Travel reviews by Kartik from Patel

"Average for what we would expect from the hilton. Rooftop bar sunsets is nice but service is super slow.

Lounge area very dark + food/drinks is disappointing. Not allowed to take any items out the room."

"This was our first lodge stay in Namibia. On arrival, we saw impalas drinking from a waterhole on the premises as well as a warthog scurry away as we were shown to our room. My first thought was “wow I’m in Africa!”

Service at Mushara was so warm, welcoming and friendly. Helena always made sure we were happy with our meals. The staff really listened to our dietary requirements (diabetic and vegetarians in the group) and did all they could to meet our needs. On the second night of our stay there was a traditional ‘bomba’ or outdoor bbq/buffet meal which was really sociable and fun.

We had an amazing first morning game drive in Etosha, where we got to see almost all of the big five (we saw a leopard on our self drive the next day), in large part due to our superb guide Ute who responded quickly to all of the live information of sightings in the park, as well as an eagle eyed German family on the drive with us."

"The view of the reserve from Ongava Lodge is epic. I could hear Disney’s Lion King music start playing in my head when I first arrived!

Meals were great, in particular they cooked the brown rice we brought with us to cater for a diabetic in our group. In all honestly though, you almost forget about the food, because you’re glued to the activity at the waterhole out front whether at breakfast or dinner: rhinos, elephants, giraffe, even a leopard sighting at night.

You can get even better views from the hide, something I have never experienced - why go out and look for animals when they come right to you. Note that you can go to the hide in the evenings as well which we would have done had we known beforehand (this is something the staff might want to highlight when guests check in).

As for the game drives, the rhino tracking was thrilling as you are able to exit the vehicle, and we got to see a pride of lions including cubs which has to be one of my most memorable moments of the trip."

"What a welcome! Being greeted by song was super fun and we later found that singing and dancing was a delightful mainstay of Doro Nawas.

Our first night there was a meal on the rooftop on a clear night under the stars. Despite the cold wind of the desert, we were made very comfortable with blankets and hot water bottles. We found hot water bottles waiting for us in bed as well which was a nice surprise.

The rooms have an option to roll the bed out through the patio doors and on to the outdoor terrace so you can sleep under the stars. Unfortunately we didn’t try this out as it was far too windy during our stay and the same goes for the outdoor shower. Views from the room are so expansive that you cannot forget you’re in the middle of a desert. Sunset views from the balcony of the lodge (elevated location on a hill) were particularly memorable.

We had an informative morning drive with Bernard on the flora and fauna of the area, as well as getting to see a family of desert adapted elephants which was a highlight."

"Spectacular setting right in the heart of Spitzkoppe mountains.

Unfortunately it was very windy on the one night we stayed so it was difficult to sleep - they did provide earplugs in the room which was helpful.

Not as flexible with the food offerings as other lodges we stayed at, though we may not have been clear enough with our request."

"Delightful place for a pitstop on our trip, centrally located in Swakopmund.

It was cold and windy on the coast so we were happy to find hot water bottles provided in the turn down service.

Laundry service is reasonably priced and quick."

"We really enjoyed our stay at Hoodia. Thomas, the owner, is a fun, warm and welcoming character, and all of the staff there are very friendly - Deshi and Karina looked after us well.

The sundowner was incredible, we had a private set up on a hill and they gave us plenty of time to see all of the changing colours of the sunset (and hear some howling jackals).

The day excursion to Sossusvlei with Paulos was just as memorable, with a proper lunch set up in the desert under a shady tree (our apologies to the disgruntled oryx who were previously resting under said tree)."

"Amazing views from the rooms at Kwessi Dunes, from the Oryx at the watering hole to the expansive desert beyond.

The rooms look quite new with a nice style including the furniture. In particular, there are two beds, one indoors and one outdoors, both dressed with sheets and pillows so you can take your pick as to whether you sleep indoors or under the stars. The outdoor shower is also just as good as the indoor shower.

Staff at Kwessi are very helpful, Roy the manager who greeted us was very accommodating to our needs such as food intolerances, and always checked up on us. Stanley, our tour guide, really appreciated us being there and was passionate about guiding.

Thanks to Roy (and Stanley) for the transport to our hot air balloon trip!"

"Only stayed one night on the return before flying home.

So difficult to review’s activities but comfortable for 1 night stay to break up the drive"

"Hilton Comfortable for one nights stay"