Travel reviews by Dune-larks from UK

"Spent less time in Windhoek than planned due to incoming flight delay. A lovely warm welcome and a relaxing first night. It is a fair way out of town for walking, particularly at night. Joe's Beer House was good fun.

NB The access map needs checking as there is no direct access now from Robert Mugabe Avenue - you need to take Schanzen (left) from Nelson Mandela Avenue."

"A superb introduction to Namibian 'lodge life' with some great self-guide walking. Communal dining in a cosmopolitan family atmosphere. On our 'must return' list."

"Service really welcoming, friendly and attentive, a few minor blips. Location perfect for early-morning dunes trip with J-J our excellent guide."

"There is nothing at all wrong with Sam's Giardino but it was a distinctly routine European-hotel-style welcome rather than the warm Namibian greetings in the lodges! Sam was away so we might have missed his buzz.

We were not at our best with a 48-hour bug but the excursions (Sandwich harbour and Living Desert Adventures) are highly recommended. We would stay nearer the town centre if we visit again."

"The most wonderful three-day stay. The setting is magical, with a pleasant trail amongst the boulders to wander each evening. The service is exceptionally good, the food unbelievably so given the remote location.

We must mention Vincent, the manager, who was helpful beyond the call of duty when the car broke down five miles away. He sorted everything so we could continue our holiday untroubled. The safari in search of desert elephants is a 'must' and we would like to compliment Frederick, the guide. Is there a 5plus rating?!"

"The atmosphere is more 'mass tourism' than elsewhere but it is done well and the refurbished rooms are great. Our waterhole chalet enabled us to pop over to the waterhole a few yards away, anytime day or night, and provided the best game viewing of our trip.

The food is OK but again with a canteen-type atmosphere, good service though.."

"More stylish than Okakuejo, again recently refurbished to good effect. More of a base to tour, the waterhole not as good as many out on the pan.

Our room was 5star European hotel style, with both indoor and outdoor showers! The fort is a dining place with character although very quiet when we stayed. Not sure the night game drive is worthwhile."

"Another 'wow' place to stay, very select, relaxing, stylish. The activities are all good value and very interesting, our guide Jacque was superb and it was good that we stayed with him throughout our stay.

We had a lovely chalet and the communal dining was well thought out. We still argue whether Okonjima or Mowani was the best place we stayed!"

"Hard to follow Okonjima but we really appreciated a gentle wind-down at the end of our trip with lots of walks we could do ourselves. Another stunning setting amongst bouldery hills speckled with baboons."