Reviews of trips to Windhoek

"Very good." Read full review: 32 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"The holiday was perfect, we will be returning to Namibia to visit a few new found friends and the parts of the country we did not manage to see.

Thank you" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 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

"Very well managed trip in Namibia, a credit to Wilderness Safaris - who did an excellent job.

Sabina offered a good level of service combined with good advice/alternatives where needed." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"The trip as a whole was excellent.

Tracy gave us a very good idea of what to expect and there were no surprises. It was very easy to drive round and the 'notes for travellers', accommodation vouchers and maps made for a hassle-free trip. It seemed everything had been thought of.

Tracy's recommendations of where to stay and what to see and do were spot on and just right for us. (For example we were very pleased we were on half board basis at most of the places so we were independent and able to our own thing. Had we been fba at most places, we'd have felt obliged to do trips and activities that often we were much happier doing ourselves.)" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"The trip went almost without a hitch ( Roys restcamp was a bit of a hitch!) and every day brought a new small adventure." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"Thank you for all your help and advice in advance of the holday and for booking us into such lovely places (apart from kulala lodge where i hope the level of service improves). I thought the the time we spent in Etosha was fabulous and i cant believe the amount of game we saw there, seeing cheetah and a leopard at okinjuima was fantastic too and we really enjoyed all the driving as it gave us a chance to see the changing landscape.

I was impressed with the state of the roads and would thoroughly recommend driving to anyone who asked about this. The main reason I wanted to go to Namibia was to see the dunes, which did not dissapoint, and we went on a light aircraft flight over them to see the extent, stunning.

It was a fantastic holiday and i plan to return - and will spend more time at Erongo and go back to wolwedans dune lodge for definite." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Etosha was fantastic and I had some fantastic sightings. After Etosha and Cape Cross I spent the remaining time in the Caprivi (plus a couple of days in Windhoek).

Bum Hill campsite is highly reccommended - located on the banks of the Kwando river it is one of the very few places in that area that is accessible to a 2WD car - many others such as Nambwa need 4WD. It had a flush toilet, hot shower, sinks and a shelter plus raised viewing platform for each of the six camping pitches. Its owned and run by the local conservancy.

Ngepi on the banks of the Okavango river is another excellent campsite (but very different). its busy but has excellent facilities including electirc power at each of the camping pitches.

Shamvura tented camp is another nice place to stay - particularly with the tame Cape Clawless Otter that lives there !

Namibia is a beautiful country and I keep going back (this was my 6th trip) - I'm already planning my next trip !" Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Excellent! In addition to the highlights mentioned under each camp, one of the highlights of the whole trip was the day we transferred from Sossusvlei to Damaraland. Firstly, an absolutely unforgettable flight at low altitude over the red sand dunes, and then along the coastline to Walvis Bay. Aquanaut Tours took us on the boat ride out to Pelican Point - over 20,000 Cape Fur Seals. On the way, Pelicans and other seabirds followed us; a pair of Dolphins leaped and played around the boat, and several times, a seal jumped right up onto the deck. The captain assured us they were not aggressive, though they do bark loudly asking for a attention. He threw a fish overboard each time, too encourage the seal to jump off.

An amazing sight was the wreck of an old Russian cargo vessell which is now colonized by hundreds of Cormorants. They sit lined up in rows all along the spars and masts and every other available surface.

After the boat trip we drove towards Swakopmund, with sand dunes on the right and the sea on the left. We saw flocks of Flamingoes in the lagoons, as well as people dune-boarding and ballooning. When we stopped, it was to enjoy a seafood picnic on the beach, under canvas - fresh-shucked oysters (very sweet tasting), calamari, hake, salads, wine.

Mid-afternoon, after a short visit in town, we took off for Damaraland, now flying over entirely different scenery - wild and mountainous, the airstrip looking like a thin white line in the middle of utter wilderness.

This was a truly memorable day.

I should also like to mention Etango Guest Ranch. We booked a day room here, with transfers, as it is just a few minutes from the airport. Units are very comfortable and well-equipped, and are air-conditioned, so we were well rested for the long trek home. Just before we left in the evening, Carmen thoughtfully sent over a complimentary snack of cold cuts and cheese. There was already a coffee/tea tray in the room.

This is a fine place to start or end a safari, and we would not hesitate to do so again. However, in terms of longer stays it should be noted that the majority of guests at this Ranch are Afrikaans-speaking, or German/Dutch tourists, and that it also serves as a base for Hunting Safaris.

Final comments: Our luggage, including hand luggage was well within the 12kg. restriction. This was no problem as laundry service at all 3 camps was excellent, being picked up during breakfast and delivered back during dinner the same day. We had, as you advised, sweaters and windproof jackets for the chilly mornings and nights. Unfortunately, we had a freak cold front with bitter winds while at Sossusvlei, and these garments were not nearly enough. I surely regretted not packing my warm longjohns and vest. It should be stressed that normal weather patterns can no longer be relied on, anywhere in the world, including Africa - leave out something else if you have to, but pack plenty of layers. I ended up buying a fleece vest at the Camp. I don't suppose I'll ever wear it again, but It makes a nice souvenir of the trip.

I think I've said it all! I feel the information you give, both in your brochure and on the webiste, is the most honest and most balanced of any of the Tour Operators we have dealt with. Wish we could plan another trip with you, but Namibia - alas- is our last safari. All best wishes for your continued success." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip