Camp
"Urikaruus Wilderness Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
23 Aug 2023
"Lovely spot with a close waterhole. Lighting at night not too bright. We had unit three. Best wilderness camp for showering.
However, while we were there the nights were cold so bed socks were used. Units are not airtight around the windows.
Eric the attendant was a nice chap helpful and friendly, he came to tell everyone of spotted hyenas at the waterhole on our first evening, which I had already seen.
A caracal was also seen although not identified, I got an image of a big bushy tail as the animal was looking away from us."
However, while we were there the nights were cold so bed socks were used. Units are not airtight around the windows.
Eric the attendant was a nice chap helpful and friendly, he came to tell everyone of spotted hyenas at the waterhole on our first evening, which I had already seen.
A caracal was also seen although not identified, I got an image of a big bushy tail as the animal was looking away from us."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Average
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
3 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
2 sightings
Meerkat
2 sightings
Oryx
8 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
6 sightings
Grootkolk Wilderness Camp
"Grootkolk Wilderness Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
25 Aug 2023
"The shower here was terrible, due to the water pressure. Either freezing or red hot. I ended up chucking bowls of water at Grace to rinse her hair!
Isaac the attendant was unhelpful, he said put a bit of cold in but as there was no mixer on the showrer that helped for a nano second.
Two of everything so constant washing up, when they ask you to save water. That said when it wasn't windy the gas hob was very good.
Sightings at the waterhole helped, a warthog (unexpected) lots of hartebeasts, a martial eagle in the waterhole, and finally on our last morning three lions appeared and walked past/near our unit at 6:30 am (unit number 3 again).
Given the record of this camp, sightings were poor in terms of cats. The lions hadn't been seen for days and Polentswa visitors said the same."
Isaac the attendant was unhelpful, he said put a bit of cold in but as there was no mixer on the showrer that helped for a nano second.
Two of everything so constant washing up, when they ask you to save water. That said when it wasn't windy the gas hob was very good.
Sightings at the waterhole helped, a warthog (unexpected) lots of hartebeasts, a martial eagle in the waterhole, and finally on our last morning three lions appeared and walked past/near our unit at 6:30 am (unit number 3 again).
Given the record of this camp, sightings were poor in terms of cats. The lions hadn't been seen for days and Polentswa visitors said the same."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Rooms
Average
Facilities
Average
Sightings report
Eland
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Meerkat
1 sighting
Oryx
7 sightings
Wildebeest
6 sightings
Kalahari Tented Camp
"Kalahari Tented Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
27 Aug 2023
"Once you past the rules, do not leave doors open or food unattended due to black backed jackals it was okay.
We had the light go in the kitchen on our first morning, which was fixed by the time we returned for lunch. The shower was tempremental but doable.
The unit was large, and the kitchen adequate but I fear the others would be too small. If you like toast buy a unit which I did from Amazon as they were not provided at Grootkolk or Kalahari and the one at Urikaruus looked dirty/well used.
The gas hob had one reasonable flame and a very small one which i got serviced as I could not even hear gas hissing out of it."
We had the light go in the kitchen on our first morning, which was fixed by the time we returned for lunch. The shower was tempremental but doable.
The unit was large, and the kitchen adequate but I fear the others would be too small. If you like toast buy a unit which I did from Amazon as they were not provided at Grootkolk or Kalahari and the one at Urikaruus looked dirty/well used.
The gas hob had one reasonable flame and a very small one which i got serviced as I could not even hear gas hissing out of it."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Facilities
Average
Sightings report
Eland
1 sighting
Giraffe
6 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
"Twee Rivieren Rest Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
29 Aug 2023
"Enjoyed dinner again in the restaurant. Marked down overall as they did not tell us the power would be switched off at 7:30 am, it was switched twenty minutes early.
There was a notice but given our haste to check in and get out for our final drive I did not spot it and the receptionist did not mention it.
We should have been told when we checked in the week before. I have raised this with the manager Frans which I copied Tracy into."
There was a notice but given our haste to check in and get out for our final drive I did not spot it and the receptionist did not mention it.
We should have been told when we checked in the week before. I have raised this with the manager Frans which I copied Tracy into."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Good
Facilities
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Sightings report
Giraffe
1 sighting
Oryx
7 sightings
Wildebeest
7 sightings
My Oct 2022 trip
Namibia and 1 other country between 27 Oct 2022 and 12 Nov 2022
"Animals seen in Etosha great.
Wine tasting at Rustenberg very good.
Good trip to Boulders beach for penguins and sun birds.
Good views from Table Mountain, allow a few days as low cloud plus wind can prevent a visit."
Wine tasting at Rustenberg very good.
Good trip to Boulders beach for penguins and sun birds.
Good views from Table Mountain, allow a few days as low cloud plus wind can prevent a visit."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
Immanuel Wilderness Lodge
"Immanuel Wilderness Lodge review"
1 night
Arrived
28 Oct 2022
"Food was good. Provided laundry free for us much appreciated. Reason given against Airlink review [airline lost luggage].
Directions poor. Wrong road number, and distance, so very difficult to find!"
Directions poor. Wrong road number, and distance, so very difficult to find!"
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Average
Service
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Good
Feedback response
We are very sorry that the directions to Immanuel Wilderness Lodge were not clear. It is quite a tricky lodge to find, however on the back of these comments we have reviewed and updated the directions so hopefully it will be easier for our travellers to find in the future.
Southern Africa Manager
Okaukuejo Camp
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
29 Oct 2022
"Food a lot better at dinner than previous visits.
Good large piece of beef for R250 one night and chicken breast with vegetables including marrow the following night R220. Breakfasts no change queue for fry up of eggs or omelette as before, but no fruit with yoghurt (we spoke to a waitress we knew from dinner and resolved this issue). Shop fairly empty in time for a stock take the next day!
Bush chalet fine as previously. Less activity at the waterhole in the evening, excluding rhinos who are consistent visitors most of five at once.
Only two bull elephants over the two evenings. In fact a lot fewer elephants seen in this part of the park.
One male lion appeared on the second evening after roaring his presence on the way in."
Good large piece of beef for R250 one night and chicken breast with vegetables including marrow the following night R220. Breakfasts no change queue for fry up of eggs or omelette as before, but no fruit with yoghurt (we spoke to a waitress we knew from dinner and resolved this issue). Shop fairly empty in time for a stock take the next day!
Bush chalet fine as previously. Less activity at the waterhole in the evening, excluding rhinos who are consistent visitors most of five at once.
Only two bull elephants over the two evenings. In fact a lot fewer elephants seen in this part of the park.
One male lion appeared on the second evening after roaring his presence on the way in."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Sightings report
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
8 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
6 sightings
Wildebeest
7 sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Halali Camp
"Halali Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
31 Oct 2022
"See your food for dinner (unlike Okaukuejo), lady picked a steak and cooked it (not good so I switched to hake). Breakfast fruit and yoghurt available.
No door on bedroom in bush chalet, a bit strange. Site was very quiet very few chalets used. Two bus parties in kept the restaurant busy.
First time at the waterhole and what a display. We saw five spotted hyenas along with nine rhinos, two present with three hyenas, also present four lionesses who waited in the background for water, also a few elephants earlier with the rhinos.
Best we have ever seen at a night time waterhole in four visits."
No door on bedroom in bush chalet, a bit strange. Site was very quiet very few chalets used. Two bus parties in kept the restaurant busy.
First time at the waterhole and what a display. We saw five spotted hyenas along with nine rhinos, two present with three hyenas, also present four lionesses who waited in the background for water, also a few elephants earlier with the rhinos.
Best we have ever seen at a night time waterhole in four visits."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Food
Good
Rooms
Good
Sightings report
Black Rhino
4 sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
6 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
Mushara Bush Camp
"Mushara Bush Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
1 Nov 2022
"The only place without air conditioning so very hot as it was 38 degrees during the day.
Living area in the main building was cool and a relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day. Staff very good. Food okay although found the BBQ to be challenging meat has to be cooked to your requirements, they do not ask!
Kudu shank just about had some meat on it, such a shame as this meat is always tasty. Salad very tasty, dessert in the Boma had gone so no idea on that one.
Cold water not so initially in chalet 16 so got some from dining area for a decent cup of tea."
Living area in the main building was cool and a relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day. Staff very good. Food okay although found the BBQ to be challenging meat has to be cooked to your requirements, they do not ask!
Kudu shank just about had some meat on it, such a shame as this meat is always tasty. Salad very tasty, dessert in the Boma had gone so no idea on that one.
Cold water not so initially in chalet 16 so got some from dining area for a decent cup of tea."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Food
Good
Rooms
Good
Sightings report
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
9 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
6 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
7 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
River Crossing
"River Crossing review"
1 night
Arrived
3 Nov 2022
"Our room was down a slope, which had missing flag stones so luggage had to be carried over sand! Health and safety disaster for anyone with walking challenges especially in the dark.
Room itself was fine. Dinner actually was good a carribean version of gammon with cheese sauce.
Service poor. No breakfast as they were not starting until 7am. Take out breakfast average. Directions good!
Looks like a bypass is being built beneath the property so crossing may be interesting when that is built."
Room itself was fine. Dinner actually was good a carribean version of gammon with cheese sauce.
Service poor. No breakfast as they were not starting until 7am. Take out breakfast average. Directions good!
Looks like a bypass is being built beneath the property so crossing may be interesting when that is built."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Average
Food
Good
Rooms
Good
Oude Werf
"Oude Werf review"
1 night
Arrived
4 Nov 2022
"We had very good service from the Hilton who was the car valet etc.
Only hotel that warned us about load shedding and the time of occurrence, no electricity for two hours.
The room was very comfortable, highly recommend.
Breakfast good in the end but a case of too many staff and no supervision to start with, so getting hot water the right tea etc was a challenge. Egg and salmon very good."
Only hotel that warned us about load shedding and the time of occurrence, no electricity for two hours.
The room was very comfortable, highly recommend.
Breakfast good in the end but a case of too many staff and no supervision to start with, so getting hot water the right tea etc was a challenge. Egg and salmon very good."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Abalone Guest Lodge (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Abalone Guest Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
5 Nov 2022
"Very relaxed here, good view of beach/sea/mountains.
Ate in one night very good mussels dish and fish main course.
It is safe to drive into Hermanus and eat out at night.
Best breakfast of our trip here.
Good walk east along the shoreline. West you have to detour to the main road for ten minutes.
At De Kelders we saw three whales. One whale waved to us(with a flipper) on arrival at Abalone as we enjoyed a glass of wine.
Loads of birds around black oystercatchers, curlew, South African version of turn stone and ibis galore.
Recommend guest house."
Ate in one night very good mussels dish and fish main course.
It is safe to drive into Hermanus and eat out at night.
Best breakfast of our trip here.
Good walk east along the shoreline. West you have to detour to the main road for ten minutes.
At De Kelders we saw three whales. One whale waved to us(with a flipper) on arrival at Abalone as we enjoyed a glass of wine.
Loads of birds around black oystercatchers, curlew, South African version of turn stone and ibis galore.
Recommend guest house."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Four Rosmead
"Four Rosmead review"
4 nights
Arrived
7 Nov 2022
"Helpful at booking Table Mountain, and with advice. Expected proactive input on load shedding not forthcoming, which happened twice, once affected us and killed off the wifi after an hour, UPS failed.
Nice large room with side view of Table Mountain.
John the security/night man was great.
Everything seems to revolve around Uber and the app, great I guess if you have trust and do not have a hire car.
Bacini restaurant nearby was our saviour one take away we walked for and two eat ins we drove as it is not safe to walk when it is dark. Parking safe behind the restaurant there is a guard who does not expect payment, how refreshing!"
Nice large room with side view of Table Mountain.
John the security/night man was great.
Everything seems to revolve around Uber and the app, great I guess if you have trust and do not have a hire car.
Bacini restaurant nearby was our saviour one take away we walked for and two eat ins we drove as it is not safe to walk when it is dark. Parking safe behind the restaurant there is a guard who does not expect payment, how refreshing!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
My Mar 2022 trip
South Africa between 26 Mar 2022 and 9 Apr 2022
"All plans worked seamlessly. Tracy again excelled in organising my trip.
I was very lucky to see lots of cheetahs, especially as the park had had so much rain making the grass very long/high. Due to fires giraffes had moved from their normal area. In fact it should be noted that research data often does not apply when you get there. Talk to other visitors to get up to date information.
Any rain happened overnight. It was cool in some mornings but overall was still hot during the day, late 20's to early 30's.
The roads are frequently regraded, but still some can be quite corrugated due to volume of traffic. Note that because Mata Mata has one road in and out there are less options for viewing.
Ideally travel with at least one other person to aid spotting! Driving, spotting and guessing where animals are going and trying to photograph the animals is intense.
As with any safari the longer you stay in an area the more chance to see animals. A lot of spotting is pure luck.
Really enjoyed the trip, loads of birds as well as cats. Surprised to see so many hartebeests.
South Africans are very friendly, and most wave to you as you pass."
I was very lucky to see lots of cheetahs, especially as the park had had so much rain making the grass very long/high. Due to fires giraffes had moved from their normal area. In fact it should be noted that research data often does not apply when you get there. Talk to other visitors to get up to date information.
Any rain happened overnight. It was cool in some mornings but overall was still hot during the day, late 20's to early 30's.
The roads are frequently regraded, but still some can be quite corrugated due to volume of traffic. Note that because Mata Mata has one road in and out there are less options for viewing.
Ideally travel with at least one other person to aid spotting! Driving, spotting and guessing where animals are going and trying to photograph the animals is intense.
As with any safari the longer you stay in an area the more chance to see animals. A lot of spotting is pure luck.
Really enjoyed the trip, loads of birds as well as cats. Surprised to see so many hartebeests.
South Africans are very friendly, and most wave to you as you pass."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
Le Must River Residence
"Le Must River Residence review"
1 night
Arrived
27 Mar 2022
"The first night was fine. I was welcomed by the owner Jake and he talked about the park and his guiding.
Room was fine. I had breakfast which was a bit disorganised."
Room was fine. I had breakfast which was a bit disorganised."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Excellent
Twee Rivieren Rest Camp
"Twee Rivieren Rest Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
28 Mar 2022
"The chalet was more than adequate.
As I was on my own I could sleep in the room with the air conditioning rather than the kitchen. I had one dinner in the restaurant, which was inexpensive, and gave a break before I started self catering.
While I was there fuel was readily available."
As I was on my own I could sleep in the room with the air conditioning rather than the kitchen. I had one dinner in the restaurant, which was inexpensive, and gave a break before I started self catering.
While I was there fuel was readily available."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Cheetah
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Kielie Krankie Wilderness Camp
"Kielie Krankie Wilderness Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
30 Mar 2022
"A tranquil location. Adequate infrastructure, gas and solar power lights. Comfortable bed. Good shower. Bring insect spray to remove the invaders.
Light over the waterhole inadequate for night photography.
It is located few kms from Auob road/river, but a very bumpy 25kms from Nossob side of the park."
Light over the waterhole inadequate for night photography.
It is located few kms from Auob road/river, but a very bumpy 25kms from Nossob side of the park."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Mata Mata Rest Camp
"Mata Mata Rest Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
1 Apr 2022
"Friendly reception staff set the tone. Missing kitchen accessories were eventually provided. Riverfront chalet very good pleased to find a toaster, indeed all the accommodation provided one. Reasonable stock in the shop, got some very nice pork chops.
Waterhole hardly frequented due to the heavy rains the park had received. That said saw some oryx on my final night from my chalet. Plenty of wildebeest turned up my final morning to see me off? Had a good chat with two ladies who were in a room adjoining reception on the Friday, who had birding knowledge (did not see them again over the weekend)"
Waterhole hardly frequented due to the heavy rains the park had received. That said saw some oryx on my final night from my chalet. Plenty of wildebeest turned up my final morning to see me off? Had a good chat with two ladies who were in a room adjoining reception on the Friday, who had birding knowledge (did not see them again over the weekend)"
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Cheetah
2 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Meerkat
2 sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Ta Shebube Rooiputs
"Ta Shebube Rooiputs review"
2 nights
Arrived
3 Apr 2022
"To be fair this small company probably suffered a lot because of the pandemic and then their other camp was burnt down. That said it was haphazard in conveying what was happening. For example when attempting to organise a packed lunch to take with me when I would leave after two nights I was told that I was entitled to a cooked breakfast on my final day!
