Reviews of safaris to Okonjima Nature Reserve
696 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Okonjima.
B & N
San Diego
"Namibia July 2024"
I visited Namibia between 23 Jul 2024 and 6 Aug 2024
"There were so many wonderful things about our trip! That is the most important point - this was better than we expected, and we had very, very high expectations! The tours were fantastic and we saw so many animals close and acting naturally. The lodging and rooms were great, the food plentiful and delicious, the views spectacular, and all the people we met were super friendly and helpful. Overall, this was one of the best experiences of our lives.
What follows are suggestions and tips for other, which by their very nature, tend to focus on the negative. Don't mistake these comments for being more than just small points to help make your trip as great as ours.
Advice to Others:
1. Get an inexpensive SIM card from MTC at the Windhoek airport. Don’t leave the kiosk without making sure it works! Check that you can make calls and get texts.
2. It is a long drive on gravel roads from Windhoek to the Deadvlei area and the drive demands your full attention / concentration - especially if you are used to driving on the other side of the road and not used to driving a 4WD truck. We do not recommend you do this drive after a very long flight. Stay overnight in Windhoek the first night is highly recommended.
3. Get enough cash for tips for tour guides and lodge staff boxes – this can be a significant amount. Get small bills for tips for porters, petrol station attendants, etc. Get some coins for use at bathrooms. Note that South African Rand can be used in Namibia, but not vice versa.
4. Do not trust Google Maps: Part 1: Do not trust Google Maps for the amount of time it takes to travel. It will take much, much longer. This is for several reasons that Google Maps does not take into account: You are most likely driving on gravel roads where you should not exceed 50 km/hr and often slower than this, or you may be on a paved road but behind a slow truck and it may not be safe to pass, or you may be in traffic when in a city, etc. On every long drive we experienced something like the following: Google Maps would say it will take 4 hours to get to our destination, and after driving for nearly 2 hours it would say that we have 3.5 hours to our destination! Add several hours to your estimated travel time. If you get there early, then wonderful – enjoy the extra time. Note that driving after dark is no fun at all, and can be dangerous.
Do not trust Google Maps: Part 2: Do not blindly trust Google Maps for directions. While it works great 85% of the time, of the 15% of the time when it fails, it really fails – e.g. it may suggest driving for hours on rough 4WD dirt roads instead of paved roads, or it will suggest making turns onto roads that are behind gates that cannot be accessed.
Do not trust Google Maps: Part 3: Google Maps will likely advise a path that circumvents any towns if possible, in order to save time. This may not be a good thing. If you want to get fuel (petrol/gasoline/diesel), you may miss your chance.
And finally, we were advised to use Maps.me, but found this to be even less helpful than Google Maps!
5. We traveled to Namibia in their winter, and while we were prepared for the cold, with hats, gloves, jackets and layers of clothing, it still felt very cold at times. This was especially true on the night safari, because we were traveling in an open vehicle with lots of wind. Ponchos and blankets are provided – use them! All this winter clothing takes up precious space in your luggage, so pack with care.
6. It is recommended to always start a conversion by asking how folks are doing and other friendly chat. It is considered rude to jump in and immediately ask for assistance, etc.. If you do this, you’ll get both better service and have a much more rewarding experience.
7. Try learning just a few words in the local language. This can be harder than it sounds, since there are so many languages in Namibia! But just learning to say “hello, how are you” and “thank you” will mean a great deal to the staff, as it shows you care. Your pronunciation does not have to be good (especially with any of the languages with a "click" in them), but just trying will be appreciated.
8. We highly recommend calling each lodge the day you plan to arrive (or even the day before) to let them know of your expected arrival time. You can learn when the tours are offered, and be sure to get there on time. Also, this just puts your mind at ease, knowing that they are expecting you. And some places might even have drinks ready for you!
Some Things to Be Aware Of:
We spent a long, long time at the Windhoek airport (several hours) getting our tour info sorted out and getting the rental car. The tour agents in Namibia are known as "Wilderness" (NTS) [or Wilderness Safaris Namibia]. They have an excellent office/lounge in the airport where you must go and get a brief orientation (watch a very useful short video). They are super kind and helpful. The Europcar folks were very helpful too, but it took a long time to get our vehicle as it was not ready when we arrived.
