Reviews of trips to Fish River Canyon

"We both really enjoyed our road trip around Namibia. Expert Africa were really excellent in organising our itinerary and I felt really secure in the knowledge that all the accommodation was booked up correctly so that when we arrived from a long drive to a lodge or guesthouse everything was in order. It was great to just hand over a voucher and not have to mess around with credit cards or passport details.

We were advised to rent a 4x4 but we took the risk in hiring a 2wd during one of the better rainy seasons that Namibia has experienced.... Things were a bit dodgy in places with relatively deep water to cross and many bits of slippery muddy patches and rocks to navigate around but we did it and that gave us a more adventurous edge to our holiday which lead to some good escape stories when we got back!!

The scenery was spectacular, the animals gorgeous and the vast open spaces a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of London. I loved every minute of my holiday and would highly recommend Expert Africa to anyone planning a trip to Namibia.

The pack that was sent out prior to the trip was excellent. The map all marked out with our route and places we were staying at was fantastic. All the added details like copies of brochures and print out of maps was fantastic too. I really felt confident in the hands of Expert Africa and everything went according to plan on a 3 week trip so it was a nice treat for me to put the organising of a holiday in the hands of someone else. I have never done this before and you did it brilliantly." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 18 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

"excellent holiday, journey well planned by you lovely varied accommodation.

thank you tracey" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"Our expectations of this trip were understandably high but the reality was far higher. We had spent time deciding which places we considered were special to us and Sabina [Ed: at Expert Africa] had incorporated them into our itinerary. She gave us several alternative accommodations for each location and we chose places as different from one another as possible. This meant that every stopover had it's own character and there was never any danger of us becoming complacent with our surroundings!

Looking back it is still amazing to contemplate where we've been. what we saw and what we did. We are still on a real high and it really was a trip of a lifetime. We will be back. Many thanks for all the help and advice." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"We found the trip to be very interesting with lots to learn and find.

Namibian peoplewe met are a delight to talk to and be with. They are proud of their country and are very knowledgeable. They are keen to learn and are most welcoming and helpful. There is a lot to see and the accommodations are excellent. We have now seen all the big five game and were thrilled to see game at close quarters.

Distances are long and tiring, as are the gravel roads. Careful consideration of vehicle to use is important and we feel 4x4's are essential for peace of mind. Organisation of the trip was generally very good and we enjoyed the experience." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip

"lived up to all our expectations. Sabina was brilliant and deserves a bunch of flowers !

keep up the very professional advice . Organisation was superb & selection of resorts/accomodation was impeccable." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"This was again a wonderful holiday which has given us so many wonderful experiences. The trip was taken at the right time of year to be able to see the wild flowers, the animals, the whales etc. Everything went according to plan. As amateur geologists we were able to get to places which have interesting rocks and rock formations - not everyone's idea of a good holiday I know. Some of these trips could not have been done without having had a "bakkie" and I would like to suggest that anyone thinking of doing this trip be recommended to hire one rather than a saloon.
The places we stayed had a good level of comfortable and friendly accomodation. Meals were generally good and we have now developed a taste for ostrich steaks as well as wines from the Orange River Region.

I found the literature supplied was very informative, especially the information concerning the border crossing formalities.

I very much appreciated the efficient way Mrs Scott dealt with the mix-up over the car hire when the credit card bill arrived.

The main problem with the holiday -- it wasn't long enough!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a South Africa trip

"Having spoken to friends who had previously visited Namibia (with Sunvil), our expectations were high. They were exceeded!

Everything worked out perfectly and we enjoyed our trip immensely. All suggestions made by Tracy were excellent e.g staying at Eagle's Nest.

THANK YOU EXPERT AFRICA !" Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip

"We loved it, and will be back!

Maybe to see some of Namibia that we didn't get to see this time - the Caprivi strip perhaps - and possibly combine it with a visit to Botswana. Car hire arrangements were very good - pick-up and drop-off very efficient.

Just one small point: wish I'd known that we could have saved our 'tax invoices' to reclaim VAT at the airport! It wouldn't have been a significant amount, but it would have given me something to do instead of hanging around, and would have given me a few extra dollars for last-minute frittering!

The Bradt guide was very good - a tiny bit out of date as regards prices." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"It was a fabulous holiday Namibia can offer such a variety of experiences and scenery that you can't help but be impressed. The people were lovely and the weather just right not too hot but sunny almost all of the time. I would have no hesitation in recommending Namibia or Expert Africa to anyone.

We would like to add here some comments about our activities in Swakomund as they were independant from Sam's Giardino and deserve a mention.

The Sandwich Harbour trip was great - run by Turnstone Tours - we paddled in the pools on the beach amongst the flamingoes, pelicans and damarland terns etc the birdlife was stunning, the drive through the dunes was exillerating and the lunch delicious - Namibians are very good at picnics.

The "Little 5" trip was equally good it was amazing to see so much wildlife in the desert - Chris our guide was very entertaining and probably mad! Namibia also seems to bred some eccentrics!

We had a lovely meal at The Tug three courses and wine for thirty pounds!!

However, there has to be a few buts !

We didn't feel that the Toyota Corolla was really man enough for Namibian roads, the exhaust sounded pretty dodgy on occasions and part of the bumper fell out - a vehicle that was higher would be better.

Although we survived to tell the tale, we felt on hindsight that we should have had a satellite phone, our mobiles didn't work every where. A german couple we came across with a damaged sump would have been in trouble if an Italian family with a satelite phone hadn't turned up and helped them - we think it may be something you should recommend.

Fish River Canyon was pleasant, but it could have been missed out of the trip and another day in Swakopmund would have meant we could have done the boat trip from Walvis Bay too - fellow travellers raved about it. We also suspect the flights too and from the canyon added quite a lot to the price of the trip. Despite these little grips it was still great." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip