Travel reviews by Mrs A. from S. Carolina
Review Distribution
Total number of trips
3
Countries visited
6
Lodges stayed in
17
Excursions taken
4
My Sep 2022 trip
Rwanda and 2 other countries between 18 Sep 2022 and 3 Oct 2022
"Fabulous itinerary and trip.
Amazing sights, awesome game drives, wonderful people.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were only disappointed in the level of amenities at Serian.
Given the terrific high standards the rest of the trip, and the trip pricing, we had assumed all camps would be of equal value.
Quite disappointed just about this stay."
Amazing sights, awesome game drives, wonderful people.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were only disappointed in the level of amenities at Serian.
Given the terrific high standards the rest of the trip, and the trip pricing, we had assumed all camps would be of equal value.
Quite disappointed just about this stay."
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
Kigali Serena Hotel
"Kigali Serena Hotel review"
2 nights
Arrived
19 Sep 2022
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
"Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit review"
20 Sep 2022 • All-day excursion
Well done exhibits. Obviously disturbing, but glad we went.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
"Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge review"
3 nights
Arrived
21 Sep 2022
"Everything about Sabyinyo was fabulous - staff, food, accommodations.
Would love to stay there again."
Would love to stay there again."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Sightings report
Mountain Gorilla
1 sighting
Golden Monkey Trekking
"Golden Monkey Trekking review"
22 Sep 2022 • Morning excursion
Wonderful morning.
The monkeys were great to watch and photograph,
The monkeys were great to watch and photograph,
Gorilla Trekking Safari
"Gorilla Trekking Safari review"
23 Sep 2022 • Morning excursion
Amazing experience.
The trek itself was difficult - not because of height but due to the extreme slippery conditions, even with a porter!
Worth every moment.
The trek itself was difficult - not because of height but due to the extreme slippery conditions, even with a porter!
Worth every moment.
Excellent
Alex Walker's Serian Serengeti
"Alex Walker's Serian Serengeti review"
4 nights
Arrived
24 Sep 2022
"We were extremely disappointed in the accommodations.
The food and staff were terrific, as were our guides Nelson and Bara Bara.
However, the tent was extremely "worn," with holes in the sheets, towels that were too thin, stains on the cushions and lighting was almost non-existent.
We could have been OK with bucket showers, but the other aspects of the tent made the experience very disappointing."
The food and staff were terrific, as were our guides Nelson and Bara Bara.
However, the tent was extremely "worn," with holes in the sheets, towels that were too thin, stains on the cushions and lighting was almost non-existent.
We could have been OK with bucket showers, but the other aspects of the tent made the experience very disappointing."
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Poor
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Average
Feedback response
Expert Africa and Alex Walker was very sorry to hear that these guests did not enjoy the accommodation at Serian Serengeti Camp as much as we had all hoped they would. Although, it was great to hear that they found the guides and staff, as well as the food, to be excellent. Alex noted that after a tough almost three years due to Covid, he is proud of the spirit, energy and positivity the team bring to their work every day.
Alex described that a little over a week prior to their visit, an unexpected storm blew through the area and knocked over seven tents – three of which ended up in the trees - and flooded the camp. It took hard work to try and get everything swiftly back into shape. The tent they were in was one of the ones that had to be replaced because the original one ended up in a tree. They had to switch these for older tents that are water and weather stained from being used in previous seasons. Carpets were also affected.
Alex is sorry that they found the linen and chair covers also looking tired. He explained that these are washed and pressed every three to four days and the camp team ensure they are always clean. They do get sun bleached through the season and, when combined with the use of the secondhand tent, he understands why the guests felt the overall look was tired and worn.
We were sorry the storm and its effect weren’t explained to the guests in camp, or prior to their stay, so they might have an understanding of what had occurred, even if it didn’t change their experience. Alex has thanked them for their feedback, including the comments about the room lighting, and will be taking all of it into account as they replace and rebuild the camp in its next location – the southern Serengeti plains.
Alex described that a little over a week prior to their visit, an unexpected storm blew through the area and knocked over seven tents – three of which ended up in the trees - and flooded the camp. It took hard work to try and get everything swiftly back into shape. The tent they were in was one of the ones that had to be replaced because the original one ended up in a tree. They had to switch these for older tents that are water and weather stained from being used in previous seasons. Carpets were also affected.
Alex is sorry that they found the linen and chair covers also looking tired. He explained that these are washed and pressed every three to four days and the camp team ensure they are always clean. They do get sun bleached through the season and, when combined with the use of the secondhand tent, he understands why the guests felt the overall look was tired and worn.
We were sorry the storm and its effect weren’t explained to the guests in camp, or prior to their stay, so they might have an understanding of what had occurred, even if it didn’t change their experience. Alex has thanked them for their feedback, including the comments about the room lighting, and will be taking all of it into account as they replace and rebuild the camp in its next location – the southern Serengeti plains.
Manager
Sightings report
Buffalo
Many sightings
Cheetah
Many sightings
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
Many sightings
Lion
Many sightings
Striped Hyena
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
Kicheche Valley
"Kicheche Valley review"
4 nights
Arrived
28 Sep 2022
"We loved Kicheche Valley.
Everything was terrific - staff, accomodations and our driver, Mika and animal sightings.
Would stay there again!"
Everything was terrific - staff, accomodations and our driver, Mika and animal sightings.
Would stay there again!"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
Sightings report
Buffalo
Many sightings
Cheetah
Many sightings
Elephant
Many sightings
Giraffe
Many sightings
Hippo
Many sightings
Leopard
Many sightings
Lion
Many sightings
Striped Hyena
Many sightings
Wildebeest
Many sightings
Zebra
Many sightings
My May 2014 trip
Namibia and 1 other country between 22 May 2014 and 7 Jun 2014
"The trip was fabulous.
We were too tired in Cape Town to fully appreciate and enjoy it. Then having to get to a 6am flight to Windhoek, really kept us from getting fully adjusted. I did not appreciate the distances we had to cover in Namibia and the slow going (with no place for rest stops) on the gravel roads. We loved everything we saw in Namibia, and I have no regrets. I just wish we had more opportunity for catching our breath or down time!
Botswana is special - everything is easy. Wilderness Safaris do an amazing job, down to helping us check our luggage as we were departing from Maun. All their staff are charming and helpful. I am ready to go again - next time, other Wilderness lodges!"
We were too tired in Cape Town to fully appreciate and enjoy it. Then having to get to a 6am flight to Windhoek, really kept us from getting fully adjusted. I did not appreciate the distances we had to cover in Namibia and the slow going (with no place for rest stops) on the gravel roads. We loved everything we saw in Namibia, and I have no regrets. I just wish we had more opportunity for catching our breath or down time!
Botswana is special - everything is easy. Wilderness Safaris do an amazing job, down to helping us check our luggage as we were departing from Maun. All their staff are charming and helpful. I am ready to go again - next time, other Wilderness lodges!"
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
Abbey Manor (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"Abbey Manor review"
3 nights
Arrived
22 May 2014
"The manager, Judy, was lovely and enthusiastic.
Everything about the place was lovely, but it is a bit out of the way from the central part of the city."
Everything about the place was lovely, but it is a bit out of the way from the central part of the city."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Good
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch
"Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch review"
1 night
Arrived
25 May 2014
"We had a lovely stay - it is in a beautiful setting, and we had great room with a fabulous view."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Hoodia Desert Lodge
"Hoodia Desert Lodge review"
2 nights
Arrived
26 May 2014
"The place was great, and our guide to Sossusvlie, Jonathan, was the best of the entire trip.
The drive to and from the area was exhausting (roads are difficult - and it took most of one day to get there from Bagatelle and one day to get to Swakop). Not much one can do, but we were not prepared for how tiring it could be on those drives - with no place to take a break."
The drive to and from the area was exhausting (roads are difficult - and it took most of one day to get there from Bagatelle and one day to get to Swakop). Not much one can do, but we were not prepared for how tiring it could be on those drives - with no place to take a break."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Cornerstone Guesthouse
"Cornerstone Guesthouse review"
2 nights
Arrived
28 May 2014
"the guesthouse was charming in an excellent location in the town.
Unfortunately, we did not have any time to explore the town, getting in late from Sossusvlei, spending all day on our trip to Sandwich Harbor, and then having to leave early enough to get to Okonjima."
Unfortunately, we did not have any time to explore the town, getting in late from Sossusvlei, spending all day on our trip to Sandwich Harbor, and then having to leave early enough to get to Okonjima."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Good
Coast and Sandwich Harbour
"See prior comments"
29 May 2014 • All-day excursion
Please see prior emails to Maruska
Okonjima Bush Camp
"Okonjima Bush Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
30 May 2014
"We had an amazing stay. We had an enormous, gorgeous room with a fabulous vista - we even saw the rare aardwolf from our porch. Staff were exceptionally nice and accommodating.
Paul was not feeling well one morning, and missed the game drive, so they let us go out the next morning. Walking on ground level with the cheetahs was a never to be forgotten experience."