The shower in the room (outside actually) was fine once you knew to turn it on and off a few times to fire up the gas. It was really cold at night, the only place I felt this. There are gaps in the wooden structure.
As elsewhere in Botswana, lunches are always best. I experienced one which was exceptional, hake with vegetables, home made bread in the shape of a large bun with poppy seeds, followed by cheeses and fruit (grapes and mango)"
The shower in the room (outside actually) was fine once you knew to turn it on and off a few times to fire up the gas. It was really cold at night, the only place I felt this. There are gaps in the wooden structure.
As elsewhere in Botswana, lunches are always best. I experienced one which was exceptional, hake with vegetables, home made bread in the shape of a large bun with poppy seeds, followed by cheeses and fruit (grapes and mango)"
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Average
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Cheetah
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Nossob Rest Camp
"Nossob Rest Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
5 Apr 2022
"Another friendly group of reception staff.
The chalet was large and had everything I needed. The shop had basic top items."
The chalet was large and had everything I needed. The shop had basic top items."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Cheetah
2 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Le Must River Residence
"Le Must River Residence review"
1 night
Arrived
7 Apr 2022
"Room fine.
Welcome ok but service degenerated thereon in, more focused on looking after German guests.
Did have a good main course of springbok and beef steak. Dessert never materialised."
Welcome ok but service degenerated thereon in, more focused on looking after German guests.
Did have a good main course of springbok and beef steak. Dessert never materialised."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Average
Service
Average
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
My Nov 2021 trip
Botswana between 20 Nov 2021 and 28 Nov 2021
"This was a trip of a lifetime with the fantastic animal watching experiences, so our best ever safari trip. The private concessions with no more than two camps made a huge difference to the quality of the experience. Thoroughly recommend them both.
We had issues returning thanks to the UK Government, but the Splash camp did all they could do to support us and so did Tracy many thanks to her for the support throughout our challenges getting back home.
Kwando did not seem overly concerned with one case going missing at Jo'burg, so we left for Lagoon with just the one bag. We pushed and finally got the second back two days later. So always pack clothes for both travellers in separate cases, fortunately we did.
We felt COVID safe at both camps. The PCR testing on the airstrip went smoothly, for our return. The unexpected lateral flow testing we experienced at Nairobi was chaotic. The LFT at Maun was just an inconvenience in very hot conditions.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None that I can think of."
We had issues returning thanks to the UK Government, but the Splash camp did all they could do to support us and so did Tracy many thanks to her for the support throughout our challenges getting back home.
Kwando did not seem overly concerned with one case going missing at Jo'burg, so we left for Lagoon with just the one bag. We pushed and finally got the second back two days later. So always pack clothes for both travellers in separate cases, fortunately we did.
We felt COVID safe at both camps. The PCR testing on the airstrip went smoothly, for our return. The unexpected lateral flow testing we experienced at Nairobi was chaotic. The LFT at Maun was just an inconvenience in very hot conditions.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None that I can think of."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
Lagoon Camp
"Lagoon Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
21 Nov 2021
"Very spacious tent, which although rustic had everything we needed.
First trip out after tea we saw spotted hyenas, three adults and two pups. We spent 25 minutes with them while they played/socialised near their den. It was such a beautiful experience with just our vehicle there. This was is what we wanted, this private concession prevents a mass gathering of vehicles.
We were fortunate to see a leopard up a tree eating an impala another priceless viewing. The only animal we did not see, that was on our pick list, was a sable. Saw our first ever bat eared foxes and honey badgers, the latter did not provide a photo opportunity.
Great to see so many bee eaters, carmine, and white fronted in addition to the often seen little ones. Yellow billed kites, wattled crane, purple and goliath herons and grey headed kingfisher. Hippos were quite lively at the end of a boat trip, which was a warning for future excursions on our holiday.
Food here in the evening was average, lunches tend to be better with a top afternoon tea you never go hungry."
First trip out after tea we saw spotted hyenas, three adults and two pups. We spent 25 minutes with them while they played/socialised near their den. It was such a beautiful experience with just our vehicle there. This was is what we wanted, this private concession prevents a mass gathering of vehicles.
We were fortunate to see a leopard up a tree eating an impala another priceless viewing. The only animal we did not see, that was on our pick list, was a sable. Saw our first ever bat eared foxes and honey badgers, the latter did not provide a photo opportunity.
Great to see so many bee eaters, carmine, and white fronted in addition to the often seen little ones. Yellow billed kites, wattled crane, purple and goliath herons and grey headed kingfisher. Hippos were quite lively at the end of a boat trip, which was a warning for future excursions on our holiday.
Food here in the evening was average, lunches tend to be better with a top afternoon tea you never go hungry."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Average
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
3 sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
4 sightings
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wildebeest
4 sightings
Zebra
2 sightings
Splash Camp
"Splash Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
24 Nov 2021
"There is lion pride resident here, hence sometimes you have to be driven to or from your chalet!
There are loads of birds which the guides are interested in, at least Godfrey was. We saw black kites, broad billed roller, meyers parrot, steppes eagle, woodland kingfisher, I mention all those we had not seen before.
Two highlights here as far as animals were concerned. We saw our first cheetah, Mr Special, who had just returned to the area. We had three sessions with him, finally he tried to hunt an impala but unsuccessfully, the terrain was against him.
We saw wild dogs doing a pre-hunt ritual, lots of yapping and socialising to the lay person. Then off they went and finally after quite some time we saw an unfortunate impala killed.
We saw two hammerkops on a hippo on last morning game drive, not sure why, they do not pick up tics or blood like oxpeckers do.
To finish off our stay, on the way to the airstrip we saw another leopard in a tree, she was very relaxed with the attention. What a fantastic memory to finish on. Tracking of a leopard on a previous day had only provided a fleeting glimpse in the undergrowth, so this was a bonus.
The rooms here are really modern and hence not as affected by the winds.
One evening meal the meat was very tender, but the others not so. Having travelled twice before we know that food quality is not great, so our expectations were managed."
There are loads of birds which the guides are interested in, at least Godfrey was. We saw black kites, broad billed roller, meyers parrot, steppes eagle, woodland kingfisher, I mention all those we had not seen before.
Two highlights here as far as animals were concerned. We saw our first cheetah, Mr Special, who had just returned to the area. We had three sessions with him, finally he tried to hunt an impala but unsuccessfully, the terrain was against him.
We saw wild dogs doing a pre-hunt ritual, lots of yapping and socialising to the lay person. Then off they went and finally after quite some time we saw an unfortunate impala killed.
We saw two hammerkops on a hippo on last morning game drive, not sure why, they do not pick up tics or blood like oxpeckers do.
To finish off our stay, on the way to the airstrip we saw another leopard in a tree, she was very relaxed with the attention. What a fantastic memory to finish on. Tracking of a leopard on a previous day had only provided a fleeting glimpse in the undergrowth, so this was a bonus.
The rooms here are really modern and hence not as affected by the winds.
One evening meal the meat was very tender, but the others not so. Having travelled twice before we know that food quality is not great, so our expectations were managed."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Average
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
1 sighting
Cheetah
2 sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
4 sightings
Excellent memories
Namibia and 1 other country between 17 May 2019 and 31 May 2019
"A good blend of self drive and guided, the trip delivered on all we wanted, both animals and birds.
We enjoyed Botswana and the fellow guests we shared with quality time with.
I would not recommend anyone doing three flights in a day starting in Windhoek, maybe we should have stayed overnight in Jo'burg, not something | thought of, before flying on to Maun and beyond.
Thanks again to Tracy for making it all happen without any problems."
We enjoyed Botswana and the fellow guests we shared with quality time with.
I would not recommend anyone doing three flights in a day starting in Windhoek, maybe we should have stayed overnight in Jo'burg, not something | thought of, before flying on to Maun and beyond.
Thanks again to Tracy for making it all happen without any problems."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
Ondudu Safari Lodge
"Great way to unwind at start of holiday"
2 nights
Arrived
18 May 2019
"Food as good as ever. Able to experience afternoon tea for first time.
Room very good.
Did a self guiding walk (baboon just over a 1 hour) which was enjoyable and gave a good vantage point of the lodge and the surroundings.
Staff again very helpful, as had problems with 4 way gang connection to recharge batteries etc."
Room very good.
Did a self guiding walk (baboon just over a 1 hour) which was enjoyable and gave a good vantage point of the lodge and the surroundings.
Staff again very helpful, as had problems with 4 way gang connection to recharge batteries etc."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Palmwag Lodge
"Fantastic Rhino trek"
2 nights
Arrived
20 May 2019
"Afternoon tea forgettable if you managed to get a cake/biscuit from them.
Most staff very happy and polite. Reception seem to tell most people you have not paid for your special activity when you arrive tired from a long drive, but finally retract when challenged.
Location fine, did see the resident elephant, who had been missing for 2 days!
Rhino trek enjoyable, lucky enough to see three including a baby. Apart from a couple of antelope in the concession only saw two giraffes on drive back.
Room comfortable but rather warm in the afternoon, as no air conditioning.
Food surprisingly good given some reviews. Special offers on wine we enjoyed on our second night.
Road there is in a terrible state, took extra 15 minutes driving back, and still got a puncture(albeit only discernible at the next lodge)"
Most staff very happy and polite. Reception seem to tell most people you have not paid for your special activity when you arrive tired from a long drive, but finally retract when challenged.
Location fine, did see the resident elephant, who had been missing for 2 days!
Rhino trek enjoyable, lucky enough to see three including a baby. Apart from a couple of antelope in the concession only saw two giraffes on drive back.
Room comfortable but rather warm in the afternoon, as no air conditioning.
Food surprisingly good given some reviews. Special offers on wine we enjoyed on our second night.
Road there is in a terrible state, took extra 15 minutes driving back, and still got a puncture(albeit only discernible at the next lodge)"
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Hobatere Lodge
"Fab waterhole, great problem solving"
2 nights
Arrived
22 May 2019
"Long drive on a bumpy road, but that said the animals seen close up at the new waterhole were great, even saw a lioness at the furthest waterhole.
Food was ok, desserts typically a let down.
Management were very good Janet and Liberty sorted out local niggles, as well as organising the removal of punctured tyre and the replacement thereof.
Too many people trying to hard sell activities, which in the end we had no time consider because we spent 4 hours getting a new tyre. Also we had sufficient Namibian massage travelling from Palmwag."
Food was ok, desserts typically a let down.
Management were very good Janet and Liberty sorted out local niggles, as well as organising the removal of punctured tyre and the replacement thereof.
