Reviews of safaris to Damaraland
1114 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Damaraland.
"My Jul 2023 trip"
"My Jun 2023 trip"
We were surprised at the km of unpaved road. 3000km of 4000km. All serviceable, but occasionally very rough. Fuel readily available. 4305km/12.62km/liter/N$6905/$387 We consider this a good value.
We were very fortunate in that we had no tire or vehicle issues. We thought we were well prepared for communications. To our surprise neither of our iphones with T-mobile worked. We did not want to be out on the road without a phone to call for assistance, so we bought a che ap phone and 100 minutes of time. In the end we didn't need it but would not undertake the drive without a phone. Suggest you offer a phone as part of the package.
2nd- offer a basic sat based GPS system. Map is very good and easy to use, but a GPS allows better definition as to location, time and distance. We brought a basic Garmin GPS with southern Africa maps and it was indispensable.
In summation this was an adventure of a lifetime and EA made it possible." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
"June 2023 honeymoon"
The pack that Expert Africa sent us was great - the map and itinerary with directions was all we needed to easily navigate our way around. We really wouldn't have any faults at all (if you pushed us then maybe a more robust car would be beneficial. We had 1 flat tyre which is not unusual on those roads but we did struggle with some of the long and bumpy driveways to the lodges).
It's impossible to choose favourites but Zannier Sonop, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and Onduli Ridge were our favourite stays. The staff were always so welcoming and looked after us very well. And they were all set in the most beautiful scenery. It really takes your breath away.
We will not forget this trip in a heartbeat and hope very much to replicate again or something similar in the not so distant future.
Thank you Tom for helping us plan such a memorable honeymoon - what a great start to married life!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2023 trip"
it exceeded all our expectations (even teenage boys). something we will remember for a very long time." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"50th Birthday Treat"
We felt very grateful to have the privilege of visiting Namibia and we have returned to our normal lives with a new perspective of how life can be lived." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2023 trip"
If we were to do it again, we would probably hire the car from day 1 and add some time in the Kalaari and fish river canyon
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were expecting more walking safari" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"2nd trip to Namibia and didn’t disappoint."
The ease of travel, amazing scenery, unique lodges, incredible scenery and outstanding wildlife makes Namibia an absolute favourite.
All organised seamlessly by Expert Africa." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"My May June 2023 trip"
This is the second holiday we have booked with Claire, the first one was to Zambia. She was recommended to me by an acquaintance that had traveled to Zambia multiple times.
Claire has great knowledge of the areas and parks to visit and focus on, and insights on the lodges and private reserves. She knows I am budget conscious, so made suggestions on bookings where we could save some money.
Claire is very responsive, and prompt in turning around itinerary changes.
I sincerely appreciate all of her efforts on my behalf." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My May 2023 trip"
Being an independent traveller for many decades, I have always planned and organized myself my trips all over the world. I must say I do not regret a second having asked for Expert Africa's help in finding and booking all the different accommodations for so many nights,i.e. 21 nights, because it would have been very difficult in coordinating the schedule of the trip...I do not want to imagine the implementation of the international transfers after the problem I met with the bank of Expert Africa, located in London!
Tom Morris has been from beginning to end a highly knowledgeable and professional advisor. His choice of accommodation was excellent and in congruence with my budget. The standard of accommodation in Namibia ( even in "modest" places like Okaukuejo ) is excellent, beyond expectation. Of course I would not have minded putting up at luxurious lodges every night !!!
Through Expert Africa, we rented a car for our self drive trip. When we met with a problem with Europcar ( picking up a car with a small damage on a door at the airport ), Tom answered me on the spot and got in touch with the general manager of Europcar in Windhoek to make sure we would not be charged for. I did appreciate his rapidness and help .
Expert Africa website is absolutely excellent. And the information leather pack, along with the guidebook, the map we got before the trip is very good.
Now I have to talk about the BIG problem I met with the transfer of money. from my bank to Expert Africa's bank.
My bank followed all the instructions given by Expert Africa SCRUPULOUSLY.
The two payments prior to the trip should have remained in euros for the whole transaction, between my bank and their bank. For an unknown reason, the payments were AUTOMATICALLY converted into UK currency before being converted into euros, no matter how hard they tried!
It was a real hassle, completely stressful, time consuming AND financially infuriating! I was charged an amount of 194€ for fees!
I have recommended Expert Africa very highly to several French travellers. But I wouldn't like them to experience the same predicament. I would not like them to reproach me with that.
As said before, carry on with transmitting your expertise and passion for Africa ." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia 2023 trip"
Although there was quite a lot of driving and on gravel roads (2500 km approx) that gave a great insight into the geography of the country. We will return and get up to the Caprivi Strip next time. Wonderful people too with a great sense of humour" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Damaraland
Our suggestions for safari camps in Damaraland
Doro Nawas
Comfortable rooms and a convenient location make the community run Doro Nawas a great base for exploring Damaraland.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani is a beautiful and stylish mountain retreat in southern Damaraland; it makes a great base for visits toTwyfelfontein.
Damaraland Camp
Setting the standard for community partnerships, Damaraland Camp offers a beautiful location, a range of activities – and a genuine welcome.
Camp Kipwe
With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare opportunity to track black rhino on foot in one of the last true wilderness areas – an amazing experience.
Etendeka Camp
Etendeka is an owner-run camp in the remote and less visited north of Damaraland. The camp is renowned for it's spectacular guided walking trails.
Grootberg Lodge
On the edge of an ancient plateau Grootberg Lodge has a stunning location and arguably the best views of any lodge in Namibia.
Twyfelfontein C'try Lod.
A large lodge set among the rocks, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is a convenient base for visiting the rock engravings, which are only 4km away.
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Spitzkoppen Lodge provides stylish accommodation in an area of scenic grandeur with guided access to sites of ancient Bushman rock art.
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge has a great location by a spring in the Uniab River and offers access to an area where you can see a variety of desert-dwelling animals.
Huab Lodge
Huab is a classic little Namibian Lodge which is slightly off the beaten track in a lesser visited part of Damaraland.
Brandberg White Lady
Brandberg White Lady Lodge, nestled at the foot of its namesake, makes a good base from which to visit bushman rock paintings including the 'White Lady'.
Vingerklip Lodge
Vingerklip Lodge occupies a lovely location, but is a little too far east for guests to visit Damaraland's main attractions.
Khowarib Lodge
Khowarib Lodge has a great location overlooking the Hoanib River. This is one of the few places to offer authentic Himba village visits.
Etendeka Walking Trail
The Etendeka Walking Trail promises to offer a back-to-basics walking and camping experience in one of Namibia's most remote and untouched wilderness areas.
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
Malansrus Camp
Within easy reach of Twyfelfontein, Malansrus offers a simple but comfortable base for visits to the rock engravings or seek out desert-adapted elephants.
Ugab Terrace Lodge
Ugab Terrace Lodge is a comfortable stopover between Damaraland and Etosha National Park or Namibia’s Central Highlands.
Ozondjou Trails
The simple Ozondjou Trails gives a unique perspective on living with Damaraland’s desert-adapted elephants and how tourism is key to protecting them and the livelihood of the people.
Palmwag Sleep-out
Palmwag Sleep-out is a simple camping experience and a great way to enjoy the remote beauty of the vast Palmwag Concession
Damara Mopane Lodge
Damara Mopane Lodge is a large 60 room lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens. It can be used as a comfortable stopover between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast
Camp Doros
Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.
Sorris Sorris Lodge
Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.
