Reviews of safaris to Damaraland
1068 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Damaraland.
"Maybe even better than the Galapagos?"
Maybe to see some of Namibia that we didn't get to see this time - the Caprivi strip perhaps - and possibly combine it with a visit to Botswana. Car hire arrangements were very good - pick-up and drop-off very efficient.
Just one small point: wish I'd known that we could have saved our 'tax invoices' to reclaim VAT at the airport! It wouldn't have been a significant amount, but it would have given me something to do instead of hanging around, and would have given me a few extra dollars for last-minute frittering!
The Bradt guide was very good - a tiny bit out of date as regards prices." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"Wonderful wildlife on a memorable trip"
In hindsight (and ignorance of the quality of some of the roads) we could have allowed either for a longer trip or less travelling on a daily basis - but, of course, funding also comes into the equation!
The people are friendly and welcoming, made easier for us because English is widely spoken. Even better for holiday makers from the UK is the fact that you also drive on the left!
We felt comfortable travelling with our daughter (12) and the maps provided were fine for enabling us to travel easily between stops. A nice touch was the marking of our route by Maruska.
Although it is clear, through speaking to a variety of people, that Namibia has come a long way since independence, there is still a marked contrast between rich and poor which served as a salutory lesson.
All in all, this has been a trip we will remember (aided by hundreds of photos) for a very long time." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"A memorable and fascinating fortnight."
The wildlife was more abundant than we expected and varied hugely from place to place.
Each lodge had different character and environment. Overall , in retrospect, we wouldn't have changed a thing apart from the vehicle, and maybe 2 nights at Grootberg instead of going to Palmwag." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic fortnight"
There was something different every day, and we never quite knew what was coming next, but we were never disappointed." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"A wonderful trip"
"Namibia Trip"
It was an experience that I would not have missed." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Family Holiday of a lifetime"
"Wonderful holiday"
We would like to add here some comments about our activities in Swakomund as they were independant from Sam's Giardino and deserve a mention.
The Sandwich Harbour trip was great - run by Turnstone Tours - we paddled in the pools on the beach amongst the flamingoes, pelicans and damarland terns etc the birdlife was stunning, the drive through the dunes was exillerating and the lunch delicious - Namibians are very good at picnics.
The "Little 5" trip was equally good it was amazing to see so much wildlife in the desert - Chris our guide was very entertaining and probably mad! Namibia also seems to bred some eccentrics!
We had a lovely meal at The Tug three courses and wine for thirty pounds!!
However, there has to be a few buts !
We didn't feel that the Toyota Corolla was really man enough for Namibian roads, the exhaust sounded pretty dodgy on occasions and part of the bumper fell out - a vehicle that was higher would be better.
Although we survived to tell the tale, we felt on hindsight that we should have had a satellite phone, our mobiles didn't work every where. A german couple we came across with a damaged sump would have been in trouble if an Italian family with a satelite phone hadn't turned up and helped them - we think it may be something you should recommend.
Fish River Canyon was pleasant, but it could have been missed out of the trip and another day in Swakopmund would have meant we could have done the boat trip from Walvis Bay too - fellow travellers raved about it. We also suspect the flights too and from the canyon added quite a lot to the price of the trip. Despite these little grips it was still great." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"superb"
The geography is phenominal and all the lodges we stayed in compimented it.
Thoroughly recommended." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"This trip met all my goals!"
1. conservation efforts in southern Africa,
2.a glimpse of how average people live/work in rural and urban areas,
3. some of the geology and animals of Namibia and Botswana.
All goals met and we had a wonderful time!!!
The only thing that didn't work out was that I did not realize that virtually none of the shops/restaurants in either countrywould accept American Express credit cards. Even at the airports! I had allowed enough cash for gasoline, camp tips and misc but was relying on my AMEX card for the bulk of shopping and meals. This made for a very tight trip, especially at the end in Windhoek where we totally ran out of cash.
Please let people know which credit cards are accepted in these two countries!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 13 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.
Camp Kipwe
With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.
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.
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.
White Lady B & B
White Lady B&B, a small, comfortable guesthouse, offers a stepping stone to the sites of southern Damaraland.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Camp Doros
Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.
Sorris Sorris Lodge
Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.
