Mike Britton review 10 Nov 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We went to Namibia on the Namibia Sands holiday in October 2012.
The flights were with Virgin and BA. BA was fine. The VA flight to Johannesburg was poor. We have flown VA to the US and to India and they were good. However, the Jo'burg flight was VERY cramped with my knees rammed into the seat in front for 11 hours so I couldn't sleep and arrived like a zombie!
We were initially a bit unsure of the vehicle as it was a lorry with a passenger cab on the back. But it proved to be the most suitable vehicle for the (mostly dirt) roads and although a bit dusty and hot it worked OK and doubled up as a game drive vehicle! The guide / driver was Dee and he was helpful, knowledgeable and patient – as well as being a good driver!
There were some changes to the expected hotels but these seemed to agree with the itinerary that other people did receive with the Final Joining Docs - and the changes were (apparently) for the better.
Highlights were the whole Fish River Canyon part including the Lodge and the friendly and helpful staff.
Also the Dolphin trip in Swakopmund (see below). Without this, the 'day at leisure' in Swakopmund may have been boring as there isn't a lot to do if you don't like shopping but as it was, we saw all we wanted to see and did the Dolphin trip.
The Dolphin - saw thousands of seals, 2 humpback whales, several dolphins, one penguin.
The balance of the trip was about right. We knew there would be a lot of driving and this couldn't be avoided. Dee tried to make the breaks as pleasant and as long as possible.
The hotels were all good. The best was the Fish River Lodge – not just because of the location but the staff were friendly (singing to us at dinner) and smiling a lot. But all the hotels were fine.
The worst atmosphere was at the Okaukuejo Camp Lodge in Etosha where I got the impression that the staff were serving Community Service sentences and working there was part of their punishment. When the yoghurt ran out at 8am at breakfast, all we got was a shrug and 'there is no more' response – which was better than the 'omelet man' who just totally ignored me! (Maybe he thought I was waiting for a bus?) The staff here were no more likely to sing to the guests than the elephants were! But the whole point of being there was the Water Hole. We saw as much game here as we did on the game drives – it was fantastic! And all you needed to do was sit in the shade and drink a beer. The other Lodge in Etosha was lovely (Namutoni Fort Lodge). The rooms were better and the staff happy, smiling and friendly. But there wasn't even a sparrow at their Water Hole.
The final hotel in Tsuneb (Hotel Dros – that was it's name -not the one in the itinerary) had beautiful rooms and an Olympic size swimming pool and was worthy of mention not just for it's name but also for the tortoises and the pool!
It was a great holiday and we would recommend it (apart for the Virgin flights which were torture).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for some long long drives on dirt roads. Take a cushion!
The water is drinkable from the tap except in Etosha.
Don't fly Virgin Atlantic.
We took Malarone (best deal was from Asda) for the Red area - but stopped taking it when we got home as we didn't see a mosquito and certainly were not bitten.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we visited the Bushman community support Ombili Foundation where we bought souvenirs which help the community. It is German-run and not a registered charity in the UK. You can make donations but can't 'gift-aid'. Take soccer or volley balls and books (in English) for children.
The fact that we went to state and private Game Parks (which employ local people) gives the community a stake in preserving their wildlife also helps to support conservation.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
Marianne Wicks review 4 Nov 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Fish river canyon trip and Etosha game drives
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Expect a bumpy ride in a truck day after day
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To an extent
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent
Patrick Tickle review 21 Sep 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every part of the holiday from fish river, the dunes, skeleton coast, the (SAN) drawings to etosha were more then I had expected. The only down side the visit to the san village it was a construction site and too dangerous for future visits.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel with an open mind & heart try all the food and enjoy the quiet.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think they benefited only slightly the impact on the environment would be difficult as we drove everywhere but conservation was helped.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My holiday for me was a 30 year wait due to Wilbur Smith (the burning shore) it gave me an itch that has finally been scratched and would never forget.
Kathy Klaka review 26 Jan 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Very difficult to select one part. The kayaking with the seals and dolphins in Walvis Bay was particularly special, as the animals came to us in their own environment, rather than watching them from inside a car that they ignore. On the other hand, seeing cheetah, lions, elephants and rhinos in the wild in Etosha was fabulous. The white lady lodge/campsite was another great place and it will be even better in a few months when their pet meercat is older and greeting you in the campsite!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book through Wild Dogs direct, not this operator! This operator gave me the wrong start day among other annoyances, but Wild dogs who ran the trip were amazing. Bring a pillow, lightweight waterproof, 2 towels, torch and mozzie repellant. My kit list (from this operator) was a little different from the Wild Dogs one and didn’t have pillow on it!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It benefitted locals through trade for sure. Many of them rely on tourists and in the general atmosphere was that they were pleased you were there, even in the cities. Environmental impacts were minimised within reason. We were sparing with water use, cleaned up litter etc, but at the end of the day - it was 10 days with a lot of driving! Nice to see recycling in about half the campsites.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The Wild Dogs 10 day trip I'd give 8/10 it was very good. The trip from this operator would get 6.5/10 only. I think responsibletravel.com should work directly with Wild Dogs for quality of trip and planning etc.
Sara Miller review 30 Oct 2011
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Oh my goodness, there was such a kaleidoscope of wonderful memories, so many amazing vistas, experiences and moments it is hard to choose one. I will however, for me it was sitting at 5am at our lodge's floodlit waterhole and seeing a male lion, followed by his females, coming down to drink just yards away.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a brilliant country to visit if you feel a bit apprehensive about Africa. Very safe, clean and friendly, and everyone learns English at school. Also, if you go in the dry season you probably don't need to take anti-malarials, depending where you visit.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I hope so, our lodges were generally eco-friendly and tourism is a rapidly growing industry for Namibia. The new lodges, hotels and restaurants are providing much needed jobs for people locally.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We have travelled extensively, this was one of our top holidays!
