Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1092 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"Magic...!"
Namibia proved to be an absolute delight with its ever changing landscape and genuinely friendly people. We were not too much affected by the incredibly wet weather Namibia has experienced, although we soon came to realise that whereas our particular landscape might have been basking in glorious sunshine a sudden river crossing would present turbulent waters from heavy rains which might have fallen many miles away. This added to the sense of excitement experienced along the way & made us realise how wise we had been to hire a 4WD with a trusty diff. lock!!
Thank you Expert Africa until the next time to Fish River Canyon, Kolmanscop & Luderitz et al !!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just carry on the great work!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Great adventure"
Bullsport say all arrivals should phone for up to date road conditions and arrive by 4pm to avoid storms
This was essential at Sesriem as the R. Tsondab was running.
Good lodges
Good advice regarding the need for a 4x4 not a small car
Some advice on the best way to deal with roadside hawkers at roadside in towns and at crossroads. Uis is common haunt.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Guidance literature repetitive
No breakdown of costs in quotation
Choice of lodges in each area (as you did for us in Swapokmund) comparing prices and facilities" Read full review: 30 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia Feb 2011"
It was off season as lots of rain and water, so the wildlife were scattered, but we found it to be a good time of year as few people and vehicles and lots of flowers and great green spaces to see. Windhoek was a disappointment, but Sossuavlei and Swakopmund both well worth spending time. We took a private flight over the dunes - the only way to get a real feel of how spectacular they are. Apparently there is little left on the Skeleton Coast as many bones and ship wrecks removed - so miles and miles of nothing.
The roads are good, but met several people who did not have a guide, so not good in the rainy season as they did not know where to look for game and often saw little or nothing.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Our itinerary was changed a few times because of accommodation changes. Expert Africa's team in Namibia gave us an out of date itinerary when we arrived. They supplied us with just the very best guide - Orlando Haraseb who really made our trip. He and his colleagues were most helpful when we decided we did not wish to stay 2 nights in Okaukuejo as we thought it very poor and immediately had us transferred to Halali Lodge for an extra night.
We all thought that there was much waste of time on our itinerary in Windhoek as per my email. Swakopmund has lots more to offer, is cleaner, lovely shops, great restaurants, great views and lots of opportunities for extra activities and we had a wonderful and very informative sea kayak trip with Craig in Walvis Bay, who taught us much about the birdlife, seals and local salt mines etc. He also provided lunch which we had paid for in our itinerary also. It is necessary to point out that Jan/Feb whales will not be seen as it is not the season for them to be there or for dolphins (we saw one). Can recommend The Tug for dinner - great food.
I have covered more points in my detailed email of today which I would like responses too, particularly as we were overcharged/incorrectly charged at River Crossing." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
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Sorry about the comments on some of the stopovers, but you did ask for opinions!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just to say if you gave the kms or miles from each camp and Guest houses and very approx. time is should take.
Try to insist to the client a second spare wheel is part of the hire deal, to get a punture and know you still have 200Kms to cover on gravel roads is a little daunting." Read full review: 45 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
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Gwynneth couldn't have been more helpful with advice. Ellie was also helpful when our flight was delayed in giving us advice and booking us another hotel in Windhoek. Many thanks!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It may have been good to have more info on camping in Namibia. We met a few people doing that and this would be useful as a cheaper option as this is quite an expensive holiday!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Absolutely Memorable"
We always felt comfortable, people are friendly and it must be the safest country in Africa. Driving is an absolute pleasure.
Accommodation and overall general standards are high. When you think how remote many of the locations were, the logistics of the lodge operations in providing those standards is very impressive.
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I can think of nothing I'm afraid. We have been very impressed and will certainly consider you and other companies in your group for future holidays." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
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Chris McIntyre is clearly well regarded in this country as his name was mentioned several times.
This is our second holiday organised by Expert Africa and we would not consider travelling with anyone else to the African countries they deal with.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - you had this one absolutley spot on. Sabina had taken on board our likes and preferences and had suggested an ideal itinery" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"A superb trip from start to finish"
A real bonus was the pleasure of Sabina's company during our stay in Mundulea. Great fun and a good ambassador for Namibia and Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
There were a couple of occasions where we would have felt safer in 4wd - for example, we experienced pretty unseasonal rain at Little Kulala and on the journey back to Windhoek.
Most other travellers seemed to be in large, clumsy looking Toyotas, which seemed like overkill. There must be something in between - in fact, we saw a 4wd version of our Nissan X-trail. Could you track down a smallish 4wd?" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"A good travel experience in Namibia"
"Trip to Namibia"
Some anxieties about the car hire - our delayed flight to Windhoek put us under pressure and the clerk on the Budget desk when we collected the car was not particularly helpful. The second spare tyre which we had ordered was not in the car and had to be sent for, delaying us further, and at that stage we were worried about getting to our first hotel before nightfall. The various instructions you had given us about car hire were slightly confusing.
However, when we had to purchase a new tyre after a puncture, Budget were helpful on the phone, the staff when we returned the car were excellent and our credit card has now been refunded with the cost of the tyre.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I would very much have preferred to have had a printed feedback form which we could have filled in during our flight home.
I know that this web version is helpful to you in that it is quicker for you to process, but you would have had more immediate (and possibly therefore more accurate) feedback had you enclosed a printed form with our tickets. On the flight we would have discussed our responses together under circumstances in which there was nothing else of particular importance for us to do." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 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.
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.
