Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1092 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"My Aug 2023 trip to Namibia"
We had a terrible beginning due to flight cancellations and Chris McIntyre was very proactive and set up a WhatsApp group with the team (thanks Tracy too) over a weekend to advise us. They came up with another plan, liaised with our hotels, booked us new accommodation where needed and rearranged a day trip. It was the best service we've ever had from a travel agent.
It was our third trip with `Expert Africa and we are already thinking about the next one!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Our July 2023 trip"
We have given individual feedback on lodges and experiences but overall they were of a very high standard.
Estimated timings of road transfers were reasonable although we appeared to be slow on dirt roads. Overall B and C roads were good and we never felt we needed to rush.
We went “off piste” from Mundulea to Ongava - going north to the east gate to Etosha and driving through the park rather than the suggested route on tarmac. This meant we got to Ongava around 4pm and declined a sun down drive but meant we saw the east of the park.
We visited Namibia 25 years ago with no children, the first edition of Chris’ book and no device that needed to be plugged in to USB. Despite the changes in the world since we had an equally amazing time in 2023.
This was (for us) an expensive holiday but the service we were provided was good and we had confidence we would have a great holiday. That confidence was well founded.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Wilderness Safaris did not meet us at Windhoek - another guide showed us their lounge where we invited ourselves in.
But the lounge was a godsend as Europcar tested our goodwill with unprepared hire cars on a very cold morning and when check in IT failed as we tried to depart - leading to very long queues and our Frankfurt London flight “waiting” for us.
I was a little put off by Maruska living on the other side of the world. If we went again I’d have a 30 minute call before we left the UK to check my thoughts on gas stations (much easier than 1990s) and to get some insider tips - the one disappointing experience for us was a poor sundowner drive at our last stop at Red Dunes which we should have skipped." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana 2023"
We hope to do many such trips in the future." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2023 trip"
"June 2023 honeymoon"
The pack that Expert Africa sent us was great - the map and itinerary with directions was all we needed to easily navigate our way around. We really wouldn't have any faults at all (if you pushed us then maybe a more robust car would be beneficial. We had 1 flat tyre which is not unusual on those roads but we did struggle with some of the long and bumpy driveways to the lodges).
It's impossible to choose favourites but Zannier Sonop, Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and Onduli Ridge were our favourite stays. The staff were always so welcoming and looked after us very well. And they were all set in the most beautiful scenery. It really takes your breath away.
We will not forget this trip in a heartbeat and hope very much to replicate again or something similar in the not so distant future.
Thank you Tom for helping us plan such a memorable honeymoon - what a great start to married life!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2023 trip"
We were surprised at the km of unpaved road. 3000km of 4000km. All serviceable, but occasionally very rough. Fuel readily available. 4305km/12.62km/liter/N$6905/$387 We consider this a good value.
We were very fortunate in that we had no tire or vehicle issues. We thought we were well prepared for communications. To our surprise neither of our iphones with T-mobile worked. We did not want to be out on the road without a phone to call for assistance, so we bought a che ap phone and 100 minutes of time. In the end we didn't need it but would not undertake the drive without a phone. Suggest you offer a phone as part of the package.
2nd- offer a basic sat based GPS system. Map is very good and easy to use, but a GPS allows better definition as to location, time and distance. We brought a basic Garmin GPS with southern Africa maps and it was indispensable.
In summation this was an adventure of a lifetime and EA made it possible." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2023 trip"
it exceeded all our expectations (even teenage boys). something we will remember for a very long time." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"50th Birthday Treat"
We felt very grateful to have the privilege of visiting Namibia and we have returned to our normal lives with a new perspective of how life can be lived." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2023 trip"
If we were to do it again, we would probably hire the car from day 1 and add some time in the Kalaari and fish river canyon
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were expecting more walking safari" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"2nd trip to Namibia and didn’t disappoint."
The ease of travel, amazing scenery, unique lodges, incredible scenery and outstanding wildlife makes Namibia an absolute favourite.
All organised seamlessly by Expert Africa." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 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.
