Travel reviews by Drs Ken & Niru from Devon

"Overall we had an excellent trip and experience. The main aim was to see rhino and we certainly managed that. The staff at all the camps and hotels couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful.

Travelling in Namibia was quite easy, even for oldies like us. A combination of the map, directions in the paperwork and Maps.Me worked very well. There are phone charging usb’s in the car and at all the camps. Tarmac roads from Windhoek to Etosha are all good. The only problem we had was in Etosha. The roads are very rutted and uncomfortable to drive on. Those turnoffs to the waterholes are even worse, and although they can be traversed with care, it does take time.

I think that the estimated time to travel from the Namutomi gate to Okaukuejo of 3hrs direct is quite optimistic. We stopped at three waterholes at the start then realised that we were well behind time, so just drove directly to the camp. That took about 6hrs overall. Despite that we did see some wildlife on the way, including two leopards under a tree. It seems that the park fees cover you for 26 rather than 24 hours. Having spent the night in the park we were going to go to the waterholes close to Okaukuejo, so checked with the staff there who wrote our latest departure time on our receipt, which was 26 hours after our entry. Incidentally the park fees were N$350 per day, not the N$170 we were expecting.

Although there was no diesel in Etosha when we were there, there is now a new filling station just a few kilometres from the Andersson gate. On the way back to Windhoek we stop the Village Boutique Coffee shop in Otjiwarongo which was very nice.

It was very slow getting in via Windhoek airport, with long queues to get through passport control (an hour). Fortunately for us a local official took pity on us and allowed us through earlier. You need to fill in a form on the way in, which they take, and fill in the same form on the way out, which you can collect just before passport control.

Lusaka airport was good. We were met on arrival and looked after before our flight to Anabezi and on the way back we were able to sit in Dave’s office with coffee and snacks, and helped with all the boarding requirements. All much appreciated

So, overall we did what we wanted to do and saw pretty well everything we wanted. The accommodation and people were great and despite the tedium of the long haul there and back, we had a fabulous time. Many thanks to Megan for putting it all together for us and always being helpful and available"

"Overall we had a great trip, with lots of wonderful experiences. We saw pretty well everything we wanted. The accommodation and food was excellent. Guides were very good.

Although we knew it was going to be hot, it was still a shock at mid 40's rather than mid 30's. Really we have no complaints and would recommend it to others without reservation"

"This was our first trip to Africa and we had only a vague idea of what to expect. The whole trip was fabulous. All the arrangements worked. All the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. All the accomodation was lovely. Even the basic camp on Mboma island was a hoot.

Although we are not birdwatchers, the array of birds pointed out by the guides and spotted by us has made us keen twitchers. Binocculrs are a must. Enjoyed all the food, even the more exotic. The night skies were a treat.

We were a bit surprised to find how cool it was in the early mornings and after sunset and found the ponchos and hot water bottles very useful. Loved the daily sundowner routine. Our highlight was coming upon a cheetah in the early morning and following it for 45mts. There was nobdy else around.

The ballon flight was great fun. skillfully managed by pilot and support staff.

Suggestions for improvements:

I think the way we did ie(Livingstone-Chobe-Linyanti-Khwai) was good. Took too many evening clothes and not enough warm clothes. Picking up the luggage at Jo'burg everytime was a bore and it would be nice to be able trust the security enough to not have to do it. The singing and dancing from the staff at the lodges was hugely enjoyable.

We did spend a lot of time travelling after we left Maun and the drive to and from Kulala was tedious and stressful in parts. Would have preferred a day each in Maun and Windhoek and possibly flown to Kulala as other guests did. The river was ok but could have given it a miss. Overall, it was a fantastic experience which we will recommend to friends"