Reviews of safaris to Etosha National Park

"fanatstic country and excellent hospitality" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was extraordinary. Before the trip, friends asked us why we weren't content to visit zoos or somewhere like Animal Kingdom. Now I know it's worth the effort to visit Africa: the animals behave more normally in their wild native habitats than they do in captivity.

There were almost no glitches; it was difficult to come up with the extremely minor faults I've mentioned in the previous pages--I was trying not to be glib. [Ed: click onthe links below to access those 'previous pages']

We will return to Africa.

Here's an odd thing: everyone told us to visit Namibia for the scenery, not the wildlife-viewing. But we saw more wildlife in Etosha the 4 days we were there than we did the 8 days we spent in Botswana. The 2WD may have slowed us down enough to notice the animals; also we weren't rushing around trying to find lions, and were content to see whatever appeared.

For us, the more remote the better: I found myself being annoyed at Chitabe when I heard planes or helicopters.

We had thought someone was going to drive us from Muchenje in Botswana all the way to the Livingstone Airport. We were not looking forward to waiting in line for the ferry to cross the Zambezi. But as you know, there were a number of agents involved in getting us from the one place to the other. The transition progressed remarkably smoothly, and we enjoyed seeing a little of the everyday Africa one doesn't observe at safari camps.

That being said, the agent at Kazangula, Zambia was very kiind but he didn't seem to know that everyone has to pay a visa fee now. He behaved in a rushed manner, without explaining his intentions to us. I was locked in the van with our luggage then the agent took my husband to the customs office. Unfortunately, I hadn't told my husband about making sure our passports were stamped with the appropriate number of days, so they were stamped 7 rather than 8. When we left Lusaka to fly to London, we were scolded about this.

We couldn't cash travelers' checks at Livingstone Airport; we didn't have enough time to try at Lusaka; and at Mfuwe, the clerk wanted $20 to exchange $50. We had no luck at Kapani either.

FYI, Mr. Grellman at Etango Game Ranch mentioned that Windhoek plans to expand the airport across the road, more or less adjacent to his ranch.

I'm rambling.

I don't know what additional information would be helpful. We're used to setting our own schedules when we travel, and for that reason, we enjoyed having our own car and doing what we pleased when in Etosha. For 2 active people, it's difficult to spend 6+ hours in a jeep each day; and of course, during siesta, one usually can't walk around on one's own other than from the tent, to the dining hall, to the vehicle, back to the dining hall..... I suspect a walking safari is in our future. Also, we'd like to have our own vehicle, or have our own guide who wouldn't be bored sitting watching baboons or elephants for an hour. You can arrange all of this, can't you?

We had never used a travel agency before--for one thing, one of us is detail-oriented and enjoys the researching and planning of trips. But with the complexity of this trip and my slow-as-molasses dial-up laptop, I decided to try an agency. Chris McIntyre's guide books had impressed us not only because of all the truly helpful information, but also because of the lack of platitudes. To make a long story short, Expert Africa's services have been superb. The following remarks are nitpicking and I don't know if they'll be helpful or not.

I mentioned under the "Flights" section about the Zambian Airways vouchers. The Taj clerk also seemed confused about the voucher: she thought I was staying alone and she asked me how I was planning to pay for my night.

There are a few discrepancies between Mr. McIntyre's guidebooks and the Expert Africa website. For example, the books might state that a camp is only open seasonally, but the web site states otherwise.

Perhaps when an agent is going to be out of the office for an extended period, she might notify her current clients to contact so-and-so during her absence if they have questions.

Your turn -- rate us as clients.

Thanks for everything!" Read full review: 30 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"A thoroughly enjoyable trip; Tracy successfully matched our interests and preferences with the accommodation and avtivities she recommended. She had advised a 4WD vehicle as we were travelling in the rainy season; advice we recalled on the 3 occasions we got stuck (but in sandy river beds / approaches on D-roads, not in deep water). The Yaris we had was basically too low-slung to the ground. Luckily we received help each time but it did make driving in some of the remoter areas rather nerve-racking wondering what was at the bottom of the next dip! in the roadl.

We found the Namibian people welcoming and friendly and hope that, in the places where we stayed, profits remain to benefit the local communities. We did see and hear some evidence of this but were not always sure. It was fun occasionally bumping into people we'd met before, as they tended to follow similar routes.." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"An excellent trip, but much wetter than we expected (We had been to Namibia in February before and saw no rain).

This is a good time of year to see everything green (even in the desert) and the young animals in Etosha.

Very quiet in Etosha. We watched a rhino for 30 minutes and no other car came along.

With two spare tyres we had no punctures this time. We managed easily without a 4x4 - I would not have attempted to cross the Tsauchab in flood even with a 4x4 as the water was above my knees and flowing fast. No problems with the car and very helpful staff at Windhoek airport." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Our experience in Namibia was overwhelmingly positive. We definitely would like to return in the not too distant future.

When we return, we would want to explore whether there is some way of staying in less luxurious places (short of camping).

We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we have never had such excellent service from anyone in any sphere!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"This is our third Africa trip organised by you, and once again your advice in selecting where to go, choosing the balance between travel time/distance and length of stay in each place, and much more, was spot on.

The driving distances were all fine to manage, the lodges and camps we stayed at were varied in style but all interesting, very comfortable, and with a very high standard of service and food.

You put us on to some ideas that we might not have pursued ourselves (e.g Sandwich Harbour), and put us off some which we were pleased that you did (e.g. driving the Skeleton Coast for any more than the run up to Cape Cross, advising us that it is not really an interesting drive, and that in the wet season we would be one of very few on the road further north in an area where flash floods could be a problem. Both right).

After 10 days on good gravel, we appreciated how much better a 4x4 sits on the road than a light saloon, but were beginning to wonder whether the extra expense was really necessary. Then the heavens opened, and on the road between Doro Nawas and Khorixas we soon understood why Sabina recommended a 4x4 so strongly.

We had a great time because it is a lovely country with great scenery and lovely people, but the fact that it went so smoothly has much to do with Expert Africa's knowledge, experience, and attention to detail in planning our trip.

Thanks again, very much. Funds permitting, we will be back in Isleworth some time in future …." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"Enjoyed the holiday. Well organised. Etosha was outstanding. Victoria Falls was majestic. Apart from Terrace Bay hotels were good to very good. Apart from Sams Giardino the food was rarher ordinary with little choice in some cases.

On occasions the distances for driving were rather long and tedious. Surfaced roads wre good with little fraffic. Graveled roads varied from good where recently graded to awful with rather more of the latter than former. Return journey was a nightmare." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was a real adventure and Tracy at Expert Africa was superb in making suggestions linking various places of interest together.

The route we took was by far the best way to do it. It was our first experience of Wilderness Safaris and we enjoyed their camps and lodges enormously. As always a lot is down to the staff at the lodges and we would particularly like to single out Patries the manager and Johann our guide at Kulala, Florentia (assistant manager) & Jefta(our guide) at Doro Nawas, Rosi at the Stilz and Arnold our guide at Okinjima - these guys were stars!

A minor point is that on occassion we weren't always sure what we were supposed to pay for and what was inclusive - the terms full board & half board didn't always explain - sometimes water was free, other times we were billed for it for example. However none of our bar bills came to very much and we certainly didn't get the impression we were being charged a lot (apart from at Wolwedans where they tried to charge us £30 for a bottle of wine we didn't have! but they're not Wilderness Safaris!) but it's worth mentioning to you.

I'm already thinking about my next trip and Expert Africa will be my first stop. We also found Chris McIntyre's book excellent - we'd have been lost without it. Thank you!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"First class" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was excellent, a real adventure. My partner who hadn't been before was blown away by the scenery the animals the people.

For me it was my second trip and even better than the first time. We were sad to move on and promised ourselves that we would return again.

I am very pleased with the service from Expert Africa and have recommended it to friends." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip