Travel reviews by Jonathan from Newcastle
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
2
Countries visited
2
Lodges stayed in
16
Excursions taken
1
My Jul 2024 trip - Botswana & Namibia
Namibia and 1 other country between 19 Jul 2024 and 2 Aug 2024
"Given this is Africa and I'm used to setting expectations on organisation accordingly, the fact that this trip was flawless in its organiasation is even more incredible.
Almost all the hotels were fabulous and we invariably had the best rooms - not sure if that's because we booked early or wheather its Expert Africa's influence but definately no complaints here.
The trip was exactly what we asked for and although it was a year in the planning, Sabina took time to understand our needs and organised a trip that met them and worked well. Things like picking up the car in Namibia and organising a taxi across the Botswana border worked well and saved us money.
Being able to explain what we were after and then for her to make suggestions and evolve the trip accordingly definately worked well and we now have some ideas for our next trip. Will definatley look to use Expert Africa again if possible.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Very impressed with everything - just wish you did Uganda and Angola as these are two countries I'm keen to visit."
Almost all the hotels were fabulous and we invariably had the best rooms - not sure if that's because we booked early or wheather its Expert Africa's influence but definately no complaints here.
The trip was exactly what we asked for and although it was a year in the planning, Sabina took time to understand our needs and organised a trip that met them and worked well. Things like picking up the car in Namibia and organising a taxi across the Botswana border worked well and saved us money.
Being able to explain what we were after and then for her to make suggestions and evolve the trip accordingly definately worked well and we now have some ideas for our next trip. Will definatley look to use Expert Africa again if possible.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Very impressed with everything - just wish you did Uganda and Angola as these are two countries I'm keen to visit."
Arranged By Sabina Hekandjo
Chobe River Lodge
"Chobe River Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
19 Jul 2024
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
10+ sightings
Hippo
6 sightings
Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge
"Nkasa Lupala Tented Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
21 Jul 2024
"The highlight of this place is its location
Sat all by itself over looking a water hole which was frequented by numerous large groups of elephants. It is a little bit off grid so the facilities arent perhaps as good as some other places but there's a small pool to cool down, the afternoon tea is nice (if you get to the cake before the monkey's do) and its got a lovely open area to relax overlooking the waterhole with beer on tap.
Food was good, rooms were lovely (shower in the evening when the water has heated up from the sun) and had wildlife coming right up to them.
We went on the bushman walking safari which mde a nice change from being stuck in a vehicle and the guide new his stuff."
Sat all by itself over looking a water hole which was frequented by numerous large groups of elephants. It is a little bit off grid so the facilities arent perhaps as good as some other places but there's a small pool to cool down, the afternoon tea is nice (if you get to the cake before the monkey's do) and its got a lovely open area to relax overlooking the waterhole with beer on tap.
Food was good, rooms were lovely (shower in the evening when the water has heated up from the sun) and had wildlife coming right up to them.
We went on the bushman walking safari which mde a nice change from being stuck in a vehicle and the guide new his stuff."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Good
Sightings report
Elephant
Many sightings
Nambwa Tented Lodge
"Nambwa Tented Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
23 Jul 2024
"Best rooms of all the hotels on our trip
There was a little bit of confusion as to where we were supposed to be to get picked up to be taken to the hotel (this could hve been clearer in the instructions) but the hotel rang us to ask where we were and gave us directions after we went wrong. We left our car in an eco camp and were picked up and taken to the hotel by boat - a nice start.
The rooms in this place are incredible and definately the highlight. Staff were lovely, food was good and the evening excurision out on the river was very pleasant. The view from the central area with the fire pit behind was a great place to watch the sun set.
Definatley a place we'd be happy to return to although we didn't see many animals here."
There was a little bit of confusion as to where we were supposed to be to get picked up to be taken to the hotel (this could hve been clearer in the instructions) but the hotel rang us to ask where we were and gave us directions after we went wrong. We left our car in an eco camp and were picked up and taken to the hotel by boat - a nice start.
The rooms in this place are incredible and definately the highlight. Staff were lovely, food was good and the evening excurision out on the river was very pleasant. The view from the central area with the fire pit behind was a great place to watch the sun set.
Definatley a place we'd be happy to return to although we didn't see many animals here."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Eland
2 sightings
Hippo
10+ sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
River Dance Lodge
"River Dance Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
25 Jul 2024
"Probably our favourite hotel of the trip and it had some stiff competition - the view from the room was wonderful.
