Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1092 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"What a wonderful country"
The scenary is just vast, diverse, unspoilt and stunning. Wildlife abounds and offers exceptional viewing. We saw many animals that we hoped to see as well as an amazing variety of birds.
The accomodation was generally of an excellent standard which considering the remoteness of some lodges was a credit to all concerned.
The staff on the whole were friendly and helpful .
The locals were friendly and didn't hassle us - do wave at them as you go by! We did give some people lifts but there is conflicting advice about this. The Bradt guide suggests that it is normal and very much appreciated but written advice from the car hire company suggests that this is a dangerous practice and should not happen.
Don't underestimate distances nor the quality of some of the roads which both can make journeys very tiring.
Internet and mobile phone access was patchy to say the least so don't expect to be able to communicate home etc. We also posted letters etc most of which have yet to arrive home after well over a month!
Our actual itinerary seemed to work well with 2/3 nights at each place, as you need to have some "down" time from driving and to enjoy relaxing at the lodges etc. If we had to do the same again we would have three nights at Canyon Lodge, only two nights in Swakopmund and three nights at Okonjima. We may also have decided to drive from Okonjima to the airport for an afternoon flight - thus missing out Windhoek altogether.
We hope to return.....the Caprivi Strip beckons plus a return visit to Okonjima!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have found Expert Africa very professional and very helpful. The website is simply excellent and even this feedback form impressive.
We strongly recommend that Tracey or someone visits Camp Kipwe and Mushara Bush Camp (we don't believe you have been to these places) to see for yourselves how lovely these places are.
Keep up the excellent work and we will highly recommend you to anyone we know wishing to visit Africa. We know who to turn to for our next African trip!
Thanks." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip
"Expert Africa review"
Our trip on the whole couldn't have gone better, all our border crossings were easy and everywhere we thought could have had issues went very smoothly.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just keep it going." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"A fantastic family adventure"
This was a well planned itinerary and everthing went according to plan. We stayed in many stunning locations, the quality of the food exceeded our expectaions, and everybody we met clearly wanted us to have a good experience of their country.
The only downside is that we can't afford a holiday like this every year!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just let customers know that places with pools all provide swimming towels- this would have saved us a little luggaage space!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Family visit to Namibia"
We loved the country, have learned a lot, and have had a wonderful rest in all the stunning lodges we visited.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Sabina was fantastic. We didn't care two hoots over the muddle with the kayaking, but were tremendously appreciative of the efforts she made to sort out the confusion.
All of her comments and suggestions during the planning stages were tremendously helpful: advice re roads, what was acheivable in the time we had, ideas for places to go,what we shouldn't miss, how to keep within our budget etc etc
Sabina always answered phone calls and emails promptly and was excplicit about what was being proposed or arranged.
(Thank you Sabina for arranging all the birthday cakes for Emily and Douglas- it really made their days and was a lovely personal touch. We are writing to the lodges concerned to thank tham again)
We have had a very positive experience and would have no hesitation in using Expert Africa again ourselves, or recommending the company to other would- be travellers. Thank you very much." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"A wonderful holiday"
The 2WD car proved perfectly OK, although it did mean taking it slowly on some sections of corrugated roads around Solitaire and Palmwag.
We were so glad we booked up three nights stays at various places. In our opinion this makes a huge difference to making the most of what's on offer in the different regions. We could easily have stayed another three weeks." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic!"
Every day was different, we saw lots of the country (leaving the Caprivi Strip for another holiday) and spent much of each day telling each other how much we were enjoying ourselves!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing I can think of" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"Journey of a Lifetime"
"What a fantastic trip!"
Apart from specifics already covered, we must compliment Sefofane for very comfortable flight transfers. The game drive transfer between Ongava and Onguma was spoiled by it being unusually windy which meant we arrived at Onguma very, very dusty, but we did see lions on the way walking right up to our vehicle.
We should mention that South African 200 Rand noted are no longer accepted in Namibia due to problems with forgeries. They can only be exchanged at Bank of Namibia. There is no problem with smaller denominations.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have only praise for your service." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"We want to return to Namibia ASAP!"
Apart from on arrival and our transfer from the airport to Olive Grove not being available as it had been booked in the wrong month. And the other issues already raised. Everything else went like clockwork and it was an excellent trip.
There is an Issue with the South African Rand which we had not been made aware of. It appears that older $200 Rand notes were no longer acceptable in Namibia after 31st May. However our cash reserve was in rands, there was some confusion over the whole issue. Some places did accept them with no quibble. Our main concern is we weren't made aware of the problem, otherwise we would have relied more on Namibian dollars.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Template letter with final documents needs more fine tuning. Might be helpful to include a checklist of documents needed,to save trawling through lengthy letters.
Otherwise will come back to Expert Africa for future trips and very many thanks to Sabina for all her help and patience, she was brilliant." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Fabulous trip to Namibia"
Namibia is a wonderful country with very friendly and genuinely hospitable people. We saw everything we wanted to see (the desert, leopards and rhinos) and more - the landscapes are stunningly beautiful and varied.
It was our first visit to Namibia but definitely not the last one!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
This was our second trip with EA and hopefully not the last :)
We cannot think of any improvements, really - just keep the great job you're doing :)
Thank you very much!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 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.
