Travel reviews by J & K from Coulsdon, UK
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
2
Countries visited
3
Lodges stayed in
12
Excursions taken
1
My Jul 2023 trip
Botswana and 1 other country between 26 Jul 2023 and 5 Aug 2023
Lucy put together a great itinerary for Victoria Falls and Boswana with a variety of (very nice) accommodations, activities and modes of transfer between destinations and camps, including a boat transfer. The trip went very well, was totally absorbing, and we were delighted with our wildlife sightings, especially the wild dogs!"
Arranged By Lucy Copson
Ilala Lodge
"Ilala Lodge review"
Ra-Ikane River Cruise
"Ra-Ikane River Cruise review"
28 Jul 2023 • All-day excursion
The tour is upstream from the falls, so you don't see them, which we had expected, but interesting to see the size of the river and the three channels across to Zambia.
Okuti
"Okuti review"
The game drives were very good. Our guide Solani was very experienced and combined exciting rides with a patient and relaxed style around the animals. We had a sighting of wild dogs, which was incredible. It was very cold first thing in the morning on the vehicle, but we were kept cosy with hot water bottles, blankets and coffee. Sun downers were a treat.
We did the evening river cruise, which provided a different and equally enjoyable aspect to our stay. Sightings of various birds, hippos and even an elephant feeding in the water at the river's edge. Topped off again by a drink and snacks, whilst watching a beautiful sun set."
Splash Camp
"Splash Camp review"
Our room was right at the end of a walk right through the bush, which was a bit nerve- wracking as lion, leopard and elephant pass through to the waterhole and also the camp; however, our guide, T.J, kindly escorted us during daylight, as well the usual during the dark. The room itself was beautiful, large, clean with a terrace overlooking the waterhole, with great sightings of grazing animals and elephant.
The staff were welcoming and friendly and seemed to appreciate our efforts to say a few words in Setswana. The food was delicious and plentiful.
The game drives were really exciting, in many cases going off road to get sightings. It was fascinating to watch T.J and the tracker, Iba, at work, driving through the bush and sometimes getting off the vehicle to locate tracks and, ultimately, the animal.
We saw many animals; lion, leopard, hippos, hyena and many elephant and giraffe. Drives continued after dark allowing sightings of more nocturnal animals, such as wildcat and spring hare. It was very cold in the early mornings, but we were given warm ponchos and hot water bottles, so were quite snug in the vehicle.
We also did the evening river cruise and spotted an elephant crossing the river, a monitor lizard and many birds. Sun downers, as with the game drives, a treat."
Our trip to Namibia 2017
Namibia between 16 Sep 2017 and 5 Oct 2017
Excellent pre-planning, advice and service from Expert Africa. The web site and literature are very comprehensive and well presented and the reality most certainly didn't disappoint.
Other destinations in Africa have been added to the never diminishing wish list and we would certainly use them again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
How about a free trip for the best reviews!! Only joking :)"
Arranged By Elizabeth Chapman
Olive Grove
"Olive Grove was a lovely welcome to Namibia"
We were only there for one night, but it was a nice way to start our trip.
Nice little touches, such as complimentary port before bed time."
Little Kulala
"We could have stayed longer at Little Kulala!"
We were particularly delighted with our own 'Kulala', which afforded a great view, but with complete privacy and the opportunity to sleep under the stars (although admittedly we did sneak back inside when it got cold - a double duvet might have helped, but it was not an issue)
We opted for a balloon flight and champagne breakfast and were thrilled with the whole experience. Highly recommended if you can do it."
Strand Hotel
"Strand Hotel review"
Swakopmund itself was a bit cold, which we had expected, but we fitted in some quad biking, after a bit of confusion at the hotel whereby one of the staff seemed very keen on a particular company and booked us in when we had said we wanted to think about it first and consider other options. It all worked out in the end, though."
Camp Kipwe
"We loved Camp Kipwe"
The food was delicious, as we found throughout our visit to Namibia. The only thing we would have liked in hindsight was a mosquito net. The mosquitos were a bit pesky despite the insect repellant and 'Doom' spray, and I got quite badly bitten. That aside we would have loved to have stayed longer."
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
"Wow! Great experience at Hoanib."
The food was delicious, as we found throughout our visit to Namibia. The only thing we would have liked in hindsight was a mosquito net. The mosquitos were a bit pesky despite the insect repellant and 'Doom' spray, and I got quite badly bitten. That aside we would have loved to have stayed longer."
Doro Nawas
"Nice stay at Doro Nawas"
Our thatched cottage was comfortable and we had a nice view. The night we stayed, a bush dinner was set up, which was great fun. The BBQ was delicious and the bar staff didn't seem to mind that we kept them up late afterwards."
Ongava Lodge
"Lovely stay at Ongava Lodge"
Our room was a little way from the main lodge and waterhole, but very private. We could relax on the deck and watch the procession of animals making their way across to the waterhole.
As we found throughout our trip the food was delicious."
Onguma Camp Kala
"We adored Onguma Tree Top"
The evening safari on the property was great and we got a close up look at a family of lions and once again excellent sundowners and sunset.
The food was fantastic and was prepared in front of us by the chef. The staff, as everywhere, were welcoming and friendly. Another place we didn't want t leave!"
Okonjima Bush Camp
"Okonjima Bush Camp - another fantastic place"
We were impressed with our massive room with a private view from the bed. We also had a separate 'viewing' room, equipped with 2 chaises longues, a fridge, tea, coffee and biscuits, and overlooking a tiny waterhole, with plenty of birdlife to keep us entertained.
We were lucky enough to see leopard and it was really interesting to learn about all the conservation work that goes on here. I would have liked to have seen the wild dogs, but understand they had been moved earlier on in the year, which can't be helped. An excuse for another trip!"
The staff were welcoming and helpful and the food was delicious. It was well placed within a 20 minute walk of the bridge linking to Zambia with views of the falls and gorge and only 10 minutes to the national park. Situated close to a good local restaurant within a few minutes walk."