Reviews of safaris to Etosha National Park
1310 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Etosha.
"Namibia/Botswana trip, October 2012"
Only reservation about locations was that Etosha was too developed and touristy for our taste, which we weren't expecting.
Only slight criticism was that we had said we wanted to do some walking and we were led to believe that this would be possible which, apart from two tiny toddles which didn't really fall within the definition of a walk, it wasn't. We would probably still have done the same trip but, as we kept hoping for walks when in fact there was no hope, it caused slight disappointment which could have been avoided it we'd been warned in advance.
Otherwise, a perfect holiday.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not sure I'd have embarked on this feedback form if I'd realised how long it would take - but at least it's thorough !
On literature, sending us free copies of Chris's Brandt guides to Namibia and Botswana was a nice touch and appreciated.
Only slight regret was the absence of walking. As we'd said we wanted to do this, perhaps one location that provides specifically walking safaris should have been suggested. Otherwise perfect." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
"My Oct 2012 trip"
"My Oct 2012 trip"
"My Oct 2012 trip"
Advice re itinerary, locations & alternatives (after the fire) were innovative & faultless.
Only suggestion we'd make is to stress the importance of getting the correct electrical adaptors (our "alleged" international one didn't work) in your pre holiday paperwork.. Thank you." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"A fabulous trip to a fabulous country."
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just carry on as you have been." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"My Oct 2012 trip"
This meant it took an hour (which mattered to us after a long flight from Munich). Wilderness also didn't notify us of our departure time the next morning; we had to take the initiative to find out. When a van and driver picked us up the next morning we realized that we didn't have the service and transportation upon arrival we had paid for. But, thereafter, all went smoothly.
A tip for those going on to S. Africa. The Parker Guest House in Cape Town is a gem: in a handsome home built by a distinguished architect, it's brilliantly managed with excellent rooms and top rate breakfasts. Likewise, I cannot recommend more highly the Cascade Manor in Paarl (wine land): set in a landscape as beautiful as the best of Tuscany, it is luxuriously comfortable with very good food and modestly priced for its category.
In all, our trip was everything we had hope for. The only regret were our two-night stays; if one has the time and money, I'd strongly recommend at least three nights everywhere. Expert Africa's handling of our trip was really first rate (thanks to Maruska) and we strongly recommend using the company to anyone visiting Namibia.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
For someone who's usually critical of lapses in service, I am happy to say I can't suggest how you could have done better!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"We hope to return!"
"We had an amazing time in Namibia"
We found Expert Africa through the book. We normally book our travel independently, but decided that we would benefit from others' knowledge about Africa when booking this trip. We were limited in time, and Expert Africa did a good job of tailoring a trip to suit our aims and time constraints.
The pre-travel notes were brilliant to prepare us for what to expect.
We found the landscape in Etendeka and Etosha particularly beautiful, and saw masses of wildlife - much more than we expected. It was an incredible experience, and a huge privilege, to get so close to the wildlife in both those places, and in Okonjima.
We were well looked after everywhere we stayed - but nowhere better than Etendeka, where we found gentle, straightforward hospitality.
The driving was a bit daunting to start with on the gravel roads, but we settled into it, and were rather surprised to see tarmac again when we left Etosha! It suited us really well to be able to drive ourselves around.
Despite the relative ease of driving around, and the very comfortable places to stay, we found a real sense of quiet and wilderness in Namibia which was wonderful.
And we saw plenty of zebras." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"Probably our best African trip yet"
"My Sep 2012 trip"
Namibia is very safe & comfortable country for those who want to travel independetly without a guide. You can easily travel with kids too!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
When we want to visit Africa again, I will certainly return to plan our trip with Expert Africa team. Saskia was great: very helpful & provided practical useful comments while helping us to plan our trip. Thank you Saskia!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 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 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.
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.
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.
