Travel reviews by Mr & Mrs H from Newark

"We had wanted to visit Flatdogs for many years and it really lived up to our very high expectations. We enjoyed the friendly, relaxed nature of the camp and loved being able to eat at any time of day, with numerous options on the menu and daily specials board.

We received a really warm but not overbearing welcome from all of the staff and always felt very comfortable. Adie and Jess are great hosts and Geoffrey, our guide, was really knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to spend time with him. We loved our three nights in the tent, hearing the whistles of the puku and the munching of the hippos right outside.

Thoroughly enjoyed all of our game drives - although the full day drive we did was very tiring in 40° heat and an open vehicle! Geoffrey was very responsive to everyone's needs and took care to position the vehicle where everyone could see and take photos of the birds and wildlife.

Hope to return in the not too distant future."

"It was well worth the 2-3 hour drive down to Bili. It feels very remote and we only occasionally saw other vehicles.

The camp itself is big enough to give you space, but small enough to be very personal. There was also a lot of wildlife in and around camp day and night (we were woken one night by a very loud noise outside our room - most likely a hyena - and another night by Harry the hippo scratching himself on one of the stilts supporting the room!). Finding lion footprints in the sand of the breakfast boma on two mornings left us in no doubt we were in the wild!

Manda is a guide who comes with a high reputation and it is well earned. His knowledge and understanding of Wild Dogs in particular is fantastic. It is as though he has a sixth sense. He really understands their behaviour and was able to describe and explain what the dogs were going to do and how they were going to interact before they did exactly as he had described!

The ability to do walking safaris is one of the treats of Bili. Walking in the bush gives you a chance to look much more closely at some of the small stuff, as well as keeping you very alert! We were amazed one morning to find that a wood-fired pizza oven had been set up in the bush for brunch, along with fresh dough and all the ingredients to make our own pizzas! It might be wild, but there's a definite air of being well looked after around Bili!"

"It was great to return to Flatdogs, this time to the Jackalberry Treehouse. The accommodation is wonderful, overlooking a private waterhole and open to everything. Lydia made sure we were comfortable and very well looked after during our stay.

Meals can be taken either in the main restaurant or delivered to the treehouse. We tried both and having brunch at the treehouse watching the wildlife wandering past was a real treat.

When we (hopefully) return to Flatdogs we would love to stay at the treehouse once again - it was fabulous!"

"Our favourite camp of the three safari camps we stayed at in Selous & Ruaha.

The accommodation was just as we expected - simple but comfortable and surrounded by wildlife.

The food was good & plentiful and we liked being able to serve ourselves for some of the dishes.

Despite not being in Selous at the best time of year for mammals because of the lush vegetation after the rains we saw a lot - leopard, wild dog, hyena and many lion. The bird life was very good at this time of year and having the carmine bee-eaters flying with the vehicle was a very special experience.

Our guides (Emanuel and Bakari) were excellent and our driver (Zahor) was exceptional. Zahor is probably the best driver we have had anywhere in the world - not only was he skilled in manouevering the vehicle on very challenging terrain (after a lot of rain in the days prior to our arrival) but he was very conscious of his passengers safety as well as the position of the sun for photographs.

The camp managers Phil, Tricia & Micol were really helpful and worked hard to ensure all the guests could do the activities they wanted during their stay - with a full camp this can be very challenging."

"We really enjoyed our stay at Impala Camp. Due to the time of year, there were fewer animals in the immediate area around the camp than at Manze but the birdlife was excellent.

Barbara was very helpful in arranging for us to have a more experienced guide once she knew that we had been on a number of previous safaris and that we enjoy birdwatching. Expert Africa usually let the camps know of particular interests in advance but for some reason the message had not been passed to Barbara that we like birds. As soon as she realised she contacted the manager at our next camp to let her know too. Our guide and driver (Gerhard and Rajabu) and they were really enthusiastic about the things we saw (particularly the chameleon and crowned eagle).

The food at Impala is very good and it was nice to have a choice of main course. Like everywhere there was far too much!

Our tent was very comfortable, spacious with lovely furnishings and a good bathroom area. The only slight disappointment was the decking in front of the tent was in full sun in the afternoon and with no shade it was far too hot to sit outside in the break between game drives.

We went out on two boat trips on the river and were a little disappointed to find the boats were very noisy and the petrol fumes were quite noticeable. I think this would be less of a problem when the currents aren't as strong as there would be more opportunity for cutting the engine."

"We really liked the camp - the layout, the tents and the wildlife in camp itself. The food was good and plentiful but the highlights were the pancakes for breakfast (including on the bush breakfasts!) and the bread (up there with the best we've ever tasted). And the provision of a packed lunch (with Cornish pasty!) on the day we flew out was very welcome.

The scenery in Ruaha was simply stunning and it was a pleasure to go out on a full day game drive around the river and the hills. Game was plentiful with many elephants and lions plus kudu, dikdik, eland & gazelle.

Unfortunately in the area close to camp we had a problem with the tsetse flies - we knew that they would be around at this time of year but we weren't prepared for how uncomfortable it would be stopping the vehicle in the 'tsetse zone'. It takes around 1 hour to 1.5 hours from Mdonya to get away from the tsetse flies and the only way to protect yourself is to be covered in thick clothing or a blanket from head to toe. As soon as the vehicle stops squadrons move in so the beginning and end of every game drive involved just trying to get through the tsetse zone only stopping for something really unusual.

Our guide (Djamani) and driver (Tom) worked hard to find some of the more unusual birds in the area for us and were very happy to go at our pace. It's a shame that they aren't encouraged to sit with us during bush meals (as happened at the other camps). The vehicles at Mdonya have, generally, seen better days and could do with an upgrade - our first vehicle had a problem and we broke down less than 10 minutes out of camp. The replacement had a problem with the alternator which meant that the engine couldn't be switched off. The first vehicle was fixed for our second day but then had the same problem on the third day. None of the tyres had any tread so there was little traction in difficult terrain.

The lions in camp after dinner just metres from our tent was something that we'll never forget!"

"We enjoyed our stay at Pole Pole - the staff are friendly and helpful, although quite reserved. The food was outstanding and plentiful.

The location on the beach is attractive and quiet. Although we didn't try it the pool looked inviting.

Our bungalow was very comfortable & spacious with a lovely balcony. We even had a friendly rat with a penchant for underwear!

We had chosen Pole Pole to end our holiday with some snorkeling. Unfortunately we were only able to go out once a day for approximately 30-40 minutes snorkeling due to the tides and currents. We hadn't read anything before our trip about the activities being so tide dependent and the reasons for the limited snorkeling opportunities weren't explained to us properly until our last day. Despite making it clear on our first evening that we weren't at Pole Pole to just sit on the beach and relax, we were never offered any other activities apart from a village walk even though we were happy to pay for trips in addition to the complimentary snorkeling. There is a nice walk along the beach that we did every day and we saw some good birds but again this is tide dependent.

Our snorkeling with lunch on Fisherman's Island was cancelled due to the rain and the whale shark operators had already stopped for the season - obviously both of these were outside of Pole Pole's control.

It's a lovely lodge but our trip was perhaps poorly timed for the tides."

"We only had one night here after our flight. We were lucky to get the upstairs room with balcony so we could make the most of the lovely view.

The room was comfortable and Rolf was very friendly & helpful.

We had dinner and, although there wasn't a wide range of choice, the food was good."

"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay with Anja, Frank and their children - despite the freezing temperatures! The hot water bottles placed in our beds were very welcome. Meals were served with the family and were quite informal and relaxed - more like eating with friends. We arrived after lunch but on request Anja rustled up some soup, bread, cheese and cold meats for us. At 3pm we were treated to hot drinks and Dutch-style waffles. The rooms were very spacious and comfortable, the dogs friendly and we enjoyed a good late afternoon drive with Frank, with nice views and some game.

Potential travellers should be aware that there are plenty of stuffed animal heads on the walls and, as with many places in Namibia, hunting is looked upon favourably which may not agree with some people's sensibilities.

The 15km from the main road to the farm is not suitable for a normal car. We had a Toyota Yaris saloon and, despite driving extremely carefully and slowly, grounded the car on a number of humps and rocks. A vehicle with higher suspension such as a Nissan X-trail 2x4 ought to be fine, although according to other guests, it may still take an hour to drive the 15kms. It took us an hour and 35 mins.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay."

"We were very fortunate to get 'Tent' 1 which meant that we only had one set of neighbours. We were able to leave our tent open on two sides and so make the most of the sunrise and the views without being overlooked. Although we didn't request it, our 'tent' also had two double beds, so we had plenty of space.

Although there is no choice offered, dinner on both nights was excellent. The preamble to dinner (singing and presenting the menu) seemed somewhat forced and added little to the experience. The staff seemed quite uncomfortable with it too. Breakfast was not up to the standard of dinner.

At Wolwedans guests are paying for the amazing location and the coordinated conservation efforts in the Namib-Rand - not for 5 star service and facilities. The lodge is very special and the service and facilities are very good (just don't expect the Ritz!).
We had a fabulous time in a wonderful location and would love to return."

"Everyone wanting to visit Sossus Vlei should stay here! We were really impressed with the location and the quality of our room. The big advantage is being able to have an extra hour inside the park gates, morning and evening. The room was really spacious, with a great balcony, comfortable sun-loungers, bath robes, filter coffee & biscuits.

Our evening meal was also excellent, particularly the oryx.

We were a little disappointed with the lack of information available to us when we arrived. For example, it would have been useful to know
(i) that the lodge has its own road into the park and you don't have to waste 15 minutes driving back to the main gate like we did
(ii) that you don't need a permit if you're staying at the lodge
(iii) that lunch is included, even if the booking states you're on a dinner, bed & breakfast plan
(iv) what time you are expected back at the lodge after sunset
(v) that you apparently need to make a reservation for breakfast (our ballooning trip was cancelled so, having been told breakfast was from 6am, we turned up at 6.10 to find that 'the chef is still waking up'! They eventually started serving at 7am when other guests arrived but they didn't set a table for us or take a hot food order as we shouldn't have been there. We ended up setting our own table and skipping hot food as we'd already wasted an hour of daylight.)

A few minor improvements would make this place fantastic. We'd definitely stay here again."

"Our igloo semi-detached room was one of the smallest we stayed in during our Namibia trip but it was absolutely fine, especially for just one night. There was just room for two chairs on the balcony, but the view was fabulous and the sunset stunning. We woke up to mountain zebra crossing the plain.

Breakfast was good with all the usual cereals, fruit, toast, yoghurts plus hot stuff. Our dinner experience was mixed - one of us had a delicious pasta dish whilst the other was served uncooked chicken which had to be returned. But the staff dealt with this without making a fuss and apologised.

We enjoyed a short walk in the morning before we left and there were many more walks to do if only we'd been there longer. We'd happily stay here again."

"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Stiltz. From the time we arrived until the moment we left, the staff were very friendly and extremely helpful. In particular, the staff on the reception desk went out of their way to confirm our trips and try to book us on a scenic flight. Catharina was especially helpful.

Our room (number 6) was very spacious with a great bathroom, seating area and balcony. It was also very tastefully furnished and had a very reasonably priced mini-bar.

Breakfast was very good with freshly baked muffins and croissants as well as all the usual cereals, fruits, yoghurts, etc.

We would also recommend The Tug restaurant which is in the same ownership - our meal here was superb. Reception will make a reservation for you there or anywhere else in Swakopmund. We also recommend one of the half day 'Little 5' desert tours - your expert guide will find snakes, chameleons, lizards, etc which you haven't a hope of finding on your own. The Stiltz can arrange this too and you will be picked up from and returned to reception.

Expert Africa also organised a day trip to Sandwich Harbour for these travellers. They commented:

"Although we were unlucky with the tides, meaning we only had a limited time at Sandwich Harbour itself, we had a fantastic day. Wayne, our guide, was really knowledgeable and interesting.

Turnstone Tours seem to be a very professional outfit, who take their responsibilities to the delicate environment they are working in very seriously. We would thoroughly recommend this trip.""

"This is an excellent location if you want to see the seal colony at Cape Cross and don't want to be rushed. We were a bit worried when we arrived and building work was going on all around but this didn't cause us any problems during our brief stay.

Bizarrely we were the only guests in this large hotel and it was a bit strange eating dinner and breakfast in the large, empty dining area! However, despite this, the waitress service was very good and our food was available when we wanted it. Dinner was ok without being special but breakfast was very good. Given we were the only guests we were impressed to find a full range of breakfast options. The chocolate muffin was especially good (shame there was only one!).

Tea and coffee was also available at all times.

Our room was a good size with a nice balcony which provided a great view of the crashing waves and a spectacular sunset."

"Absolutely stunning location overlooking the Klip River Valley.

Our room was comfortable with a great view. We were also fortunate to see quite a lot of wildlife from our balcony - e.g. dassies, klipspringers and lovebirds. It's worth remembering a torch for the walk from the rooms to the lodge which is poorly lit and uneven.

The staff were very friendly and helpful without being over the top - a good balance. Whenever we needed anything or had a question they were easy to find and happy to help. We really enjoyed their song & dance act on our last evening - the staff were obviously enjoying themselves and it felt genuinely spontaneous rather than forced (as it does in many other places we've visited).

We did both the rhino tracking and desert elephant tracking. Both were very long days but were great fun. The rhino tracking is a full day with an early start whereas the elephant tracking is supposed to be a half day (although we returned to the lodge later than we had on the rhino tracking as our guide and tracker (Moses & Barman) didn't want to give up until we'd spotted an elephant!)."

"Okaukuejo is an absolute must for its waterhole alone. It has to be one of our all time travel highlights and we can't wait to return. The only problem is finding time to eat, sleep and wash! Next time we'd probably stay longer than two nights.

We stayed in a waterhole chalet and this was very nice (and convenient for hot drinks to keep us warm during the cold winter evenings by the waterhole).

Breakfast was good, with a good choice (although not everything is put out immediately). The snack bar could be improved as there isn't a great choice - we didn't really want to waste valuable game-viewing time having a three course dinner!

There is good game viewing near to the camp and we were lucky enough to see a cheetah early one morning."

"We had a double chalet and, even though it didn't look great from the outside, it was lovely inside. The waterhole at Halali is much quieter than Okaukuejo but we still saw some good animals, including a breeding herd of elephants. Apparently, we missed the leopard that was seen on our first night. Two nights is probably about right for Halali.

The service at the restaurant was mixed - sometimes they were attentive & helpful, other times less so. The food was quite good but the lunchtime buffet was very similar to that offered the same evening. Breakfast consisted of the usual buffet and was good.

Staying at Halali gives access to some great spots in Etosha, notably Salvadora (thousands of zebra). Lion also seem plentiful in this area."

"We had two nights in a bush chalet which was very luxurious. The huge sunken bath was a real bonus. The waterhole here seemed quite quiet, but that was probably just luck of the draw.

We thought that we were staying on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis but it turned out that lunch was included too. Unfortunately nobody told us this! Also, nobody told us to book a table for dinner - it turns out this is a must if you want to sit inside (which you probably do in July/August as it gets pretty cold once the sun has set). The food itself was very good - the first night was a buffet, the second night was a set menu (with a choice of three main courses). Breakfast here was very good but it can get a bit busy and there isn't much space inside.

The waterholes in the Namutoni area are very busy, for us Klein Namutoni and Chudop were particularly fruitful. Dik-dik Drive (unlike Rhino & Eland drives) was very aptly named!

We did an organised night drive and an early morning drive here - the night drive was excellent with lots of wildlife and an informative guide, the morning drive was disappointingly quiet but it was very, very cold. Unfortunately, though, we were the only guests and our guide didn't seem very interested."

"We stayed three nights and had a tent/chalet higher up the hillside - guests staying 1 night often get the tents lower down we were told. The location is stunning and we had a great view from our tent. There are some wonderful walks, either guided or self-guided. Good walking shoes are required for the climbs up the rocks/boulders.

In two full days we did two guided walks, a nature drive and two self-guided walks. All of these were very interesting. Activities seem to be on a first come, first served basis and on our second day the nature drive was over-subscribed. The guides were very good.

The food is delicious and plentiful. Breakfast was particularly good, but frequently interrupted by love birds and other colourful birds. Dinner was frequently interrupted by porcupines!"