Travel reviews by Mrs CH from Guildford
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
5
Countries visited
5
Lodges stayed in
47
Excursions taken
4
My Feb 2024 migration trip
Tanzania between 17 Feb 2024 and 29 Feb 2024
"How could anyone fail to safari as we did without feeling completely content!
The trip was well organised. the camps and destinations were fabulous, everyone strove to satisfy our desires and the food was delicious."
The trip was well organised. the camps and destinations were fabulous, everyone strove to satisfy our desires and the food was delicious."
Arranged By Jessica Plumb
Lemala Ngorongoro
"Lemala Ngorongoro review"
3 nights
Arrived
17 Feb 2024
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Sightings report
Buffalo
Many sightings
Eland
Many sightings
Elephant
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Lion
Many sightings
Spotted Hyena
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"
18 Feb 2024 • All-day excursion
The crater offers fabulous and varied wildlife viewing against the backdrop of the crater walls.
In addition to the wildlife usually talked about we saw baby crowned cranes, two types of flamingo and many other birds.
The herds of buffalo and zebra were particularly large on over the two days, more so than our previous visit.
In addition to the wildlife usually talked about we saw baby crowned cranes, two types of flamingo and many other birds.
The herds of buffalo and zebra were particularly large on over the two days, more so than our previous visit.
Ubuntu Camp
"Ubuntu Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
20 Feb 2024
"This was our second visit to Ubuntu and again it did not disappoint.
The staff provide excellent and attentive service and the food was delicious.
The tents are very comfortable indeed with bucket showers and plenty of room. They are widely spaced and have lovely views over the valley below. The heart of the migration was only minutes away ."
The staff provide excellent and attentive service and the food was delicious.
The tents are very comfortable indeed with bucket showers and plenty of room. They are widely spaced and have lovely views over the valley below. The heart of the migration was only minutes away ."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Cheetah
3 sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Roan antelope
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Olduvai Gorge visit
"Olduvai Gorge visit review"
20 Feb 2024 • All-day excursion
We found our visit very interesting indeed.
The guided tour was good and detailed but a little hard to understand as it was delivered very quickly indeed.
The views are impressive and the museum worth seeing.
The guided tour was good and detailed but a little hard to understand as it was delivered very quickly indeed.
The views are impressive and the museum worth seeing.
Olmara Camp
"Olmara Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
23 Feb 2024
"Warm, friendly and attentive staff. Excellent food.
Very comfortable, large and well equipped tents (which we were told are being replaced).
There was plenty of space between tents which also provided high level viewing platforms (with beds) for star gazing."
Very comfortable, large and well equipped tents (which we were told are being replaced).
There was plenty of space between tents which also provided high level viewing platforms (with beds) for star gazing."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Cheetah
4 sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
3 sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Oryx
7 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Sand Rivers Camp
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
26 Feb 2024
"Sand Rivers offers a big contrast with our trip to Serengeti as it is a permanent camp, wooded and set on a massive river.
The massive cabin was thatched with one side open to the river. It provided the largest bed we have slept in, attractive furnishings and an en suite bathroom with a monkey box to prevent theft of cosmetics. We were the only guests and the last guests of the season and they were still keen to please.
We particularly enjoyed the river safari which made a lovely change after 2 weeks in vehicles and the night safari also made Selous special."
The massive cabin was thatched with one side open to the river. It provided the largest bed we have slept in, attractive furnishings and an en suite bathroom with a monkey box to prevent theft of cosmetics. We were the only guests and the last guests of the season and they were still keen to please.
We particularly enjoyed the river safari which made a lovely change after 2 weeks in vehicles and the night safari also made Selous special."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
6 sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
My Mar 2022 trip
Namibia and 1 other country between 16 Mar 2022 and 6 Apr 2022
"Great trip.
Will probably safari in Namibia/Botswana in 2023."
Will probably safari in Namibia/Botswana in 2023."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Ai Aiba Lodge
"Ai Aiba Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
16 Mar 2022
"Pleasant lodge under the kopjes in lovely walking country.
The view from the chalet was lovely and green and giraffes and zebra made regular appearances. The chalet was attractive and clean. Staff friendly and cheerful."
The view from the chalet was lovely and green and giraffes and zebra made regular appearances. The chalet was attractive and clean. Staff friendly and cheerful."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Average
Activities
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Average
Sightings report
Giraffe
3 sightings
Oryx
3 sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Cape Cross Lodge
"Cape Cross Lodge review"
1 night
Arrived
18 Mar 2022
"The lodge is ideally situated for visiting the seal colony a mile or so south.
It is a rambling place, a bit spartan, but has fabulous views of the ocean and clean functional rooms."
It is a rambling place, a bit spartan, but has fabulous views of the ocean and clean functional rooms."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Poor
Activities
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Poor
Facilities
Poor
Grootberg Lodge
"Grootberg Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
19 Mar 2022
"The drive up to Grootberg lodge and the views from the chalets take your breadth away. It is fabulously situated and offers some lovely guided walks on the plateau.
Lots of interesting little things to see as well as the springbok, zebra etc - damsel flies, scorpions, snake and birds"
Lots of interesting little things to see as well as the springbok, zebra etc - damsel flies, scorpions, snake and birds"
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Giraffe
4 sightings
Oryx
7 sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Okaukuejo Camp
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
23 Mar 2022
"Functional chalet and convenient camp for staying in the centre of Etosha.
No frills but useful."
No frills but useful."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Poor
Activities
Poor
Rooms
Average
Food
Poor
Facilities
Average
Sightings report
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
10+ sightings
White Rhino
3 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Mushara Bush Camp
"Mushara Bush Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
24 Mar 2022
"Lovely lodge and comfortable clean tented accommodation 15 minutes from the gates of Etosha.
Service and food excellent.
They made a huge fuss of my husband's birthday which was very kind and beautifully done."
Service and food excellent.
They made a huge fuss of my husband's birthday which was very kind and beautifully done."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Average
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Cheetah
4 sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
White Rhino
4 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Hakusembe River Lodge
"Hakusembe River Lodge review"
1 night
Arrived
27 Mar 2022
"Lovely chalet overlooking the river. Extremely comfortable and well fitted out.
This is not a place to holiday but an excellent stopping off point on the way to the Caprivi. The gardens are particularly lovely and there are walks behind the lodge which makes a real change from being confined to the car on safari."
This is not a place to holiday but an excellent stopping off point on the way to the Caprivi. The gardens are particularly lovely and there are walks behind the lodge which makes a real change from being confined to the car on safari."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Average
Activities
Average
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Okonjima Plains Camp
"Okonjima Plains Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
4 Apr 2022
"We enjoyed our 3 days at Okonjima as the game drives were very good. We had 4 game drives (2 afternoon, 1 night, 1 morning) and our guide was first class.
However we thought that the level of service other than our guide was poorer than almost all the other places we stayed over our 24 days away. The staff on the main desk were offhand, our room was not cleaned or serviced and when we raised the issue we were told we had requested that the room was not cleaned which was not the case, and still no-one dealt with it, we requested a slightly late check out (midday) as we were on a morning drive and wanted a quick shower after breakfast as we were flying out later in the day but no flexibility was allowed.
We also found the main building and our accommodation without atmosphere although clean and practical."
However we thought that the level of service other than our guide was poorer than almost all the other places we stayed over our 24 days away. The staff on the main desk were offhand, our room was not cleaned or serviced and when we raised the issue we were told we had requested that the room was not cleaned which was not the case, and still no-one dealt with it, we requested a slightly late check out (midday) as we were on a morning drive and wanted a quick shower after breakfast as we were flying out later in the day but no flexibility was allowed.
We also found the main building and our accommodation without atmosphere although clean and practical."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Poor
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Facilities
Poor
Sightings report
Brown Hyena
4 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Leopard
5 sightings
Oryx
10+ sightings
Pangolin
1 sighting
White Rhino
2 sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Great 2 week safari during the migration
Tanzania and 1 other country between 6 Feb 2019 and 19 Feb 2019
"We had a wonderful trip. It was our first safari in east Africa and something we will do again. In the past we have self driven and we were wary of being with a guide but Esto was excellent and knowledgeable. In particular he did not join large groups of vehicles around the big ticket wildlife causing them stress but drove on and found us something else that we could watch quietly."
Arranged By Jessica Plumb
Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport
"Characterless hotel useful for airport"
2 nights
Arrived
6 Feb 2019
"This hotel was perfectly adequate for our needs but suffers from absence of outdoor areas to relax or spend time in. Suitable for one night only when needing to be close to the airport.
