Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1041 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
"Namibia July/August 2014"
A couple of general points:
You are right: one doesn’t need a 4WD. Nor a second spare tyre (though we did come across a 4WD with its third puncture of their trip). The only disadvantage of not having a 4WD is that we had to go VERY slowly over some of the gravel roads, whereas I suspect we could have gone faster (though no less uncomfortably) in a 4WD. For example, it might be worth noting that it took nearly an hour from the tarmac road to the Elegant Farmstead.
The (more tourist-orientated?) petrol stations at Okakeujo, Naumatoni, Solitaire and Sesriem did take credit cards (the guide book says that none does).
Accommodation was generally a delight - largely gorgeous, well-appointed and well looked-after places in perfect surroundings.
Warm clothing - I took a very light cardigan, a light jumper and a fleece. This was ample (the guidebook mentions people who wished they’d brought pashminas, blankets etc… not sure why!). Fleeces were worn only at night (game viewing) or in the early morning (at Dune 45), other than at Swakopmund where they were worn all the time!
Route was fine and just right for the duration, especially as some of the distances were long. Etosha, Damaraland, Sossusvlei were all must-see destinations. The only driving we didn’t like was the section between Khorixas and Doro Nawas where the gravel road was very uncomfortable. It was a pity we had to do Okakeujo before Halali but it wasn’t a big problem. The only possible change we might have made would have been to spend one day less in the Sossusvlei area – there isn’t really two days’ worth of activity here unless one is a hiker (which we weren’t) - and travelled back a day earlier." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
Highlights are many and varied including the 1st sunset over the Kalahari at Bagatelle, hiking the Quiver Tree gorge, sand dunes at 1st light in Sossusvlei, Tommys Living Desert Tour, desert adapted elephants and lizards at Camp Kipwe, barbecued game at Taleni (our kids favourite meal), seeing 3 cheetah in Etosha, warthogs on the lawn at Mushara and the universally friendly people we met on our travels." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia - Sossusvlei to Angola -J uly 2014"
If you are a keen photographer there are some stunning opportunities.
If you are keen on game and predators there are better countries to visit but I would recommend the broader view; literally, and I am sure we will end up back there.
Best camps: Little Kulala and Serra Cafema
Standout moments; scenery especially Sossusvlei and Skelton coast, Himba people, rhino, quad bikes" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Our favourite holiday - ever!"
Sabina had made the perfect itinerary for what we wanted and I would hardly have changed anything - just one extra day at Corona Guest Farm would have been good. There were a few highlights - a hot air balloon trip over the desert with a champagne breakfast whilst at the beautiful Kulala Desert Lodge/ Corona Guest Farm as an overall wonderful stay and. of course, the privilege of staying with Arno and Estelle at Nhoma and experiencing the lives of the Bushmen." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia 2014"
"We love Namaibia"
Many thanks to Angela for all here help and guidance. She was a great advisor." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
"Our Namibia trip Jul 2014 was fantastic"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We didn't have a price breakdown of each accommodation. I'm still undecided if this would have would have been helpful or not......it may have been interesting to compare places, and may have affected feedback, as value for money is another factor." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Amazing trip"
Everything went well. Our scenic flights were wonderful even with some fog/haze. All the accommodation very beautiful. The people and history most interesting.
Very well organized by Maruska . We felt very well taken care of.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Sorry it was too well organized." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
The camps were mainly excellent and certainly as good as we had hoped. We had an unfortunate incident when my wife's bag was stolen from the car outside our guest house in Windhoek and the staff at Galton House couldn't have been more helpful, as were the head office staff at Wilderness Safaris in helping us resolve matters.
There is obviously quite a bit of crime in Windhoek (and possibly other towns) and travellers should be aware of this and keep their wits about them. We were identified as a target once we arrived in Windhoek while driving a hire car with South African number plates, followed, and then robbed outside our guest house in a quiet street with nobody else around. If my wife's handbag had been hidden in the back of the car or in the boot things may have been different.
However, this didn't detract from a very enjoyable three weeks in a scenically amazing country with Namibian people who made our stay memorable." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
The people we met were friendly and polite and their lives fascinating, being so different from ours'.
The geography of the area was beautiful, in all it's different forms. Quite stunning.
We had a great deal of very useful advice from Expert Africa and a very smooth holiday." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Where to stay in Namib-Naukluft
Our suggestions for safari camps in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Kulala Desert Lodge
The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
Sossus Dune Lodge
One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.
Desert Homestead
With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.
Little Kulala
A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.
Rostock Ritz
The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Namib Naukluft Lodge
Namib Naukluft Lodge offers clean, comfortable rooms with pretty views, although it's 60km from the Sesriem Gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Sonop
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.
Le Mirage Lodge
Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.
Solitaire Country Lodge
Solitaire Country Lodge is a good stop-off on the way to Sossusvlei and can be used as a base to explore the Naukluft Mountains.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
Desert Grace
A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.
Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
The Nest
Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.
