Travel reviews by Dr E from Yorkshire

"yes, initially appears quite a clinical room, but everything was satisfactory and the host helpful."

"Our 'hut' could not have been in a more perfect setting ie directly in front of waterhole and great layout ie room for children down stairs and then double bed upstairs. if you have young children, you may be concerned re them going up and coming down the stairs alone, as the one side of the stairs was open.

The food was very ample and table service efficient. The food perhaps could have been lovingly prepared ie vegetables all over cooked but a minor point."

"Incredibly tastefui accomodation and central boma, greast style - the best of the whole trip. Pool good for children, and the only lodge that considered that children may appreciate some books and games - fantastic for the girls to be able to have access to these.

The staff sang and danced and presented a cake to my husband as it was it was his 50th birthday and this made for a truly memorable evening.

Fabulous varied gift shop too!"

"The most authentic stay of our whole trip. Although in no way a luxury destination or accomodation, the experience was one that I hope we will all remember for a very long time. Arno is a fabulous host and his knowledge of the country and its politiics engaging.

It was great that everything wall inclusive - and the only place we stayed where this was the case ie we were not presented with a bill of extras, at the end of our stay.

We stayed for three nights and it was worth it - the cooking of the ostrich omelette, the hunting with the men folk and the walk with the lady etc all really interesting.

The only suggestion I would make, would be for a small box with some childrens books or toys eg snakes and ladders would go a a long way, especially as there is no pool etc."

"Perhaps the most beautiful location we stayed in during our three week trip. The papyrus, waterlillies and reedshas not been based by massess or tourists as in other places we stayed.

Adam was a great guide for our boat trips.

The only suggestion I would make, would be for a small box with some childrens books or toys eg snakes and ladders would go a long way, expecially as there is no pool etc."

"The host, Horst makes this camp so special. On approaching the lodge you pass though a village where there is a lot of litter and then you see the faded sign for the camp and I must admit I had some trepidation upon reaching the gates as to what we would find. However

The reference books are useful for adults, but a small box with some childrens books or toys eg snakes and ladders would go a long way to improve the experience for them. Horst did kindly tie up one of the launches so the girls could do some pretend play.

The park which is very near the lodge was better in my view than Chobe from a drive and viewing perspective - really personal.

Mosquito spray killer as standard in the rooms would have been good, we asked for some and it was provided but upon entering the tent it was teeming with mossies."

"The track in to the camp was the most rutted and difficult of our whole three week trip.

For us, the fact that the camp was fully booked and hence seemed very busy was a detractor. ie 20 plus sittng down at one long table to eat in the open each meal on the viewing deck.

The written nfo supplied to us re the place is not correct ie there is no pool, no fans, no mosquito nets and this should be corrected.

The led light in the rooms take some getting used to - ie definitely take a head torch or two!

The fish we were served on our first night should not be tackled without a head torch, as the lighing in the open air dining room is minimal and fish very bony.

Simon who runs the lodge is charming, and worked extremely hard to ensure everyone was welcomed. As you are extremely constrained as to how far you can walk around the camp Simon may wish to think about other board games etc., And for children a box of childrens books and games, and perhaps a bucket and spade in the sandy area. I would definitley not recommend it for young children."

"Great place to stay ie hotel with all the modern comforts. Staff very friendly and food excellent.

The down side for us is that it is big hotel and hence very busy.

On the game drive (poor sightings) they had not supplied enough vehicles so my husband went to sit in the front of the vehicle and I was expected to put my 5 year old on my lap. I did not agree to this
a) because the vehicle was open sided and had no seat belts and
b) she was sleepy as it was 6 am and in fact she did sleep for the whole of the game drive!"

"The best breakfasts of the whole three week trip, as we took these in the Safari Lodge.

The accomodation was fine but wasteeming with mosquitoes the whole of our stay. My 5 and 7 year olds were both bitten on face, ears, arms etc whilst in bed. Mosquito killing spray and coils should be provided afor use inside the nets as you cannot 'seal' the chalet. When we arrived the windows were open and the back of the property completely open. (the property has a canvas back which was open.)

Grat location oppostive the Boma and their pool. If you do use this accomodation do go to the Boma in the evening. We all loved it! Go see the witch doctor too at the Boma!"

"food, room and facilities in room excellent - great space"

"fantastic food and rooms - best place to eat we found in Swakopmund.

hotel took some finding though as maps do not seem to have kept pace with how fast Swakoopmund is growing"

"Great location, food etc - though lacks that personal touch.

we took a sundowner drive one evening which was ok - but apart from the sunset please do not take it to see wildlife of any note."

"If you want to be looked after and really expierence sincere human hospitality and an outstanding very special location go to Zebra River Lodge.

ZRL not necesserily set up to cater for children ie no high chair, cot and a dog that is definitely not child friendly."

"It was great to be able to see Meerkats and cheetahs and other game kept or who have become habituated to humans.
Food very very average, Location outstanding and can recommend the straw bale chalets - fantastic,

Did not have high chairs for our one year old, though were able to provide an earlier supper.

South African guide very knowledgable, if rather naive and opinionated as to what goes on in realitiy in Namibia re Cheetah Conservation - but perhaps I am being rather jaundiced, as sat next to a friend on the plane returning to England who had been staying on a farm where in the past 24 hours they had tracked and shot a lion, and trapped and shot a cheetah."