Dreadful piped music in every conceivable area - lift, bars, corridors and at the pool
Staff helpful but front desk staff and concierge completely without any initiative"
Dreadful piped music in every conceivable area - lift, bars, corridors and at the pool
Staff helpful but front desk staff and concierge completely without any initiative"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
"fab view at L Manyara Serena Safari Lodge"
1 night
Arrived
8 Feb 2019
"Set in beautiful grounds with a wonderful view of the lake the rooms are well furnished inside Disney style rustic houses.
Staff were extremely welcoming and helpful.
Buffet style dinner and breakfast were perfectly good but not remarkable."
Staff were extremely welcoming and helpful.
Buffet style dinner and breakfast were perfectly good but not remarkable."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Zebra
10+ sightings
Lake Manyara Safari
"Safari in Lake Manyara National Park review"
8 Feb 2019 • All-day excursion
A lush and beautiful park with great birds.
Lake Manyara is a gentle warm up to the delights of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and others. It has a good range of wildlife but given its dense nature some of it can be a little hard to see.
Lake Manyara is a gentle warm up to the delights of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and others. It has a good range of wildlife but given its dense nature some of it can be a little hard to see.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
"Entamanu Ngorongoro review"
3 nights
Arrived
9 Feb 2019
"Great camp, lovely and helpful staff, excellent food. Positioned back from the crater rim it has lovely views, great accommodation. The only drawback is a bumpy and long trip back from the crater at the end of the day."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Black Rhino
6 sightings
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
"Safari in Ngorongoro Crater review"
10 Feb 2019 • All-day excursion
Over two days we were almost constantly watching wildlife from the major animals such as lions , elephants and rhino to the smaller things such as flamingos, various types of monkeys and hyenas. The landscape is very beautiful indeed with the sides of the crater forming a backdrop to the wildlife. Fortunately we had a driver who avoided other vehicles which sometimes gathered too thickly around major sitings.
Ubuntu Camp
"Ubuntu Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
12 Feb 2019
"A lovely nomad camp with excellent staff attractively positioned looking out over the landscape with great wildlife for the migration (we were very lucky) and good food."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Dunia Camp
"Dunia Camp review"
3 nights
Arrived
15 Feb 2019
"Spacious tents set in long grass in woodland with a great view from the communal tent/restaurant/bar area."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Average
Sightings report
Buffalo
10+ sightings
Eland
10+ sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Giraffe
10+ sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Lion
10+ sightings
Spotted Hyena
10+ sightings
Wildebeest
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Terrific trip
Namibia and 2 other countries between 19 Apr 2018 and 14 May 2018
"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
the only part where we were disappointed was with the transfer arrangements between Muchenje Lodge and Victoria Falls but this feedback form does not provide the opportunity to comment."
the only part where we were disappointed was with the transfer arrangements between Muchenje Lodge and Victoria Falls but this feedback form does not provide the opportunity to comment."
Arranged By Claire Scott
Olive Grove
"Great place overnight on arrival/departure "
1 night
Arrived
20 Apr 2018
"Pleasant room, warm welcome and delicious evening meal."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Excellent
Waterberg Camp
"Waterberg Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
21 Apr 2018
"Government run camp so more spartan than private lodges (but also cheaper). Rooms have been refurbished since our stay in 2017 and had improved though the staff on the registration desk need customer relations training - not rude just a bit hopeless.
Good place for trails which makes a change from being in the car on safari. Excellent birding and other small wildlife both day and at night.
Safari a bit disappointing as during April too much vegetation to see much."
Good place for trails which makes a change from being in the car on safari. Excellent birding and other small wildlife both day and at night.
Safari a bit disappointing as during April too much vegetation to see much."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Poor
Activities
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Facilities
Average
Hobatere Lodge
"small lodge in beautiful landscape"
2 nights
Arrived
23 Apr 2018
"Stayed here in 2017 and pleased to return.
Lovely warm welcome from staff and excellent food and drink. Safaris yielded plenty of game and elephant. Sadly no lions this time (18 in 2017)."
Lovely warm welcome from staff and excellent food and drink. Safaris yielded plenty of game and elephant. Sadly no lions this time (18 in 2017)."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Dolomite Camp
"Astonishingly view across Etosha"
1 night
Arrived
25 Apr 2018
"Unusual camp perched on rocky formation with amazing views - 5 rhino visible from our tented cabin amongst a sea of game.
Great infinity pool with view and lovely tented cabins.
Slightly disappointing restaurant with patchy service. Noone seemed to know whether safari drives were available, fortunately we were happy to do our own thing."
Great infinity pool with view and lovely tented cabins.
Slightly disappointing restaurant with patchy service. Noone seemed to know whether safari drives were available, fortunately we were happy to do our own thing."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Poor
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Okaukuejo Camp
"Barracks like accommodation in Etosha"
1 night
Arrived
26 Apr 2018
"This is a government run camp and the main selling point is the location rather than the camp itself. We stayed in 2017. Nothing had changed. Indifferent buffet meal served by willing but rather muddled staff and overseen by a rude and patronising cashier. Swimming pool out of service. Accommodation though basic is clean. Fine for an overnight stay given the quality of wildlife around the camp."
Poor
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Poor
Location
Good
Service
Terrible
Facilities
Terrible
Rooms
Poor
Food
Poor
Mushara Lodge
"Wonderful lodge with outstanding service"
3 nights
Arrived
27 Apr 2018
"We stayed her in 2017 and made the right decision to go back. It is a lovely lodge with great food, service and style."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Taranga Safari Lodge
"lodge with great river view"
1 night
Arrived
30 Apr 2018
"The welcome and accommodation at Taranga was excellent. They also very kindly gave us free bubbly as it was my birthday.
Sadly however the food was poor."
Sadly however the food was poor."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Poor
Nxamaseri Lodge
"Fabulous lodge surrounded by waterlillies"
2 nights
Arrived
1 May 2018
"We stayed here in 2017 and were pleased to return. The cabins have been refurbished and although we loved the place previously we were very pleased with the new designs.
Nxamaseri allocates a guide to each visitor and this is great as it enables you to do whatever you want at a time that suits you and the guide can respond to your interests and knowledge level."
Nxamaseri allocates a guide to each visitor and this is great as it enables you to do whatever you want at a time that suits you and the guide can respond to your interests and knowledge level."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Nambwa Tented Lodge
"beautiful tented cabins above the forest"
2 nights
Arrived
3 May 2018
"We were transported from the main road up a sandy track which took almost an hour to reach the lodge. There were elephants everywhere around the lodge and we were able to walk above them on the wooden walkways between the tents and restaurant. The service, safaris and wildlife knowledge was terrific. Lovely meals overlooking the waterhole nearby."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Lianshulu Lodge
"Small lodge with warm welcome"
3 nights
Arrived
5 May 2018
"We stayed here in March 2017 and the same good service and warm welcome applied. Due to recent rains Lianshulu has been able to resume boat trips and this was excellent travelling along the river between Botswana and Namibia with lots of birds, hippo and elephant. The very high elephant grass on this visit (April) made it hard to spot smaller wildlife although we did see lion.
Animals walk though the camp and you are escorted at night. Lianshulu takes guests safety very seriously."
Animals walk though the camp and you are escorted at night. Lianshulu takes guests safety very seriously."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Good
Activities
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Muchenje Safari Lodge
"Stunning lodge with breathtaking view"
3 nights
Arrived
8 May 2018
"Warm welcome from the host and lovely cabin with two bathrooms, two terraces beautifully furnished. The star of the show was the view towards Namibia over the floodplain with water higher than the Chobe river front has experienced for some years.
Great morning, afternoon, night and all day safaris provided with truly first class wildlife sightings. However we visited out of season and found the Chobe river front nonetheless very busy compared to the weeks we have spent in Namibia and were not at all keen about vehicles surrounding wildlife.
Elephants walk through the camp and guards walk you to and from your cabin at night so visiting is not for the faint-hearted."
Great morning, afternoon, night and all day safaris provided with truly first class wildlife sightings. However we visited out of season and found the Chobe river front nonetheless very busy compared to the weeks we have spent in Namibia and were not at all keen about vehicles surrounding wildlife.
Elephants walk through the camp and guards walk you to and from your cabin at night so visiting is not for the faint-hearted."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Ilala Lodge
"Well sited hotel 10 mins walk from Vic Falls"
2 nights
Arrived
11 May 2018
"This large hotel came as a bit of a shock after a month of more intimate lodges and camps. However the staff were helpful and friendly.
the rooms are typical standard hotel fair. Unfortunately a new block is being built(May 2018) and there was drilling and banging during the day. There is also a disco behind the hotel with music playing until after midnight.
