Reviews of safaris to Damaraland
1068 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Damaraland.
"A super experience"
All the accomodation was good, some moreso than others but in general the level of service was high in all instances.
Value for money could not be bettered.
Distances to be covered were well within our capacity and presented no problems. We found several interesting side roads to take especially the D707 from Sinclair Guest Farm to Aus (recommended by Peter and very picturesque} and the road from Bagatelle to Kalkrand {through the dunes}. Amazingly empty roads made driving a pleasure.
The friendliness of the local people and their helpfulness was evident to see and reassuring when you are travelling in a foreign country.
Only one incident with a female police officer jarred. We were stopped outside Otjirawongo for speeding and were told that a fine would have to be paid of N$100 but that she did not have any receipts so we would have to return to Otavi, an hours drive back.As I was not keen to drive back I elected to pay her without a receipt but only had N$70 in small notes. This she accepted without turning a hair. There was no ticket produced so I can only assume she made a profit! We were later told that the police only tend to operate speed traps within 20 km of towns so why go back to Otavi?
That aside we would like to thank Sabina for all her help and hard work in making our trip the success it was.
The company would certainly get a glowing recommendation from us if we were to be asked" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Very well organised"
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
"Melissa Feedback"
""
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
"99% perfect"
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
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I was most impressed with Expert Africa. Their professionalism and detailed knowledge was self evident. I would say that they have been the best agents I have dealt with for suggestions and putting a schedule in place very efficiently. I normally spend much time researching options, but I was comfortable in trusting EA which proved to be right decision.
I was very late in approaching EA to organise our trip. However, it was put together efficiently and we pretty much got what we wanted. Only when we were there did we fully appreciate how lucky we were to get what we wanted. Others had spent months organising their trip and EA put it together in a matter of days really.
The brochure and book was very good in laying out the options available and what could be achieved in the time available. The book is well written. Others we met who had read other guide books rated it the best.
I think you are doing a great job. Many thanks for your wonderful help." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Thank you for a memorable holiday"
Really appreciate your help in sorting out the itinerary and even getting the little details sorted such as marking up the map with where we were going to stay - thank you so much Judith & Stuart" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"A fantastic trip to Namibia"
We only saw Etosha and Damaraland but this wet our appetites to see more of a marvellous country." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"The trip"
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 in 10 nights"
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
Where to stay in Damaraland
Our suggestions for safari camps in Damaraland
Doro Nawas
Comfortable rooms and a convenient location make the community run Doro Nawas a great base for exploring Damaraland.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani is a beautiful and stylish mountain retreat in southern Damaraland; it makes a great base for visits toTwyfelfontein.
Damaraland Camp
Setting the standard for community partnerships, Damaraland Camp offers a beautiful location, a range of activities – and a genuine welcome.
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare opportunity to track black rhino on foot in one of the last true wilderness areas – an amazing experience.
Etendeka Camp
Etendeka is an owner-run camp in the remote and less visited north of Damaraland. The camp is renowned for it's spectacular guided walking trails.
Camp Kipwe
With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.
Grootberg Lodge
On the edge of an ancient plateau Grootberg Lodge has a stunning location and arguably the best views of any lodge in Namibia.
Twyfelfontein C'try Lod.
A large lodge set among the rocks, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is a convenient base for visiting the rock engravings, which are only 4km away.
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Spitzkoppen Lodge provides stylish accommodation in an area of scenic grandeur with guided access to sites of ancient Bushman rock art.
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge has a great location by a spring in the Uniab River and offers access to an area where you can see a variety of desert-dwelling animals.
Huab Lodge
Huab is a classic little Namibian Lodge which is slightly off the beaten track in a lesser visited part of Damaraland.
Brandberg White Lady
Brandberg White Lady Lodge, nestled at the foot of its namesake, makes a good base from which to visit bushman rock paintings including the 'White Lady'.
Vingerklip Lodge
Vingerklip Lodge occupies a lovely location, but is a little too far east for guests to visit Damaraland's main attractions.
Khowarib Lodge
Khowarib Lodge has a great location overlooking the Hoanib River. This is one of the few places to offer authentic Himba village visits.
Malansrus Camp
Within easy reach of Twyfelfontein, Malansrus offers a simple but comfortable base for visits to the rock engravings or seek out desert-adapted elephants.
Etendeka Walking Trail
The Etendeka Walking Trail promises to offer a back-to-basics walking and camping experience in one of Namibia's most remote and untouched wilderness areas.
White Lady B & B
White Lady B&B, a small, comfortable guesthouse, offers a stepping stone to the sites of southern Damaraland.
Brandberg Restcamp
Brandberg Restcamp is a simple, no-frills place, close to many attractions, offering sundowner drives, guided hikes up the Brandberg and game drives .
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
Ugab Terrace Lodge
Ugab Terrace Lodge is a comfortable stopover between Damaraland and Etosha National Park or Namibia’s Central Highlands.
Damara Mopane Lodge
Damara Mopane Lodge is a large 60 room lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens. It can be used as a comfortable stopover between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast
Ozondjou Trails
The simple Ozondjou Trails gives a unique perspective on living with Damaraland’s desert-adapted elephants and how tourism is key to protecting them and the livelihood of the people.
Huab Under Canvas
Huab under Canvas is a no thrills bush camp offering top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
Palmwag Sleep-out
Palmwag Sleep-out is a simple camping experience and a great way to enjoy the remote beauty of the vast Palmwag Concession
Sorris Sorris Lodge
Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.
Camp Doros
Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.
