Reviews of safaris to Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland
201 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Skeleton Coast.
Mr & Mrs H
Newark
"Amazing!"
I visited Namibia between 15 Jul 2009 and 6 Aug 2009
"We'd been to southern Africa a few times before (SA and Botswana), so we wondered how Namibia would compare with those countries. In some ways, for us, it combines the best aspects of those two countries - relatively straightforward self-drive, great wildlife, dramatic and varied scenery, great accommodation and good food.
One thing we'd do differently next time (fingers crossed that there is a next time!) is to hire a 4x4 - our little Toyota Yaris coped with everything we threw at it but we'd have been more comfortable in a vehicle with greater ground clearance and a softer ride.
Big thanks to Gwynneth for all her help and advice - our trip ran really smoothly.
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really, we would use you again for the countries where we feel we want the peace of mind of booking through a tour operator." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
One thing we'd do differently next time (fingers crossed that there is a next time!) is to hire a 4x4 - our little Toyota Yaris coped with everything we threw at it but we'd have been more comfortable in a vehicle with greater ground clearance and a softer ride.
Big thanks to Gwynneth for all her help and advice - our trip ran really smoothly.
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really, we would use you again for the countries where we feel we want the peace of mind of booking through a tour operator." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Ms G
Aberdeen
"Wonderful Namibia trip!"
I visited Namibia between 25 Apr 2009 and 7 May 2009
"We had an absolutely fantastic visit to Namibia. We loved the accomodation, particularly Mushara Outpost and Erongo Wilderness Lodge - both recommended by Expert Africa. The Brandt Guide was very good and we appreciated the map supplied (now a little out of date re tar roads etc) when we booked our holiday.
Our main reason for visiting Namibia was to visit our daughter who is working in Opuwo setting up lodges and camping trails for local communities so this, along with the time we had available, determined where we went. We will definately return to Namibia (next year) and would use Expert Africa again as the advice was so helpful and the suggestions for accommodation excellent.
The only comment I would make (and it was never a problem) is that when we arrived at each lodge, they never seemed to have a note of our booking, although one did have something under "Anne". So at the beginning of our trip, we were wondering if our booking was confirmed as we arrived at each place but there was never a problem in the end.
Local water supply was great everywhere except Opuwo which was not drinkable but the lodge suppied 2 small bottles of water in the room.
For interest, we also used "Tracks for Africa" and a Garmin GPS system and this was great for finding petrol stations and ATMs etc. Supermarkets were fairly abundant and the supermarket in Opuwo was an amazing experience. It looks like a European supermarket but you find yourself in a checkout queue with a Himba woman in front out you and a Herero and Themba woman behind whilst being served by someone from Damaraland. It was stunning.
Suggestions for improvement:
None really - for us, the service and advice was perfect." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Our main reason for visiting Namibia was to visit our daughter who is working in Opuwo setting up lodges and camping trails for local communities so this, along with the time we had available, determined where we went. We will definately return to Namibia (next year) and would use Expert Africa again as the advice was so helpful and the suggestions for accommodation excellent.
The only comment I would make (and it was never a problem) is that when we arrived at each lodge, they never seemed to have a note of our booking, although one did have something under "Anne". So at the beginning of our trip, we were wondering if our booking was confirmed as we arrived at each place but there was never a problem in the end.
Local water supply was great everywhere except Opuwo which was not drinkable but the lodge suppied 2 small bottles of water in the room.
For interest, we also used "Tracks for Africa" and a Garmin GPS system and this was great for finding petrol stations and ATMs etc. Supermarkets were fairly abundant and the supermarket in Opuwo was an amazing experience. It looks like a European supermarket but you find yourself in a checkout queue with a Himba woman in front out you and a Herero and Themba woman behind whilst being served by someone from Damaraland. It was stunning.
Suggestions for improvement:
None really - for us, the service and advice was perfect." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr H & Ms W
London
"Fantastic Trip of a lifetime to Namibia"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 8 Apr 2009 and 19 Apr 2009
"We had a fantastic time in Namibia and will definitely consider using Expert Africa again as we are already thinking about our next opportunity for Safari/trip to Africa!"
Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W-J
UK
"Where was the rain?"
I visited Namibia between 1 Jan 2009 and 11 Jan 2009
"Our second visit to Namibia and a wonderful prelude to the longer trip planned for 2009. It was great to revisit some areas (though in different accommodation) and try some new places. Okonjima was in easy reach of the airport, even though we flew BA via Jo'burg and didn't arrive at Windhoek until 2pm. We met many people who regretted spending their first night in Windhoek rather than venturing further, but also some who were exhausted on arrival and just wanted a sleep - it has to be a personal decision.
Damaraland had been beautiful in the dry season but after the rains it was stunning with river beds full of flowers - and even some water!
After much debate in the UK we decided when in Namibia to drive the Skeleton Coast road (after taking local advice) and had no problems at all - it was a fascinating, though long, drive and we're really glad we did it; however we probably wouldn't choose to do it again. Local advice is crucial if you want to do this drive.
We saw no rain at all - apparently it had all come early this year.
Thanks to Tracy, Sabina and Chris for their help in organising the trip at pretty short notice - think they surprised themselves in finding availabilities!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
Damaraland had been beautiful in the dry season but after the rains it was stunning with river beds full of flowers - and even some water!
After much debate in the UK we decided when in Namibia to drive the Skeleton Coast road (after taking local advice) and had no problems at all - it was a fascinating, though long, drive and we're really glad we did it; however we probably wouldn't choose to do it again. Local advice is crucial if you want to do this drive.
