Holiday review by Dr Catherine Turton
Name: Dr Catherine Turton
Date of trip: 21/07/2019
Number of people: 2
Tribes Overall:
Overall we had a fabulous time. I will definitely recommend this destination and Tribes to others but there are just a few changes I would make if I was repeating this trip.
Tribes Service:
Yes and the Vamoos app was superb. I would have liked a heads up about how cool and misty Swakopmund is in July as weather apps don't make this clear. As result we had hoodies but a light waterproof coat would have been appropriate. My understanding is this was completely typical for Swakop.
We flew LHR to JNB then Windhoek. We were advised that 90mins was not a long enough transfer time at JNB and to opt for the 4hr transfer. Infact we could easily have made the earlier flight. The unfortunate knock on effect was that we did not arrive at our first accomodation until 2030 and had to negotiate much of that journey in the dark when exhausted from travel. However, I am grateful to the Tribes team for letting Aloegrove know that we would be delayed.
Guides:
Local guides and contact with local people was great everyone so helpful, friendly and eager to talk to us and answer questions.
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
Yes, I felt we were able to make a contribution. We bought souvenirs from road side stands as we felt this was a more direct way to support people and were often asked asked if we had any spare food. We gave what we had but wish we had been better prepared as we had little need to travel with food. Money for goods is helpful but often the men leave the women and children for weeks to find work and the family are stranded in the middle of nowhere without transport or access to shops.
The places you stayed
Swakopmund Luxury Suites
Swakopmund
Lovely accomodation. Reception staff incredibly helpful with booking activites, finding restaurants and passing messages to help with our car issue. Would recommend.
Desert Hills Glamping Camp
Namibia
Once again, incredible memories of this place. Yes, the accomodation was lovely, the setting beautiful and the food fabulous but it was the people that made this place stand out. The staff were fabulous, so kind, attentive and entertaining. We even learnt some local language and were treated to dance displays after dinner.
