Travel reviews by Family D from Sheffield
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
1
Countries visited
1
Lodges stayed in
4
Excursions taken
0
Brilliant experience
South Africa between 26 Jan 2017 and 8 Feb 2017
"This was a special trip and it surpassed expectations. It was full on, as so much to see and do .Thoroughly enjoyed all four locations we went to . They were all very different but each was great in its own way with the highlight being the safari.
We also did our homework on restaurants before we went so had some truly excellent meals at places such as the Pot Luck Club and Foxcroft in Cape Town , La Petite Ferme in the winelanda and the Olive Tree in Knysna These were all booked in advance
Also booked a really enjoyable wine tour around some of the lesser known estates.
As you will have seen Oude Werf was a bit of a disappointment especially when compared to the other establishments we visited but Stellenbosch itself was really chilled and had a great lunch there as well.
All in all the holiday was superb and many thanks to Tracy for being so helpful in making the arrangements.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Greatly valued the ability to chat things through rather than simply relying on email. Perhaps some additional info about parking availability at the hotels woyld be useful-there were no problems but when arrivibg at a new destination worth knowing in advance what to expect eg at Oude Werf you had to find a place to stop near the hotel or drive to the gates so they could then do the valet parking. At Phantom Lodge you leave your car at their secure outdoor car park at the bottom and then are driven up and down between the lodge and your car."
We also did our homework on restaurants before we went so had some truly excellent meals at places such as the Pot Luck Club and Foxcroft in Cape Town , La Petite Ferme in the winelanda and the Olive Tree in Knysna These were all booked in advance
Also booked a really enjoyable wine tour around some of the lesser known estates.
As you will have seen Oude Werf was a bit of a disappointment especially when compared to the other establishments we visited but Stellenbosch itself was really chilled and had a great lunch there as well.
All in all the holiday was superb and many thanks to Tracy for being so helpful in making the arrangements.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Greatly valued the ability to chat things through rather than simply relying on email. Perhaps some additional info about parking availability at the hotels woyld be useful-there were no problems but when arrivibg at a new destination worth knowing in advance what to expect eg at Oude Werf you had to find a place to stop near the hotel or drive to the gates so they could then do the valet parking. At Phantom Lodge you leave your car at their secure outdoor car park at the bottom and then are driven up and down between the lodge and your car."
Arranged By Tracy Lederer
African Elite Waterfront Apartments (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Africa Elite apartments were excelent"
4 nights
Arrived
27 Jan 2017
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Oude Werf
"Mixed experience at Oude Werf"
2 nights
Arrived
31 Jan 2017
"Good points are its central location, underground (valet) parking and impressive main areas full of old world character .Breakfast was also good and in nice surroundings
Downsides were that both rooms were in old part of hotel and were very dark. Some issues with electrics eg power to TV not on and hairdryer plug initially not usable. Only there for a couple of days but would not have wanted a longer stay. Modern rooms may be better. Small swimming pool in nice setting but too cold as in shade. One member of our party survived it for 2 minutes and did not see anyone else go in.
Also we had to phone from next hotel in respect of a mobile which may have been left behind. Staff very unhelpful. At first said that no record of us staying (left previous night ) and only at second attempt did they agree that we had been there. Even then could give us no information as housekeeper could not be contacted."
Downsides were that both rooms were in old part of hotel and were very dark. Some issues with electrics eg power to TV not on and hairdryer plug initially not usable. Only there for a couple of days but would not have wanted a longer stay. Modern rooms may be better. Small swimming pool in nice setting but too cold as in shade. One member of our party survived it for 2 minutes and did not see anyone else go in.
Also we had to phone from next hotel in respect of a mobile which may have been left behind. Staff very unhelpful. At first said that no record of us staying (left previous night ) and only at second attempt did they agree that we had been there. Even then could give us no information as housekeeper could not be contacted."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Food
Good
Rooms
Average
Phantom Forest (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Phantom Forest was excelent"
2 nights
Arrived
2 Feb 2017
"Wonderful setting and rooms. Staff extremely friendly and helpful with special mention for Norman eg we had an issue about having left phone at previous hotel and they made at least 3 calls on our behalf to try and get information.
Lovely breakfasts outside amongst the trees and also had a meal there on second night which again was very good and in great setting.
Very attractive pool area with plenty of shade if needed. Two of our party also had massages which they said were very good.
One slight point may be that more info could be given in rooms about the walks in the forest and best times/locations to try and see the monkeys."
Lovely breakfasts outside amongst the trees and also had a meal there on second night which again was very good and in great setting.
Very attractive pool area with plenty of shade if needed. Two of our party also had massages which they said were very good.
One slight point may be that more info could be given in rooms about the walks in the forest and best times/locations to try and see the monkeys."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
"Kwandwe Ecca lodge was excellent "
3 nights
Arrived
4 Feb 2017
"What a great place. Amazing setting, rooms and safari.
All the staff made you feel extremely welcome and were very friendly and attentive. In particular have to mention Nic ,our Guide ,and Vianni ,our tracker. Great team and great fun. Also expert at what they do. Nic makes clear that you go to look for animals not to see them as this is a safari not a zoo. However with their expertise and luck we saw a cheetah within minutes of arriving and were closeup with lions shortly after. Next morning we saw 4 of the big 5 including a leopard due to their tracking skill Great close up encounters also with giraffes.
Last morning the animals were more elusive which just makes the point about this not being a zoo but we still enjoyed their company and some great viewpoints.
Standard of the rooms was excellent and had access to a plunge pool on verandah and a good size main pool. Even managed to catch up on rugby with a cool drink in very comfortable TV room beside pool.
One point to note is that two possible routes from Grahamstown to the Kwandwe. The most obvious one is to go in from the east as has shortest journey traveling from main gates to Kwandwe reception. However that route has the most rutted road I have ever experienced. On way back Nic advised to take the longer (westerly) route out and that was much better."
All the staff made you feel extremely welcome and were very friendly and attentive. In particular have to mention Nic ,our Guide ,and Vianni ,our tracker. Great team and great fun. Also expert at what they do. Nic makes clear that you go to look for animals not to see them as this is a safari not a zoo. However with their expertise and luck we saw a cheetah within minutes of arriving and were closeup with lions shortly after. Next morning we saw 4 of the big 5 including a leopard due to their tracking skill Great close up encounters also with giraffes.
Last morning the animals were more elusive which just makes the point about this not being a zoo but we still enjoyed their company and some great viewpoints.
Standard of the rooms was excellent and had access to a plunge pool on verandah and a good size main pool. Even managed to catch up on rugby with a cool drink in very comfortable TV room beside pool.
One point to note is that two possible routes from Grahamstown to the Kwandwe. The most obvious one is to go in from the east as has shortest journey traveling from main gates to Kwandwe reception. However that route has the most rutted road I have ever experienced. On way back Nic advised to take the longer (westerly) route out and that was much better."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
A point to note is that the entrance by car is directly on a roundabout so need some care when arriving.
Staff are happy to arrange taxis which arrive at your apartment block. Uber more complicated as you have to pick these up from main entrance."