Travel reviews by Mrs M. from Amsterdam

"As it was the first camp on our trip it came as a bit of a shock to me. Rather dark and overwhelming with all the tapestries and furniture. The walk to my tent, nr. 4 took more than ten minutes and was way too big and dark as well. The height of the bed was so high I had to jump on it. (they told me later there was a little stand, but I couldn't find it.) Very awkward.
The toilets were a 9-minute walk away from the diningarea and without any signs or markings. It took me (and Edgar) a day to find my way around!
Apart from this, our welcome was very friendly and warm. Our driver Villa was a great narrator about the Kalahari, the meercats, the bushman, the salt pans etc. etc. Wonderful drives and wonderful surroundings!"

"As soon as I stepped into Tau Pan Camp it felt like this is what I expect from a safari camp. Open, airy, a camp fire. Small and with an intimate atmosphere.
Our driver was Alex and the tracker P.K. Again very knowledgeable and easy-going.
The Kalahari is overwhelmingly beautiful. Because of the late rains it was very green and the grass still high, so that made it more difficult to spot the big predators. But birdlife was immense."

"Our third camp in completely diferent surroundings; also very beautiful.
A warm welcome by Corine and Anastasia. And off on our first evening drive with Isaac and K.G. Right from the start it was evident that Isaac was a special, different sort of guide. Apart from being very pleasant company, his ability to inspire you with his narratives, his knowledge and love for the country was very impressive. K.G. is a lucky person to have Isaac as his tutor.
I also loved the boattrips, with on our last evening the sundowner where the staff had set up a complete bar and Anastasia was present as well. Wonderful memories."

"And then the highlight of our trip: Zarafa Holland Camp. As we had already found out that the general managers, Ron and Alexandra, had met each other during their Hotel School Training Years in Holland, the reception was a bit like homecoming - old friends, long time no see!!!!! And being the only Relais et Chateaux, expectations were high. And yes, although the food and drinks were very good in all previous camps, here it was just a notch better.
Apotheosis was our last evening after the drive, somewhere in the midle of nowhere, to see lights hanging in the trees around a big campfire and the barbeque already lit with the Chef busy with the preparations for our diner, and accompanied by dancing and singing from the staff. a truly fairy-like scene. (With a real toilet hidden in the bush)"