Namibia: reviews from our travellers

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. We planned the trip specifically to see as much wildlife as possible and expected Etosha to be the highlight but the rest of the trip more than matched this. We particularly enjoyed staying at the smaller camps of Kulala, Erongo and Okanjima.

You mentioned that previous customers had reported back that they would have preferred a 4-wheel drive car. We found our 2-wheel drive car fine. In fact the major irritation of the holiday was 4-wheel drive cars speeding past us, particularly in Etosha, causing dust clouds." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"We enjoyed every moment of this holiday and would love to do it again, spending more time in some of the places we visited and seeing other parts that we had to miss out on this time. If we had booked it ourselves we wouldn't have stayed in all the places we did and we would have missed out on some unforgettable experiences. So thanks to Sabina for all her hard work.

Most of the time we followed the route suggested by Sabina but occassionally we went a different way, following routes suggested in Chris McIntyre's book. We only misjudged how long it would take us once - a result of too many stops for photographs.

The people are very friendly. The scenery is stunning and often seems devoid of life, until you stop. The roads are the best that I have driven in Africa (excluding the Republic of South Africa). All in all, Namibia is an unbeatable destination and a photographer's paradise.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No! We were more than happy." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"It was a brilliant trip and although our expectations were high they were certainly exceeded. Most the lodges were small and gave us the personal service that is so important. It almost felt as though we were staying with friends. We will certainly recommend you to friends and also hope to use you again ourselves.

The only problem we encountered was with the transfers. When we left the car in Katima the transfer peop0le had no record of us and we were delayed by about an hour. the transfer, once it happened, was seamless, but it did cause us some worries as we sat in a café with mountains of luggage. Similarly no one turned up for our transfer to the airport when we were at Victoria Falls. We eventually loaded our luggage onto the last minibus going in that direction and sat5 down so they agreed to take us. I think it was an easier option than trying to move a rather stressed middle aged English couple!

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Sort out the transfers" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"It worked out fantastically. Loads of variety and activities. Despite the long drives we never got bored - Namibia is so beautiful and varied.

Elvis - our guide for the whole trip was fantastic - he felt like one of the family by the end of the trip. He was incredibly knowledgable and interesting, kept us organised, and was very thoughtful and considerate. He really made the trip." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Other than the flights it was absolutely wonderful - a real joy. Sabina was friendly, knowledgeable, patient and helpful and the organisation was impressive.

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

"Our trip was fabulous. Everything went as planned and every stop was better than we thought it would be. our service from Expert Africa was personal and our contact, Maruska Adye was very knowledgeable and provided excellent personalized, service.

When we go back to Africa we would be disappointed if we were unable to use Expert Africa again as our guide.

Cout our entire party as highly satisfied and grateful." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"A hugely enjoyable trip which will live long in the memories. Namibia proved to be a friendly and welcoming country and it was easy to travel around with our kids who met plenty of other children from all over Europe.

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

"A great trip starting in the south, working up the Skeleton coast to Angola and back south to Etosha. The highlight is the scenery which is breath taking. Also though for us, seasoned safari travellers, we wanted to see rhino and we had some close contact and saw black and white rhino and at Little Ongava, we saw the two together.
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

"We have done many long haul trips and we've been to some amazing countries, but this holiday was the best of the lot!

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

"A fantastic holiday spoilt by the fiasco at the airport on the return journey" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip