Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1092 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
Mr B & Ms D
Dublin
"Fantastic holiday!"
I visited Namibia between 1 Oct 2009 and 17 Oct 2009
"One of the best holiday we ever had!
Suggestions for improvements:
Can't really think of anything to be honest...." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions for improvements:
Can't really think of anything to be honest...." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr S & Ms M
USA
"Overall Trip"
I visited Namibia between 27 Sep 2009 and 12 Oct 2009
"Great. Saw and experienced everything we had hoped to and trip lived up to expectations in full."
Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms JL
W London
"Our best holiday in 5 years"
I visited Namibia between 26 Sep 2009 and 13 Oct 2009
"We had a fabulous time on our trip to Namibia, it was truly one of the best holidays we've ever had. The planning was perfect, and there really wasn't a part of the holiday that we didn't have an amazing time at.
It's hard to pick 'favorites' but we both loved Nhoma Camp for the culture, amazing people and proper 'wild'life, Onguma Tented Camp for a secluded taste of luxury, driving ourselves around Etosha and seeing lionesses and cubs cross the road in front of us, and staying at Okakeujo and seeing black rhino at the waterhole at night.
Namibia is a wonderful, safe and special country. We would love to return and will definitely use Expert Africa again.
Suggestions for improvements:
The only thing I would suggest is perhaps giving visitors some guidance on how far in advance they need to be in touch with Expert Africa to book things at peak season. We left our booking until May (for a Sept/Oct) holiday, and because of this the stays at the restcamps were a little fiddly and we had to switch rooms.
Perhaps recommend when to get in touch to book for peak season on your website?" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
It's hard to pick 'favorites' but we both loved Nhoma Camp for the culture, amazing people and proper 'wild'life, Onguma Tented Camp for a secluded taste of luxury, driving ourselves around Etosha and seeing lionesses and cubs cross the road in front of us, and staying at Okakeujo and seeing black rhino at the waterhole at night.
Namibia is a wonderful, safe and special country. We would love to return and will definitely use Expert Africa again.
Suggestions for improvements:
The only thing I would suggest is perhaps giving visitors some guidance on how far in advance they need to be in touch with Expert Africa to book things at peak season. We left our booking until May (for a Sept/Oct) holiday, and because of this the stays at the restcamps were a little fiddly and we had to switch rooms.
Perhaps recommend when to get in touch to book for peak season on your website?" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs L
Northants
"Our Namibia experience"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 23 Sep 2009 and 15 Oct 2009
"This was not a trip, certainly not a holiday (we returned exhausted !) it was a mind-and-soul-enhancing experience. We saw the hoped-for range of exotic plants and beasts, which alone was impressive. For two people who have only ever experienced elephant, ostrich and zebra in miserable enclosures at zoos, to see them roaming at liberty and (zebras) in such numbers was a privilege. The experience of such huge open spaces (coming from the land of the M6 and M1) was awe-inspiring - we feasted on the landscapes and wildernesses and dunes and beaches and rocks that we visited. This visit to Namibia, and the series of places we visited & stayed, refreshed our minds and souls, and affected us more strongly than any other foreign visit we have made, all assisted with nothing stronger than the occasional glass of wine !
We also had the luck and privilege to spend time with some extraordinary people, who enriched our lives incredibly: Wayne (Sandwich Bay), Petrus (Kulala), Lister (Doro Nawas).
Thank you for making this possible !
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
- Insist that the default vehicle for car hire will be a beefier vehicle than a Toyota Corolla, whenever significant stretches of gravel roads are to be used
- Don't use Air Namibia !
- Don't release unsuspecting Brits into Frankfurt airport !
- Inform clients what the 'toilet' arrangements are in each accommodation !!" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
We also had the luck and privilege to spend time with some extraordinary people, who enriched our lives incredibly: Wayne (Sandwich Bay), Petrus (Kulala), Lister (Doro Nawas).
Thank you for making this possible !
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
- Insist that the default vehicle for car hire will be a beefier vehicle than a Toyota Corolla, whenever significant stretches of gravel roads are to be used
- Don't use Air Namibia !
- Don't release unsuspecting Brits into Frankfurt airport !
- Inform clients what the 'toilet' arrangements are in each accommodation !!" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Inverness
"Absolutely excellent trip to Namibia!"
I visited Namibia between 21 Sep 2009 and 8 Oct 2009
"We had a wonderful trip in a really attractive country with so many different types of scenery and a good mix of observing and physical activity.
The accommodation was of a uniformly high standard while allowing for a variety of styles. Food varied from the excellent, through the generally very good, to the indifferent, although this latter was unusual. The outings were well organised and enjoyable.
With the exception of some initial problems with car hire, all arrangements made by Expert Africa were faultless and the local knowledge they have and their advice on how to structure the trip were invaluable. We were very impressed with all aspects of the arrangements and have already recommended Expert Africa to others. We all hope to return to this fascinating country at some point.
In retrospect, there are a few changes which we would have made to the itinerary. While it appeared to be a good idea to have two nights in Swakopmund as we had a long drive on either side of our stay there, the driving conditions were less arduous than anticipated, and the charms of the town such that one night would have sufficed. The Tug restaurant is a must while in the town, though.
Although the Olive Grove guest house is perfectly reasonable, the change to spending a night in a town/small city after weeks out in the country was a bit of an anti-climax at the end of the trip. Windhoek seemed altogether more enclosed and oppressive than the smaller Swakopmund. The time to reach the airport from the excellent Erongo Wilderness Lodge was such that it would not have been problematic to go directly there from the lodge and miss out Windhoek. Alternatively, a night at one of the rural lodges to the south west of the town might be a more pleasant option.
Finally, the choice of a clock-wise route round the country was well chosen. To face days of travel on the gravel roads of the west after their relative absence in the east might have been a bit of a surprise and the varying landscapes of the country somehow seem to lend themselves to this direction.
Well done, Expert Africa! Oh, and Chris McIntyre's guide book was one of the best we have come across!
Suggestions for improvements:
Keep doing what you do now!!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
The accommodation was of a uniformly high standard while allowing for a variety of styles. Food varied from the excellent, through the generally very good, to the indifferent, although this latter was unusual. The outings were well organised and enjoyable.
With the exception of some initial problems with car hire, all arrangements made by Expert Africa were faultless and the local knowledge they have and their advice on how to structure the trip were invaluable. We were very impressed with all aspects of the arrangements and have already recommended Expert Africa to others. We all hope to return to this fascinating country at some point.
In retrospect, there are a few changes which we would have made to the itinerary. While it appeared to be a good idea to have two nights in Swakopmund as we had a long drive on either side of our stay there, the driving conditions were less arduous than anticipated, and the charms of the town such that one night would have sufficed. The Tug restaurant is a must while in the town, though.
Although the Olive Grove guest house is perfectly reasonable, the change to spending a night in a town/small city after weeks out in the country was a bit of an anti-climax at the end of the trip. Windhoek seemed altogether more enclosed and oppressive than the smaller Swakopmund. The time to reach the airport from the excellent Erongo Wilderness Lodge was such that it would not have been problematic to go directly there from the lodge and miss out Windhoek. Alternatively, a night at one of the rural lodges to the south west of the town might be a more pleasant option.
Finally, the choice of a clock-wise route round the country was well chosen. To face days of travel on the gravel roads of the west after their relative absence in the east might have been a bit of a surprise and the varying landscapes of the country somehow seem to lend themselves to this direction.
Well done, Expert Africa! Oh, and Chris McIntyre's guide book was one of the best we have come across!
Suggestions for improvements:
Keep doing what you do now!!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs AH
York
"A fantastic holiday"
I visited Namibia between 20 Sep 2009 and 8 Oct 2009
"We have recommended you to all our friends and look forward ourselves to travelling to Africa again with Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
Your literature advised us to be very careful with certain issues and in particular with the car hire. Contiue to be open and honest and you will comtinue to thrive." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
Your literature advised us to be very careful with certain issues and in particular with the car hire. Contiue to be open and honest and you will comtinue to thrive." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms L & Mr H
USA
"We loved Namibia"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 20 Sep 2009 and 10 Oct 2009
"Our self-drive loop tour thru Namibia was excellent, and it was extremely helpful to have the help of someone as knowledgeable as Tracy in planning it.
That said, in retrospect I would tweak the itinerary just a bit.
Our stays (after Windhoek) were as follows:
1. Bagatelle Game Ranch, 2 nights. Two nights is too many here, even if the Dune Chalets had been available (and they were not). I think we should have gone straight from Windhoek to #2.
2. Bullsport Guest Farm, 2 nights. I believe this would have been a longer drive from Windhoek (I don't know the road condidtions, of course), but it would have been a nice place to spend three nights.
3. Kulala Desert Lodge, 2 nights. Perfect length of stay, and a visit to the dunes is a must in a Namibia trip, IMO.
4. Swakopmund; Villa Margherita, 2 nights. Nice hotel, but one night would have sufficed.
5. Doro Nawas, 2 nights. Driving to see desert-adapted elephants was excellent. 2 nights is perfect.
6. Ongava Lodge, 1 night. Two nights would have been better, with the full day spent exploring the west/central portion of Etosha.
7. Etosha Aoba Lodge, 1 night. We arrived here rather late, after a full day driving thru Etosha. Nice, basic accomodation with good food. From here we went early in the morning to explore the eastern part of Etosha, and early afternoon arrived at:
8. The Fort at Fisher's Pan. We had been waitlisted for a second night at Etosha Aoba, but after seeing The Fort's brochure, we decided to stay here instead. Over the top, ridiculous, NOT environmentally friendly. But a lovely view. I would not have enjoyed an extended stay here.
(If we had stayed two nights at Ongava, we might have been able to spend just one night on the eastern side of the park, with the exploration of the eastern side of Etosha being done the day we left Ongava.)
9. Okonjima Main Camp, 1 night. This was such a lovely spot to relax, birdwatch, walk (and view cats!), 2 nights would have been nice.
10. Erongo Wilderness Lodge. This is a great place for walkers, a two night stay is a minimum. But if you're not a walker, there is probably little here for you (except for excellent food!).
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I would recommend Expert Africa to anyone planning a trip to Africa!
Despite my comments on how I might have changed the itinerary, this trip was nigh unto perfect. Omitting Bagatelle and the second night in Swakop are the only major things I would have done differently (with benefit of hindsight), and I suspect that Tracy knew what she was doing when she planned it the way she did.
My detailed comments above are more for Tracy than the general public, though you are free to share them if you feel it would be appropriate.
Thank you, Tracy, for a wonderful trip!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
That said, in retrospect I would tweak the itinerary just a bit.
Our stays (after Windhoek) were as follows:
1. Bagatelle Game Ranch, 2 nights. Two nights is too many here, even if the Dune Chalets had been available (and they were not). I think we should have gone straight from Windhoek to #2.
2. Bullsport Guest Farm, 2 nights. I believe this would have been a longer drive from Windhoek (I don't know the road condidtions, of course), but it would have been a nice place to spend three nights.
3. Kulala Desert Lodge, 2 nights. Perfect length of stay, and a visit to the dunes is a must in a Namibia trip, IMO.
4. Swakopmund; Villa Margherita, 2 nights. Nice hotel, but one night would have sufficed.
5. Doro Nawas, 2 nights. Driving to see desert-adapted elephants was excellent. 2 nights is perfect.
6. Ongava Lodge, 1 night. Two nights would have been better, with the full day spent exploring the west/central portion of Etosha.
7. Etosha Aoba Lodge, 1 night. We arrived here rather late, after a full day driving thru Etosha. Nice, basic accomodation with good food. From here we went early in the morning to explore the eastern part of Etosha, and early afternoon arrived at:
8. The Fort at Fisher's Pan. We had been waitlisted for a second night at Etosha Aoba, but after seeing The Fort's brochure, we decided to stay here instead. Over the top, ridiculous, NOT environmentally friendly. But a lovely view. I would not have enjoyed an extended stay here.
(If we had stayed two nights at Ongava, we might have been able to spend just one night on the eastern side of the park, with the exploration of the eastern side of Etosha being done the day we left Ongava.)
9. Okonjima Main Camp, 1 night. This was such a lovely spot to relax, birdwatch, walk (and view cats!), 2 nights would have been nice.
10. Erongo Wilderness Lodge. This is a great place for walkers, a two night stay is a minimum. But if you're not a walker, there is probably little here for you (except for excellent food!).
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I would recommend Expert Africa to anyone planning a trip to Africa!
Despite my comments on how I might have changed the itinerary, this trip was nigh unto perfect. Omitting Bagatelle and the second night in Swakop are the only major things I would have done differently (with benefit of hindsight), and I suspect that Tracy knew what she was doing when she planned it the way she did.
My detailed comments above are more for Tracy than the general public, though you are free to share them if you feel it would be appropriate.
