Reviews of safaris to Waterberg Plateau National Park

"It was wondeful; great; fantastic; marvellous; and terrific!

The people in general were very good (minor hassle from the gem sellers in Uis), and the service better than expected. The lodges were all quite good, and again exceeded expectation.

I would defintely recommend Namibia to anyone who wants to go, and can also vouch for most of the overnight stays we did. Just remember to book a 4 wheel drive car!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Generally very good. Enough to make us want to return again sometime!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"We are glad that we went and most of it we enjoyed but as you have probably guessed 2500 kms of gravel roads in 18 days is just too much. The long distances, the gravel roads, the lack of mobile phone coverage and the sense of isolation did give some cause for concern.

We did it - and that gives considerable satisfaction and a real sense of fulfilment, but next time? Give me a Toyota Land Cruiser!!

The clients need to be more fully informed about the roads, the distances and the general isolation experienced. For those people whose only experience of long distance travel is the M4 to Birmingham the roads of Namibia come as a bit of a shock.

Apart from that, it was a holiday of real treats and delights." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"Namibia is a wonderful place and we had a very special time, it was great to get some real experienced information from Tracey and to have Chris's guide book. Very relaxing with some wonderful memories of some truly lovely experiences.

Would highly recommend sea kayaking with the seals in Walvis Bay with Jeanne, scenic flight from Swakop, Desert Tour (to find the little 5) in Swakop, Etosha, Huab Lodge, Onguma, Kulala and Soussosvlei." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"Overall we had a fabulous holiday. Were it not for the car hire issues we would have had very little complaint and very many positive things to say about Namibia as a country to visit.

As an introduction to Africa for our children (7,10 and 13) it was perfect. They missed a day of school to go there - I think they traded that day for a year's worth of "real" education. Every guide we had could not have wanted to share more and we all got so much out of it. A good bonding experience for a family in and age when we are all to busy leading fast and furious lives.

Encourage other families to do the same. They won't regret it.

I can only compliment Tracy on how she dealt with our trip from start to finish. She could not have been more helpful and I will happily recommend Expert Africa to anyone wanting to go there. Many thanks and until next time." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Trip was well arranged and discussed by most helpful staff and in great detail.. We knew what to expect and it was all there (with the one exception of the hire car not being available when promised).

We made great use of Chris McIntyre's book comments and found for example his recommendation concerning the Etosha Park waterholes particularly helpful.

We thank Sabina for her care and attention and for phoning us at Swakopmund apologising for the problem with the car" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"The trip was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We couldn't believe how much variety there was - the Namib desert, the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha, Waterberg, Erongo. The lodges were all great, with personal service and a chance to chat to local people working in the lodges. We were very happy with the itinerary, although we wished we could have had more days in several places - but that is always the way - never enough time!

I wouldn't hesitate to go back and would definitely recommend your services. In fact Lloyd is thinking we should go back next year, so I may be in touch again next year!." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"namibia is a great country , lots to see and with lovely people. standards are pretty high and services are reliable. as a place to go in africa it has to be one of the best overall in terms of sights ( and animals ) coupled with being very safe and easy .
highlights were of course etosha damaraland and the desert , but we were happy to visit swakopmund along the way , despite watching the rugby world cup final with 200 springbok fans !!

we had only limited time available , and 10 days was possibly a bit short for the travelling involved , and also because much of the accomodation is so good that the odd day of doing nothing would work well in the midst of taking in the sights.
we enjoyed it and would definitely go again - and recommend it to friends.

we do think you need to look at the car hire advice . accepting that the car chosen did the job without any problems as such ( and we saw a lot of people using similar cars ) , it would improve the trip to be in a bigger car or possibly a 4x4- as long as it is driven no quicker or differently. there is clearly a cost implication , but relative to the overall cost , this would be good value. on reflection , should have spent more time discussing this issue with Tracy beforehand .

the issue is really one of comfort and relaxation. we are experienced travellers who have driven in south america for example , and where you are so far from the next garage / farm / person , there is a sense of vulnerability - even if this is a little misplaced in reality. a more substantial vehicle would reduce this. also , the roads are variable - mostly good , but then very rutted for say 10 / 20 km. this makes the ride uncomfortable and also makes timings a little difficult. we found C roads were better than D , but not consistently so.

your experience is of course greater than mine , but my advice to friends will be to go down the suv or 4x4 route where driving more than 3 hours per day.

not to end on a negative note , however , we loved namibia and received excellent service from everyone - including of course Tracy." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"Overall, the trip was excellent. Camps are all different in style but up to a point that is fun and interesting. Inevitably, some aspects don't meet one's personal ideal but only at Waterberg did I hear another guest volunteer any criticism (of the dim religious lighting!). Guides and availability of game also varied but every site produced enough new species and sights to keep our interest up. Total 30 mammals and 152 bird species.

As our first trip had been with a small group from the UK travelling with CCAfrica, we had not realised that Brits are only 7% of the tourists, the great majority being German, tho we also met Italians and French. Everyone was excellent company and this was itself a significant part of the pleasure and success of the trip.

Driving entalied some long hot days but was not tiring compared with the M25, say. We helped one Damara family whose old car had died by taking them to the Uis township to find a man with a functioning battery and gave a lift to another lady going to visit her man in Reheboth hospital and, when I had to change a wheel, sure enough the next person along stopped to help. Again, nice parts of the experience.

One policeman at a roadblock tried to extort a small fine but waved us on when I produced pen and paper!

We would happily go back soon but the world is a big place, life is short and money is never enough. However, perhaps in a year or two....." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Despite the series of reservations expressed above [Ed: see individual camp reviews - follow the links below!], our experience as a whole was entirely positive. This is a wonderful country with resources of considerable potential. Our aspiration was to see and do - animal life, bird life in abundance; the beauty and power of the desert, the rich scale of the Okavango, the variety and suprise of Etosha, the charm and challenge of the San people.

We were privileged to have been and seen, and, for the most part, in exceptional settings and charming cirumstances.

To avoid your feeling too complacent ... flight instructions for the return journey showed two times of departure - 1940 and 2040.

But, if that's all I can find to complain about - and it's hardly that - then I think you have every reason to feel pretty pleased with your organisation. Expert Africa is so much more apt and expressive than Sunvil; 'Expert' you deserve." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip