Reviews of safaris to Etosha National Park
1309 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Etosha.
"This trip met all my goals!"
1. conservation efforts in southern Africa,
2.a glimpse of how average people live/work in rural and urban areas,
3. some of the geology and animals of Namibia and Botswana.
All goals met and we had a wonderful time!!!
The only thing that didn't work out was that I did not realize that virtually none of the shops/restaurants in either countrywould accept American Express credit cards. Even at the airports! I had allowed enough cash for gasoline, camp tips and misc but was relying on my AMEX card for the bulk of shopping and meals. This made for a very tight trip, especially at the end in Windhoek where we totally ran out of cash.
Please let people know which credit cards are accepted in these two countries!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic holiday - one of our best ever"
All the details which make a difference had been sorted out - I can't tell you how much nicer it is to find hotels expecting you to be a vegetarian than having to explain it at each venue as if they don't know.
The information you gave us in the form of maps and directions was also amazingly thorough." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"A wonderful holiday in a superb country"
Your brochure itself is worth having just to look at and gives an accurate and enticing description of what we have seen.
There is really only one thing I would have changed and that was the car. Technically you are right to say that it is manageable in a 2wd car. It would however have been so much more comfortable in a 4wd. We had no punctures and no breakdowns but the bumping and shaking on the rougher gravel roads was testing if only worying about shaking the car to bits.
As for Namibia it lived up to and exceeded all our expectations. Neither of us wanted to come bcak to England the holiday was that good. The scenery is so varied and the people so friendly that I would go back any time. Like many we have hundreds of photographs and hours of video so that I can make my own DVD to remind us of a fabulous time." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"Marvellous"
Maruska got the trip absolutely right for us and could not have been more helpful and efficient.
I shall certainly use expert Africa again." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Overall experience"
We were glad we arragned for an extra spare tyre even though it was not needed. We did however meet other tourists who did experience punctures & had to have tyres repaired.
Sabina was extremely heplful when planning the trip." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"As expected :)"
It is our feeling that the situation in Etosha will need careful monitoring. If the prices continue to rise dramatically then Hobatere might make a more cost effective alternative. The metalled road to Hobatere once complete also makes this more accessible.
We both felt that Etosha may try to price itself at luxury prices. Game drives at night in Etosha were 450 Namibian dollars, ridiculous compared to Hobatere." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Fabulous trip, Expert Africa made it"
Maruska recommended exactly the type of accomodation we wanted and suggested a great mix of differing experiences. We were delighted in particular that she recommended Etendeka to us - just wish we could have stayed longer.
And the Mokoro Trail in the Okavanga is out of this world" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"A fabulous trip"
Botswana was wonderful with the luxurious camps and great gameviewing. Maun had a good feel to it as a vibrant town." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic holiday"
At times, we found the driving to be tiring and would have preferred to have been in a 4WD vehicle which would have ridden the bumpy bits better.
With all the travelling, we found that it would have been much better to have had at least 3 nights at each place, and perhaps this might need to be suggested to other travellers. It took most of the day to get from one place to the next, hence we only really had 1 day at any location other than Etosha to get the 'feel' of it. It would however, have given us a real dilemma as even with the benefit of experience, it would be impossible to choose somewhere to miss out of the itinerary ... and we could not afford a 3 week trip!!
We found dealing with souvenir sellers (and beggars) difficult at times. It is hard to know when you are getting ripped off - which we experienced at least once - and as we are not used to bartering, we felt uncomfortable that we might be being unfair to them by going too low. However, they do seem to be very good with their psychology in their selling. Particularly found Outjo (as described in the guide book) and Uis to be intimidating places for this." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meWhere to stay in Etosha
Our suggestions for safari camps in Etosha National Park
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.
Halali Camp
The smallest of Etosha's erstwhile restcamps, overlooking its own floodlit waterhole, Halali has a superb location near the centre of Etosha Pan.
Mushara Bush Camp
The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.
Ongava Tented Camp
Set around a waterhole on a private reserve, the small Ongava Tented Camp combines understated comfort with activities that include walks and night drives.
Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.
Mushara Lodge
Close to the eastern entrance to Etosha, the comfortable Mushara Lodge is well-placed for exploring the park in your own vehicle or on a guided drive.
Dolomite Camp
Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
Namutoni Camp
Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.
Hobatere Lodge
To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.
Mushara Outpost
Intimate and luxurious, Mushara Outpost is well-placed on a private reserve to explore nearby Etosha National Park on your own or on a guided drive.
Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
Onguma Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.
Etosha Safari Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.
Little Ongava
The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.
Etosha Safari Camp
Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.
Andersson's at Ongava
With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.
Mountain Lodge
In the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, the family-friendly Mountain Lodge offers game drives and bush walks within an exclusive environment.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
With 106 rooms, child-friendly Mokuti Etosha Lodge is more like a hotel than a lodge. Facilities to include a gym, spa, tennis courts and even a snake park.
Etosha Oberland Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Oberland Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to explore the park, with excellent food.
Vreugde Guest Farm
Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.
Villa Mushara
Offering luxury on a peaceful private reserve close to Etosha, Villa Mushara is a great choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.
Etosha King Nehale
A short drive from the national park's northern entrance, Etosha King Nehale Lodge is an interesting and comfortable base from which to explore the park.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
