Reviews of safaris to Okonjima Nature Reserve

"Our second visit to Namibia and a wonderful prelude to the longer trip planned for 2009. It was great to revisit some areas (though in different accommodation) and try some new places. Okonjima was in easy reach of the airport, even though we flew BA via Jo'burg and didn't arrive at Windhoek until 2pm. We met many people who regretted spending their first night in Windhoek rather than venturing further, but also some who were exhausted on arrival and just wanted a sleep - it has to be a personal decision.

Damaraland had been beautiful in the dry season but after the rains it was stunning with river beds full of flowers - and even some water!

After much debate in the UK we decided when in Namibia to drive the Skeleton Coast road (after taking local advice) and had no problems at all - it was a fascinating, though long, drive and we're really glad we did it; however we probably wouldn't choose to do it again. Local advice is crucial if you want to do this drive.

We saw no rain at all - apparently it had all come early this year.

Thanks to Tracy, Sabina and Chris for their help in organising the trip at pretty short notice - think they surprised themselves in finding availabilities!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"We found Namibia surprisingly fascinating, although we have travelled a great deal in the region. We already consider going again." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"It was a wonderful trip. It was very efficiently organised by Sabina and there were no hitches at all. With only one exception, the accommodation and service surpassed our expectations.

We were particularly impressed by the guides. They were all so motivated and had an amazing knowledge of the flora and fauna. We were looked after by so many friendly and helpful people.

It was our first trip to Africa and we were so impressed by all that we saw. We're already planning another trip and would certainly choose Expert Africa again.

Suggestions for improvement:

We can't think of any" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"This was a fantastic holiday.

The accommodation was well chosen, the information supplied was second to none, (maps, routes and instructions on how to get to the accommodation).

Suggestions for improvement:

Because of the time of year, it was suggested that a 4X4 would be a good idea. The extra cost put the overall price over our budget so we opted to go earlier. We had no need for a 4X4 but the state of the roads, with severe 'washboarding' meant that a small saloon, with its firm suspension, was very tiring in some places. We could not maintain more than 30 Kph in some places, whilst being passed, at speed, by larger cars with bigger wheels and softer suspension. I cannot suggest a cure for this other than to let future clients read this comment.

On a lighter note, it was worth having a second spare wheel for the peace of mind and the fact that having a second meant that we never needed either of them! We met many people who had had punctures.

An anecdotal word of warning :- One couple had a puncture, jacked the car up and found the second wheel was the wrong size, got out the original spare which turned out to be flat. Hire company not known." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"This was a first trip to Namibia and it surpassed all expectations.

The dunes are breathtaking and should not be missed by any visitor. The countryside is very diverse, the people are so very friendly, the standard of accommodation is first class, the game viewing is as good as anywhere in Africa.

It is a refreshing experience for anybody who loves Africa.

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Expert Africa are a pleasure to deal with as they know the country, the lodges and how best to advise travellers. I am very pleased to have become a traveller with the team and hope that Tracy will be around to advise me the next time.

I think that possibly a better vehicle could have been brought to my attention as the dirt roads are very ridged at the moment. We only saw two graders the whole time and travelling nearly 3000 ks is quite a lot in a little car." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"The holiday more than lived up to our expectations. The accommodation in most cases was excellent and the extra excersions we had booked through Expert Africa were all well worth doing.

Namibia is a very interesting and diverse country and we would like to think that we will have the opportunity to return and visit the parts we didn't have time to do this trip.

We drove over 2500 miles and were glad that we had been advised to have 2x all terrain vehicle. The gravel roads we drove for the majority of the time were not as good as we had been led to believe by the guide books. People we met who had "normal" saloon cars all said they were struggling.

A 4x4 is not necessary but the extra ground clearance of our Hyundi Tuscan was an advantage.

In our exprience the service of Expert Africa helped us plan just the holiday we wanted." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip

"Expert Africa team were extemley helpful at all times.

However I do disagree that the gravel roads can be used by normal car. We had a 2x4 and struggled at points, I personally could not drive on some of it. I would advise people paid the extra for 4x4.

Dora Nowas & soussi Dunne Lodge said that only 'brave' people do not use 4x4. If I were advising simeone else I would advise they flew to the main attraction & did the activities or hired a driver.

African people are wonderful.

Suggestions for improvement:

I would suggest you promote the flying to destinations & not using ordinary cars" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"This was a holiday of a lifetime. A real experience before Namibia becomes too popular, and nothing can beat meeting 'real' wild animals.

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The feedback on the web site is very helpful in choosing the right place to stay.

Gwynneth was great for suggesting Mushara outpost rather than staying in Namutoni rest Camp, 3 nights at Namutoni would be a lot less pleasant than 3 nights at Mushara! Mushara was a very comfortable lodge.

I would strongly suggest though that you reccommend 4 wheel drive cars for 4 guests travelling together in future. The cost is a lot more, but we would gladly have paid it for the peace of mind. As you know, areas in Damaraland etc are extremely remote, and I dreaded breaking down there, and it was a real concern for us. At Etendeka we met a couple, also with a Toyota yarris, who were also having a lot of trouble driving on the gravel roads." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"It was a first-class experience - Namibia is a wonderful country and this was a wonderful itinerary to realise it!" Read full review: 31 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"We had a fabulous holiday with all arrangements working like clockwork. We can't wait to contact you again to organise another memorable African journey.

Suggestions for improvement:

Nobody does it better!!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip