Reviews of safaris to Etosha National Park
1304 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Etosha.
"Magical five week self drive in Namibia"
Many different animals from penguins , seals and flamingoes on the coast to lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, leopards and cheetahs in the parks. Too many species of antelope to list and the same goes for birds. At least six types of eagle, alone.
In addition to the wildlife, the geology is astonishing. So many different styles of desert – not just the famous dunes – and so many different mountains with rocks of all sorts of shapes and sizes and minerals.
Three nights wild camping with a guide in Damaraland was an unforgettable experience.
We didn’t find the driving as difficult as we had thought – although a 4 x 4 is essential and we left the really difficult bits (e.g. sand dunes and canyons) to experienced guides.
Can’t wait to go back. Still plenty more to explore." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 26 on a Namibia trip
"My May 2024 trip"
"My May 2024 trip"
Terrific camps, wonderful sights & scenery, welcoming people everywhere.
The game was sporadic until we got to Ongava, but it hardly mattered as we were in the thrall of this amazing country.
Big shout out to Sabina who organised what was a great trip that included all that we wanted & at the right price too." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My May 2024 trip"
Our Toyota Fortuna was fantastic and perfect for the journey.
The advice we received that it would be cold at night, turned out not to be accurate for our visit during the first 2 weeks of May. We packed too many thick clothes for the expected cold evenings which actually we only require d in Swakopmund.
Nearly all accommodation supplied Peaceful Sleep in the rooms which was appreciated.
The information given on all of the accommodations was completely accurate and well described.
The map supplied was good and detailed. We did use Google maps on occasions to lead us to the actual accommodation." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana Adventure"
Overall, this trip was amazing and the experience and knowledge of Expert Africa (and Maruska) to arrange this made it so! We would recommend Expert Africa to to everyone we know that want a genuine trip to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Some of the times were a bit tight and travelling over lunchtime was a bit awkward to coordinate eating and newly arriving at a lodge with their planned itinerary." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Apr 2024 trip"
Its had to think what we would have done even slightly different.
We came back full plans for next time." Read full review: 30 nights in Africa; 24 on a Namibia trip
"My Apr 2024 trip"
Sometimes it's tempting to do it all your own way, but I think what we learned was that if you let a guide share his local knowledge with you, you gain a huge amount which you then take with you to the next place. Learning as you go, you can't help but look at everything differently and you gain so much enjoyment from it.
I would say do as many activities as you can.
All aspects of the trip were seamless and all arrangements made by Expert Africa worked perfectly. We travelled a huge number of kilometres, saw some stunning landscapes, and enjoyed lots of wildlife particularly in the north.
We are already dreaming about our next trip to the areas we didn't manage to cover and I'm sure we will go back." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
"My Mar 2024 trip"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The trip logistics were great (accommodations, directions, choice of guides, locations, food, etc). One suggestion: This was our first time in Africa. We found it very helpful to have Grace's assistance when we arrived at the Windhoek Airport. We took your advice to check in at the Wilderness Safaris office there, and Grace took us under her wing and walked us through the process of using the cash machine to get local currency and picking up the rental car. She made that process so much smoother for us." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
"My Feb 2024 trip"
We loved the country, people were extremely friendly and would definitely consider a return visit." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"My Jan 2024 trip"
Sabina made good suggestions and we enjoyed staying in a variety of places, and the mixture of self-guided and organised activities. Helpful to have the airport lounge when we arrived after an overnight flight - cold drinks and somewhere comfortable to sit and watch the safety video, but also useful info and they helped us to get a SIM card sorted out etc.
I've never done a trip which was organised by a company before, and I'm a convert!
We have recommended Expert Africa to others already, and are thinking/ dreaming about the next trip...
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Would be good to strongly encourage people to know how to change a wheel before they travel (the Europcar rep told us 50-60% of travellers have tyre trouble). Also to make sure before people leave the airport that they have some idea of how to change a wheel on that specific vehicle - we came across a young family who were struggling, in 38C heat, to find the notch to put the jack into.
Also to make people aware that, while they may be able to check-in for their return flight online, Windhoek Airport doesn't have QR code readers for digital boarding passes. If the attendant in the Wilderness lounge hadn't made us aware of this when we arrived for our return flight we would have got a bit stuck, but if people are short on time or don't go into the lounge they may not discover this until too late.
In hindsight, we would probably have fewer one-night stops - it was wonderful, but I think we were trying to cover too much ground, really. Not Sabina's fault - we were over-ambitious!
A note for some of the lodges - often we were given a lot of verbal info upon arrival, including the different activities available. Sometimes we were and sometimes we weren't told prices. It's a lot to take in, and would be very helpful to have the activities written down and definitely with info on prices (some lodges did provide this either in the room or at reception)." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Where 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.
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.
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.
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.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