Thank you, Tracy, for a wonderful trip!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
W Sussex
"Everything we had asked for"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 19 Sep 2009 and 8 Oct 2009
"From the first contact with Tracy our experience with Expert Africa was a very pleasant one.
Tracey patiently listened to our requirements and took our budget into account.
We all changed things around until the final programme was agreed.
Even though Tracy was clear that Expert Africa's experience in South Africa was limited this did not deter us and between us we came up with a solution.
Our only real dissapointment was Roggeland, our last 2 nights which had so much promise... see our reviews.. which was let down by circumstances beyond Expert Africa's control but hopefully the feedback will get through.
We would not hesitate recommending Expert Africa... special thanks to Tracy" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Tracey patiently listened to our requirements and took our budget into account.
We all changed things around until the final programme was agreed.
Even though Tracy was clear that Expert Africa's experience in South Africa was limited this did not deter us and between us we came up with a solution.
Our only real dissapointment was Roggeland, our last 2 nights which had so much promise... see our reviews.. which was let down by circumstances beyond Expert Africa's control but hopefully the feedback will get through.
We would not hesitate recommending Expert Africa... special thanks to Tracy" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Gloucs
"A Stunning Intro to Namibia"
I visited Namibia between 19 Sep 2009 and 8 Oct 2009
"We have discussed this on our way home and are quite happy to say this is the best Holiday we have ever had. Fantastic country, great people, great food in general and the experience of getting us close to some big animals was wonderful.
We did not really know what to expect but this surpassed any thoughts that we did have, so much so that we have decided we will return at some point!
It also has to be said that the expertise of Expert Africa has truly impressed us even down to this feedback process!!!
Suggestions for improvement:
Difficult really. Perhaps you could do a short survey prior to planning trips to ascertain interest of the group which might help you steer the plan towards certain camps and locations....having seen the facilities in Etosha itself, as a keen photographer I would have rather stayed in the park in preference to the Aobi and Fort Lodges...." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
We did not really know what to expect but this surpassed any thoughts that we did have, so much so that we have decided we will return at some point!
It also has to be said that the expertise of Expert Africa has truly impressed us even down to this feedback process!!!
Suggestions for improvement:
Difficult really. Perhaps you could do a short survey prior to planning trips to ascertain interest of the group which might help you steer the plan towards certain camps and locations....having seen the facilities in Etosha itself, as a keen photographer I would have rather stayed in the park in preference to the Aobi and Fort Lodges...." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Miss N
Leeds
"Will Be Back Again and with Expert Africa!"
I visited Namibia between 13 Sep 2009 and 28 Sep 2009
"Expert Africa is by far the best tour operator we have ever used and this is not only down to the information they provide as standard, but down to the level of customer service.
Gwynneth was absolutely brilliant, she advised us on all aspects of the trip and nothing ever seemed to much trouble. Even basic advice from driving the car, carrying cash, what to see and do, everything! We had such an amazing honeymoon and I really do credit this to the help and advice Gwynneth gave us. Even post the trip Gwynneth has been a fantastic help.
Our trip to Africa was amazing everything we hoped for and whole lot more, and gave us a taste to want to go back, see other countries but also revisit Namibia there is so much we haven't seen, and the people are just great, friendly people!
The Bradt guide you are sent when booking the trip is also the best guidebook I have ever used, written by the MD of Expert Africa it just shows how much knowledge the company has about the countries it sells and gives you a lot of confidence in them.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep on keeping on!
You are doing a brilliant job can't think of anything that would improve it.....unless the holidays are free!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Gwynneth was absolutely brilliant, she advised us on all aspects of the trip and nothing ever seemed to much trouble. Even basic advice from driving the car, carrying cash, what to see and do, everything! We had such an amazing honeymoon and I really do credit this to the help and advice Gwynneth gave us. Even post the trip Gwynneth has been a fantastic help.
Our trip to Africa was amazing everything we hoped for and whole lot more, and gave us a taste to want to go back, see other countries but also revisit Namibia there is so much we haven't seen, and the people are just great, friendly people!
The Bradt guide you are sent when booking the trip is also the best guidebook I have ever used, written by the MD of Expert Africa it just shows how much knowledge the company has about the countries it sells and gives you a lot of confidence in them.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Keep on keeping on!
You are doing a brilliant job can't think of anything that would improve it.....unless the holidays are free!!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
1092
reviews of Namib-Naukluft by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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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.
