Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1092 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"Incredibly satisfying Namibia tour"
The car was terrific - perfect choice for us: 4/4 but automatic drive. We loved the driving tho it is challenging in parts - some long stretches of "washboard" road. But we and the car held up fine - and the drives are all worth it for the wonderful experience of being immersed in a beautiful and complicated country with endlessly interesting landscapes - and people.
The accommodations were also varied; most were just delightful - a few exceptional and unique experiences. We were especially surprised by the delicious and fresh (and healthy!) meals we had in some very remote areas. Two of the accommodations were not quite as perfect a match for our style but that was completely because of our late scheduling and trying to match our other preferences re: access and route with what was available.
All in all a great experience; we'd highly recommend Expert Africa and would be happy to use them again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Would be really hard to say as all aspects were so well managed. Perhaps one thing that might be useful is a bit more detail on how to get to a few of the accommodations. The map was great - and well used - but while the GPS, which we used to supplement the maps, was most often excellent - when it was wrong, it was dramatically wrong - sending us on a road that didn't exist, for example. Some more detailed instructions about the last portion of the route to any particular accommodation could help.
Maruska was terrific to work with and planned a great trip; she was also very responsive while we were there, although little contact was needed fortunately. She was particularly tenacious about us getting a refund for a minor expense related to a flat tire that just got a little complicated because of credit card issues. [The folks from Wilderness Safaris in the Windhoek airport were amazingly helpful also.]" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"We had a most wonderful time."
Sabina from Expert Africa designed a customized African adventure for us and went out of her way to help us during one difficult episode. She was an incredible resource for us as this is the type of trip one cannot embark on successfully without a travel agent.
Prior to our trip, there were many many exchanges both by phone and email in which she was always ready, willing and able to answer any and all questions. Thank you Sabina and Expert Africa!
We will be sure to turn to you again for our next Africa trip!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"The first of many?"
Great country - just the right mix of driving (1500 miles in two weeks) and walking. Sights, sounds and smells all fantastic, deserts, mountains, animals.
Fabulously warm and welcoming a real joy in lots of the people we met (thinking locals rather than tourists - though the tourists all looked pretty happy too).
Long may it continue." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"A truly marvellous holiday"
We had some trepidation about driving in Namibia but this proved unfounded and was a joy. We are glad however that we decided on a 4 x 4 rather than a standard car.
Our subsequent visit to South Africa for a family wedding also went off without a hitch.
We would heartily recommend Namibia as a destination and were surprised how few people from the UK were visiting it.
Thank you Expert Africa and Elizabeth, in particular, for organising such a wonderful memorable trip." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Mar / Apr 2016 Trip"
- the ability to travel unescorted
- the diversity of activities (desert, seashore, animals, etc)
- the ability to get some exercise.
The only negative we have to say is that the Corolla wasn't really up to the southern desert roads. We were down to 40 kph frequently, which made for some long drives. I dont think we needed 4 wheel drive or a big truck, but we did need better clearance. We were constantly scraping the undercarriage on the "middle hump" of the road and fighting the steering wheel. Sesriem to Solitaire (C19) and Solitaire to the Kuiseb Pass (C14) were simply bad, especially the latter.
We met some outbound travellers on our first night in Windhoek who'd been advised that the C14 was often in bad shape and been recommended a detour using the D1998 etc to C26. We took their advice, and, while we can't say what condition the C14 was like after that, the detour was certainly better than what we'd experienced to that point." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Our 2016 Namibian Trip"
We fell in love more deeply with the country with every place we went to. The guidance from Expert Africa was invaluable! I gave them a task of helping me to plan my trip to Namibia on relatively short notice and they made it happen for me. All the lodges were unique, fun experiences and truly wonderful.
Even though we moved around a lot on our trip, we felt we were lucky to have visited so many places and got to experience each of them for their uniqueness.
Definitely one of the best African vacations we've taken! Thank you for everything." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia March 2016"
This is our second Namibian trip booked with Sabina and we were not disappointed. The advice provided on both occasions was not only helpful but also very accurate.
We will certainly book with Expert Africa again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Could include prices with brochure to give a rough idea, it is more difficult now they are separate to have any idea whether the trips may be affordable without any information." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Way past expectations"
So grateful for the tip to get our own air fares" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Amazing honeymoon road trip adventure!"
We were greeted at the airport by the Wilderness Safari rep, which really put us at ease at the start of our trip. The rep gave us helpful advice and handheld us through the car rental pick up.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The driving route maps that you provided were incredibly helpful - perhaps one improvement would be providing written instructions in addition to describe the lodge turn-offs (as they are not sign-posted in advance!).
The internet questionnaire mentions a brochure, but i'm not sure what this refers to so I didn't comment." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"A too short visit to an amazing country"
Many thanks to Tracey for supporting an excellent itinerary in a reduced time span at relatively short notice.
We were surprised but pleased to be met at Windhoek Airport by Costa from Wilderness safaris, who helped us through the vehicle pick up process. And the choice of vehicle was excellent (Toyota 4x4)
The marked route map was very valuable and we were also very pleased to have the Bradt Guide.
One small route point - the C12 from Fish River to the Keetmanshoop - Aus Road has now been rerouted to meet the main road 12 km from Seeheim - the old D545 - presumably to accommodate the traffic for the vast agricultural project. So Seeheim is now even more off the map but we had a good lunch stop there (or, rather ,coffee and apple cake!) and were well welcomed.
And a very minor point - most places don't provide hair dryers. It didn't matter to me but might affect others." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 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.