A small number of rooms, each standing alone with big windows and a deck overlooking the Okavango River and over into Angola. We watched crocodiles from our deck and whilst this place wasn't perhaps as luxurious as some, it was just lovely. Food and service was good, staff very friendly and we went on a mountain bike trip and a boat trip where we saw a huge number of hippos and had sundowners on the Angolan side of the river.
As an aside, the hotel also sponsors a lot of the development in the local community including supporting the schools.
Definately a place we'd chose to go back to."
A small number of rooms, each standing alone with big windows and a deck overlooking the Okavango River and over into Angola. We watched crocodiles from our deck and whilst this place wasn't perhaps as luxurious as some, it was just lovely. Food and service was good, staff very friendly and we went on a mountain bike trip and a boat trip where we saw a huge number of hippos and had sundowners on the Angolan side of the river.
As an aside, the hotel also sponsors a lot of the development in the local community including supporting the schools.
Definately a place we'd chose to go back to."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Hippo
10+ sightings
Onguma Bush Camp
"Onguma Bush Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
27 Jul 2024
"Great and very friendly staff.
There was nothing wrong with this place and on a normal trip you'd probably rave about it but compared to all the other hotels, it felt like the sort of place you'd get in an American theme park - manicured lawns build around a man made water hole with and electric fence around the compound to keep the animals out and another around the whole estate to keep the animals in.
Everything was well kept and to a high standard and the food was good but it just didn't feel as authentic as the other places."
There was nothing wrong with this place and on a normal trip you'd probably rave about it but compared to all the other hotels, it felt like the sort of place you'd get in an American theme park - manicured lawns build around a man made water hole with and electric fence around the compound to keep the animals out and another around the whole estate to keep the animals in.
Everything was well kept and to a high standard and the food was good but it just didn't feel as authentic as the other places."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
6 sightings
Okaukuejo Camp
"Okaukuejo Camp review"
1 night
Arrived
29 Jul 2024
"Dreadful service
We knew in advance that with this being a government owned property it was not likely to be at the same standard as the others on our trip. We had great rooms right next to the water hole and there was plenty to see - elephants, black rhino's, giraffes and the rooms themselves, although basic were fine.
What really let this place down was the staff and service. We booked dinner for 19.30 and were finally served 2 hours later - the food was cold, they'd obviously run out of certain items (we got a different soup and different veg to what was offerred) and the staff didn't seem to care - at least we got food which some families didn't."
We knew in advance that with this being a government owned property it was not likely to be at the same standard as the others on our trip. We had great rooms right next to the water hole and there was plenty to see - elephants, black rhino's, giraffes and the rooms themselves, although basic were fine.
What really let this place down was the staff and service. We booked dinner for 19.30 and were finally served 2 hours later - the food was cold, they'd obviously run out of certain items (we got a different soup and different veg to what was offerred) and the staff didn't seem to care - at least we got food which some families didn't."
Poor
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Poor
Location
Excellent
Service
Terrible
Facilities
Average
Rooms
Good
Food
Poor
Sightings report
Black Rhino
2 sightings
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
6 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
Doro Nawas
"Doro Nawas review"
2 nights
Arrived
30 Jul 2024
"Stunning location
This would have competed for my favourite hotel of the trip if they hadn't messed up breakfast on the last morning. The location is stunning, set on a hill with views of mountains all around and with a lovely cool breeze. The activities weren't as inspiring as some places and my early morning walking tour was with a new guide who was obviously still getting to grips with what to do, show.
The rooms are great, with their own private balconies and big doors which you can wheel the beds out off to lie and watch the stars or even sleep under them if you fancy. The staff are great, plenty of singing and they really look as though they enjoy themselves.
The food was good and they take pride in not wasting anything but they ran out of meat during the buffet for the second night and then breakfast on the last morning she completely messed up the order and I ended up with a sausage that hadn't been cooked. When I mentioned it the server didn't seem to care and I got no follow up.
However, that apart, definately another place we'd like to return to"
This would have competed for my favourite hotel of the trip if they hadn't messed up breakfast on the last morning. The location is stunning, set on a hill with views of mountains all around and with a lovely cool breeze. The activities weren't as inspiring as some places and my early morning walking tour was with a new guide who was obviously still getting to grips with what to do, show.
The rooms are great, with their own private balconies and big doors which you can wheel the beds out off to lie and watch the stars or even sleep under them if you fancy. The staff are great, plenty of singing and they really look as though they enjoy themselves.
