Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1097 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"First trip to Namibia"
The lodges we stayed at were fantastic. We made a change to our itinerary as we didn't feel that Swakopmund offered us a truly African experience so we swapped 2 nights in Swakopmund for a night in Erongo Wilderness Lodge, which was very special, with beautifully designed up market tented accommodation in the Erongo Mountains. The activities were simple (trekking in the mountains) but very good fun.
Then we went to Okanjima to track leopards and cheetahs. This was an incredible experience. We didn't love the accommodation and the restaurant so much there, but it was well worth the visit because of our close encounters with these beautiful wild cats." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"My Oct 2016 trip"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It would be very helpful to have average driving times between lodges or mileage at and early stage - we probably woudn't have gone so far every other day if we had known how long it would take. It might be worth advising people who eat fish but not meat that it's better to stick to vegetarian - when we were given fish it wasn't great." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Wonderful experience"
Overall the standard of accommodation far exceeded our expectations (with the exception of The Beach Hotel Swakopmund which was acceptable and Halali camp as outlined above). I know that because of the unexpectedly busy tourist season in Namibia we were a bit stuck for places to stay and this is understandable.
We took a kayaking trip with Jeanne in Walvis Bay as recommended in the guidebook and this was really excellent - she was a great guide.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were completely happy with the service provided and will have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to friends and family." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Our Big Adventure"
1) Bullsport was a good stopover, but not in the style of the other lodges. We knew it was a working farm and perhaps we should have chosen differently.
2) We are not convinced that visiting at the end of the dry season was a good choice. We were aware of the lack of rain, but did not realise that it would be so unusually hot. This was not the fault of Expert Africa.
3) Although happy with the 2 x 4 car, a more powerful diesel model would have been more suitable.
On a positive note, we were delighted with Expert Africa's response to our delayed arrival after we had difficulty contacting Wilderness Safaris. We also feel that the whole process from the initial enquiry to the actual holiday was well managed, with excellent advice and information. We would (and already have) recommend Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The guidebook does need updating. The wifi in most camps is better than described for example. Conny's restaurant (page 181) was very welcome, but there was only """"chicken"""" or a toasted sandwich. It was very clean and had some very interesting geological specimens.
Solitaire has a memorial to Moose who died in 2014, (page 265). The Kameldorn Garten restaurant in Otjiwarongo (page 405) closed some time ago.
We greatly appreciated camps with good wifi, bean to cup coffee machines and chilled water. Sounds trivial, especially when we have also greatly enjoyed the friendliness of staff and the beauty of the country that is Namibia.
Thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Trip of a lifetime -hopefully to be repeated!"
The itinerary was fantastic and enabled us to fit in everything that we had said we wanted to - the map and route planning incredibly useful and accurate. Plus everywhere we stayed was nigh on perfect - the organisation was faultless and made the whole experience very simple for us!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Remarkable and special"
Expert Africa pride themselves on knowing their territory and so it would be without hesitation that we would recommend them to anyone as the company to advise you on a similar trip.
Wilderness Safaris were excellent partners in Namibia and the reception team in Windhoek air worthy of special praise. IN this respect Nandula Malango was a star.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Driving in Namibia is not straightforward as we discovered.
Although the metaled roads are excellent, and similarly many of the dirt roads, a high wheel-base, 2WD is adequate,
But where it is known that the dirt roads are very difficult, varying from smooth to lengthy distances where the surfaces are dangerously rugged , a 4WD should be recommended.
This is especially so in some of the central areas (Sesfontein, Dora Nawas to Palmwag, to Swakpmond) where the roads have been graded directly onto the underlying rock and not built up with gravel or limestone.
In these domains a four wheel drive vehicle is really essential and an extra spare necessary too. Punctures are normal experiences here and the thin tyres for urban use are pathetically inadequate." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
"A welcome return to Namibia's diversity"
From Expert Africa's staff to those in the various lodges ... and to those in petrol stations, cafes and restaurants, thanks for your friendly, helpful approach." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Best holiday ever. The perfect honeymoon."
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not much to say here apart from the service we received from you was flawless, and very much the reason the trip was such a success was down to both your recommendations and hard work. So I really could not thank you enough. It was the trip of a lifetime!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"Another great holiday in wonderful Namibia"
The whole range and variety of scenery across the country continues to be massively impressive, with many places to relax in remote areas looking across vast expanses of land.
Self driving is very easy (provided you don't forget your driving licence as I did, needing to courier it out!). We took a 4x4 this time which realistically we only needed (but then certainly did) in 3 or 4 locations.
Tourism has clearly grown a lot in the last few years - we saw many more tourists driving on the roads compared to 9 years ago. The country still feels very safe (albeit there are now warnings in some major towns with regard to petty theft).
The Namibian people continue to be warm and friendly but we did notice a significant reduction in the interest of guides to ensure we had a great experience - many seemed to have lost some interest in the job. This may have been because we were in less visited areas or a dfference between the South and North of the country.
Still a fabulous country to visit.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No improvements - Maruska was fabulous (again)" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia adventure"
The first two weeks were sightseeing rather than a traditional safari, but the photo opportunities were fabulous, Wilderness is a bit corporate for us, but extremely well organised, with great guiding. You cant fault Wilderness, but for us not a traditional safari experience. For a traditional safari that challenges mind and body mundulea is a must on the list. Where you can fly between camps, fly, the distances are huge
This is our 10th safari. In total we saw 34 mammals, 13 new species. if you are going for animals you need to be more patient in Namibia than other African countries. But every fabulous, iconic grumpy black rhino you see makes the wait worth while.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
When you are paying so much money for a trip, you want to make sure everything is 100%, occasionally we felt that we were being a bother as we were having to repeat questions. however Tracy was always a pleasure to deal with" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
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Inspire meWhere 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.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
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.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
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 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.