Breakfast was excellent but service at dinner on the 2 nights we stayed there was painfully slow though they are recruiting new staff."
the rooms are typical standard hotel fair. Unfortunately a new block is being built(May 2018) and there was drilling and banging during the day. There is also a disco behind the hotel with music playing until after midnight.
Breakfast was excellent but service at dinner on the 2 nights we stayed there was painfully slow though they are recruiting new staff."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Poor
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Our month in Namibia/Botswana
Namibia and 1 other country between 18 Mar 2017 and 15 Apr 2017
"We had a wonderful month and intend to return to Namibia with a longer trip into Botswana."
Galton House
"overnight stay on arrival in Windhoek"
1 night
Arrived
18 Mar 2017
"Galton House is a clean and compact hotel ideal for an overnight stay on arrival or before flying out of Windhoek.
The welcome was warm, and the food was pleasant. The bread at breakfast was fabulous."
The welcome was warm, and the food was pleasant. The bread at breakfast was fabulous."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Average
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Mushara Lodge
"Lovely lodge just outside Etosha National Pk"
3 nights
Arrived
19 Mar 2017
"We stayed for 3 nights in a thatched cottage. Staff were warm and welcoming, food was first class, the furnishings were lovely.
We had a great early morning game drive with an excellent guide.
Mosquitos outside at dinner were voracious."
We had a great early morning game drive with an excellent guide.
Mosquitos outside at dinner were voracious."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Hakusembe River Lodge
"Pleasant lodge with river view"
1 night
Arrived
22 Mar 2017
"Great location and lovely grounds on the river overlooking Angola. Pleasant for walks amongst the cattle.
The rooms were clean and pleasant but the food was not as good as we experienced in other lodges."
The rooms were clean and pleasant but the food was not as good as we experienced in other lodges."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Nxamaseri Lodge
"magical lodge on Okavanga delta"
2 nights
Arrived
23 Mar 2017
"This was a highlight.
The instructions from Expert Africa for meeting our welcome vehicle referred to a time change between Botswana and Namibia. These instructions were not relevant as the timechange was the following week and this caused confusion and bit of panic as crossing the border was slow.
The transfer from meeting the welcome vehicle to the lodge was exciting with a safari vehicle and river trip to the lodge with masses of yellow butterflies and wildlife.
Our room was lovely with only three sides and a view through the trees. Food was excellent and our trips with Adam punting a canoe through the reeds were glorious. We learnt a lot about the birdlife."
The instructions from Expert Africa for meeting our welcome vehicle referred to a time change between Botswana and Namibia. These instructions were not relevant as the timechange was the following week and this caused confusion and bit of panic as crossing the border was slow.
The transfer from meeting the welcome vehicle to the lodge was exciting with a safari vehicle and river trip to the lodge with masses of yellow butterflies and wildlife.
Our room was lovely with only three sides and a view through the trees. Food was excellent and our trips with Adam punting a canoe through the reeds were glorious. We learnt a lot about the birdlife."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Lianshulu Lodge
"spectacular thatched lodge "
2 nights
Arrived
25 Mar 2017
"This was a highlight.
Staff could not have been more welcoming or helpful. Food was excellent and the game drives were run at our convenience. We saw a great deal.
We were escorted from our cottage to the main building at night due to elephant, hippo and leopard in the camp."
Staff could not have been more welcoming or helpful. Food was excellent and the game drives were run at our convenience. We saw a great deal.
We were escorted from our cottage to the main building at night due to elephant, hippo and leopard in the camp."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Shametu River Lodge
"Lodge by Poppit Falls"
2 nights
Arrived
27 Mar 2017
"Our stay at Shametu was slightly disappointing. There was extensive remodelling of the grounds which was underway when we were there and our first afternoon we were unable to sit outside on the very pleasant terrace to our cottage due to a powersaw and concrete mixer which made a loud racket.
The cabin itself was lovely with good facilities and a pleasant design. The paths were being laid and we had to tip toe around the grounds amongst concrete debris. We were the only guests and we felt as if we were slightly in the way as so much rebuilding was going on.
The design of the main lodge was nowhere near as sympathetic to the surroundings as other lodges we stayed in.
Restaurant staff were absolutely lovely to us."