Paul was not feeling well one morning, and missed the game drive, so they let us go out the next morning. Walking on ground level with the cheetahs was a never to be forgotten experience."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Olive Grove
"Olive Grove review"
1 night
Arrived
1 Jun 2014
"It was a bit difficult to locate. The wifi did not work (which was problematic mostly because Paul's father was in the hospital and we were trying to stay in touch).
It was a bit difficult to get out for our very early flight (e.g. the front door had a large bar across it which I had to remove, but no one had warned me about it) and all the lights were off on the stairwells. They did pack us a bag of snacks as we missed breakfast."
It was a bit difficult to get out for our very early flight (e.g. the front door had a large bar across it which I had to remove, but no one had warned me about it) and all the lights were off on the stairwells. They did pack us a bag of snacks as we missed breakfast."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Good
Service
Average
Rooms
Average
Savuti Camp
"Savuti Camp review"
2 nights
Arrived
2 Jun 2014
"The staff were lovely. Our guide and the other couple in our Land Rover did not get along. The husband was difficult and demanding, and we had different priorities. I wanted to see as much wildlife as possible, especially large cats. When we had the opportunity to see leopards, he was complaining that we were "driving around too much," and we never made it to the leopard sighting.
I think our guide did not know how to handle this person, which I totally appreciate. Paul and I did tell the managers about the guest's behavior, complaining not only that he was annoying us, but that he was being rude and disrespectful to the guide. It does bring to the fore the problem of being "paired up" with strangers who can positively, or negatively, impact one's visit."
I think our guide did not know how to handle this person, which I totally appreciate. Paul and I did tell the managers about the guest's behavior, complaining not only that he was annoying us, but that he was being rude and disrespectful to the guide. It does bring to the fore the problem of being "paired up" with strangers who can positively, or negatively, impact one's visit."
Good
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Good
Chitabe Lediba
"Chitabe Lediba review"
3 nights
Arrived
4 Jun 2014
"We loved this camp. It was great, all the staff was great, we had a lovely couple from Germany who were with us for three days. We all had a terrific time.
Amazing game drives - lions, leopard cubs, and cheetah successful hunt. It can't get any better than this."
Amazing game drives - lions, leopard cubs, and cheetah successful hunt. It can't get any better than this."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Food
Good
Rooms
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
breath taking trip
Botswana and 1 other country between 8 Jun 2011 and 18 Jun 2011
"This was a trip of a lifetime, and it was even better than I imagined it would be. The arrangements worked perfectly and we can't wait to go back!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The advice was very helpful and the trip was fabulous. It would have helped to be reminded that it gets cold throughout the evening and night, so we could have used more warm clothing not just in the AM but for the evening and sleeping!"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The advice was very helpful and the trip was fabulous. It would have helped to be reminded that it gets cold throughout the evening and night, so we could have used more warm clothing not just in the AM but for the evening and sleeping!"
Arranged By Maruska AdyeRowe
City Lodge OR Tambo (Not currently featured by Expert Africa)
"fair hotel"
1 night
Arrived
8 Jun 2011
"Rooms are small; staff was not especially helpful"
Average
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location
Excellent
Service
Average
Rooms
Average
Food
Average
Not currently featured by Expert Africa
DumaTau Camp
"Lovely camp at Duma Tau"
2 nights
Arrived
9 Jun 2011
"Our guide, Ron, was terrific. It was VERY cold both nights - food was OK, a lot but not terrific"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Good
Food
Average
Facilities
Good
Kwetsani Camp
"MOST FABULOUS PLACE WE STAYED"
3 nights
Arrived
11 Jun 2011
"EVERYTHING was terrific - from managers to cook to guide. Fabulous location."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Excellent
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Excellent
Facilities
Excellent
Little Vumbura
"Also a lovely camp"
2 nights
Arrived
14 Jun 2011
"After Kwetsani, was difficult to follow. Room was even nicer - but low boardwalks and view not as terrific as Kwetsani.
Our guide was fabulous, but most of other staff not as engaging."
Our guide was fabulous, but most of other staff not as engaging."
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
The River Club
"Location and view spectacular"
2 nights
Arrived
16 Jun 2011
"The location and rooms were fabulous. Excellent way to end a trip"
Excellent
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location
Excellent
Service
Good
Activities
Excellent
Rooms
Excellent
Food
Good
Facilities
Excellent
We did have a taxi driver, ordered by the hotel, who overcharged us by $20. The hotel was quick to deal with this.
Overall a good experience, though."