Reviews of safaris to Central Highlands

"This was our fourth trip to Namibia, first to Botswana, and we think it was the best trip of all. We have used Expert Africa for every trip, along routes that we have chosen and planned ourselves. We will definitely continue to do so. Their staff's professionalism, knowledge and understanding of the country and the visitor's needs are second to none; we would not contemplate looking at another company.

The route, which Claire advised us on, was excellent, taking in a variety of landscapes from these beautiful countries. She took our initial wish-list and turned it into an affordable and practical trip. Perhaps a couple of the drives between destinations were a little too long, but certainly they were achievable in a day.

We have not visited the north of Namibia before and this, along with Botswana, provided a very different, water-based experience. The lodges were all excellent; all very different, but provided amazing experiences. We are always stunned at the quality of food, service and accommodation that are produced in the middle of nowhere!

The Namibian peoples are so friendly and eager to please their visitors. The guides are always professional, knowledgeable and well-educated. They manage to provide a personal experience to each and every visitor.

It was a bonus to be greeted at Windhoek airport by a member of Wilderness safaris and helped through the car hire process. Also, the use of their lounge upon our return was good, as was the help to bypass a long queue for the baggage check.

The only trouble is - we want to go back again now!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, it's all just great." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"It was a fantastic trip. Better than just "very satisfactory". It was organised for us by Tom who put together a great mix of experiences for us. Importantly all the logistics and connections worked perfectly. Thank you Tom and Expert Africa." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"We were it the more than capable care of Tom Morris from Expert Africa's London office. Tom's enthusiasm and knowledge of Namibia knew no bounds. His careful planning of our itinerary was obvious, and how he had considered our requirements in the planning in the order of lodges we stayed in was just right.
This was my first visit to Namibia and I was blown away by it - the wildlife/birdlife was as good if not better than any I have experienced before in Africa - I will definately be back.
I will definitely recommend Expert Africa." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"Namibia was wonderful - so much more colourful than we expected.

The typical Namibian lodge we stayed in was in a good location (a bit of a drive from the main road), had well appointed rooms with a view, a warm welcome, a sundowner spot or drive, a 'signature' activity, and a nice dinner and breakfast. Service in general was good everywhere. 2 night stops in most locations worked well - we generally needed a full day to do whatever the 'signature' activity was.

Our highlights were Fish River canyon - it's a long, long drive south, but really worth it, Tok Tokkie Trails - sleeping under the stars, and Etosha - Okaukuejo camp facilities weren't great, but the water hole made it so much better than staying outside the park.

4WD car essential, together with an ipod for the long drives and in September in the south the nights were very cold - need jacket and a hat!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Can't fault anything about the trip.

We had a couple of problems - delayed bag, forgotten Kindle, on both of which we were helped by the local team - thank you!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Apart form the problems with the hire-vehicle, we would thoroughly recommend this itinerary for its selection of excellent, if different, lodges in varied environments. The standards of service, excellent food and wines, friendly staff and knowledgable guides were beyond reproach. We rated the Safarihoek Lodge, Etosha Heights as the most luxurious accommodation with wildlife to match in its large reserve, previously a hunting farm. As with all our previous trips with Expert Africa, everything ran very smoothly.

Since our last visit in 2013, the condition of some of the gravel roads has deteriorated quite a lot, and we noted that most other guests at our lodges were driving the Toyota Hilux , a much tougher vehicle that our X-trail. We only met one grader this time and the road approaching Spitzkoppen Lodge and the road from there to Uis were particularly bad. Money (Chinese?) seems to be being spent in upgrading the tarred roads on which we travelled, most of which had already adequate surfaces.

Although you quoted for flights when we enquired, you did point out that we might get better rates elsewhere. We thank you for that, as we were able to fly from Southampton (25 miles from us) to Windhoek via Schipol with KLM for a very reasonable price, without the hassles of transit at Jo'burg - thankyou." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"A great 70th birthday trip.

Perhaps erred a bit on the luxurious side, but we didn't really complain." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 26 on a Namibia trip

"Fantastic!

Highly recommend." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was excellent and our expectations were not only met but exceeded. We enjoyed the varying landscapes, the animals and the people.

The trip, which we requested at the very last minute, was superbly organised. From the time of my initial contact, all requests/queries were handled in a timely helpful manner. All the components (fly, drive, transfers) fitted together well and all connections/transfers went smoothly.

The only changes we would have made are those that could only have been made with hindsight!

So again, thank you very much Maruska and Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: These are very minor suggestions and comments and are made purely to try and be helpful.

(1) An explanation off what one can expect in relation to meals when your accommodation is on a full board basis and you arrive around lunchtime. Our first full board accommodation was at Canyon Lodge and we arrived at lunch time. We were greeted with some information about the facilities and times for dinner and breakfast, but no indication of whether there was any lunch available or whether we were entitled to lunch. Subsequent enquires resulted in us being directed to the dining room.

At a later lodge, we realised that we could have had lunch even though we arrived early in the afternoon but had already had lunch just in case.

(2) If people are doing an overnighter at Cheetah View Lodge it would be good to know that the cheetah feeding is at 2 o'clock, which is the only time that this is held, is also included in the cost of the accommodation i.e. so that if possible you would make sure you got there in time for that. The other paid activities did not seem to be good value. I did note that on EA's notes of this lodge, that it EA thought that there needed to be a better integration of activities with the overnight experience, and we agree.

(3) I think that Hyena Pan did include laundry facilities.

I apologise if I should have known some of these things. I did look up all the accommodations on your website (which I thought was most extensive and the reason I choose the company initially), and make notes before our trip, but possibly I missed bits.

We wish that the tipping thing could be made easier. Australia does not have a tipping culture and so it always comes as a surprise and what seems like a lot of extra money on top of what are not insubstantial costs, at least in some places. While were tried to follow the guidelines, sometimes we were caught out when guides changed or we had an extra guide.

It is impossible to single out 'other' people, other than guides and polers for example, as there are always people behind the that contribute to your enjoyment and comfort on a trip." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Provided a very well researched and considered experience for the four of us. Good variety of activities and accommodation. All transport and connections worked well. Maruska went to a lot of trouble to design a good trip for us at short notice. Would certainly recommend Expert Africa." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"This was our 5th and best trip." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip