Reviews of safaris to Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland
207 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Skeleton Coast.
"Do we really have to go home?"
The advice provided was extremely helpful and the descriptions provided on the website and in the Brandt guide were almost universally accurate.
The marked-up route maps were particularly appreciated.
Suggestions for improvement:
Put the bit about plastic bags to protect the luggage from dust in block capitals! We did but some others were less well informed.
Where can you get adaptors which fit the 3 round pin plugs - not everywhere has a European standard alternative?" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Grindrod Namibian Safari"
While the wild life was incredibly exciting, it was what we had expected - only even bigger and better.
I don't think we could have anticipated the fantastic beauty and variety of the landscapes and the speed with which they change - the drive from Solitaire to Walvis Bay is just one example. Nor is it possible easily to convey the space, the distances, the emptiness,and the enormous skies - particularly on a moonless night.
We followed your suggested itinerary with one variation - we kept to the coast road from Cape Cross to Torra Bay and then cut across to Dora !Nawas. We were glad to experience that much of Skeleton Coast and thought the rest of the run more than rewarding , would in fact RECOMMEND it.- we'll have to fit in the Brandberg next time.
Now our one beef. We followed all of your advice re clothing - Kate, thank goodness even packed her long johns! - but simply were not prepared for the intense cold we ran into at Bullsport. Nor, according to the locals, was this particularly unusual. This being the case we think more thought should be given to heating the rooms and beds, and more blankets carried on drives at Bullsport. The temperatures at Kulala were not so different, but both these matters had been more effectively addressed.
Finally on this point we think that your advice should be beefed up to read - "and just to be on the safe side tuck in a pair of gloves, a scarf and a woolly hat" !
PS - Sabina, I have submitted our "report" on the trip but have, inevitably, thought of 2 comments I have forgotten to include! Firstly, how impressed we were by all aspects of the Wiiderness Safari operation with which we came into contact - not just the high standard of training, friendliness and professionalism of all the staff, or the imaginative design and comfort of the Lodges, but also their policies of community development and, perhaps in particular, their approach to HIV - AIDS.
Secondly we were very aware of the the positive approach generally to the AIDS problem - young people in "leadership" and "meet the challenge" T-shirts etc. However, nowhere could we find any means of making any direct contribution in support - and we mean specifically support which would be directed to Namibia, rather than to one of the umbrella Africa charities. We discussed this situation with Beula at Erongo and she was going to take it up thro' her management but I wonder whether you can give us any guidance and, more generally, if it is something to which Expert Africa might like to give some thought as I am sure there must be many of your clients who would also like to give more focussed help.
Again many thanks for your personal contribution to a wonderful holiday, Kind regards, Michael" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
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The wildlife is also so impressive, partly because you see a lot by passing through the country, but Etosha was 'on show' for us, with magnificent congregations of elephants, zebra and antelope, plus abundant rhino, jackall, and hyena and vists from giraffe - more often seen away from the waterholes. Four female lions and an encounter with a black rhino at close quarters capped our experiences.
The Namibian people we met were friendly and always competent. Most of the guides we met were very knowledgeable and gave good value.
We ate well and no one suffered from upset stomachs or other travel bugs. I travel a lot and have been in something over 20 African countries over the years. Ivisited Ngorongoro in Tanzania many years ago and was so impressed by the wildlife. But in Namibia the wildlife was comparable and the entire country a marvellous scenic experience." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
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Its the first time we have ever used an agent rather than independant travel! Generally we were happy with the information and organisation. Thanks" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Great experience of remoter Namibia"
All the Lodge Managers were very helpful and we did not have to burden ourselves with the admin of this problem.
Suggestions for improvement:
Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Cottis Holiday Feedback"
"Namibia Tour 2008"
This is a good time of year to see everything green (even in the desert) and the young animals in Etosha.
Very quiet in Etosha. We watched a rhino for 30 minutes and no other car came along.
With two spare tyres we had no punctures this time. We managed easily without a 4x4 - I would not have attempted to cross the Tsauchab in flood even with a 4x4 as the water was above my knees and flowing fast. No problems with the car and very helpful staff at Windhoek airport." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"We will return to Namibia!"
When we return, we would want to explore whether there is some way of staying in less luxurious places (short of camping).
We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we have never had such excellent service from anyone in any sphere!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Main objectives achieved"
On occasions the distances for driving were rather long and tedious. Surfaced roads wre good with little fraffic. Graveled roads varied from good where recently graded to awful with rather more of the latter than former. Return journey was a nightmare." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"trip summary"
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