The food was good and they take pride in not wasting anything but they ran out of meat during the buffet for the second night and then breakfast on the last morning she completely messed up the order and I ended up with a sausage that hadn't been cooked. When I mentioned it the server didn't seem to care and I got no follow up.
However, that apart, definately another place we'd like to return to"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Average
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Spitzkoppen Lodge
"Spitzkoppen Lodge review"
1 night
Arrived
1 Aug 2024
"A very quirky little place
It was so nice to be able to get out into the local area and walk around and explore by yourself. The hotel itself could have been part of the set for Astroid City, really great light and set in amongst sandstone hills. We only had one night here and had to leave early the following morning so we didn't get to fully appreciate all its facilities.
Rooms were fine (very large comfy bed) and swimming pool set in the rock was a nice feature. Food was good and service attentive and would have liked another day to have tried one of their walking trips."
It was so nice to be able to get out into the local area and walk around and explore by yourself. The hotel itself could have been part of the set for Astroid City, really great light and set in amongst sandstone hills. We only had one night here and had to leave early the following morning so we didn't get to fully appreciate all its facilities.
Rooms were fine (very large comfy bed) and swimming pool set in the rock was a nice feature. Food was good and service attentive and would have liked another day to have tried one of their walking trips."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Zebra
4 sightings
My Jul 2022 trip
Namibia between 17 Jul 2022 and 30 Jul 2022
"The trip had to be postponed three times due to personal circumstances and covid so it wasn't the easiest to arrange. However, when it finally happened it was superb. We were originally looking to organise it ourselves but so glad we used Expert Africa for a number of reasons:
1. Their recommendations on hotels and advice on an itinerary. All the hotels were fantastic and without the advice, we'd have ended up driving in the dark which is not recommended
2. The price they charged for the hotels was no more expensive than booking direct and occasionally cheaper
3. When one of the hotels on the trip closed for refurbishment, they recommended and booked a replacement for us immediately, in line with the itenary.
4. For the first two trips we booked the Fish River Canyon ourselves which was a real hassle, sometime there were spaces available on a certain date, sometime not. Once we realised Expert Africa could do it for us, it was so much easier. They booked and changed it in-line with the itinarey.
5. The small things - being met at Windhoek airport by a representative who took us to the office in the airport so we could get organised, help us with car pick-up. The map we were given with our route marked on it along with the location of the hotels and time to drive between them (not obvious) plus the Namibia book, nice wallet to store all our paper work made it all feel very professional
6. Flexibility in changing our trip each year, rebooking the hotels plus advice given when we asked"
1. Their recommendations on hotels and advice on an itinerary. All the hotels were fantastic and without the advice, we'd have ended up driving in the dark which is not recommended
2. The price they charged for the hotels was no more expensive than booking direct and occasionally cheaper
3. When one of the hotels on the trip closed for refurbishment, they recommended and booked a replacement for us immediately, in line with the itenary.
4. For the first two trips we booked the Fish River Canyon ourselves which was a real hassle, sometime there were spaces available on a certain date, sometime not. Once we realised Expert Africa could do it for us, it was so much easier. They booked and changed it in-line with the itinarey.
5. The small things - being met at Windhoek airport by a representative who took us to the office in the airport so we could get organised, help us with car pick-up. The map we were given with our route marked on it along with the location of the hotels and time to drive between them (not obvious) plus the Namibia book, nice wallet to store all our paper work made it all feel very professional
6. Flexibility in changing our trip each year, rebooking the hotels plus advice given when we asked"
Arranged By Sabina Hekandjo
River Crossing
"River Crossing review"
1 night
Arrived
17 Jul 2022
"Check-in very friendly, rooms spacious and functional, view from deck bar superb, evening meal ok, breakfast good, location great for a first night stop after arriving."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
1 night
Arrived
18 Jul 2022
"We had rooms near the pool but there were other rooms further from the hotel reception with probably better views of the game reserve.
Nice pool, great bar, very friendly staff, great location set in its own little game reserve with plenty of animals walking around. Evening meal was superb and a good breakfast. Quite a long drive from the main road. One room had no window but the other had a view out into the reserve."
Nice pool, great bar, very friendly staff, great location set in its own little game reserve with plenty of animals walking around. Evening meal was superb and a good breakfast. Quite a long drive from the main road. One room had no window but the other had a view out into the reserve."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Eland
2 sightings
Meerkat
10+ sightings
Oryx
5 sightings
Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa
"Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa review"
1 night
Arrived
19 Jul 2022
"Government run and rather run down. Service on first night very, very slow, restaurant very basic, rooms large but dark and basic.
