Reviews of safaris to Central Highlands

"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

"It was a great trip with lots of very different highlights.

It was also great to share it with the kids.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, thank you for everything." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"This was the most special holiday. We cannot thank Josh enough for arranging such a fantastic itinerary enabling us to get a real feel for the country.

His knowledge and the fact that he had experienced places first hand meant that he could really tailor our trip to our needs.

We would definitely recommend a visit to Namibia and our only regret is that we only had two weeks. Driving was very easy, although you're covering large distances, there is always something new around the next corner.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nothing to improve on!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Initially was a little concerned about lack of wildlife sightings however dunes fantastic and despite the slapshod way okaukuejo camp appeared to be run the waterhole was a revelation. we saw rhino each night, 3 on the first night and 2 the second night plus a male lion then 4 females.

Highlight was the cheetah kill. Etosha fulfilled my expectations and more.

No one could foresee the torrential rain and subsequent flooding which lead us to being advised to travel the longer route to Doro Nawas which made it feel like an unnecessary out of the way stop. Given a good run up the skeleton coast this view would not be as jaded.

All the accommodation was good and the extra night at erongo was well worth it

Would recommend this trip to others" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"Overall a very enjoyable trip. Generally, the accommodation was good to excellent, with the possible exception of Mushara. The car performed well, no punctures! The directions given were easily followed, no need for a Satnav. Driving on gravel roads was not a problem, we generally drove at 60/80 kph.
We found the people of Namibia extremely friendly, we never felt threatened.
In conclusion, we felt the trip was well planned, two-night stays were just right and we would recommend the use of Expert Africa for future trips to that great country.

Thank you, Tom." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"I bought this trip for my wife's 60th birthday and it was an inspired choice. We usually back-pack so this was exceptionally easy - especially the transfer at the Botswana - Zambia border. Note that the driver told me that I couldn't get a KAZA visa at this border crossing, mentioned in the very good Bradt guide you provided. This was not correct and we were issued one when I enquired. Great choice of lodgings and really loved Okajima, River Dance and Garden Lodge.

Josh clearly explained to me the type of trip we were booked on, particularly that we were not including some of the major game parks, so we were very clear on what we would be experiencing and he sent me a new map free of charge when we found a minor mistake on the first one.

I'm impressed with the service by both Expert Africa and your local agents. Your instructions/information are excellent.

Minor points are raised where applicable in the accommodation reviews, but they in no way spoilt our trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Other than the points raised above, no." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"Brilliant - we will definitely be going back to Namibia at some time in the future!

We are really glad that Chris suggested that we do this as a self drive holiday......we would have hated being on a tour bus!!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"We have been wanting to visit Namibia for sometime and we weren't disappointed. Its a beautiful country with friendly people.

Driving was easy even on the dirt roads and despite the fact we had a lot of rain for the time of year.

We witnessed the greening of the desert as we drove around and saw some amazing wildlife in a beautiful setting.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

We recommend the XTrail over the Duster for this type of trip." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"This is a trip I want to forget. I had inappropriate expectations from other travellers comments, or from advice from Expert Africa. The unsealed roads that are considered "good" turned out to be on average, alot worst than the unsealed roads in Australia. The "best" sections in Namibia were eqivalent to our unsealed roads in National Parks with corrugations. The rest were atrocious, with no warning sign if something major comes up that requires significant slowing down.

I was told that there was cell phone reception almost everywhere, and I wouldn't need a satellite phone. It turned out half of the unsealed roads had no reception. There were some stretches of roads that I did not see another car for an hour at a time. I was driving alone and couldn't deal with any breakdowns myself. I wouldn't have made this trip if I had known the reality.

I was also told that I would see a good amount of game as it is baby season, and there would be an increase in predator activities to feed the babies. When I asked the guides they just laughed. Virtually all the animals gave birth anytime if the year. Also because there was alot of late rain, I really didn't see much game except for elephants.

I really wasn't prepared for how backward Africans were. The lodges in Namibia were nicely built, but you couldn't get even the most basic requests through the staff. They are genuinely nice people, but almost all the lodges never considered purchasing the few items that I requested due to dietery restrictions, eventhough they were common supermarket items. I asked if I should bring some of these items myself and was told the lodges confirmed they would supply them. Should I have been warned they may not mean what they say?

Zimbabwe apart from Victoria Falls was unbearably backward. I am not sure if its to do with their econmic meltdown 20 years ago. Even at departure, I thought I had to spend the night at the airport as they couldn't refuel the plane.

I did manage to get some good photos. I do think Namibia has the best rockscapes in the world and massive potential to develop their tourist industry further, but I wouldn't consider going back.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I received a very good service from Maruska in planning this trip. But I feel she may need to be updated about a few facts. When I travelled to Egypt several years ago with a tour, we were given in writing tips on cultural expectations I call it. EA could certainly do with something like that, so travellers are better prepared as they interact with Africans.

I have travelled extensively around the world but have never been to Southern Africa. I have found this trip very taxing." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip