Travel reviews by Claire M from Toronto
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
2
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
12
Excursions taken
0
My Sep 2023 trip
Namibia between 23 Sep 2023 and 7 Oct 2023
"This is my second time travelling with Expert Africa and I have recommended you to a number of friends and colleagues since my first trip in 2016 and again since returning from Namibia last week.
Everything was just wonderful and people were so welcoming. I appreciated the varied landscapes, accommodations and experiences. We had such a variety and number of animal sightings - over 800 zebra in total, for example, and a mother cheetah with four cubs (a first for me). The 11 black rhino in one evening at the Okaukuejo waterhole was an experience I will remember forever. Despite the challenging roads in places, travelling around Namibia did not feel difficult, but a privilege.
I also appreciated the detailed notes about driving times and roads to take (though a couple of our driving times didn't seem to align with the notes for some reason). It might be worth noting too that the distance given to Desert Homestead from the last turn was off by several kilometres. The road from Solitaire to Walvis Bay was quite challenging; I wonder if it might be worth noting this in the notes for future travellers?
We would be happy to share details of two places we had a great lunch that don't appear in the Bradt guide (in Uis and Otjiwarongo) if it's helpful to add there or to the notes for future travellers. Cactus and Coffee in Uis and Bohemia Cafe in Otjiwarongo.
Thank you for another fantastic trip!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
keep up the good work! You stand out."
Everything was just wonderful and people were so welcoming. I appreciated the varied landscapes, accommodations and experiences. We had such a variety and number of animal sightings - over 800 zebra in total, for example, and a mother cheetah with four cubs (a first for me). The 11 black rhino in one evening at the Okaukuejo waterhole was an experience I will remember forever. Despite the challenging roads in places, travelling around Namibia did not feel difficult, but a privilege.
I also appreciated the detailed notes about driving times and roads to take (though a couple of our driving times didn't seem to align with the notes for some reason). It might be worth noting too that the distance given to Desert Homestead from the last turn was off by several kilometres. The road from Solitaire to Walvis Bay was quite challenging; I wonder if it might be worth noting this in the notes for future travellers?
We would be happy to share details of two places we had a great lunch that don't appear in the Bradt guide (in Uis and Otjiwarongo) if it's helpful to add there or to the notes for future travellers. Cactus and Coffee in Uis and Bohemia Cafe in Otjiwarongo.
Thank you for another fantastic trip!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
keep up the good work! You stand out."
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
Elegant Guesthouse
"Elegant Guesthouse review"
1 night
Arrived
23 Sep 2023
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Desert Homestead
"Desert Homestead review"
2 nights
Arrived
24 Sep 2023
"I loved the two nights we spent at Desert Homestead. Our chalet had a fantastic view out onto the desert plain and we were lucky enough to be near the end of the chalets (second from the end with no one in the end one) so it felt very private as well. The main lodge is stunning and spacious enough so that I didn't feel crowded, despite a number of other guests being present.
The option for horse riding is a bonus. We didn't take part in it or other organized activities but I did the self-guided walk to the view point about the camp, which was very well signposted.
The service here was attentive and the food was very good."
The option for horse riding is a bonus. We didn't take part in it or other organized activities but I did the self-guided walk to the view point about the camp, which was very well signposted.
The service here was attentive and the food was very good."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Sightings report
Oryx
1 sighting
Cornerstone Guesthouse
"Cornerstone Guesthouse review"
2 nights
Arrived
26 Sep 2023
"The location of Cornerstone was perfect - an easy walk to the ocean and to the town, including the restaurants, but also very quiet.
I loved the garden and the terrace off our room. There is a minibar in the room that was well stocked and I was able to take advantage of that to have drinks on the terrace. I also appreciated the caffetiere and real coffee that was provided in the room as I was waking up very early and could have a proper coffee before breakfast.
A good and varied breakfast in a restful breakfast room. Helpful proprietors and friendly staff. Overall a great stay!"
I loved the garden and the terrace off our room. There is a minibar in the room that was well stocked and I was able to take advantage of that to have drinks on the terrace. I also appreciated the caffetiere and real coffee that was provided in the room as I was waking up very early and could have a proper coffee before breakfast.
A good and varied breakfast in a restful breakfast room. Helpful proprietors and friendly staff. Overall a great stay!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Malansrus Tented Camp
"Malansrus Tented Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
28 Sep 2023
"A fantastic camp! The staff were wonderful and worked very hard.
A special mention of Sydney, who introduced us to Namibian gin and ensured we had the best drinks and table service; Lovemore, who welcomed us and settled us in; Herman, who took us to see the desert elephants; Peter, who took us to the rock art site.
I enjoyed the evening camp fire and the tented accommodation.
The swimming pool was a bonus as the weather was in the high 30s when we were there."
A special mention of Sydney, who introduced us to Namibian gin and ensured we had the best drinks and table service; Lovemore, who welcomed us and settled us in; Herman, who took us to see the desert elephants; Peter, who took us to the rock art site.
I enjoyed the evening camp fire and the tented accommodation.
The swimming pool was a bonus as the weather was in the high 30s when we were there."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Okaukuejo Camp
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
30 Sep 2023
"The waterhole was the highlight here. I was very fortunate the one night we stayed there to see 11 black rhino there! Seven at one time. I loved how it was an easy walk from our chalet to the waterhole.
We had dinner at the restaurant and didn't have the best experience. We had been warned that service might be "indifferent" but our server outright ignored us for about an hour and then got upset when we
1) went to find her and
2) went to the front desk to ask for support.
Other servers eventually stepped in and got us our dinner, but we sat for more than 1.5 hours before that happened. The food was cold when it arrived.
The chalet was basic but had everything we needed. It was great that it had a fridge, kettle and a braai. My suggestion for other travellers would be to buy a few supplies and make your own dinner rather than deal with the restaurant here."
We had dinner at the restaurant and didn't have the best experience. We had been warned that service might be "indifferent" but our server outright ignored us for about an hour and then got upset when we
1) went to find her and
2) went to the front desk to ask for support.
Other servers eventually stepped in and got us our dinner, but we sat for more than 1.5 hours before that happened. The food was cold when it arrived.
The chalet was basic but had everything we needed. It was great that it had a fridge, kettle and a braai. My suggestion for other travellers would be to buy a few supplies and make your own dinner rather than deal with the restaurant here."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Facilities
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Poor
Sightings report
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
1 sighting
Halali Camp
"Halali Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
1 Oct 2023
"Arriving at Halali after Okaukuejo was a relief as it was much smaller (perhaps half the size) and felt more restful.
After arriving we went to the restaurant to see if we could have lunch and were welcomed in to the buffet.
Dinner was also a buffet and the staff were friendly and helpful during that meal and at breakfast the following morning.
The chalet was basic but spacious and had everything we needed."
After arriving we went to the restaurant to see if we could have lunch and were welcomed in to the buffet.
Dinner was also a buffet and the staff were friendly and helpful during that meal and at breakfast the following morning.
The chalet was basic but spacious and had everything we needed."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Sightings report
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Brown Hyena
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
3 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
Mushara Lodge
"Mushara Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
2 Oct 2023
"What a beautiful place! The grounds, main lodge, pool and gardens, and our chalet were all just lovely.
Service is also just amazing. The staff work very hard to ensure our experience was positive. I loved the evening braai under the stars, which they began setting up about three hours before dinner. My thanks to them for this memorable experience!
We ate two lunches here as well as two breakfasts and two dinners. Across the board, the food was delicious and beautifully presented.
We went on one game drive with Mushara staff and had a great time."
Service is also just amazing. The staff work very hard to ensure our experience was positive. I loved the evening braai under the stars, which they began setting up about three hours before dinner. My thanks to them for this memorable experience!
We ate two lunches here as well as two breakfasts and two dinners. Across the board, the food was delicious and beautifully presented.
We went on one game drive with Mushara staff and had a great time."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
2 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
White Rhino
1 sighting
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
3 sightings
Okonjima Plains Camp
"Okonjima Plains Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
4 Oct 2023
"Our view room was stunning. I appreciated how well spaced they were from the others and from the main lodge. To be able to lie in bed and gaze out at the plain, with springbok and kudu and giraffe grazing just outside, was wonderful. I loved the veranda with the day bed.
The service was extremely friendly and upbeat across the large number of staff.
The swimming pool was a little murky when I swam in it at around 2 pm on the day I arrived there.
A highlight was eating dinner just a few metres from the waterhole and watching various species of antelope come from drinks.
The food was delicious and well presented. I felt the lunch was overpriced, compared to what we'd seen in other locations in Namibia (315 ND per plate). This price was not on the menu we were given and while we should have asked the price, we assumed it would be in line with what we'd spent elsewhere (closer to 200 ND per plate).
We went on a leopard sundowner drive and an early morning visit to Africat and the cheetahs and lions there. Both were great and I enjoyed learning more about the work of Africat."
The service was extremely friendly and upbeat across the large number of staff.
The swimming pool was a little murky when I swam in it at around 2 pm on the day I arrived there.
A highlight was eating dinner just a few metres from the waterhole and watching various species of antelope come from drinks.
The food was delicious and well presented. I felt the lunch was overpriced, compared to what we'd seen in other locations in Namibia (315 ND per plate). This price was not on the menu we were given and while we should have asked the price, we assumed it would be in line with what we'd spent elsewhere (closer to 200 ND per plate).
We went on a leopard sundowner drive and an early morning visit to Africat and the cheetahs and lions there. Both were great and I enjoyed learning more about the work of Africat."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Giraffe
3 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Oryx
3 sightings
Wildebeest
1 sighting
Zebra
3 sightings
Eningu Clayhouse
"Eningu Clayhouse review"
1 night
Arrived
6 Oct 2023
"We arrived early afternoon and I am glad we did because this is such a restful location.
I was able to take advantage of the pool and loungers and to later sit on the roof deck for sundowners. In the morning I went for a walk and to the hide that overlooks the waterhole.
I loved the built-in beds and sitting area in our room. It was very hot the night we were there so despite the ceiling fan our room remained overly warm, making it hard to sleep.
The dining area is also lovely and the food was tasty."
I was able to take advantage of the pool and loungers and to later sit on the roof deck for sundowners. In the morning I went for a walk and to the hide that overlooks the waterhole.
I loved the built-in beds and sitting area in our room. It was very hot the night we were there so despite the ceiling fan our room remained overly warm, making it hard to sleep.
The dining area is also lovely and the food was tasty."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Fantastic trip
Zambia between 22 Dec 2016 and 31 Dec 2016
"The trip was fantastic and probably exceeded our expectations. There were so many details that made it special and we have come home with warm feelings about Zambia, thanks to this and to the people we interacted with at the various places we stayed. I will certainly be recommending both the country and the individual places we stayed to others. The number of animal sightings was incredible!
We also felt our experience with Expert Africa was very positive as well.
One point I'd like to mention - when we arrived at Lilayi Lodge we were told that lunch was not included in what we had already paid, which I had not realized. We arrived at 3 pm on Dec 22, so we had not expected it to be included that day but we thought it would be on Dec 23, when we spent the whole day at the lodge. This is probably confusion on my part, as the documents we were sent stated "half board" and Lilayi staff explained that half board to them meant dinner/breakfast.
However we were not familiar with this term so I had assumed it meant all meals, just no activities. It is not a big deal as we simply paid for lunch that day, however I'd like to suggest that this be clearly stated on documents for other guests who stay there ie. that it is only dinner and breakfast - to avoid others experiencing the same confusion."
We also felt our experience with Expert Africa was very positive as well.
One point I'd like to mention - when we arrived at Lilayi Lodge we were told that lunch was not included in what we had already paid, which I had not realized. We arrived at 3 pm on Dec 22, so we had not expected it to be included that day but we thought it would be on Dec 23, when we spent the whole day at the lodge. This is probably confusion on my part, as the documents we were sent stated "half board" and Lilayi staff explained that half board to them meant dinner/breakfast.
However we were not familiar with this term so I had assumed it meant all meals, just no activities. It is not a big deal as we simply paid for lunch that day, however I'd like to suggest that this be clearly stated on documents for other guests who stay there ie. that it is only dinner and breakfast - to avoid others experiencing the same confusion."
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
Lilayi Lodge
"great place to relax after long trip"
2 nights
Arrived
22 Dec 2016
"My mum and I both really enjoyed our stay here.
Special highlights include the veranda on our private chalet and the deck off the restaurant area, both of which provided beautiful views of the grounds and animal-watching opportunities. My mum thought the pool was an exceptionally good one, in terms of size, cleanliness, ambiance. The food here was fantastic. Everything we ate was delicious and well presented. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Note - we did not take part in any activities here so can't comment on those."
Special highlights include the veranda on our private chalet and the deck off the restaurant area, both of which provided beautiful views of the grounds and animal-watching opportunities. My mum thought the pool was an exceptionally good one, in terms of size, cleanliness, ambiance. The food here was fantastic. Everything we ate was delicious and well presented. The staff were friendly and helpful.
Note - we did not take part in any activities here so can't comment on those."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Flatdogs Camp
"Laid-back, friendly place"
4 nights
Arrived
24 Dec 2016
"We received a warm welcome from Wendy, who spent the next half hour showing us around and briefing us on safety, activities and schedule. This was very helpful because there was quite a lot to take in and the context she provided allowed us to feel comfortable at Flatdogs right from the beginning.
We appreciated the effort the managers and owners make to meet guests each time they return from a game drive and they also move around tables in the restaurant and bar and at tea time to ensure we have everything we need. It was great fun staying in the luxury tent on the bank of the river and hearing elephants and hippos crash by at night!
I want to especially mention Malama, who was our guide during our four days there. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, and has a wonderful sense of humour balanced with care for our safety and enjoyment. I thought the Christmas activities (special lunch on the 25th and carol sing with refreshments on the 24th) were very well done.
Flatdogs does a great job of being friendly and laid back but also attentive."
We appreciated the effort the managers and owners make to meet guests each time they return from a game drive and they also move around tables in the restaurant and bar and at tea time to ensure we have everything we need. It was great fun staying in the luxury tent on the bank of the river and hearing elephants and hippos crash by at night!
I want to especially mention Malama, who was our guide during our four days there. He is exceptionally knowledgeable, and has a wonderful sense of humour balanced with care for our safety and enjoyment. I thought the Christmas activities (special lunch on the 25th and carol sing with refreshments on the 24th) were very well done.
Flatdogs does a great job of being friendly and laid back but also attentive."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Puku Ridge
"Wonderful, intimate place"
3 nights
Arrived
28 Dec 2016
"After staying in a couple of larger places, it was a nice change to come to Puku Ridge, where there are only a few rooms, making the overall experience there much quieter and restful.
The view over the flood plain was a highlight, with so many animals to see just from our dining table or private deck off our room/tent! The food was delicious and so special mention of the chef, William, who always checked in after every meal to see if it had been to our liking and who went out of his way to share a copy of a soup recipe I particularly liked.
We were given two special experiences while here - first, one evening our guide brought us to the top of a ridge where other staff had set up chairs and a bar and were waiting to serve us champagne as the sun went down (we had sundowners with the guide on other evenings but this one was "white tablecloth" level).
Second, on our final night, our guide brought us to a site where other staff had set up a BBQ and fire pit and lanterns. Here we shared a meal of Zambian food with the other guests staying at the camp. The surprise element of both these experiences and the care that went into executing them made them very special. This care and attention to detail characterized everything at Puku Ridge."
The view over the flood plain was a highlight, with so many animals to see just from our dining table or private deck off our room/tent! The food was delicious and so special mention of the chef, William, who always checked in after every meal to see if it had been to our liking and who went out of his way to share a copy of a soup recipe I particularly liked.
We were given two special experiences while here - first, one evening our guide brought us to the top of a ridge where other staff had set up chairs and a bar and were waiting to serve us champagne as the sun went down (we had sundowners with the guide on other evenings but this one was "white tablecloth" level).
Second, on our final night, our guide brought us to a site where other staff had set up a BBQ and fire pit and lanterns. Here we shared a meal of Zambian food with the other guests staying at the camp. The surprise element of both these experiences and the care that went into executing them made them very special. This care and attention to detail characterized everything at Puku Ridge."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Breakfast was tasty and the accommodation comfortable. I appreciated having a private patio to unwind in though there were also a number of sitting places (indoor and outdoor) throughout the property.
Parking is in two secure lots. The only challenge is that vehicles need to go one behind the other, meaning that in the morning we had to wait a few minutes to leave until the people parked behind us were ready to leave. It wasn't an issue for us but just something people should be aware of if they are on a schedule e.g. catching a flight.
Note for Expert Africa: the report I read on your website indicates there are just six rooms at this guesthouse but there appear to be at least 17 (we were in 16 and there was a 17 next door). So it was larger than I had thought it would be. This isn't an issue; it would be good to update your report, however."