Travel reviews by Alex from Algarve

"Villa Violet was comfortable and a useful overnight stop to refresh after long flights before setting off on our road trip the next day.

In our opinion it is suitable as a one night stop over - it’s in the suburbs of Windhoek so if you wanted to see the city perhaps not the best location."

"We loved it here, right from the really warm welcome we received right down to the sundowners at the top of the lodge and everything in between.

The staff made this stay very special - what a lovely crew they are. The lodge is a little bit further from Soussevlei than you might at first want but actually that’s it’s charm - the isolation and uniqueness is awesome. As our introduction to the Namib Desert it couldn’t be beaten.

The food was a set menu but excellent and eating under those star laden skies is very special. The added bonus of a birthday cake and singing for my husbands 70th really was the icing on the cake! Do climb up to the Sundowner Deck for drinks before dinner - a bit of a slog but so worth it to watch the sun go down over the desert was magical.

We were very lucky as the lodge was very quiet when we were there so had the lovely pool (there are two) to ourselves - it’s cold but after a day out at Soussevlei, most refreshing."

"We had a nice welcome at Cornerstone but sadly the accommodation was not for us. We found it very tired and dated - it is way overdue a make over in the bedrooms.

The dining room has been modernized and is pleasant. Breakfast was average. None of this is a reflection on the staff who we found pleasant and helpful.

We had Room no 1 which is right next to the kitchen so is pretty noisy at each end of the day. The pillows are dreadful - bathrooms drab.

This place did not work for us I’m afraid."

"Oh wow. We loved this place. It’s fair to say it’ll win no awards for its looks from the outside but inside it has a heart of gold and is most attractive too.

The staff were wonderful - within 5 minutes of arrival they all knew our names- impressive!

Our room was huge and well equipped with everything you could need - maybe some more comfy chairs on the huge balcony would be nice but actually the bar area in the lodge is so attractive that we barely stayed in the room. We did I not use the pool here but it looked fine.

The food was good - we ate on the roof top of the lodge - great in the evening but a tad chilly in the mornings for breakfast!

As we left they very kindly handed me a gift for my husbands forthcoming birthday and a lovely farewell song and dance from the wonderful staff."

"A very pretty setting. Sitting watching the waterhole with a gin and tonic at sunset will stay in our memory.

The food was exceptional here and served in the prettiest of spots.

Our lodge was nice and close to the main building and was very comfortable and beautifully furnished.

A 10 minute drive got us into Etosha National Park - so its location was ideal."

"We were very touched that Mushara Outpost had given us some flowers and a welcome gift for Davids 70th birthday.

Our room was comfortable and the situation amongst the trees is lovely.

The main lodge with the restaurant and bar area is beautiful and has a freindly ambience."

"We sadly were very dissapointed with Taranga and were glad it was only a one night stop.

The staff did not seem a happy bunch - the general atmosphere was flat and one felt that the staff really did not appear bothered whether we were there or not - rather highlighted when we were the last to dinner and there was no table for us! We had to wait some time whilst they found a table and laid it... no apology forthcoming. The food was very average too - breakfast was awful.

The room was tired and tatty - and a toilet in the same area is really not for us - is it for anyone?

The river side bar sounded so idyllic - but was very worn out and the bar guy could not have been less interested in his job."

"Well what a special place to celebrate a 70th birthday! Being met at the waters edge and taken by boat to the lodge will be a memory we hold for a long time. You can hear the welcome singing before you see either the staff or the lodge and it was truly special. The staff are wonderful and made it a few days to remember.

The lodge is looking a little tired and the rooms are maybe more functional than luxurious but bearing in mind the remoteness of the location that's little wonder really. What it lacks in refinement it more than makes up for with heart. As an example our bathroom door did not shut and looked like it had been like that for a considerable time - one assumes that these are simple things that could be sorted easily.

Our only complaint is that the food, whilst good, was always luke warm. It would be so easy to provide some means of keeping the dishes warm at the buffet we didn't understand why that was not done. Meals are served as a group which we loved but may not be everybody's choice.

Boat trips out were great although there seemed to be a few problems with flat batteries - on one trip we waited about 90 minutes unable to go anywhere until a replacement battery arrived. But there are worse places to be stuck than out in the Okavango quietly communing with nature!

We saw lots of wonderful birds but only saw the elephants and hippo when we booked a helicopter flight - highly recomeended to really appreciate the Okovango from above."

"This is a very beautiful lodge - the rooms are beautifully designed and situated. The little touches are wonderful - some port in your room - hot water bottles at night - a fabulous shower - wonderful toiletries.

The lodge is nearly an hours drive off the main road - we are really pleased we arranged to be met at the road - the track is very sandy and requires skilled driving to negotiate.

The staff are welcoming and courteous - our guide, Eustace, was great and very knowledgeable. Early morning hot water delivered to your room before a game drive was most welcome too.

All meals were good and served at a most attractive outside area. We did not use the swimming pool so cannot comment."

"We were booked on the Chobe Princess but got transfered to the Zambezi Queen - what a lovely surprise. Think there were some mechanical faults with the smaller boat.

The boat was only half occupied which was wonderful for us!

Slowely drifting up and down the Chobe River is a real privilege - its peaceful and serene. Seeing elephants wading through the river is a sight not easily forgotten - magical.

The staff are all great - especially the bar staff who are always ready to replenish your drink! The buffet style food was always good and plentiful.

We went out on the tender three times and saw plenty of hippo, a few crocs and many, many elephants. Lions were spotted too. Of course, the bird life is fabulous too - the kingfishers and bee eaters especially."

"Such a pretty place in the middle of Victoria Falls - so very handy to both walk to the Falls and into the town itself. You have to accept the constant noise of the helicopters overhead - but inevitable of course.

The rooms are large if functional but sitting on your patio with the elephants wandering past to enjoy the waterhole can't be complained about!

The food was superb - amongst the best we had all trip."