Fine for setting off and getting organised for the Fish River Canyon trek. Very limited wifi and phone reception.
Ran out of beer on the last night. Food basic but ok."
Fine for setting off and getting organised for the Fish River Canyon trek. Very limited wifi and phone reception.
Ran out of beer on the last night. Food basic but ok."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Good
Service
Average
Facilities
Average
Rooms
Poor
Food
Average
Sightings report
Oryx
4 sightings
Fish River Hike (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Fish River Hike review"
4 nights
Arrived
20 Jul 2022
"A fantastic hike, spectacular scenery, nobody else around, places to swim and cool down all in a wonderful setting.
If you're used to walking and have trained then its relatively easy - 65Km in five days across various surface (boulders, rock, loose sand, compact sand) if you take all the short cuts but if you haven't, you will struggle."
If you're used to walking and have trained then its relatively easy - 65Km in five days across various surface (boulders, rock, loose sand, compact sand) if you take all the short cuts but if you haven't, you will struggle."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa
"Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa review"
1 night
Arrived
24 Jul 2022
"See previous review of the same hotel"
Average
Kanaan Desert Retreat
"Kanaan Desert Retreat review"
1 night
Arrived
25 Jul 2022
"Unbelievable location, built on the edge of a hillside overlooking miles and miles of savanah. Huts basic, with hot water only in the afternoon and evening as heated by the sun but when you're this remote, its part of the experience.
Watching the sunset and the sunrise from the hut balcony ...with animals and birds walking on the plains below. Only a few rooms which adds to the relaxed and intermitate feel. The restaurant has similar views, dinner and breakfast was excellent, staff very friendly.
Would love to go back and spend a couple of nights there."
Watching the sunset and the sunrise from the hut balcony ...with animals and birds walking on the plains below. Only a few rooms which adds to the relaxed and intermitate feel. The restaurant has similar views, dinner and breakfast was excellent, staff very friendly.
Would love to go back and spend a couple of nights there."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Facilities
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Oryx
4 sightings
Hoodia Desert Lodge
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
26 Jul 2022
"Wow, what a place.
Kanaan was fantastic for its views and location but this hotel was the highlight of the trip, so glad we had two nights here. Rooms beautiful and set apart, location great, main hotel building beautiful, lovely bar, fabulous restaurant and food, staff wonderful, sundowners on the little hill next to the hotel spectacular, trip to the dunes and meal in the bush wonderful.
We so want to go back again."
Kanaan was fantastic for its views and location but this hotel was the highlight of the trip, so glad we had two nights here. Rooms beautiful and set apart, location great, main hotel building beautiful, lovely bar, fabulous restaurant and food, staff wonderful, sundowners on the little hill next to the hotel spectacular, trip to the dunes and meal in the bush wonderful.
We so want to go back again."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Oryx
10+ sightings
Zebra
10+ sightings
Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion
"Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion review"
27 Jul 2022 • All-day excursion
A really nive and very knowledgable guide, took us away from the crowds, listened to what we wanted to do, scenery spectacular, lunch location beautiful and all to ourselves, very out of Africa - food and drink selection perfect.
Excellent
Strand Hotel
"Strand Hotel review"
2 nights
Arrived
28 Jul 2022
"A new hotel compared to all the previous ones so a bit of a shock to the system. However, location great, fish restaurant good, steak bar nice, staff unbelievably friendly and helpfull, rooms lovely with a great view over the ocean.
There was some work going on which meant that the other couple we were staying with had to exit the hotel and walk round the back to get to reception but no more than a small inconveniece.
Breakfast was unbelievable - everything from Oysters to cakes to cereals to cold platter to full cooked breakfast, as good as anywhere we've been."
There was some work going on which meant that the other couple we were staying with had to exit the hotel and walk round the back to get to reception but no more than a small inconveniece.
Breakfast was unbelievable - everything from Oysters to cakes to cereals to cold platter to full cooked breakfast, as good as anywhere we've been."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
A great place to start the trip. Close to the airport, quiet and our rooms opened out onto the garden and river which had warthogs and other animals grazing on it. Nice big well appointed, cool rooms and a small pool outside to cool down.
Staff were lovely and attentive but the food was probably the highlight of this place - great breakfast and a choice of two menu options at dinner, both cooked beautifully.
Boat tour started at the bottom of the garden and whilst the river was busy with other tourist we did get to see swimming elephants"