Reviews of safaris to Etosha National Park
1246 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Etosha.
"Another trip of a lifetime"
This is our 2nd time with Expert Africa and their service is second to none. They really care about your holiday and try to ensure that your trip matches your needs and expectations. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to our friends. The individual service given by team members esp Maruska and Sabina was exemplary nothing was too much. All my emails and queries answered promptly. The map and info that arrived pre trip was so informative and helpful. Will definitely be using this company again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No you are truly awesome." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
"My Sep 2014 trip"
On the whole everything was as expected (see comments on Budget and Ndhovu as exceptions) and we got to see the wild dogs which was the main focus of our holiday." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"A brilliant, trouble free trip"
Everywhere we stayed, we wished we could have stayed longer.
We were particularly impressed by Wilderness Safaris wherever we met them - as agent, lodge operator or transfer operator.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We cannot think of anything that could have been done better!" Read full review: 34 nights in Africa; 23 on a Namibia trip
"Africa trip of a lifetime"
From helping us plan a dream trip (great job of listening to our needs and wants) to executing all the details without any flaws. The entire trip went very smoothly, allowing us to enjoy the adventure travel without worry.
Their knowledge of Namibia and Botswana is excellent and this allowed them to place us at the best properties and have a great time. I highly recommend Expert Africa to all that plan a to southern part of the Africa continent." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"A journey full of highlighta"
"My Aug 2014 trip"
Pleased car gave no problems and was comfortable
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Clocks changed on Sep 7tth and would be helpful to tell clients
Petrol can now be paid for by credit cards at all pumps in Etosha but there are no ATMs
Problems with getting cash from ATMs at airport and elsewhere.
No diesel at Waterberg for those needing it
Would be useful to have list of toilets in Etosha" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"August/September Namibia tour"
Private lodges perform far better than NWR lodges but this is no doubt reflected in the price. NWR lodges do have the best locations however in relation to National Parks (particularly Sossus / Deadvlei).
Late for dinner one day as we didn't know the clocks had changed!
The one disappointment was the kayaking trip. Booked with Jeanne Meintjies who was much recommended but was dumped at the last moment with another provider (still awaiting explanation from Expert Africa). I believe it was because I was the only person booked that day.
Bradt guide states that 200 rand notes are not accepted in Namibia. We only read this after we had obtained our currency (largely in 200 rand notes) and a couple of days before we travelled. Managed to exchange some notes at Heathrow thanks to Covent Garden FX but found in practice this was not necessary and out of date information.
Feedback response:
We have looked in to issue regarding the kayaking and can confirm that both of Jeanne's vehicles had to be taken in for repairs unexpectedly, hence this traveller was switched to another operator who offers the same excursion." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"My Nambia Adventure was fantastic"
This trip would not have been possible without Expert Africa and even with my experience I still would want to plan my trip with them. My satisfaction is described by my description of my Namibia Adventure. My pictures are on my Facebook page for John White.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Could not be more satisfied. Website was a big help." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"My Aug 2014 trip"
Fair distances to travel, which gave an experience of the country. The accomodation certainly met expectations, and in most cases far exceeded what we expected. A beautiful country with lovely friendly people. (Most people in the UK don't even know where it is!).
I am now curious about other places in Namibia and Africa to explore.
Thanks for organising a lovely journey." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"A wonderful time in Namibia"
Below we outline a few little issues solely for the purpose of providing assistance to future travelers (We are thoroughly satisfied with the service by the Expert Africa team and would not hesitate to rely on them again in the future).
We felt that the last full day of gravel road travel between Swakopmund and Doro Nawas was the least enjoyable day of the holiday, partly due to the fact that by that stage we had done a lot of gravel road driving and partly due to the fact that the itinerary between Uis and Doro Nawas was over a really bumpy stretch of road (both C35 and D2612) and our main concern was that the rented car would be damaged. We could neither admire the fantastic scenery outside the car nor fully focus on the - atrocious at times - road. We also did not expect that people would stand by the roadside and wave empty water bottles trying to get water from tourists, which obviously posed a dilemma for us.
The area around Uis and Khorixas seemed to us very deprived and we felt somewhat voyeuristic merely driving through as tourists. The area also felt quite unsafe - at one point we stopped at a roadside picnic table just to be surprised by a small truck full of men, one of whom got out and started hassling us for money. Similarly, on the way to Etosha and after visiting the Petrified Forest, we were asked by the official guide there to give a lift to one of his colleagues to Khorixas. As we obliged, we were instantly asked by the guest passenger if we could take on board two others. Our refusal to do so was ill-received. It appears that it is a common practice at that attraction to pressure tourists into giving lifts to staff members.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We think it would be useful to highlight the following points to future travelers:
1) additional spare tyre (second one) takes up a lot of space in the boot and it may make it awkward to pack and transport the luggage;
2) certain stretches of gravel roads are very rough and it would be good to clarify, who would be responsible for damaged suspension, should it happen;
3) the last stop gave us little time to enjoy the location, therefore it may be useful to consider accommodation in closer proximity to the airport;
4) it would be useful to clarify, how clean the rented car should be on the return;
5) it would be useful to warn tourists (especially those who have spare space in their cars) that at certain locations they may be asked for a lift by the guides;
6) we found that at some locations the full range of activities presented on Expert Africa leaflets were not on offer (e.g. guided walks at Buellsport Farm, night walks at Sossus Dune Lodge);
7) we would advise not to attend night drive safaris at Okaukuejo - the price is high and one normally sees much more during the day while driving around the park;
8) on tarmac roads one usually is not able to drive safely beyond 100 km/h due to warthogs roaming by the roadside - we almost had an accident because of them;
9) Perhaps advise guests to bring a travel kettle and hair dryer with them as they are not provided as a matter of course." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Where to stay in Etosha
Our suggestions for safari camps in Etosha National Park