I have stayed at City Lodge in the airport, as well as Africa Sky. I'll take AS every time, but that is not my question so please do not answer in such a manner.

My question is, for those who have stayed multiple times at Africa Sky, have you ever had any "issues", mainly safety issues, in transiting to and from the JH airport, or even while at AS itself? My buddy is going to Namibia with me, and bringing his son along, and was asking me this question, so I thought I'd ask the experienced here. Thanks.

I have stayed there numerous times and we recommend staying there to all our clients as many traveling with their wife and children. We haven't encountered any issues.

We have stayed there 12 times. Perfect/professional/safe/friendly service from the "Meet and Greet" to the accommodations/hospitality. Brian

While I have only stayed there once, I had my son (14 at the time) with me and never once felt the slightest bit uneasy.

Stayed their 6 times. Always felt safe!

We have never had any issues with our time at Africa Sky. Everything was fantastic!

Most are safe but to stay at the airport lessens the chances for problems.
Cal

Stayed at Africa Sky for the first time two weeks ago. Felt safe from the meet & greet at the airport to departure the next day. Would not hesitate to use them again.

Never a problem with safety or anything that even felt unsafe. Wouldn't consider staying anywhere but AfricaSky.

Four times, no issues at all.



.

Just curious what the attraction of AS is for a quick overnight vs the City Lodge which is right at the airport. We've only overnighted in Jo'berg once and used City Lodge and found it very convenient but just curious about the attraction of AS.

I have stayed at Africa Sky a number of times. I am going to give you my unabashed opinion from my last stay there. (August 2015) On this occasion, our Delta flight was a little late getting in, and SAPS took some extra time, due to the number of hunters on the flight(We had also paid for the meet and greet through Africa Sky). Moreover, even though we had paid for the evening dinner, very little of the items were left when we arrived (we went straight to the dining room). Apparently the cook must be instructed or budgeted to only make so much of the side dishes for the evening meal and that's it. I know this because I had asked when more soup and some of the other items would be coming out and was told that there was no more coming out for dinner. We also had people coming in after us to eat as well and I truly felt sorry for them, as having just the steak without the soup and the wonderful side dishes, etc. does not make for a great dinner, especially when you have paid for it. Also, the hot water was not working in our room when we tried to shower at 10:30 pm. Apparently the boilers or whatever controls the hot water must be shut off after a certain time in the evening. We were also up early for our connecting flight to Namibia and there was no provision made for us for a light breakfast before we left. I bring these items to your attention just in case you may have a late arrival or a very early departure, as Africa Sky and Deidre should have in place contingencies for these very issues. Next time, even though I have stayed at Africa Sky numerous times, we will stay at City Lodge where I know I can get a full meal and a hot shower without any issue. It's easier for me to forego some of these items, but I take exception to them when my wife is traveling to Africa with me, as she does on many occasions.

Sheephunterab,

I'm with you. Having to leave the airport for an off site location and return to the airport the next AM makes no sense as City Lodge is literally across the street from the airport and perfectly comfortable. City Lodge is in the same building as the Intercontinental that has the fabulous Quills Restaurant and the City Lodge breakfast buffet is excellent. Finally why would you get up extra early for your flight just to drive to the airport when you could walk from your room to check in for your next flight and get some extra shuteye?

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
Just curious what the attraction of AS is for a quick overnight vs the City Lodge which is right at the airport. We've only overnighted in Jo'berg once and used City Lodge and found it very convenient but just curious about the attraction of AS.

I'm usually pretty candid, and will be here again too.

The City Lodge was very nice, including the rooms and the breakfast the following morning. Not sure if this is the norm or not, but there was no dinner, as the restaurant seemed to be closed. This left me wandering around the airport eating airport food, and I felt like was the only white guy within 500 miles of the place. I had no problems, but didn't like it at all. Also, once in the hotel, I could have been in Dallas or San Antonio for all I knew....no feeling that I was actually in Africa.

The Africa Sky however, I can find no fault. Rooms, meals (outstanding), free beer, customer service, feeling/knowing you're in Africa, etc really put it a step above the feeling I got at City Lodge. Another thing I liked is that Africa Sky has a US bank account with BofA. I walked right in, deposited my $$$ in their US bank acct, and the next morning I had a confirmation packet via email. Wonderful service and great people.

I travel a lot and all hotels and restaurants kind of become the same to me. The City Lodge was no different which isn't a bad thing. The rooms were nice and clean and secure. The bar was cheap and had free snacks. Dinner was tasty and breakfast was much more than we could ever want. We got in late, had a few drinks and dinner then slept late the next morning, ate breakfast and walked over to check in. I'm sure AS is wonderful too but having to drive there just turns me off....at least just for an overnight stay.

JGRaider: Must not have been the norm, as they have a wonderful buffet dinner in the evening. Also, as Mark said, the Intercontinental has a great restaurant as well.

There was no evening buffet when we were at City Lodge a few months ago but you could order off the menu at any time. You could also have food from the airport restaurants delivered.

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
There was no evening buffet when we were at City Lodge a few months ago but you could order off the menu at any time. You could also have food from the airport restaurants delivered.

That would be real nice to know from a CL employee, especially when you're standing in the restaurant wondering where everyone is.

UEG, I wouldn't like that scenario from Africa Sky either, for the record. Question: How would you even know who/where to order airport food from if you didn't walk around and know what was there? The airport food I've had there, 3 times now, all sucked anyway.

Unfortunately, City Lodge must have changed or taken away the dinner buffet. That's really too bad as it was very good. JG: Good point, and in my opinion airport food sucks everywhere in the world. I guess asking someone at City Lodge might have given you some ideas or maybe would have led to the Intercontinental.

There was information right in our room about room service from the airport restaurants. The restaurant in City Lodge seemed vacant when we were there too but we just asked the bar tender what the deal was and they escorted us right to a table and took our order. I find sometimes in Africa you do need to ask. It's definitely not always like NA where they come and ask you what your needs are. Just different cultures I guess.

The last time that I stayed there in 2014 it appeared that the restaurant right off of the check in area was either closed or vacant too, but I asked about dinner and they said that they had a dinner buffet that started at a certain time. With that said, I came back down and had the buffet. However they may have done away with it since then. I actually met and dined with a number of hunters that evening, as I was alone on that trip to the BVC in Zimbabwe. And, the breakfast buffet was very good.

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
There was information right in our room about room service from the airport restaurants. The restaurant in City Lodge seemed vacant when we were there too but we just asked the bar tender what the deal was and they escorted us right to a table and took our order. I find sometimes in Africa you do need to ask. It's definitely not always like NA where they come and ask you what your needs are. Just different cultures I guess.

I guess so. I just know, for me, the only advantage CL has is convenience. That's it. The Africa Sky has better food, better service, better "feel", and a much better value IMO.

Convenience was the only reason we booked there JG. Not saying anything is wrong with AS....just wondered if we were missing something.

Stayed at AS twice never nervous at all set out by the fire by myself never worried

I've stayed at both many times. I choose City Lodge simply because of convenience. I am checked in and enjoying a scotch before one would arrive at Africa Sky. The next morning is a simple stroll to the SAA check in. No stress and no waiting.

About the most dangerous thing with Africa Sky is the luggage thieves taking bags off the transport bus. Otherwise there is nothing particularly dangerous about either choice. Just watch your bags at ALL times and avoid people attempting to be helpful.

Some Africa Sky trivia.

Did you know?
1. That the owner, Schutte Bekker, played Rugby for the Springboks and was captain of the
Bulls rugby team for several years. He is a South African national celebrity.
2. Craig Boddington stays at Africa Sky sometimes.

quote:

Originally posted by sheephunterab:
Just curious what the attraction of AS is for a quick overnight vs the City Lodge which is right at the airport. We've only overnighted in Jo'berg once and used City Lodge and found it very convenient but just curious about the attraction of AS.

It may have a lot to do with ones own traditions, memories and nostalgia connected to the African experience. For multiple reason I like to book a day between connecting flights to another country, and AS beats a hotel room. I've never been there when there aren't other hunters/outfitters to visit with. It's tough to beat lunch and a beer or a morning coffee on their covered patio by the garden, especially if its raining out. Great home style meals, friendly staff, quiet atmosphere, clean.

Definitely the African experience is something that shouldn't be rushed. Personally, staying at AS before the Safari begins slows the hectic pace of travel and gives the body a chance to settle down. Staying at a hotel next to the airport may seem practical, but no thank you.

We've always used Jo'berg just as a place to change planes or to get in a vehicle to start driving. This last trip found us overnighting between camps so we'd already been in country two weeks so perhaps you are right. I really hate the travel part of trips and just want to get to camp to allow the African experience to begin but I do understand your thought process. Everyone travels differently and if easing into Africa is your plan, then AS sounds perfect. For me it's get me the hell to camp in the most convenient and expedient manner. For that CL is likely the right choice. Thanks for your perspective!

I agree with d.unger.

I really enjoy the style and atmosphere at AS. We usually stay for two days to shake off the jet lag.
I slow down, listen to the laughing doves, swim, use the excersize room, visit with the staff and catch up on Local news and politics.

Often, there are interesting travellers and hunters hanging out around the boma.

The dining room is refined and the food is awesome.

Schutte, Diedra, and Queen are old friends now.
My wife and I always take two days at AS to "get into" Africa before we head out on our adventure. I really works for us. Brian

PS. Another small point for staying at Africa Sky for two days; If something has gone wrong with your luggage/guns, the two days at AS give it time to sort out. B

In the recent process of booking at Africa Sky for September, I learned that they have upgraded 5 rooms and will have done 5 more by Christmas. Brian

I would guess I have spent at least 15 nights there over the years and never a single issue- especially safety. I look forward to overnighting there and as many have said visiting with Schutte, Diedre, Queenie and Leoni is always great. I will be there tomorrow night Lord willing with a king clip or fillet dinner and good bottle of SA red wine before a cigar by the fire...the 10 minute transfer over from the airport is pretty inconsequential to me for the experience that is far above a hotel stay.