Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1096 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"We loved Namibia"
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!).
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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
"Everything we had asked for"
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
"A Stunning Intro to Namibia"
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
"Will Be Back Again and with Expert Africa!"
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.
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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
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"absolutely fantastic"
Suggestions for improvements:
Your service was so good, we cannot think of any way you could improve!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Absolutely lovely trip"
Went extremely smoothly, got no unpleasant surprises with any of the properties. Number of nights in each place was spot on.
Suggestions for improvement:
None whatsover, very pleased." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"A great trip"
We would advise anyone planning / booking such a trip to use Expert Africa, although do start planning your trip early as it takes a surprisingly long time backwards and forwards getting all accommodation choices confirmed." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
"The best holiday experience ever"
Everything in the guide book and the additional notes were really accurate and a great help - we held on to our luggage (just - got lost in Jo'burg but eventually turned up in time for me to put it on the next flight).
My problem now is the next holiday - how can it get any better - it was everything we wanted and more - Marushka I'm relying on you to suggest something!!!!! If it hadn't been for |Marushka taking up my case then we wouldn't have made the trip this September, and maybe wouldn't have done it at all - we had made out commitment to Expert Africa by sending a cheque for £900 deposit before we had anything booked - hope Marushka gets some reward for her efforts.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
Offer customers spread sheets of accommodation availabilty if it is difficult to put a trip together, otherwise you could lose them. I realise it changes all the time but it worked for us eventually." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"An excellent first trip to Namibia."
Thanks to your faultless arrangements we had an excellent holiday. From all the communication prior to our trip, to the pack we received with all our vouchers and information regarding our travel, there was nothing else we could have asked for or needed.
I would have no hesitation in using your company again or recommending you to anyone else.
Thank you.
Suggestions for improvements:
How can you improve on the excellent job you do already?" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
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Inspire meWhere 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.
