Travel reviews by Mrs R from Billingshurst

"A comfortable guesthouse. Staff were welcoming and breakfast was good quality. The room was clean and comfortable, swimming pool freezing (as they all were at this time of year). There was a supermarket close by where we stocked up on food and water before heading off on our drive.

We would recommend the Stellenbosch wine bar and bistro which is a 10 minute drive away - great food and wine in beautiful surroundings."

"Desert Homestead Outpost is beautiful - the scenery with nothing man made for miles around was beautiful. The tented cabins were amazing with great views from the balcony and a roof terrace which we laid on to watch the stars. We got a personal welcome and tour from the manager on arrival, who was really friendly and welcoming.

The main building was lovely with a nice restaurant and viewing deck for sundowner drinks. We didn't use the pool (too cold!) but the pool area looked great too. The five course evening meal was excellent, with a choice of two main meals.

It is remote (20mins off the main gravel road on a very windy gravelly track) but that was the beauty of it. Highly recommended."

"The Strand hotel was a larger more business-focused accommodation than many on our trip but it was clean with a large, clean and comfortable room. The on site steak restaurant was great (as was the tug boat restaurant a two minute drive away) and breakfast was extensive in a lovely conservatory overlooking the sea.

Our room was very cold and the air conditioning would only cool, not heat. We did report it to reception but unfortunately they didn't manage to fix it during our stay.

It was a little bit difficult to find as it's on a one way system (you have to approach from the coastal access road)."

"Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is in a great location for visiting the cave engravings. Don't bother with the burnt mountain - waste of time! The views are fantastic here and they have their own cave engravings on site. A lovely bar for evening drinks at sunset and the food was very good - a carvery with multiple meat options and an extensive buffet with great service.

The main downside of this accommodation was the rooms. They were dark and a bit cramped, there was a leak from the taps in our bathroom so the floor was always wet, and there is no air conditioning so it was extremely hot and stuffy. There is also no fridge to cool down your wine but you can go over to the bar to get ice. If they renovated the rooms, this place would be great but at the moment it's a bit basic. Although we didn't use them, the lounger cushions round the pool looked very dirty.

We went on the Desert Elephant drive and unfortunately the truck broke down part way so we wasted a lot of time there (but still saw a bull elephant)."

"Okaukuejo Camp is a great location for exploring Etosha and visiting the on site watering hole both at night and during the day is a must. We saw lots of animals (giraffe, elephant, rhino, hyena, jackal) come to drink at the waterhole at night and there's plenty of seating so take a glass of wine and settle in for the night.

The rooms were basic but clean and comfortable. There was a bit of a wait to check in and pay park fees (and to check out at the end) so allow time for that.

We went on the dawn and night game drives which were both fantastic - guides were knowledgeable and we saw lots of wildlife. We went in June and it was freezing on the drives when the sun wasn't out so wrap up warm!

During our visit in June 2017 both the restaurant and swimming pool were undergoing renovations so were building sites. They weren't roped off - you could walk right amongst their ladders and building equipment both at night and during the day which could be a bit dangerous for families. It also meant all meals had to be eaten outside which was cold and dark early morning and later evening. We weren't aware of this before our trip and there was just a sign from management apologising for the 'minor' renovations.

The main downside of this Camp was the food. It was really poor quality and not worth the money at all. There was barbequeued meat each night which was ok but the potatoes/veg/polenta/other accompaniments were awful. They frequently ran out of food at breakfast and dinner and didn't replenish it at all. If you can take food with you to eat in your room, I would.

That said, I would still stay here again because it's a great base for your safari."

"Mushara was absolutely beautiful. The surroundings were quiet and peaceful and the main lodge and tented cabins really stunning. The tent was huge and luxurious - we loved the outdoor shower under the stars!

The service was excellent from all staff who were really welcoming and catered to our every need. The food was fantastic - evening meals in the main lodge with other guests were great and the chef would cook you something special if you didn't like what was on the menu that evening.

The swimming pool area was lovely for relaxing in the morning before a game drive, although we didn't go in the pool (too cold in June). We went on a morning game drive which was really good too - the driver told us where to go back to later that day to see a leaopard - we went there and saw one!!

Mushara outpost was fairly close to Etosha park although there was usually a queue to get in and out as you have to fill in some paperwork at the gate."

"Erongo Wilderness Lodge is set in the most stunning location, within the deep red rocks in the most natural setting. You had to drive up the bare rock for the last few hundred metres to get there (4wd needed, or they would give you a lift if needed).
The tented accommodation was fabulous with a private location and semi-outdoor bathroom which I loved! The balcony was perfect for evening sundowner drinks and the room had all the amenities you need.

Meals at the cosy main lodge (with open fire) were delicious with great service.

I so wish we'd had an extra day here to make the most of it and spend time taking in the views and walking in the surrounding area."