Too many people trying to hard sell activities, which in the end we had no time consider because we spent 4 hours getting a new tyre. Also we had sufficient Namibian massage travelling from Palmwag."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Sightings report
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
2 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
Okaukuejo Camp
"Great rhino spotting"
2 nights
Arrived
24 May 2019
"Water hole delivered as usual. Two rhinos, calf and mother looked straight at me for a while on the second night and then lay down in front of me, they say animals remember people, maybe they did?
First night meat inedible, second night different chef eland meat superb!
Service on the whole was fine. The bar was closed so one man operated in the restaurant was run off his feet but remained cheerful. When the place is busy replacement staff should have been found.
Park roads as bad as ever, if not worse, or was it the puncture that meant we felt the roads even more?
Bush chalet spacious. Hot showers at a premium, our room had an element replaced two days previously, which went again before we arrived. Got it replaced our first morning and it went again that evening. So the result was we had one hot shower in two days. Maybe there should be a rebate system? Especially when you have more than major problem?
Lucky enough to see black rhino in the bush in daylight."
First night meat inedible, second night different chef eland meat superb!
Service on the whole was fine. The bar was closed so one man operated in the restaurant was run off his feet but remained cheerful. When the place is busy replacement staff should have been found.
Park roads as bad as ever, if not worse, or was it the puncture that meant we felt the roads even more?
Bush chalet spacious. Hot showers at a premium, our room had an element replaced two days previously, which went again before we arrived. Got it replaced our first morning and it went again that evening. So the result was we had one hot shower in two days. Maybe there should be a rebate system? Especially when you have more than major problem?
Lucky enough to see black rhino in the bush in daylight."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Sightings report
Black Rhino
3 sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
3 sightings
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
Etango Ranch Guest Farm
"Convenient for the airport"
1 night
Arrived
26 May 2019
"Not the first or the last to miss the turn off, it is immediately opposite the Puma petrol station would have been helpful as you cannot see the drive from the B6.
Food; beef main course very good. Accompanying Spier wine good.
First and last sight of mosquitoes on our trip.
Room comfortable.
Handy for the airport."
Food; beef main course very good. Accompanying Spier wine good.
First and last sight of mosquitoes on our trip.
Room comfortable.
Handy for the airport."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Khwai Lediba
"Khwai Tented Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
27 May 2019
"Lunches great. Afternoon tea fine. Dinners could be better, food not often hot which for 12 guests is rather surprising. Given the cost of the stay, a bottle of wine left on the table would be sensible, as many Americans (there were 6 in our group) commented on this being a frustrating procedure to wait for a top up.
Room was more than adequate with very comfortable beds, and good hot showers. Hot water flask much appreciated. Did suffer some kitchen noise, which would be frustrating if you wanted a lie in, but as we were up at 5.30 for game drives it was tolerable.
Uncle Ken was a great guide on the game drives, and enjoyed a joke, which is important when you are spending many hours together .
BB excelled on the Mokoro trip pointing out all the birds.
The visit ticked all the boxes, we wanted to see leopards, painted dogs(saw pack of 21 on two days) and malachite kingfisher, and we did. However, as reported, a leopard sighting comes with a whole convoy, we were first on one occasion so I got some good shots although it was rushed because the animal kept moving with the extra cars coming, the second sighting on another day was a scrum down not very edifying.
Wifi connectivity good in the office, was much appreciated.
Got a bottle of bubbly in the room on last night presumably for my special birthday.
Take a euro adapter as the South African adapter is too big (fortunately I checked this out beforehand and Tracy confirmed both would be useful for our entire trip).
Anyone thinking of going must be prepare for cold mornings and the inevitable African massage. Also getting there can be challenging, the internal direct flight is 25 minutes but you may drop off other people, so it could be longer. If you are tall getting to the front of the plane, because we were second off, it was extremely challenging as the ceiling is very low and little space between seats, I am 6’ 4”. Also if you are unlucky you may wait over an hour before Mack Air you fly you out, as happened to us, which when combined with a drop off meant we missed afternoon tea and when straight out on a 4 hour game drive with one initial drink and nothing then until a sun downer 3 hours later, this after a 4 am start in Windhoek."
Room was more than adequate with very comfortable beds, and good hot showers. Hot water flask much appreciated. Did suffer some kitchen noise, which would be frustrating if you wanted a lie in, but as we were up at 5.30 for game drives it was tolerable.
Uncle Ken was a great guide on the game drives, and enjoyed a joke, which is important when you are spending many hours together .
BB excelled on the Mokoro trip pointing out all the birds.
The visit ticked all the boxes, we wanted to see leopards, painted dogs(saw pack of 21 on two days) and malachite kingfisher, and we did. However, as reported, a leopard sighting comes with a whole convoy, we were first on one occasion so I got some good shots although it was rushed because the animal kept moving with the extra cars coming, the second sighting on another day was a scrum down not very edifying.
Wifi connectivity good in the office, was much appreciated.
Got a bottle of bubbly in the room on last night presumably for my special birthday.
Take a euro adapter as the South African adapter is too big (fortunately I checked this out beforehand and Tracy confirmed both would be useful for our entire trip).
