Nancy Reinisch review 27 Dec 2004
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The lodge was set in a lovely location high above the oasis at Dakhla.
The views were wonderful from the decks and verandas. Our highlight of the trip was taking a half day camel trip into the sand hills behind the lodge. The camel guides and camels were great. We had a campfire lunch complete with roasted corn that we had gathered from a date farm the day before. The next day our guide took us to a 1000 year old mud brick village in the heart of Dakhla--complete with old jails, olive oil press, and ugly looking bats! The staff at the Lodge were very accommodating. The food was just fine. The Christmas dinner or "supplement" was very nice. The breakfasts were made to order omelets. The Lodge is beautifully decorated. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quite of the lodge and Dakhla Oasis--particularly compared to the hustle and chaos of Cairo!
We used a tour operator to take us from Cairo to Dakhla then on to Luxor. They were great. We camped in the White Desert on the way to the Lodge. I have never seen anything so beautiful as the White Desert and the Crystal Mountains. Lots of interest and fun. We could have camped one more night. A great way to spend quality time with our college age sons.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It's a long drive by 4 x 4 from Cairo through the Western Desert to the lodge. If you are American--be prepared for police escorts--unless your guide can talk them out of it. Bring snacks and treats to munch on along the way. Read about the Oasis's and the Western Desert before you go. Learn a bit of Arabic--a little bit goes along way with the local people.
3. Any areas for improvement?
Rooms at the lodge were a bit cold in the winter. But they are working on it. We simply bundled up in the lovely Egyptian blankets and put on our heater in the room.
4. Any other comments?
Thanks for including the lodge on your website. We would never have taken the five day desert safari without it as our destination.
