Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1092 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"A most memorable trip"
The trip, which we requested at the very last minute, was superbly organised. From the time of my initial contact, all requests/queries were handled in a timely helpful manner. All the components (fly, drive, transfers) fitted together well and all connections/transfers went smoothly.
The only changes we would have made are those that could only have been made with hindsight!
So again, thank you very much Maruska and Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: These are very minor suggestions and comments and are made purely to try and be helpful.
(1) An explanation off what one can expect in relation to meals when your accommodation is on a full board basis and you arrive around lunchtime. Our first full board accommodation was at Canyon Lodge and we arrived at lunch time. We were greeted with some information about the facilities and times for dinner and breakfast, but no indication of whether there was any lunch available or whether we were entitled to lunch. Subsequent enquires resulted in us being directed to the dining room.
At a later lodge, we realised that we could have had lunch even though we arrived early in the afternoon but had already had lunch just in case.
(2) If people are doing an overnighter at Cheetah View Lodge it would be good to know that the cheetah feeding is at 2 o'clock, which is the only time that this is held, is also included in the cost of the accommodation i.e. so that if possible you would make sure you got there in time for that. The other paid activities did not seem to be good value. I did note that on EA's notes of this lodge, that it EA thought that there needed to be a better integration of activities with the overnight experience, and we agree.
(3) I think that Hyena Pan did include laundry facilities.
I apologise if I should have known some of these things. I did look up all the accommodations on your website (which I thought was most extensive and the reason I choose the company initially), and make notes before our trip, but possibly I missed bits.
We wish that the tipping thing could be made easier. Australia does not have a tipping culture and so it always comes as a surprise and what seems like a lot of extra money on top of what are not insubstantial costs, at least in some places. While were tried to follow the guidelines, sometimes we were caught out when guides changed or we had an extra guide.
It is impossible to single out 'other' people, other than guides and polers for example, as there are always people behind the that contribute to your enjoyment and comfort on a trip." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia-Botswana-Falls July-August 2018"
"Driving around Namibia"
We rented an SUV and drove in a big loop around the country alternating driving days and exploring days, staying in nice lodges. Expert Africa did an awesome job organizing the trip for us. I had been worried about driving so much on gravel roads in isolated places, but everything worked out great. Being well prepared helped -- and Expert Africa helped a lot in that respect.
We enjoyed meeting the other guests at the lodges. The landscape is so incredibly beautiful. And we saw more wildlife than we could have imagined.
One of our best trips ever!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2018 trip"
It is horses for courses but for someone who adores remote raw landscape and tries to get to places relatively untouched by human interference Namibia delivered. We felt so welcomed by all the people we did meet who in most circumstances were going above and beyond their job descriptions and genuinely cared about showing us their country in the best possible light. I hope it remains a difficult country to travel in and the creeping influx of tick box tourists is held at bay.
Were appalled by some of the behaviour we witnessed of folk who clearly didn't appreciate the country for what it is. How difficult it is and how hard people work to provide what we thought were amazing facilities under challenging circumstances." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Holiday of a lifetime"
You transformed our requirements into a truly wonderful experience.
The accommodation was way beyond our expectations (for the most part)." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Fabulous Namibia; exceeded all expectations."
Stunning scenery, vast skies and rugged open roads. Easy to navigate and felt safe the whole trip.
People are generally very friendly and helpful. The wildlife in Namibia and especially Etosha was incredible. Saw so many animals and birds. Some outstanding accommodation and food.
An adventure we will be talking about for years to come." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia & Kgalagadi"
It was also great to share it with the kids.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, thank you for everything." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Holiday of a lifetime."
His knowledge and the fact that he had experienced places first hand meant that he could really tailor our trip to our needs.
We would definitely recommend a visit to Namibia and our only regret is that we only had two weeks. Driving was very easy, although you're covering large distances, there is always something new around the next corner.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing to improve on!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My June trip to Nambia"
The main criticism is that the directions and travel times from Expert Africa were inaccurate. The travel to Bagatelle from the airport was around 4-5 hours. We had no indication of how long from Bagatelle to Hoodia but that was a good five hours and would be more for someone not experienced on driving on gravel roads (luckily my companion was). And we had no detailed directions on travel from Hoodia to Gocheganas just a highlighted area on the map indicating a road which the lodge told us was not good, As it was we took the C road over the mountains and I would have taken a lot longer than the 5 hours it took to get from Hoodia to Gocheganas.
We had upgraded the car anyway but I think if I had not had an experienced dirt road driver with me I would have wanted more traction and a tougher vehicle." Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
"Namib Desert, May 2018"
Once in Namibia everything went smoothly and we enjoyed our stays at Desert Homestead Outpost, Wolwedans Dunes Lodge and the Strand Hotel very much." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
Where to stay in Namib-Naukluft
Our suggestions for safari camps in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Kulala Desert Lodge
The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
Sossus Dune Lodge
One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.
Desert Homestead
With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.
Little Kulala
A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.
Rostock Ritz
The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.
Sonop
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.
Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
Le Mirage Lodge
Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
Desert Grace
A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.
The Nest
Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.
