Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1092 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"Brilliant!"
Liz was extremely helpful, and went beyond the call of duty to answer inane questions so that our trip was as enjoyable as it possibly could have been. The car hire was seamless, as were the flights, and every single one of our accommodations was excellent. No surprises at all!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
All was outstanding - thank you Liz and the team for another memorable trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic trip"
I have already recommended Expert Africa to friends.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. Everything was amazing! Only place I would skip is Halali and spend more time at Ungomo, which I think Maruska tried for but wasn't able to get for us.
I would have preferred to be told exactly what to tip and to prepare envelopes in advance. the tipping protocols were somewhat overwhelming.
Here's an example: the literature told us to tip at b and b places at the end of the trip, using the tip box. But when someone carried our bags, it was clear that they expected a tip. this left us awkwardly fumbling for change and trying to figure out local currency on the spot.
Don't know how to fix this." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2016 trip"
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I was satisfied with all aspects of the trip and service.
I will recommend Expert Africa to my friends." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia, Botswana and Zambia July/Aug 2016"
We have learned so much about a part of the world unknown to us prior to this trip and it has certainly had an impact on the perspective that we now take about certain issues. We met some wonderful people, both inhabitants of the countries and fellow travellers, and the animals and birds that we encountered were magnificent.
It was humbling and impressive and I wish that everyone could be lucky enough to have such a fantastic opportunity.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
At the point of booking there were times when Tracy was clearly very busy and we had to wait for responses to our questions. Her passion for Namibia and Botswana always came through and we felt fortunate to have the benefit of this.
We had need to contact her a couple of times while we were away and her response on these occasions was extremely prompt, thorough, helpful and reassuring - we were very appreciative of her care and attention we received." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Honeymoon July 16"
After having so many concerns and worries, your knowledge and willingness to answer our questions made us feel much more at ease. We got one bad puncture with the car but an african person (tyre garage person!) stopped and changed it for us - so there was nothing to worry about. It was also amazing to learn about the guides lives both at the lodges - their training, their families back home - and the guides who work at government run attractions. We gave a lift to two people who had finished their shift (one at burn mountain, and one at petrified forest) and needed to get back home. Although dubious about this at first, they are genuine people who don't have a car and do hitch a lift - its amazing how much they know about English football (more than us!). The food was also amazing - eating at Joes beerhouse and the Tug in Swakopmund are both places we would go back to, and the wilderness lodges do an amazing job.
I think one highlight was the dunes and hot air balloon, and I really enjoyed seeing the animals, especially getting close to them in Damaraland and the Okonjima.
We now feel that we are ready to go on another African adventure, and with all our stories I think I have persuaded my parents to go on their first next year as well! At least for our next African holiday I won't have to do the initial research of who we go with - I will certainly be getting in touch with you again!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2016 trip"
The accommodation was generally of a very high standard and everything ran smoothly.
I had expected that driving such long distances would be tiring but in a 4WD and with little other traffic this did not prove to be the case." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2016 trip"
We were very impressed with Wilderness Safaris. As I mentioned they came with us to the car hire place and out to the vehicle and helped us sort both the paperwork and the vehicle checks.
At the end they then took us through the express check in desk thus avoiding a lengthy queue. Excellent service.
All in all a very good trip, even if a little tiring and stressful at times with the driving (but we didn't get a puncture). Frankly I am amazed that you even recommend a standard two wheel drive car over those roads. We saw virtually no other cars like that.
Its an interesting point but you don't actually need the 4WD facility but you do need the ground clearance and chunky wheels/tyres.
Finally thank you for organising the trip, everything worked fine." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"Outstanding in every respect!!"
Expert Africa personnel (first Martha Young and Chris McIntyre; and later Tracy Lederer) did a superb job organising our three-lodge itinerary . . . Little Kulala; Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp; and Serra Cafema. Namibian lodges do not offer over-the-top luxuries (unlike high-end camps in Botswana, South Africa, et al), but we were totally pleased with our accommodations at all three lodges.
Hospitality was uniformly top-notch, and all 18 meals we consumed at the lodges were imaginatively prepared and delicious. Wilderness Safaris, the local operator responsible for our travel arrangements in Namibia, offered seamless service, from the moment our plane landed in Windhoek to our departure to Johannesburg ten days later.
Likewise, we thoroughly enjoyed the Rwandan segment of our holiday. Our only complaint (a minor one) is Virunga Lodge's kitchen, whose offerings were mediocre at best. Every other aspect of our Virunga Lodge stay was entirely satisfactory.
Our local guide/driver did an excellent job "negotiating" gorilla treks that matched our physical limitations. With his help, we were assigned easier families to visit and, thus, completed both our treks around three hours. We were not displeased with our, but we did notice slightly newer and seemingly more comfortable vehicles offered by other companies.
Don't know the differential between their rates and the other companies' but, given the long drive from Kigali to the Volcanoes area and, in particular, the bone-jarring ride to Virunga Lodge, we might have been tempted with a more comfortable option." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"Epic Namibia"
Namibia has been on our "to do" list for a couple of years. We've travelled in Africa quite extensively - this trip to Namibia has DEFINITELY been the best! It is magical, majestic, dramatic and unspoilt - there aren't enough adjectives to describe it and photo's can't capture it - it is truly "Epic"..." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2016 trip"
Although we never imagined we would need to contact Maruska or Expert African on our trip, a surprise, unfortunate medical emergency caused Maruska to be contacted by our private guide Andrew Harkness. She immediately emailed me, expressing her sincere concerns and willingness to help in any way possible. She expediently helped me with the documentation of the cancelled portion of our trip, and all of her follow up communication has demonstrated her exceptional professionalism and her personal touch. We highly recommend her services and would use her again in a heartbeat!
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We think you have a sterling operation, which we will recommend to everyone we know who is considering a trip to Africa. Thank you Chris McIntyre for your guide books and for heading this superlative travel service!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 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.