Anyone thinking of going must be prepare for cold mornings and the inevitable African massage. Also getting there can be challenging, the internal direct flight is 25 minutes but you may drop off other people, so it could be longer. If you are tall getting to the front of the plane, because we were second off, it was extremely challenging as the ceiling is very low and little space between seats, I am 6’ 4”. Also if you are unlucky you may wait over an hour before Mack Air you fly you out, as happened to us, which when combined with a drop off meant we missed afternoon tea and when straight out on a 4 hour game drive with one initial drink and nothing then until a sun downer 3 hours later, this after a 4 am start in Windhoek."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Sightings report
Buffalo
2 sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
2 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
2 sightings
Excellent trip with rewarding sights
Namibia and 3 other countries between 15 Jun 2017 and 28 Jun 2017
"Second time to Namibia, but managed to surpass previous visit with animals seen, and got some memorable images. Good to self drive providing so much flexibility as to how long you spend at a waterhole, we had well over 1 hour at one observing in the main bull elephants, only two other cars there.
First time in Botswana great time on the Chobe river viewing elephants crossing , and the birds. Spoilt with the number of lions with kills, and the first cubs I had seen albeit bit hidden in the trees.
Zambia provided a fitting finale something completely different, namely Victoria Falls, seen from the air and on foot, fantastic noise of the the water roaring.
The challenge is how to beat this trip?"
First time in Botswana great time on the Chobe river viewing elephants crossing , and the birds. Spoilt with the number of lions with kills, and the first cubs I had seen albeit bit hidden in the trees.
Zambia provided a fitting finale something completely different, namely Victoria Falls, seen from the air and on foot, fantastic noise of the the water roaring.
The challenge is how to beat this trip?"
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
City Lodge OR Tambo
"Not restful stop over"
1 night
Arrived
15 Jun 2017
"The room had no double glazing, as it was at the back facing all the roads it was very noisy, not recommended as a room for a rest after a full days flying!
The breakfast was very good, and the service was good."
The breakfast was very good, and the service was good."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Good
Ondudu Safari Lodge
"Quiet Backwater"
1 night
Arrived
16 Jun 2017
"Excellent breakfast, great tray of fruit and yoghurts etc, and freshly made pan cakes.
Dinner was good. Just had glass of house wine each, which tasted good, but turned out to be the most expensive on the whole trip in Namibia by a distance.
Setting for meals is good , and enjoyed watching the rosie faced lovebirds while eating breakfast.
Did not enjoy driving up the over the rocks at post 6pm (pitch black)to the Lodge. This issue was raised with the Duty Manager and passed onto to the Co-owner.
Room/tents are different, but may be draughty if the wind is up.
The location is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties to the tents or up to the restaurant.
In summary a pleasant spot away from it all."
Dinner was good. Just had glass of house wine each, which tasted good, but turned out to be the most expensive on the whole trip in Namibia by a distance.
Setting for meals is good , and enjoyed watching the rosie faced lovebirds while eating breakfast.
Did not enjoy driving up the over the rocks at post 6pm (pitch black)to the Lodge. This issue was raised with the Duty Manager and passed onto to the Co-owner.
Room/tents are different, but may be draughty if the wind is up.
The location is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties to the tents or up to the restaurant.
In summary a pleasant spot away from it all."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Okaukuejo Camp
"Black Rhinos make it worthwhile"
2 nights
Arrived
17 Jun 2017
"Having stayed before I was not concerned at the quality of the room. However, I was unhappy that there was building work being undertaken which we had not been informed of. This meant the dining room was out of action and it was noisy and dusty while eating breakfast. In addition the chef did not prepare fresh cooked food either at breakfast or dinner, which spoilt our enjoyment.
As before that said the animals did not disappoint.It is a lottery as to what turns up, and on the first evening there was nothing until 8.30 when black rhinos appeared, phew. No elephants that evening either. The next evening both elephants and rhinos turned up. That's the trouble with expectations/experience you feel next time that they must be beaten!"
As before that said the animals did not disappoint.It is a lottery as to what turns up, and on the first evening there was nothing until 8.30 when black rhinos appeared, phew. No elephants that evening either. The next evening both elephants and rhinos turned up. That's the trouble with expectations/experience you feel next time that they must be beaten!"
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Poor
Mushara Lodge
"Mushara Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
19 Jun 2017
"Second stay at this lodge.
Lovely comfortable room.
Food bit off first night, meat chewy in the Goulash! Second night good barbecue with great oryx steak.
Policy of having doors open in a morning while eating encourages squirrel like creatures to roam, not ideal.
Handy for the east side of the park.
Had a quick email response to food quality and service being a bit overt rather than helpful. Did not raise the squirrel issue."
Lovely comfortable room.
Food bit off first night, meat chewy in the Goulash! Second night good barbecue with great oryx steak.
Policy of having doors open in a morning while eating encourages squirrel like creatures to roam, not ideal.
Handy for the east side of the park.
Had a quick email response to food quality and service being a bit overt rather than helpful. Did not raise the squirrel issue."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
River Dance Lodge
"Lovely Location on the river"
2 nights
Arrived
21 Jun 2017
"Evening meals were very good. It was slightly cold while eating so another layer would be well advised for this time of year.
Very restful spot. Birds aplenty and the odd warthog and deer in the lodge grounds.Good location for access to Mahango Park,where we saw lots of birds (first little bee eater)and animals including first hippo.
The lodge is owned and manned by the local community, which helps it run smoothly.
The local petrol station in Divundu accepts credit cards ( you pay in the supermarket)."
Very restful spot. Birds aplenty and the odd warthog and deer in the lodge grounds.Good location for access to Mahango Park,where we saw lots of birds (first little bee eater)and animals including first hippo.
The lodge is owned and manned by the local community, which helps it run smoothly.
The local petrol station in Divundu accepts credit cards ( you pay in the supermarket)."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Lianshulu Lodge
"Disappointing Stay"
1 night
Arrived
23 Jun 2017
"Set in a wonderful location. We enjoyed afternoon tea sat out admiring the view and watching a golden tailed wood pecker and little bee eaters.
The room was okay, although due to just mosquito screens on some windows it was draughty and not very warm. The lack of power in the room was a set back, plus no hot water in the morning for a shower as the noisy room generator kicked in at 7am.
The evening meal was nothing special, and breakfast took an age to set up but was ok when it finally arrived.
Not one to repeat."
The room was okay, although due to just mosquito screens on some windows it was draughty and not very warm. The lack of power in the room was a set back, plus no hot water in the morning for a shower as the noisy room generator kicked in at 7am.
The evening meal was nothing special, and breakfast took an age to set up but was ok when it finally arrived.
Not one to repeat."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Service
Average
Muchenje Safari Lodge
"Wonderful Opportunities await"
2 nights
Arrived
24 Jun 2017
"The rooms are great although we did not have much time to use/enjoy them. Three days is probably the correct amount, it also gives you another chance to see animals you may have missed.
We enjoyed mixing with some of our fellow travellers over meals. There was plenty of food, and there were options just as well as ox tail is not on my list. It did seem very busy at times as guests were in and out on trips during the day.
We were unlucky with the early morning trip and did not see anything of real interest, the guide seemed able to detect tracks but not follow them. The next morning other people were much luckier/well looked after. We did however, see two lion kills close by with our other guide, based on other people communicating, and another in the park not so accessible, so that made up for the early morning disappointment. Lots of birds were seen in the Park and on the Chobe river fish eagles a plenty , first time for Pied Kingfishers. It was also good to see elephants swimming so close to us.
Guided trips have rough and smooth it depends on the guide and fellow passengers if both are poor then the experience is dissipated. We had a bumpy ride on the day trip in Chobe, the guide was rushing partly because we had to stop to see some flowers, dead trees and almost any time we saw a giraffe!"
We enjoyed mixing with some of our fellow travellers over meals. There was plenty of food, and there were options just as well as ox tail is not on my list. It did seem very busy at times as guests were in and out on trips during the day.
We were unlucky with the early morning trip and did not see anything of real interest, the guide seemed able to detect tracks but not follow them. The next morning other people were much luckier/well looked after. We did however, see two lion kills close by with our other guide, based on other people communicating, and another in the park not so accessible, so that made up for the early morning disappointment. Lots of birds were seen in the Park and on the Chobe river fish eagles a plenty , first time for Pied Kingfishers. It was also good to see elephants swimming so close to us.
Guided trips have rough and smooth it depends on the guide and fellow passengers if both are poor then the experience is dissipated. We had a bumpy ride on the day trip in Chobe, the guide was rushing partly because we had to stop to see some flowers, dead trees and almost any time we saw a giraffe!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
"A great setting "
2 nights
Arrived
26 Jun 2017
"First afternoon we went on the Zambezi sundowner cruise. Hippos are elusive, but we had lots of shots from the Chobe river. Bird life interesting first brown hooded kingfisher.
Room slightly small, but it had a large shower.
Early morning delivery of tray of hot water etc to make tea was very nice.
Arranged to eat with American friends we made at Muchenje,which was enjoyable. Ate outside not as cold as River Dance, but they did provide some coal fires!
Our driver/guide to Victoria waterfalls was great. He came prepared with ponchos, towels to dry our feet and of course drinks. We did not realise he would take us onto the road bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe, which enables you to get another view/perspective of the falls. The waIk over Knife Edge bridge was very wet due to the wind and high volume of water. I would recommend a chopper ride over the falls, but especially do an add on going down the gorge over the first seven or so rapids, the lighting is great and you get to see white water rafters as you skim low over the water. Got lots of shots of rainbows it was fantastic.
Good time had by all and a memorable excursion to end the holiday."
Room slightly small, but it had a large shower.
Early morning delivery of tray of hot water etc to make tea was very nice.
Arranged to eat with American friends we made at Muchenje,which was enjoyable. Ate outside not as cold as River Dance, but they did provide some coal fires!
Our driver/guide to Victoria waterfalls was great. He came prepared with ponchos, towels to dry our feet and of course drinks. We did not realise he would take us onto the road bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe, which enables you to get another view/perspective of the falls. The waIk over Knife Edge bridge was very wet due to the wind and high volume of water. I would recommend a chopper ride over the falls, but especially do an add on going down the gorge over the first seven or so rapids, the lighting is great and you get to see white water rafters as you skim low over the water. Got lots of shots of rainbows it was fantastic.
Good time had by all and a memorable excursion to end the holiday."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Tent was spacious and well equipped.
Of my wish list leopard and cheetah were achieved, but no sable, although they are there. Game in general abundant near camp and in a distant section in the East near the Moremi game reserve. As happens the four cheetah brothers were absent on my visit.
Enjoyed seeing month old lion cubs suckling on mum - unforgettable, along with their noises, crying for milk, and trying to get milk from mum's sister !?
Tracking and spotting ok. Communication between the guide and guests is not always spot on, for example if you have a specific request which has not been fulfilled and there seems no likelihood of achieving it raise it direct or with the Management well before your last day. Guests are not mind readers! It was particularly difficult as there was only one vehicle the first day and a half, because only five guests. Thereafter got to two vehicles thereby improving the chances of tracking/finding elusive cats."