The cabin itself was lovely with good facilities and a pleasant design. The paths were being laid and we had to tip toe around the grounds amongst concrete debris. We were the only guests and we felt as if we were slightly in the way as so much rebuilding was going on.
The design of the main lodge was nowhere near as sympathetic to the surroundings as other lodges we stayed in.
Restaurant staff were absolutely lovely to us."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Roy's Restcamp
"querky camp handy for overnight stay"
1 night
Arrived
29 Mar 2017
"Warm welcome after long drive on featureless road.
Fairly basic and querky cabins which have single beds, and odd furnishings.
We liked this restcamp for an overnight stay and enjoyed some of the walks around the grounds.
Everything was clean and well provided, Service was fine, but without polish."
Fairly basic and querky cabins which have single beds, and odd furnishings.
We liked this restcamp for an overnight stay and enjoyed some of the walks around the grounds.
Everything was clean and well provided, Service was fine, but without polish."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Average
Service
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Waterberg Camp
"slightly unloved camp in spectacular setting"
1 night
Arrived
30 Mar 2017
"Waterberg camp feels unloved.
The cabins are clean but basic and some of the facilities also require a facelift. For example the trails which were signposted were completely unpassable and this is a disappontment.
Staff tried to be helpful staff but none seemed to be in charge overall.
So in the morning there was no water in our cabin (or any other cabin at the top of the sight) and staff in the restaurant and reception were unaware of this so that cleaning staff could not do their jobs."
The cabins are clean but basic and some of the facilities also require a facelift. For example the trails which were signposted were completely unpassable and this is a disappontment.
Staff tried to be helpful staff but none seemed to be in charge overall.
So in the morning there was no water in our cabin (or any other cabin at the top of the sight) and staff in the restaurant and reception were unaware of this so that cleaning staff could not do their jobs."
Poor
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Poor
Location
Good
Service
Poor
Rooms
Poor
Food
Average
Ondudu Safari Lodge
"wonderful tented cabins amongst the rocks"
2 nights
Arrived
31 Mar 2017
"The tented chalets were a highlight and we loved sitting on various terraces looking at the views. The staff were uniformly helpful and welcoming.
Our guided nature walk was a treat and we leant a great deal.Great for birds.
Food was excellent, the pool was lovely."
Our guided nature walk was a treat and we leant a great deal.Great for birds.
Food was excellent, the pool was lovely."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Activities
Good
Immanuel Wilderness Lodge
"pleasant lodge near Windhoek"
1 night
Arrived
2 Apr 2017
"Small cabins were adequate for an overnight stay. Good aircon, clean and fresh with slightly old fashioned bathrooms.
Odd gardens with pets and flowers mixed together where interesting. Lovely pool.slightly spoilt by the sound of the main road.
Food was terrific. The set menu an absolute treat as was the locally made cheese at breakfast."
Odd gardens with pets and flowers mixed together where interesting. Lovely pool.slightly spoilt by the sound of the main road.
Food was terrific. The set menu an absolute treat as was the locally made cheese at breakfast."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Average
Service
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Excellent
Okonjima Bush Camp
"First class lodge with wonderful wildlife"
1 night
Arrived
3 Apr 2017
"The lodge and cabins are beautifully furnished and equipped but as we spent so much time on game drives we sadly had inadequate time to use and enjoy these wonderful facilities properly.
All staff provided a warm welcome and the trips were tailored around our party of 5. We got within 12 feet of leopard, 30 feet of white rhinos and walked to watch 3 cheetah.
There were also sighting of some game and lots of birds.
Dinner and breakfast was professionally served and delicious."
All staff provided a warm welcome and the trips were tailored around our party of 5. We got within 12 feet of leopard, 30 feet of white rhinos and walked to watch 3 cheetah.
There were also sighting of some game and lots of birds.
Dinner and breakfast was professionally served and delicious."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Okaukuejo Camp
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
4 Apr 2017
"Pleasant, clean but inimaginative chalets. Excellent barbecue for all guests.
Lovely views over waterhole with lots of zebra activity;."
Lovely views over waterhole with lots of zebra activity;."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Activities
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Good
Facilities
Average
Dolomite Camp
"Fabulous views and great wildlife"
1 night
Arrived
5 Apr 2017
"Lovely tented cabins in a stunning location with great views of the plains below and lots of wildlife.
Staff in restaurant pleasant but overstretched. Food very average."
Staff in restaurant pleasant but overstretched. Food very average."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Poor
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Hobatere Lodge
"lovely camp with fabulous staff"
1 night
Arrived
6 Apr 2017
"Magical drive into camp along 30k of sand road.
Pleasant and clean cabins in a camp which has been recently fenced due to lion activity.
Good restaurant. All staff were friendly, helpful and efficient."
Pleasant and clean cabins in a camp which has been recently fenced due to lion activity.
Good restaurant. All staff were friendly, helpful and efficient."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Grootberg Lodge
"Breathtaking views from Grootberg"
1 night
Arrived
7 Apr 2017
"Efficiently collected from communal parking and driven up steep hill to camp.
Pleasant welcome and slighly bare but clean and comfortable cabins with astonishing views.
Great guided nature walk, infinity pool with spectacular view.
Good and friendly service."
Pleasant welcome and slighly bare but clean and comfortable cabins with astonishing views.
Great guided nature walk, infinity pool with spectacular view.
Good and friendly service."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Brandberg White Lady Lodge
"Useful desert stopover "
2 nights
Arrived
8 Apr 2017
"The lodge is a useful stop over between Darmaraland and Swakopmund and (in the season) sightings of desert elephant are regular and close. Unfortunately the elephant to do not travel through here until June and we were wrongly advised.
The cabin rooms were clean when we arrived but not cleaned the following day. They are very basic and there is no air conditioning and the fans operate for 10 minutes early evening and then the power runs out. Windows had panels of mosquito netting missing although there were mosquito nets on the single beds.
The lodge requires maintenance. the pool and seating around it needs care although the walled garden, populated by several active tortoises, is immaculate and clearly a work of love. Sunsets from the rocks above the hotel looking over the desert are spectacular.
The front desk staff were not helpful, restaurant staff were very pleasant.
There is singing from the local community/staff after dinner."
The cabin rooms were clean when we arrived but not cleaned the following day. They are very basic and there is no air conditioning and the fans operate for 10 minutes early evening and then the power runs out. Windows had panels of mosquito netting missing although there were mosquito nets on the single beds.
The lodge requires maintenance. the pool and seating around it needs care although the walled garden, populated by several active tortoises, is immaculate and clearly a work of love. Sunsets from the rocks above the hotel looking over the desert are spectacular.
The front desk staff were not helpful, restaurant staff were very pleasant.
There is singing from the local community/staff after dinner."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Poor
Food
Average
Feedback response
We are very sorry that these travellers didn't get the chance to see desert elephants during their stay at Brandberg White Lady Lodge. At this time of year around the whole of southern Damaraland it can be tricky to find desert elephants as they often move off into the mountains. This can be even more pronounced at Brandberg due to the proximity to the mountainous areas. We did not portray this strongly enough when advising these travellers that this would be the case and will ensure that we do so in the future.
Sam's Giardino
"Pleasant hotel in Swakopmund"
2 nights
Arrived
10 Apr 2017
"Well appointed rooms in Swiss style in handy hotel within walking distance of town centre.
Warm welcome from the host who likes to talk and helpfully gave us local advice.
Good food and excellent wine list. Breakfast a particular treat."
Warm welcome from the host who likes to talk and helpfully gave us local advice.
Good food and excellent wine list. Breakfast a particular treat."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Le Mirage Lodge
"Good base for Sossuvei"
2 nights
Arrived
12 Apr 2017
"Le Mirage is an odd looking structure but the strong winds during our stay in April made us understand that the design acts as a windbreak and offers shade for visitors.
Large cavenous rooms are basic but clean and functional. Lovely pool and good restaurant with efficient friendly staff.
Wifi hopeless."
Large cavenous rooms are basic but clean and functional. Lovely pool and good restaurant with efficient friendly staff.
Wifi hopeless."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Good
Rooms
Average
Food
Good
BullsPort Lodge and Farm
"Handy stopover at Bullsport"
1 night
Arrived
14 Apr 2017
"Beautifully designed comfortable cabins on farm with excellent meals served by friendly staff and hosted by family.
We enjoyed some walks which were well signposted and in beautiful grassy countryside."
We enjoyed some walks which were well signposted and in beautiful grassy countryside."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Average
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
The camp is situated in unusual and beautiful trees above the crater and whilst it does not offer views the access to the park is very quick."