Not Going Back To NWR Resorts

WE have returned recently from our sixth visit over several years to Namibia.

Our experience of seven days in the Etosha National Park was disappointing, to say the least. The ‘major facelift’ that NWR are undertaking is ill thought out and is a triumph of design over common sense and practicality, and a sadly mismanaged opportunity for them to lead the way in Africa for a sustainable and eco-friendly experience.I will try to be brief: 1.Okaukuejo.Our first unit had no water, cement dust everywhere and the air-con was not working.We moved, at our request, at 9 pm, to another unit.There were no bedside lamps at either unit, we read by our head torches! The noise at the waterhole in the evenings was very intrusive, the premier double-storey units occupants being major contributors.Our three-night stay was not enjoyable.2.Halali.This unit was the best.The bedroom area was very comfortable, but money has been wasted on two huge armchairs in the kitchen area.Apart from a sink and a fridge, kitchen and storage facilities are minimal, the outdoor braai area is very good.The restaurant evening braai-cooked meat was inedible and the rest of the food was cold.3.Namutoni.Who ever thought of putting decking everywhere? The sound of rattling luggage wheels trundling around the units from dawn to dusk destroys the peace completely.The whole camp was a building site.We were appalled to find double washbasins, a large sunken bath and TWO showers, one inside, one outside in the unit.Where is all that water coming from? Will there be enough for humans AND the animals? Our air-con and kettle were not working, and we spent three days avoiding watching each other going to the toilet as our bathroom door remained propped outside our unit for the duration of our stay despite our requests for some privacy.4.We were furious about the N$500 ‘deposit’ we had to pay at each camp! Our rooms were inspected before we could leave to ensure we had not stolen or damaged anything.To be subjected to standing and watching as the two teaspoons, mugs, four pillows, towels, sheets and the mattress were counted and scrutinised was an experience we will NOT be repeating.We will never stay at an NWR camp again! The attitude of staff, especially housekeeping, was both sullen and resentful.5.We saw to our dismay that NWR vehicles and therefore some guests were blatantly disregarding the speed limits all over the park.6.We met and voiced our concerns and complaints to all three resort managers, but we do not feel that it will make any difference at all.NWR must realise that ‘one-nighters’ in groups will not be bothered to complain, but we, who return regularly, need to be heeded.Why have NWR not followed the good practice of many privately-owned lodges in Southern Africa and incorporated ecological awareness and sustainability into the plans for upgrading these very special locations for which they are responsible? The disclaimer in their advert that ” NWR will not take responsibility for any inconvenience caused as a result of the refurbishments” is a crude avoidance of responsibility, and we doubt that it is sustainable in law.Mr and Mrs K Buxton Blackpool Lancashire, UKThe ‘major facelift’ that NWR are undertaking is ill thought out and is a triumph of design over common sense and practicality, and a sadly mismanaged opportunity for them to lead the way in Africa for a sustainable and eco-friendly experience.I will try to be brief: 1.Okaukuejo.Our first unit had no water, cement dust everywhere and the air-con was not working.We moved, at our request, at 9 pm, to another unit.There were no bedside lamps at either unit, we read by our head torches! The noise at the waterhole in the evenings was very intrusive, the premier double-storey units occupants being major contributors.Our three-night stay was not enjoyable.2.Halali.This unit was the best.The bedroom area was very comfortable, but money has been wasted on two huge armchairs in the kitchen area.Apart from a sink and a fridge, kitchen and storage facilities are minimal, the outdoor braai area is very good.The restaurant evening braai-cooked meat was inedible and the rest of the food was cold.3.Namutoni.Who ever thought of putting decking everywhere? The sound of rattling luggage wheels trundling around the units from dawn to dusk destroys the peace completely.The whole camp was a building site.We were appalled to find double washbasins, a large sunken bath and TWO showers, one inside, one outside in the unit.Where is all that water coming from? Will there be enough for humans AND the animals? Our air-con and kettle were not working, and we spent three days avoiding watching each other going to the toilet as our bathroom door remained propped outside our unit for the duration of our stay despite our requests for some privacy.4.We were furious about the N$500 ‘deposit’ we had to pay at each camp! Our rooms were inspected before we could leave to ensure we had not stolen or damaged anything.To be subjected to standing and watching as the two teaspoons, mugs, four pillows, towels, sheets and the mattress were counted and scrutinised was an experience we will NOT be repeating.We will never stay at an NWR camp again! The attitude of staff, especially housekeeping, was both sullen and resentful.5.We saw to our dismay that NWR vehicles and therefore some guests were blatantly disregarding the speed limits all over the park.6.We met and voiced our concerns and complaints to all three resort managers, but we do not feel that it will make any difference at all.NWR must realise that ‘one-nighters’ in groups will not be bothered to complain, but we, who return regularly, need to be heeded.Why have NWR not followed the good practice of many privately-owned lodges in Southern Africa and incorporated ecological awareness and sustainability into the plans for upgrading these very special locations for which they are responsible? The disclaimer in their advert that ” NWR will not take responsibility for any inconvenience caused as a result of the refurbishments” is a crude avoidance of responsibility, and we doubt that it is sustainable in law.Mr and Mrs K Buxton Blackpool Lancashire, UK