Note: Our instructions from Expert Africa stated that a representative from Wilderness Safaris will be in the arrival hall holding a sign with our name on it. This was not the case, and we waited a long time before we began to wander about the airport, very concerned that something had gone wrong with our itinerary. Luckily the airport is small and we found the Wilderness Safari office/lounge soon after. They were very friendly and eager to help, which was a much needed relief. The assistance we received from them was so valuable, since we found it a bit tricky to rent the vehicle as we had difficulty finding the reservation number / voucher, but this was all explained to the Europcar agent by the Wilderness representative and things went fine. They took us to the front of the long and slow queue at Europcar, helped us find the exact place where the vehicles are located in the parking lot, and overall were a great source of information and advice. We are very grateful to them, and when we left Namibia we were sure to stop by their office to thank them (and donate a few things we accumulated but didn’t want to bring home). As the first non-immigration/customs people we spoke with in Namibia, their kindness and aid really set the tone for the start of the trip.
The safari tours are great – no doubt about it – but don’t expect to be able to go for a walk during the tour. Most of the time you won’t even leave the vehicle. So you won’t get many steps in, if you are keeping track of your physical activity. And with all the great and plentiful food, it is very easy to put on some pounds – though for us this was certainly way more on the positive end of the spectrum than the negative! Also, unless you know for sure you are hiking and need them, don’t bother with walking poles – you won’t ever get a chance to use them. Since the tours are several hours long and the ride very bumpy, having to pee and having nothing but the "bush toilet" available can be unpleasant for some. Likewise for the many-hours drive between some destinations.
In some areas, not all, expect to be harassed for money by beggars / folks selling junk while getting petrol. It is uncomfortable and unpleasant, but don't be too put off. It is best to say "no thanks", but sometimes it is just easier to give a few Namibian bucks to get someone off your back. We found that the "Puma" petrol stations were the worst for this. At many petrol stations there are security folks and they do make you feel safer.
An "African massage" is a euphemism for the intense – if not violent – vibration you’ll experience driving/riding on some of the dirt roads. The word "vibration" does not do it justice – perhaps "pounding" is more accurate. Overall it was kind of fun to have to hold to your seat-belt strap for dear life, but seriously, if you have any medical problems with your back, do let the guide know in advance – this might not be suitable. Of all the places we went, the African massage at Sossusvlei was the most intense – by far. The shaking can really wear you out. And we did see more than on stranded vehicle, stuck in the sand.
If you happen to be driving from the Sossuslvei/Deadvlei area to Swakopmund, note that the drive is long and sometimes challenging (think narrow, windy, gravel road along a cliff…). The geology is amazing, and the cliffs and mountains turn into an utterly flat plain to the horizon in all directions. Not far from Sesriem is the small town of Solitaire. Stop here to get petrol – there’s not much else between Solitaire and Swakopmund. Also, grab a bite at the cafe – the locals seem to love the apple strudel - it is fine, but don’t expect amazing. The sandwiches were pretty lousy, but coffee was very nice. The distances between destinations in Namibia can be quite large and take a long time. Enjoy the experience and scenery– don’t rush the drive or it’ll become less fun and more dangerous." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
What follows are suggestions and tips for other, which by their very nature, tend to focus on the negative. Don't mistake these comments for being more than just small points to help make your trip as great as ours.
Advice to Others:
1. Get an inexpensive SIM card from MTC at the Windhoek airport. Don’t leave the kiosk without making sure it works! Check that you can make calls and get texts.
2. It is a long drive on gravel roads from Windhoek to the Deadvlei area and the drive demands your full attention / concentration - especially if you are used to driving on the other side of the road and not used to driving a 4WD truck. We do not recommend you do this drive after a very long flight. Stay overnight in Windhoek the first night is highly recommended.
3. Get enough cash for tips for tour guides and lodge staff boxes – this can be a significant amount. Get small bills for tips for porters, petrol station attendants, etc. Get some coins for use at bathrooms. Note that South African Rand can be used in Namibia, but not vice versa.
4. Do not trust Google Maps: Part 1: Do not trust Google Maps for the amount of time it takes to travel. It will take much, much longer. This is for several reasons that Google Maps does not take into account: You are most likely driving on gravel roads where you should not exceed 50 km/hr and often slower than this, or you may be on a paved road but behind a slow truck and it may not be safe to pass, or you may be in traffic when in a city, etc. On every long drive we experienced something like the following: Google Maps would say it will take 4 hours to get to our destination, and after driving for nearly 2 hours it would say that we have 3.5 hours to our destination! Add several hours to your estimated travel time. If you get there early, then wonderful – enjoy the extra time. Note that driving after dark is no fun at all, and can be dangerous.
Do not trust Google Maps: Part 2: Do not blindly trust Google Maps for directions. While it works great 85% of the time, of the 15% of the time when it fails, it really fails – e.g. it may suggest driving for hours on rough 4WD dirt roads instead of paved roads, or it will suggest making turns onto roads that are behind gates that cannot be accessed.
Do not trust Google Maps: Part 3: Google Maps will likely advise a path that circumvents any towns if possible, in order to save time. This may not be a good thing. If you want to get fuel (petrol/gasoline/diesel), you may miss your chance.
And finally, we were advised to use Maps.me, but found this to be even less helpful than Google Maps!
5. We traveled to Namibia in their winter, and while we were prepared for the cold, with hats, gloves, jackets and layers of clothing, it still felt very cold at times. This was especially true on the night safari, because we were traveling in an open vehicle with lots of wind. Ponchos and blankets are provided – use them! All this winter clothing takes up precious space in your luggage, so pack with care.
6. It is recommended to always start a conversion by asking how folks are doing and other friendly chat. It is considered rude to jump in and immediately ask for assistance, etc.. If you do this, you’ll get both better service and have a much more rewarding experience.
7. Try learning just a few words in the local language. This can be harder than it sounds, since there are so many languages in Namibia! But just learning to say “hello, how are you” and “thank you” will mean a great deal to the staff, as it shows you care. Your pronunciation does not have to be good (especially with any of the languages with a "click" in them), but just trying will be appreciated.
8. We highly recommend calling each lodge the day you plan to arrive (or even the day before) to let them know of your expected arrival time. You can learn when the tours are offered, and be sure to get there on time. Also, this just puts your mind at ease, knowing that they are expecting you. And some places might even have drinks ready for you!
Some Things to Be Aware Of:
We spent a long, long time at the Windhoek airport (several hours) getting our tour info sorted out and getting the rental car. The tour agents in Namibia are known as "Wilderness" (NTS) [or Wilderness Safaris Namibia]. They have an excellent office/lounge in the airport where you must go and get a brief orientation (watch a very useful short video). They are super kind and helpful. The Europcar folks were very helpful too, but it took a long time to get our vehicle as it was not ready when we arrived.
Note: Our instructions from Expert Africa stated that a representative from Wilderness Safaris will be in the arrival hall holding a sign with our name on it. This was not the case, and we waited a long time before we began to wander about the airport, very concerned that something had gone wrong with our itinerary. Luckily the airport is small and we found the Wilderness Safari office/lounge soon after. They were very friendly and eager to help, which was a much needed relief. The assistance we received from them was so valuable, since we found it a bit tricky to rent the vehicle as we had difficulty finding the reservation number / voucher, but this was all explained to the Europcar agent by the Wilderness representative and things went fine. They took us to the front of the long and slow queue at Europcar, helped us find the exact place where the vehicles are located in the parking lot, and overall were a great source of information and advice. We are very grateful to them, and when we left Namibia we were sure to stop by their office to thank them (and donate a few things we accumulated but didn’t want to bring home). As the first non-immigration/customs people we spoke with in Namibia, their kindness and aid really set the tone for the start of the trip.
The safari tours are great – no doubt about it – but don’t expect to be able to go for a walk during the tour. Most of the time you won’t even leave the vehicle. So you won’t get many steps in, if you are keeping track of your physical activity. And with all the great and plentiful food, it is very easy to put on some pounds – though for us this was certainly way more on the positive end of the spectrum than the negative! Also, unless you know for sure you are hiking and need them, don’t bother with walking poles – you won’t ever get a chance to use them. Since the tours are several hours long and the ride very bumpy, having to pee and having nothing but the "bush toilet" available can be unpleasant for some. Likewise for the many-hours drive between some destinations.
In some areas, not all, expect to be harassed for money by beggars / folks selling junk while getting petrol. It is uncomfortable and unpleasant, but don't be too put off. It is best to say "no thanks", but sometimes it is just easier to give a few Namibian bucks to get someone off your back. We found that the "Puma" petrol stations were the worst for this. At many petrol stations there are security folks and they do make you feel safer.
An "African massage" is a euphemism for the intense – if not violent – vibration you’ll experience driving/riding on some of the dirt roads. The word "vibration" does not do it justice – perhaps "pounding" is more accurate. Overall it was kind of fun to have to hold to your seat-belt strap for dear life, but seriously, if you have any medical problems with your back, do let the guide know in advance – this might not be suitable. Of all the places we went, the African massage at Sossusvlei was the most intense – by far. The shaking can really wear you out. And we did see more than on stranded vehicle, stuck in the sand.
If you happen to be driving from the Sossuslvei/Deadvlei area to Swakopmund, note that the drive is long and sometimes challenging (think narrow, windy, gravel road along a cliff…). The geology is amazing, and the cliffs and mountains turn into an utterly flat plain to the horizon in all directions. Not far from Sesriem is the small town of Solitaire. Stop here to get petrol – there’s not much else between Solitaire and Swakopmund. Also, grab a bite at the cafe – the locals seem to love the apple strudel - it is fine, but don’t expect amazing. The sandwiches were pretty lousy, but coffee was very nice. The distances between destinations in Namibia can be quite large and take a long time. Enjoy the experience and scenery– don’t rush the drive or it’ll become less fun and more dangerous." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
M&J
Oxfordshire
"Jul 2024 trip"
I visited Namibia between 17 Jul 2024 and 31 Jul 2024
"A wonderful second trip to Namibia.
Incredible desert scenery, beautiful Namib/Naukluft mountains, stunning sand dunes and wonderful wildlife viewing.
The rock art at Twyfelfontein was fascinating. Excellent accommodation with friendly people throughout" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Incredible desert scenery, beautiful Namib/Naukluft mountains, stunning sand dunes and wonderful wildlife viewing.
The rock art at Twyfelfontein was fascinating. Excellent accommodation with friendly people throughout" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs C.
Dubai
"My Jul 2024 trip"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 10 Jul 2024 and 23 Jul 2024
"The trip was fantastic! Our adviser Maruska Adye really understood the experiences we wanted and our budget. Spending time in both countries was wonderful."
Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Miss Honey T.
Greece
"My Jun 2024 trip"
I visited Namibia between 24 Jun 2024 and 9 Jul 2024
"I was very happy with my trip. The pace was just right and i enjoyed all the hotels and activities."
Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
K&R
Yorkshire
"My Jun 2024 trip"
I visited Namibia between 8 Jun 2024 and 28 Jun 2024
"The trip was fantastic and we would thoroughly recommend Namibia to anyone.
The country is beautiful and wildlife plentiful even though very arid.
It is safe to drive around and on the whole very friendly.
It was excellent.
Having the lounge in the airport was very beneficial both at the start and the end of the trip." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
The country is beautiful and wildlife plentiful even though very arid.
It is safe to drive around and on the whole very friendly.
It was excellent.
Having the lounge in the airport was very beneficial both at the start and the end of the trip." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
The Swiss
Switzerland
"Fantastic June 2024 Namibia Self Drive Trip"
I visited Namibia between 4 Jun 2024 and 27 Jun 2024
"The trip was great.
3 nights Sossusvlei area, 2 nights Swakopmund, 2 nights Spitzkoppen, 3 nights Doro Nawas & Twyfelfontein area, 2 nights Okonjima, 4 nights Andersson's at Ongava & Etosha NP, 4 nights at the Mundulea Nature Reserve and one night at Windhoek at the end. Moving from the desert & the coast, the stunning mountain & dune landscapes to more & more wildlife sceneries.
The choice to tour Namibia clockwise self-driving was a good decision in retrospect. Starting at Windhoek and driving off immediately after landing early morning to the Sossusvlei area was a long exhausting drive, but the right choice to save a day, made easier from the start with the kind support of Expert Africa's partner in country Wilderness Safaris (nice relaxing lounge & office in the airport building, support for picking up the car, support for money exchange).
Redoing the trip, we would perhaps plan for 4 full weeks instead of 3 weeks, adding a night in Windhoek at the start of the trip, 3 nights at Okonjima in lieu of 2 nights, and take a flight back & forth from Doro Nawas (leaving the car there) to spend 2 or 3 nights at the Skeleton Coast NP in addition.
A fantastic trip & memories for the whole family." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
3 nights Sossusvlei area, 2 nights Swakopmund, 2 nights Spitzkoppen, 3 nights Doro Nawas & Twyfelfontein area, 2 nights Okonjima, 4 nights Andersson's at Ongava & Etosha NP, 4 nights at the Mundulea Nature Reserve and one night at Windhoek at the end. Moving from the desert & the coast, the stunning mountain & dune landscapes to more & more wildlife sceneries.
The choice to tour Namibia clockwise self-driving was a good decision in retrospect. Starting at Windhoek and driving off immediately after landing early morning to the Sossusvlei area was a long exhausting drive, but the right choice to save a day, made easier from the start with the kind support of Expert Africa's partner in country Wilderness Safaris (nice relaxing lounge & office in the airport building, support for picking up the car, support for money exchange).
Redoing the trip, we would perhaps plan for 4 full weeks instead of 3 weeks, adding a night in Windhoek at the start of the trip, 3 nights at Okonjima in lieu of 2 nights, and take a flight back & forth from Doro Nawas (leaving the car there) to spend 2 or 3 nights at the Skeleton Coast NP in addition.
A fantastic trip & memories for the whole family." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr and El Jeffe
MT
"My May 2024 trip"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 29 May 2024 and 14 Jun 2024
"Sabina was an excellent agent. Everything she recommended was excellent and just as described."
Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ros &Peter
Melbourne
"My May 2024 trip"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 20 May 2024 and 21 Jun 2024
"We had a wonderful 24-day road trip to Namibia in May / June 2024, followed by 5 days in Cape Town.
We really felt that we were listened too very carefully in the planning process.
I even got to see a pangolin which was top of my wish list.
We would highly recommend Expert Africa. Thank you Maruska!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
In the wildlife list leave a space to add wildlife which is not on the list." Read full review: 32 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip
We really felt that we were listened too very carefully in the planning process.
I even got to see a pangolin which was top of my wish list.
We would highly recommend Expert Africa. Thank you Maruska!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
In the wildlife list leave a space to add wildlife which is not on the list." Read full review: 32 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ruddy
Lewes
"My May 2024 trip"
I visited Namibia between 5 May 2024 and 19 May 2024
"Truly memorable & excellent in so many ways.
Terrific camps, wonderful sights & scenery, welcoming people everywhere.
The game was sporadic until we got to Ongava, but it hardly mattered as we were in the thrall of this amazing country.
Big shout out to Sabina who organised what was a great trip that included all that we wanted & at the right price too." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Terrific camps, wonderful sights & scenery, welcoming people everywhere.
The game was sporadic until we got to Ongava, but it hardly mattered as we were in the thrall of this amazing country.
Big shout out to Sabina who organised what was a great trip that included all that we wanted & at the right price too." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
M and D
France
"Our '24 trip to Vic Falls, Botswana, Namibia"
I visited Namibia and 3 other countries between 27 Apr 2024 and 11 May 2024
"We had a magical trip to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side), Okavango delta in Botswana and self-drive in Namibia.
We usually self-organise our trips around the globe, but having Expert Africa extensive, efficient and reliable support was a massive plus for our multi-country trip. It was extremely pleasant to feel really on holiday, with almost everything taken care of.
Locations and all accomodations but one were magical: beautifully set, very kind and helpful staff very often going an extra mile, extremely comfortable, quiet and relaxing, with amazing landscapes and/or wildlife to discover and admire.
A massive thank you to ExpertAfrica team and all partners involved!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
We usually self-organise our trips around the globe, but having Expert Africa extensive, efficient and reliable support was a massive plus for our multi-country trip. It was extremely pleasant to feel really on holiday, with almost everything taken care of.
Locations and all accomodations but one were magical: beautifully set, very kind and helpful staff very often going an extra mile, extremely comfortable, quiet and relaxing, with amazing landscapes and/or wildlife to discover and admire.
A massive thank you to ExpertAfrica team and all partners involved!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
696
reviews of Okonjima by travellers since August 2007
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Okonjima
Our suggestions for safari camps in Okonjima Nature Reserve
Okonjima Plains Camp
Plains Camp is the most economical option on the Okonjima Reserve, where big cats can often be seen at close quarters, with great photographic opportunities.
Okonjima Bush Camp
Roomy chalets, personal service and great food make Okonjima Bush Camp a comfortable base from which to explore the Okonjima Reserve.
Okonjima Villa
Okonjima Villa is the most exclusive place to stay on Okonjima, offering luxury, privacy, flexibility and fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities.
Okonjima Bush Suite
Okonjima Bush Suite is an exclusive, luxurious two-bedroom retreat with a private guide and chef, offering some great photo opportunities when tracking predators.
