Reviews of safaris to Etosha National Park
1314 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Etosha.
"My Oct 2018 trip"
Josh strongly suggested Desert Homestead Outpost and it was a real highlight for us - the position and relaxing nature of the lodge were wonderful.
Overall the only negative was Hobatere lodge which was recommended and which was definitely below the standards of any other private lodge we've stayed at on two trips to Namibia." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
"Road trip of a lifetime "
We were in a hot air balloon 1000 meters above the desert at the crack of dawn and regularly sand-blasted on gravel and sandy roads. In hindsight we should have elected to stay outside of Etosha and we should have tried to arrange it so that we had smaller meals with less red meat. We worked out that we had 9 red meat meals during the period of 16 days! The food was mostly excellent, but was just too hearty a diet at 35-40 degrees.
Also thanks to Tracy's advice we managed to experience the hot air balloon ride over the desert and to discover such gems as Bullsport and Eningu lodge. Our favourite lodge was Doro Nawas for its stunning location and atmosphere, and lovely staff, closely followed by Hoodia, where we had the best food and a most relaxing stay. Okonjima was also a very special place where we saw leopards on our very first ride!
We will be revisiting our memories of this trip for a long time to come." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Oct 2018 trip"
All was fantastic. No significant problems or issues, loved the country, would love to return. Mostly met Germans & Dutch; only met two American couples, Americans are really missing out!
Roads were not too bad and very little traffic.
I was surprised and saddened (or probably just ignorant) to see the racism and poverty that still exists in our world." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia - much greener than I expected"
Etosha National Park was slightly disappointing for us as we had been on many safaris in South Africa and Botswana, and Etosha was very much like the Kruger National Park in South Africa, where again one had to stay on the roads through the park. However the reserve around the lodge was much better and the driver could drive over a much wider area, and the scenery there was stunning, with plenty of wild life, including a caracal which I gather isn't frequently seen. Seeing a vast herd of zebra patiently waiting for three lions to leave a water hole so that they could then have a drink was also fascinating. The guide also went to great lengths to find us white rhinos.
We liked Damaraland and the harsh, volcanic scenery. My wife really enjoyed Sossusvlei and the dunes. I had expected them to be the highlight of the trip, coming at the end, but I'm afraid the anticipated Wow Factor didn't materialise for me, but I still enjoyed the excursion and the Dead Vlei was most dramatic.
Providing landing cards for Namibia, with instructions how to complete them, was a great bonus. None were available on the plane and all the passengers had to scramble to get them and fill them in at Windhoek airport so we were almost the first people through passport control.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
On the landing card there is a question asking how much we anticipated spending in Namibia. I said I didn't know and that was not acceptable, although the passport officer wasn't bothered what figure I put in as long as I put in some figure. You might point this out with the information you provide about completing the landing card as a couple next to us were given quite a hard time about the way they had completed the form." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
"1 - 18 October trip overall"
Fuel stations were frequent and mostly took cards by staff at the pumps. The lodges were very well appointed with soap, shampoo, hairdryers, dressing gowns and fridges (not at Grootberg). Not all lodges provided laundry facilities, despite an indication that they would (under exclusions) on the itinerary.
We were travelling with friends who had their own car so bought walkie talkies which were very useful together with a free road map app that my husband downloaded to his phone which didn't need internet and it was invaluable. Highly recommend the app. We drove 2,500 kms, mostly on dirt roads, some better than others.
We thought all the tours (with the exception of Grootberg) were very good value with knowledgeable guides who certainly didn't clock watch. Staff were always helpful and friendly, the food was variable and the wine good quality and value." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Sep 2018 trip"
The guiding generally although in most cases was competent was well below that v high standard experienced elsewhere as above.
We were v glad we did not drive flying was much the better option." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia Sept/Oct"
The highlights for us were the stunning beauty and variety of the landscapes, friendly people, amazing wildlife which we observed on organised game drives( also being able to do self drive game drives in Etosha was a treat) and very comfortable lodges. If you want a real adventure holiday Namibia is a must. Be prepared though for some long drives on dusty gravelled roads.
I would happily recommend Expert Africa and Wilderness Safaris to anyone wanting to visit Namibia.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No. You ticked all the boxes for us." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Exellent"
We had lots of variety but I think we would say the private mobile safari was our favourite thing. When we started our holiday we thought a month away was a long holiday but we didn't once feel it was too long, probably just right really. We saw such amazing things. Megan was great when we had some money stolen out of the safe in one of the lodges, fortunately we didn't need to take her up on her offer to get cash to us.
We found Megan to be very knowledgeable and she always listened to our requests. Thank you for making this a dream holiday." Read full review: 31 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"My Sep 2018 trip"
"A most memorable trip"
We never once felt unsafe or threatened though we took the usual precautions to protect ourselves and our belongings.
There is clearly a huge diversity of wealth in the country which did make us feel uncomfortable from time to time.
Given the opportunity we would certainly return and we will encourage others to do the same." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
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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 The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
Onguma Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.
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.
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.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.
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.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
Toshari Lodge
Smart and professionally run, the hotel-style Toshari Lodge is well-placed for self-driving in Etosha National Park.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
