Reviews of safaris to Damaraland
1066 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Damaraland.
"My August 2016 trip"
Each of the 4 lodges we liked were totally unique and SO special.
If we did it again, we would probably do a flight or two to cut down the length of time we spent in the car. The boys found the length of the journeys a bit onerous. If it wasn't for the seals we would miss out Swakopmund. We would also miss out Dune 7 where we went quadbiking and sand-boarding too. A tourist trap, if ever there was one.
All in all it was an incredible holiday and I can't wait to return to Africa. When I do, I will definitely use Expert Africa. Liz Chapman was absolutely wonderful. I will also recommend them to anyone planning a trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Aug 2016 trip"
Perhaps less adventurous than safaris in countries such as Botswana but the infrastructure and choice in Namibia is unsurpassed." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 4 on a Namibia trip
"Brilliant!"
Liz was extremely helpful, and went beyond the call of duty to answer inane questions so that our trip was as enjoyable as it possibly could have been. The car hire was seamless, as were the flights, and every single one of our accommodations was excellent. No surprises at all!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
All was outstanding - thank you Liz and the team for another memorable trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My August 2016 trip"
However the landscapes and the wildlife were stunning, the lodges generally very comfortable and it was certainly a truly memorable holiday." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic trip"
I have already recommended Expert Africa to friends.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. Everything was amazing! Only place I would skip is Halali and spend more time at Ungomo, which I think Maruska tried for but wasn't able to get for us.
I would have preferred to be told exactly what to tip and to prepare envelopes in advance. the tipping protocols were somewhat overwhelming.
Here's an example: the literature told us to tip at b and b places at the end of the trip, using the tip box. But when someone carried our bags, it was clear that they expected a tip. this left us awkwardly fumbling for change and trying to figure out local currency on the spot.
Don't know how to fix this." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2016 trip"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I was satisfied with all aspects of the trip and service.
I will recommend Expert Africa to my friends." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Honeymoon July 16"
After having so many concerns and worries, your knowledge and willingness to answer our questions made us feel much more at ease. We got one bad puncture with the car but an african person (tyre garage person!) stopped and changed it for us - so there was nothing to worry about. It was also amazing to learn about the guides lives both at the lodges - their training, their families back home - and the guides who work at government run attractions. We gave a lift to two people who had finished their shift (one at burn mountain, and one at petrified forest) and needed to get back home. Although dubious about this at first, they are genuine people who don't have a car and do hitch a lift - its amazing how much they know about English football (more than us!). The food was also amazing - eating at Joes beerhouse and the Tug in Swakopmund are both places we would go back to, and the wilderness lodges do an amazing job.
I think one highlight was the dunes and hot air balloon, and I really enjoyed seeing the animals, especially getting close to them in Damaraland and the Okonjima.
We now feel that we are ready to go on another African adventure, and with all our stories I think I have persuaded my parents to go on their first next year as well! At least for our next African holiday I won't have to do the initial research of who we go with - I will certainly be getting in touch with you again!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia, Botswana and Zambia July/Aug 2016"
We have learned so much about a part of the world unknown to us prior to this trip and it has certainly had an impact on the perspective that we now take about certain issues. We met some wonderful people, both inhabitants of the countries and fellow travellers, and the animals and birds that we encountered were magnificent.
It was humbling and impressive and I wish that everyone could be lucky enough to have such a fantastic opportunity.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
At the point of booking there were times when Tracy was clearly very busy and we had to wait for responses to our questions. Her passion for Namibia and Botswana always came through and we felt fortunate to have the benefit of this.
We had need to contact her a couple of times while we were away and her response on these occasions was extremely prompt, thorough, helpful and reassuring - we were very appreciative of her care and attention we received." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2016 trip"
The accommodation was generally of a very high standard and everything ran smoothly.
I had expected that driving such long distances would be tiring but in a 4WD and with little other traffic this did not prove to be the case." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"5-Jul-2016 to 4-Aug-2016"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only suggestion would be to have people drive out the east gate of Etosha (which we did) and south through Otavi on the way to Mundulea Reserve, rather than you suggested departure through the south date of Etosha. Although more gravel road, you see more game." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 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.
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.
