Travel reviews by Mr F & party from Portugal

"From Windhoek, we split in two our 900 Km journey to the Caprivi, using the Waterberg Camp has a one night stopover.
The 320Km were easily and quietly driven on tar road from Hosea Kutako Int. We just reached the Waterberg Plateau National Park in time for lunch, which we took on the nice restaurant. The food and service was good.
After lunch we had time for a short walk (Mountain View?) which was fairly enjoyable. Nevertheless we trust that, at the entrance office they should have /sell a booklet on the wilderness trails/walks /activities in the park, so that visitors could extract more from their visit to the park. Although they offer morning and afternoon game drives, we did not hire those services.
The facilities /chalets were good.
At late afternoon /evening a couple of Steinbucks could be seen grazing on the vicinity of the chalets.

We have stayed only one night at WPNP, which proved insufficient to fully enjoy it.

On the following morning and after an excellent breakfast we re-fueled our vehicle at the filling station available and proceeded to our next destination."

"We reached Ndhovu late afternoon (16:45 hrs), after leaving The Waterberg in the morning (08:00 AM). The drive was long but easily driven on tar. On the way up, early in the morning, between the Waterberg and Otavi, hundreds of warthogs could be observed grazing on the small shoots of grass that just thrive on the road margins. After Grootfontein, the landscape just starts to change becoming more arboreal. Namibia just changes gradually. Approaching Rundu, small villages surge around the main B8 and we start to see a more populated country. A slower and attentive drive is imperative.

After a long drive, Ndhovu becomes an oasis where you can relax and unwind. Monica and Johan were unobtrusive hostesses with a warm welcome. The Okavango just in front of our tented rooms makes its presence heard, with the hippo calls. The rooms are clean and spacious. The wooden deck overlooking the river is magnificent spot to watch the occasional African Otter (early morning) and to witness a spectacular african sunset.

On the following day we drove to the Mahango National Park, which can be easily and fairly explored with a sedan car."

"On the day before, we heard that the road C49 from Kongola to the turn-off to Sangwali village was in bad shape, due to some road works (road rebuilding), and that got us worried as we were driving a sedan vehicle. The road was perfectly passable, without any problems (two hour drive for 72km) . The B8 that transverses the whole Bwabwata National Park, and hence the Caprivi strip, is a good tarred road, but care should be taken as there are elephants crossing the road at times, due to the opened corridors to the neighboring countries (Angola/Zambia).
Reaching Sangwali we had people from the lodge waiting for us as expected. After leaving the sedan vehicle on the Nkasa Lupala NP / Wuparo Conservancy offices, the transfer to the lodge was done on a 4WD, which took less then 30 minutes.

The lodge itself is on the Wuparo Conservancy, which just borders the Nkasa Lupala National Park , and is situated on the margins of one of the water channels that links to the main Linyanti River (Kwando/ Chobe). Simone, Laura, Erika and of course the little and brave Hetore are incredible hostesses, that made our journey worthwhile. The whole lodge is driven on a low impact policy without leaving you without any amenity. The food is great, and the coffee excellent.
The lodge is the only operator on the Nkasa Lupala NP, and thus, as a visitor you feel privileged to be there enjoying it all. Activities are well explored as we can choose from game drives to the NLNP (including night drives on the neighboring Wuparo conservancy), boat trips on the subsidiary channels to the Linyanti River, or better, a combo activity that includes a whole morning, that comprises a game drive into the park and a boat drive on the Linyanti river itself, with the "Botswanan" Linyanti concession on the Chobe National Park, just on the other side. Incredible value.
Game wise the park is still being naturally re-populated, but we managed to see quite a lot including lion. Birdlife is prolific.

At the end of our visit, we felt that a three night stay is almost mandatory as to fully enjoy this hidden gem of Namibia."

"We left Nkasa Lupala (Namibia) at 07:30 AM and reached the Nxamaseri meeting point at 13:30 on the Botswana side. The Mohembo border cross procedure was straightforward and we paid a total of 150,00 Pula for the short term permit and road safety levy fee.The drive itself was calm and easy. Although tarred, the A35 that connects Mohembo to Sehithwa is severely potholed at some stages, and as in any road in Botswana, the presence of livestock on the roads should increase our attention while driving.

At the meeting point our guide for the next two days, Adam, was already waiting for us, as we arrived 30 minutes ahead of schedule. We left our vehicle on the Nxamaseri village, which was perfectly looked after. The transfer to the lodge, was done by 4WD and boat, and was done under 20 minutes. On the way we crossed the dry channel beds, that after the rainy season are completely flooded. We could immediately sense the profusion of bird life.

The lodge itself is a water based activity lodge, on the banks of the Nxamaseri channel , a tributary of the main Okavango river. Both waterbodies are awesome to be explored. The bird life is incredible. A game drive on the dry channel beds, neighboring the Nxamaseri island is, as well, worth to explore, as we can witness the everyday rural life of the "river people" while checking for wildlife.

Although we have not seen "big game" on this part of the Okavango (we were not in the flatter Delta), we felt once again, privileged, to visit this part of the Okavango, as we had the river just for ourselves. We thank Theo and Adam for being so hospitable and for making our stay unforgettable."

"We reached Rileys at 11:30 AM after leaving Nxamaseri early in the morning (4 hour drive /360Km). The roads (A35 and A3) although tarred are sometimes severely pot holed, and next to major villages, one can expect an increased frequency of livestock on the road.

We used Rileys just for one day /night in Maun, as we would need a town hotel in order to get organized for the Moremi/ Chobe trip (get supplies, exchanging money, car delivery, etc...). Within walking distance we had the major shopping centre of town with supermarkets, bottle stores, banks etc...

The hotel is a colonial style classic, rooms are spacious and clean and the service adequately good. Breakfast was excellent but the "a la carte" dinner was average/ standard.
The room offered was located on a silent part of the hotel, away from the main road, and we could have a restful evening/ night sleep."

"Wake up call was at 5:30, and breakfast at 6:00. We left Maun at the early morning hours and took the tarred b334 up to Shorobe. From there the road becomes graveled up to the Veterinary fence /Moremi turn off and severely pot holed and corrugated. After the Veterinary fence the road becomes more sandy and "easier" to drive. On the way to South Gate (Maqwee Gate) we had a glimpse of two honey badgers crossing the road. We reached South gate at 09:30 after a 3 hour drive from Maun.
The entrance to the park was easy and asked advice on road conditions / sightings to Thirdbridge. This was done on every single gate we checked in.

Apparently, they recently opened to the public a concession that was previously closed - the Black Pools Loop drive - a turnoff to the left from the main road to 3rd bridge just 5 km after exiting South Gate, and loops all the way to Xini Lagoon. We saw plenty of game, though no predators. We stopped for lunch at " the picnic site" , deeply in the loop, overlooking a pan. Fantastic.
From there we made our game drive straight to 3rd bridge, through sandy (sometimes deep sand) terrain. At 16:00 hrs we were at the campsite and settled for the evening. We did not venture for a late afternoon game drive.

Check in at the campsite was uneventful. The site itself is situated on fantastic spot, next to a papyrus lined water channel, where elephants came to drink at the end of the day. We settled on Campsite #3 under the shade of a magnificent camelthorn
tree. The ablution facilities were really good and clean, with hot water showers, toillet paper, hand soap dispensers, and electrically lightened. Next to the campsites there were a few tap water points that could be used for minor things."

"We left Thirdbridge at 6:30, after having the morning coffee, disassembling the rooftop tent, and getting things in order to drive. On the first day it took us around 45 minutes to get things proper, but by the end we were already used to a routine and things would come naturally faster.

In our plans there was an "easy and shorter" drive from Thirdbridge to Xakanaxa (around 20 Km) that would be complemented by extra game drives on the way. So, as we left Thirdbridge, we headed to Mboma Island and did the loop drive around. The roads were tight with overgrown vegetation, and we saw little.
After Mboma we decided to head for Xakanaxa, enjoy the game drive, reach the campsite in time for lunch and then go for a afternoon game drive.
As we passed Thirdbridge we lost the main track to Xakanaxa and got caught on the road web made by several tracks around this region of Moremi. Our main mistake was to rely on the GPS and not reading properly the maps we had with us. At the end of the day, we sorted that we never reached 4th Bridge, and the GPS have sent us through a shorter path (but not safer!) immediately after Thirdbridge.

It was while trying to get into the track again, that we got distracted and had the accident with the tree log, that was lying at the side of the road/track.

So, our initially short and easy game drive from Thirdbridge to Xakanaxa proved to be the longest of our holiday, but fortunately, with a positive outcome. It was a "eye opener".

The camp is situated on a beautiful location, along a watercourse and with very nice shades. As for Thirdbridge, is has very good and clean facilities (hot showers, hand soap dispensers, etc.., ), fire places, brai sites and water points scattered all along."

"After Xakanaxa, our self confidence was low, and so we drove slowly, using the GPS "smartly" (for localization).
The drive to North Gate was fine. We had two options in driving to North Gate, either follow the straight route through Paradise Pools or make a detour inwards, and avoid the most flooded areas near Paradise Pools. We took the second option, but investigated most of the loops West (gone backwards) of Dombo Hippo Pools. The place is fantastic as we saw lots of game. The drive was easy, which helped us to regain some confidence.
After lunch we investigated the East part to the Gate, which is drier and sandier, and totally different from the West side. Nevertheless we still saw a lot.

The camp itself is located along the Khwai river, with the camping sites under the shade of nice big trees. As for the previous campuses in Moremi the facilities offered were very good and clean (toilets, hot showers, hand soap dispensers, etc.., ), fire places, brai sites and water points scattered all along. Luckily and for the first time we had Vervet monkeys on camp, trying their luck."

"We left North Gate early in the morning (06:30) towards Savute, as to get the sand as compacted as possible for the drive. We crossed the new steel Khwai bridge, and took the new transit road towards Mababe Village. The road is severely potholed and corrugated until the turnoff for the Mababe gate, which from there onwards, became sandier and easier to drive. We reached Mababe gate at 08:00 AM.From there we decided to take the Marsh road instead of the Sand-ridge road.This because the road was still dry and completely passable and theoretically much more scenic. And the decision proved right. Although severely potholed at the times, we took the drive as a game drive, slowly and easy. Care should be taken, however, for some broken and pointed roots that sprout from the road surface that might inflict some punctures.
The drive proved prolific in game as we approached the northern wetter part of the marsh - the "elephant highway" was incredible - probably thousands of elephants, directing themselves for the water - black dots in the distance that looked like trees - just incredible.
As the Savuti channel is now running, most of the action occurs away from the main waterholes that exist near the camp, and wildlife just congregates along the river southeast Leopard Rock. All the loops around (Rhino Vlei, Motsibi Island) are well worth the drive. Thousands of elephants, buffalo, zebra congregate there. We did not see any carnivores, but lions and leopards were sighted in the area.

During the night, we had a leopard around camp (Francolins were frantic during the night with their alarm calls, and in the morning we could see the footprints), an elephant feeding and bathing just behind our rooftop tent, and a hippo feeding around. Just interesting stuff!!!

Once again the facilities around camp were excellent."

"Sadly, we left Savute at the early hours of the morning towards, Ghoha Gate and Kachikau. A long 72km stretch of difficult, deep sand driving was expecting us, and we wanted to drive it as early as possible in order to get it as compacted as possible.
Fortunately the drive was easily done. The Chobe forest cutline is now a "two lane" transit road, with some deep pockets of sand that are challenging, but passable. On the first part of this transit road, we had one of the highlights of the all trip - a pack of five wild dogs resting under a shade. We just stayed there for approximately 30-45 minutes observing them.
From Kachikau to Kasane the road is now all tarred and in very good condition. We reached Kasane 5 hours after leaving Savute.
We got into the park through the northern Kasane gate (Sidudu Gate) and not the southern Ngoma Gate, as we needed to go to Kasane to buy some bread. We tried to buy it at the smaller shops in Kachikau and Mabele but with no avail.

After entering the park we just drove directly to Ihaha Camping site, on Game drive mode, which took us two hours. Surprisingly - our second highlight of the trip- a colony of Carmine Bee-Eaters were just waiting for us to be seen (we were looking for them since Nxamaseri, and lost faith in finding them) -

The park is now much busier with tourists, then it was in 2005 during our first visit. Nevertheless the southern part, next to Ihaha, is much quieter, with almost no cars around. For our surprise the park was almost de-voided of elephants (probably due to the opening of international corridors), as compared to 2005. Still, Chobe is still Chobe and well worth a visit. We managed to see Sable and Puku and Lion.

Ihaha is situated on a amazing stretch of River, where one just can spend time observing African Fish Eagles feeding.
Unfortunately, and for our surprise (as they are the ones nearer to a major Botswana town) we cannot say that the facilities offered (ablution wise) were of the same standard we encountered in Thirdbridge, Xakanaxa, Khwai and Savute. The toilets and showers did not seem properly clean and the premises were dark. Hot water and toilet paper was available though."

"This small intimate and quite lodge is situated on the Chobe River front, but away from the main action area of town. This served our main purpose : to unwind from all the camping excitement, getting organized, and of course being pampered (proper shower, proper food, proper sleep, ...).
The private access to the river, is without any doubt a privilege for the guests. We were very fortunate in having a boat tour just for ourselves, which was excellent, as we were able to choose what to see. Seeing Chobe from inside-out is really different and unforgettable. The guiding was excellent."

"We reached Thamalakane River Lodge at 16:30 after a long 8 hour/ 610 Km drive from Kasane. Although all tarred, the drive was long and monotonous. We stopped at one roadside picnic spot, for a quick lunch between Nata and Gweta, before getting off again to Maun. Some rain came, and a miracle just happened: suddenly the road was covered by dozens of thirsty animals (goats, donkeys, horses, cows), gathering around the pools of water on the road.

Thamalakane River Lodge was a perfect choice to relax and getting organized after such a long drive. The people were attentive and courteous."

"We reached KBB just after lunch time, directly from Maun, Botswana. We had planned to re-fuel our car still in Botswana (€0,40 / litre less), but the Charles Hill Engen garage just before the Mamuno border was out of petrol. Obviously everyone does it!. So, on future trips we may re-fuel at the newer Shell station, just after the A3/A2 turnoff, which apparently was full of petrol but no cars!

After checking in, Mrs. Barnard was very kind in arranging us some homemade biltong sandwiches , which tasted marvelously. At the end we even bought from her some homemade biltong.

The Lodge/ Guesthouse, is on a tranquil spot, and the service was attentive and friendly."

"We just used TR Rest Camp for our first night after all the traveling we did ( Lisbon/Madrid - LHR- JHB - Upington - KTP). Entrance into the Park was straight forward, without any complications. People at the reception were helpful and informative. The official information guide is worth buying at the reception desk.The shop at the camp, although basic, was well stocked on basic and convenient items like water, drinks, bread, milk, canned and frozen food etc. Fresh vegetables were understandably not seen.

The rooms seemed clean, very well equipped and comfortable.
The restaurant was simple and the quality of food was average. Service was attentive.

Although they offered some activities (night/ late afternoon game drives), which by the way seemed popular, we did not hire those services."

"The drive up on R360 to Grootkolk is quite extensive ( > 8-10hrs) along the Nossob river bed. The road itself is easy to be driven with some severe corrugation on some parts. One must stop at Nossob Rest Camp for checking-in to Grootkolk and Gharagab Wilderness Camp, although it seems that one can check-in for the next camp at the time of check-out of the previous.

An early start is essential (as soon as the gates open) for game viewing, which is productive until 10-11 AM maximum. After that, the heat can be extreme and animals are all hiding in the shade. By experience it is worth arriving early at the destination camp and decide weather or not go for a afternoon drive in the vicinity of the camp.

During the drive itself we saw plenty of wildlife early in the morning. The waterholes North of Nossob apparently were more productive, specially, Cubit Quap (raptors) and Polentswa (raptors, and carnivores - Lion). The drive between Polentswa and Grootkolk, was rewarding . The amount of mice on the road, actively feeding on late afternoon, would predict the eventual sighting of Wild African Cat and Cape Fox which actually occurred. This, just by itself, was the highlight of our drive to Grootkolk.

Unfortunately, we arrived to late at Grootkolk, just in time to settle in our cabins and watch the sunset and listening to the profusion of barking geckos. The night itself was rich in sounds ( lion roar, Hyenas, jackals etc..).The Grootkolk Camp is well located next to a waterhole where some action apparently occurs. On the previous night to our visit (confirmed by a visitor we met at Twee Rivieren and by the guard himself) there were some lionesses and cubs playing around the camp and leopard on the waterhole. We could confirm the tracks left behind.

The cabins are well located with good views to the waterhole. They were clean, and all the appliances ( fridge, stove etc...) in good working condition. The guard was helpfull. We feel that a one night stay at this camp is too short. A minimum of two nights is required.

A final word for the Nossob camp. People at reception were helpful and efficient.The shop although simple and basic was efficiently supplied with the basic (water, bread, etc...)."

"While preparing the trip, one just reads about the difficult drive to Gharagab, which for people not so well experienced on 4W driving as ourselves, can be frightening. The road itself although challenging is quite easy to be driven. Nevertheless we should point out that it will take at least 1.5- 2hrs to cover the 32 Km (from the entrance point to the camp), which is not sufficiently highlighted on the reviews/ General information guide.

The exit route although less extensive, is faster, but was a little bit more challenging due to some dune driving (3-4 dunes) especially the last ( aprox. 5Km before ending). The scenery was fantastic and the silence golden!

The camp itself is on a superb location with a waterhole just in front of the rooms. We were welcomed by a lion at the waterhole with its kill. He was sitting there for already 24-36hrs. During the night we could hear him roar and eventually moved through the camp. Once again the night was rich in sounds. Hyenas and Jackals were closely everywhere.

The cabins were very well designed and equipped as in Grootkolk. The guard was helpfull."

"Checking-in for Bitterpan is done at Nossob before getting access to the trail, which is through the Nossob Rest Camp. An unexpected 4WD trail was waiting for us, but fortunately everything went well. It took us 3-3,5 hrs to cover the 53 Km. Quite challenging sometimes and infinitely more difficult then Gharagap exit road. We planned to stay 2 nights at Bitterpan and loop-drive through Moravet and Nossob, but unfortunately due the difficult access trail we decided to take the day off and stay at Bitterpan and "rest".

On the day out we took the easiest path out, i.e., through Moravet instead of going straight to Kalahari Tented Camp. This exit road is much shorter and easier to drive. The decision was worth. A couple exquisite Bat Eared Foxes were sighted near Moravet, and on the main road linking the two riverbeds, we saw for the first time a troop of Meerkats sunbathing at the early morning hours.

The camp itself is very well situated overlooking a pan. Activity around the waterhole is sparse (at least while we were there) with the occasional Oryx, Jackal, Ostrich and Steenbok.

The cabins are very well designed with the rooms separated from the private bathrooms which are located just next to the rooms. A communal kitchen serves the four cabins which allows people to sit around the communal dinning room/ fire and exchange experiences.The kitchen was as always well equipped.

The guard was friendly and helpful and even asked us to transport the laundry to Mata-Mata, on our way to Kalahari Tented Camp, which we did.

One night stay at Bitterpan may be sufficient to explore the Bitterpan 4WD trail."

"Three days at KTC were perfect to explore the northern part of the Aoab riverbed (between Mata-Mata and Urikaruus), which is the part of the park where we saw more activity. We would drive out at gate opening, come back for lunch and do a afternoon drive from 16hrs until gate closure. Once again, the early and the late hours are the most productive. Cheetahs, Bat Eared Foxes were seen frequently!

The cabins at KTC were spacious, comfortable and very well equipped, overlooking the Aoab river bed. The nights however where much more calm in terms of wildlife activity. The occasional jackal could be heard and seen crossing the river bed in front.

The guards at KTC were informative, helpful and very attentive, checking us every single night. The shop at Mata-Mata (4Km) was very simple but with enough basic supplies ( water, bread, etc...)."

"We stayed just one night at Urikaruus which served us to explore the south part of the Aoab river bed. This part of the river bed (from Kamqua to Houmoed) is extremely arid which means that the populations of water dependent antelopes and thus, carnivores, are sparse. Nevertheless we were privileged to watch two different troops of Meerkats, both on different days and at early morning hours.

The camp itself is very well located, with cabins overlooking a waterhole on the Aoab riverbed. Yellow mongoose was seen actively hunting.
The guard was helpful and attentive. The rooms were comfortable and clean, the kitchen very well equipped, and both with a nice balcony to the waterhole."

"We spent just one night at Kielie Krankie and we could not have a better farewell to the Kalahari.

The camp is superbly located, the cabins are immaculate fitted and designed into the surroundings and extremely comfortable. A huge balcony overlooking the waterhole down the red sand dunes gave us a superb view. The landscape, the barking geckos and the jackals visiting the waterhole at dawn were magical.

This is a "serious" base for exploring the southern part of the park itself. The guard (we do not remember his name) was very friendly, helpful and attentive."

"Our main purpose for visiting The Augrabies National Park was to appreciate the landscape and try to spot the ever elusive Klipspringer. The landscape is astonishing , mainly if you drive into the game area. The falls (although not in full blow) and the gorge are quite impressive. Nevertheless, we should point out that of the 6 possible viewpoints only 3 were opened to the public due the destruction of the wooden pathways. This probably due to the destruction made by massive flooding early in the year.

Times for game viewing should be increased i.e., opening earlier then 06:30 AM.One just starts to see game further into the Loops (Hartmanns´s and Quiver Loops) and those can only be reached at least one hour into the game drive. By that time the sun is already high up and probably not the best for spotting Klipspringers. The afternoon drive will have to be shorter - just 2-3 useful hours and by our experience, not to explore the loops. So we have decided to shorten the loop driving and explore the viewpoints driveways ( Echocorner, etc..). Finally when we were already coming back we were struck by luck! A pair of Klipspringers on watchdog function and an infant were sighted. What a gracious and beautiful animal.

The camp itself and the facilities offered are good. People at reception were efficient and informative. Shame they did not have available the official guide for the Park in english. We were informed that it was being reprinted and updated. The shop was well stoked. We did not use the restaurant.

The cottage we stayed in was clean, spacious and very well equipped."

"The Farmhouse came as an oasis after a 900Km stretch from Augrabies to Langebann. The hotel is situated on a beautiful location, with good views to the Langebann Lagoon.

People at reception were always friendly and helpful, the rooms very spacious and the restaurant with very good food and a superb breakfast (especially for us, after 13 days cooking quite limitedly for ourselves at KTP and Augrabies)."

"We were driven to Mikumi after our 9 hour long haul flight. Although tired and sometimes sleepy, one can enjoy the drive up to Mikumi. Foxes Safari Camp is a simple camp with great views over the Mikumi savannah. Shame the Mikumi NP was so dry and burnt. Surely after the rainy season will be different.

Activities were led by our Kerseley´s driver (Mr. Ezequiel), so we can not comment on activities led by the camp itself. The all-day drive, at this time of the year and with Mikumi so dry is a bit disappointing, as it started a little late (8AM), and from 10-11 am onwards, animals are just away and resting. By the time it finished (4PM) animals were starting to come up again. We do not know about the camp activities but we think they should start very early in the morning (6am?), specially with these field conditions.
Nevertheless these are just recommendations and we really have enjoyed the experience."

"Once again we were driven from Mikumi to Selous GR by Mr. Ezequiel , and it was a very enjoyable and different drive through minor routes. Lake Manze Tented Camp is very well situated and we were able to enjoy both aquatic and terrestrial activities. The stuff were as always very helpful and attentive.

Although they offer the chance of a very early morning drive, we were not able to do one on our three days there, mainly because other guests were not so kin in getting up early to see the wildlife! Probably they should reconsider how to offer early drives to guests.
Unfortunately we did not take the full day drive, because of our former experience at Mikumi, but by the reaction of other guests, and our posterior experiences at Selous and Ruaha, it is probably worthwhile to take it.

The boat drives (lake and channels) are indeed a "must to do", specially the afternoon drive.

Although the quality of food was very good, we think that they should offer more "africanized / traditional" biased menus, rather than Italian/ Continental."

"A simple camp ( although large - 20 tents!), but run by seriously committed people. For us safariing is all about seeing the wildlife and the team at Rufuji is very enthusiastic about this. It all started with the boat transfer (rather than only road) from Impala Camp to Rufiji River Camp. We were driven from Lake Manze to Impala.

Thank you

Although we know that the camp is being refurbished/ uplifted, they should consider having more related magazines / literature at the bar/lounge area for the guests to read. It was actually very poor."

"A simple camp run as well by very efficient people. They are serious about "wildlifeing". Mcol, the camp manager, is very passionate about Africa, the camp and the nature itself. She´s proud of her camp, and congratulations.

Being on a Land Rover from 7 AM up to 5- 6 PM sometimes can be tiresome, but not at Mdonya. Thank you."

"One can not require more just for one night.

At reception, we asked for a Dar city Map , and unfortunately they could not find any."

"One night stay at Bagatelle G R was too short to feel the Kalahari. We believe that on a trip like this a minimum of two nights should at least, be considered (unless the place is used for a "stylish" overnight stay).

By staying two nights we surely could have taken more from the activities offered. It was a pitty not be able to see the Meerkats! Nevertheless the morning game drive was very rich and highy enjoyable. Pedro our homonymous guide was helpfull and tried to get us the elusive meerkats but unsuccessfully.

Overall : Bagatelle is highly recommended and is to be enjoyed for at least two nights."

"Well appointed hotel for a one night stopover. The ambience of a small and typical Southern African town on a Sunday afternoon could be felt.

During the day while driving down from Bagatelle, we visited Quiver Tree Forest, Giants Playground which are well worth a visit. Fish River on the way to Brukkaros was dry and no birds could be spoted."

"We stayed in Std Rooms ("S" rooms), which were simple but clean and more then adequate to serve as a base to visit the Canyon region. Staff at the lodge main building were helpfull and friendly. Morning sunrise walk and afternoon scenic drive enjoyable.

We drove ourselves to the Canyon : fantastic scenery all the way. Pitty Ais-Ais was closed and we could not drive to the base of the Canyon."

"As you arrive and open the gate to the concession the scenery that welcomes you is just overwhelming and if that would not be just enough, it gets even better as we move forward. What a natural reception!

The lodge and the people in it match perfecly in this stunning wonder. Our sincere appreciation to Mr. Vente Mendes (our guide), and all the professionals that made and make it special (Manfred, Simon, Strauss - the Cook....).

Special and simple details, like driving back to the lodge after a sundown drive, with the LandRover´s headlamps switched off so that one could appreciate the starbright sky and enjoy all the peacefulness was magical."

"Excellent location and conveniently close to the Sossusvlei area. The private gate is a real advantage to step into the Namib-Naukluft National Park early in the morning.

The Camp itself is nicely located and perfectly fits into the surroundings.
Servicewise, although good, has lost the character of a small "private" camp, and one could sense some mass tourism. Sometimes people seemed fatigued of running the same activities everyday.

Balloning with Namib Sky Ballon Safaris (Eric) was enjoyable and very professional."

"A perfect base for exploring the area - from Cape Cross to Sandwich Harbour.

Very nice and spacious rooms, well cleaned and mantained, well allocated.The staff very helpfull and appreciated the complimentary car wash (twice!!).Although outside from the city centre, is just a five minute drive.
Excellent food (dinner and breakfast).

The Sandwich Harbour tour was a very enjoyable day tour, with Bruno , although we did not see almost any bird. Apparently they were all in the pans or anywhere else. Actually we could manage to spot a few hundreds of flamingos in Etosha Pan, next to Flamingo Island."

"Excellent location and conveniently close to the Twyfelfontein area ( paintings, petrified forest, burnt mountain and organ pipes) for those that are self-driving.

The morning game drive was efficient and enjoyable. The Desert adapted elephants were the purpose of the drive."

"We were very fortunate to visit Dennis, Claire and Boni (and the all team behind), at Etendeka Mountain Camp.

Details are not forgotten, like pick up time at the Veterinary fence, so that while you are transfered to the Camp you are on the afternoon drive and enjoying it.

Fabulous activities and meals by the fire. Confortable and simple accomodation. A must."

"The Chalet was very good, spaciuos and confortable.It is a pitty that although we were in front of the waterhole we could hardly see it because of the trees (and it is more expensive !!!). Fortunately the waterhole itself was not crowded or noisy at this time of the year.

Okaukuejo is too busy with tourists. We have visited Namutoni which is nicer and much calmer."

"Smaller than Okakuejo and with much fewer people it is more enjoyable in general.The chalets are nice but claustrophobic with no mosquitos net in most windows.There are no suitable blinders on the rooms and at night one can easily from the outside whatever is happening inside!.

The staff at the restaurant is friendly but they don't keep it so clean ( we have seen food and drinks on the floor and they haven't cleaned it when remarked).

In fact we found Namibia the cleanest country we ever visited and this restaurant did not belong !"