We saw no rain at all - apparently it had all come early this year.
Thanks to Tracy, Sabina and Chris for their help in organising the trip at pretty short notice - think they surprised themselves in finding availabilities!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M & Ms L
UK
"Namibia Safari"
I visited Namibia between 7 Nov 2008 and 27 Nov 2008
"A fabulous introduction to Namibia. It really is a land of incredible scenery and diverse wildlife. And there are huge areas we did not get to see.
It has just whetted the appetite for more. The quality of lodges and guides and the friendliness of the locals were all better than expected.
I think we need 3 months not 3 weeks next time!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 3 on a Namibia trip
It has just whetted the appetite for more. The quality of lodges and guides and the friendliness of the locals were all better than expected.
I think we need 3 months not 3 weeks next time!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 3 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs I & Family
Keston
"The trip as a whole"
I visited Namibia between 18 Oct 2008 and 6 Nov 2008
"Thank you for arranging a really excellent itinerary. There were no problems at all.
The choice of accommodation was perfect and the range of activities was really good. Absolutely no complaints.
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really as it all went prefectly. Gwynneth was very helpful and patient. She managed to get the bookings that we required and arranged a very good itinerary.
Thank you" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
The choice of accommodation was perfect and the range of activities was really good. Absolutely no complaints.
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really as it all went prefectly. Gwynneth was very helpful and patient. She managed to get the bookings that we required and arranged a very good itinerary.
Thank you" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs & Mr C
Chelmsford
""
I visited Namibia between 17 Oct 2008 and 31 Oct 2008
"Fulfilled all our hopes - what stunning scenery."
Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs F
Ireland
""
I visited Namibia between 17 Sep 2008 and 7 Oct 2008
"This trip was not about the wildlife but about the landscape and meeting the local people. We both enjoyed the trip tremendously, a lot of driving but then at the end of the day would be a lodge with some activites.
The highlight was definitely visiting the Bushmen and the Skeleton Coast, both very special places.
Would like to go back again and see somemore." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
The highlight was definitely visiting the Bushmen and the Skeleton Coast, both very special places.
Would like to go back again and see somemore." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr A & Mrs A
UK
"Namibia Trip Summary"
I visited Namibia between 5 Sep 2008 and 24 Sep 2008
"A great trip, very well organised. The only minor grumbles were with the Doro Nawas lodge.
A fascinating country with so much of interest, coupled with good service and great places to stay." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
A fascinating country with so much of interest, coupled with good service and great places to stay." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
N London
"Namibia Sep 08"
I visited Namibia between 4 Sep 2008 and 22 Sep 2008
"Fantastic, we're already planning our next trip. A very memorable holiday, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Suggestions for improvement:
Just one - the travel notes say that an adaptor for South Africa and Namibia is hard to find, and it may be better to take a UK power lead and re-wire it to a local plug. This isn't very helpful, because most power leads for battery chargers and shavers have sealed plugs, so you can't disconnect them without damaging them. However, I think the adaptors are becoming more widely available - I found them at Nomad Travel shops, at Selfridges, on Amazon, at Heathrow and at Johannesburg Airport, and if I'd kept looking no doubt I would have found them in lots of other places." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions for improvement:
Just one - the travel notes say that an adaptor for South Africa and Namibia is hard to find, and it may be better to take a UK power lead and re-wire it to a local plug. This isn't very helpful, because most power leads for battery chargers and shavers have sealed plugs, so you can't disconnect them without damaging them. However, I think the adaptors are becoming more widely available - I found them at Nomad Travel shops, at Selfridges, on Amazon, at Heathrow and at Johannesburg Airport, and if I'd kept looking no doubt I would have found them in lots of other places." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
201
reviews of Skeleton Coast by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in Skeleton Coast
Our suggestions for safari camps in Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland
Cape Cross Lodge
Right on the Skeleton Coast, between Swakopmund and Damaraland, Cape Cross Lodge has easy access to Cape Cross Seal Reserve.
Hoanib Skeleton Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is actually situated 42km inland in Kaokoland, this said they offer a superb guided day trip to the coast.
Terrace Bay
Terrace Bay is bleak. However, those that stay here come to experience the remote and inhospitable nature of the Skeleton Coast.
Serra Cafema
The luxurious Serra Cafema is in the most remote corner of Namibia - at the north end of Hartmann's Valley, across the Kunene River from Angola.
Skeleton Coast Safaris
Skeleton Coast Safaris is a small, family-run operation that has organized trips here for 20 years.
Hoanib Valley Camp
The intimate and remote Hoanib Valley Camp offers a rare chance to explore this dramatic corner of Namibia and to search for its sparse desert-adapted wildlife.
Shipwreck Lodge
The only property on this desolate stretch of coastline, the extraordinary Shipwreck Lodge opens up a new section of the Skeleton Coast National Park
Opuwo Country Lodge
Opuwo Country Hotel provides comfortable accommodation is well situated for a night's stop before travelling into remote parts of Kaokoland.
Epupa Camp
Epupa Camp is a welcoming oasis set on the palm-fringed banks of the Kunene River in north-west Namibia and close to Epupa Falls.
Leylandsdrift Camp
Used exclusively on the Schoeman's skeleton cost safaris, Leylandsdrift Camp is a great place to track desert elephant.
Kunene River Camp
Used exclusively on Schoeman's Skeleton Coast Safaris, Kunene River Camp occupies a pretty location on the banks of the Kunene River.
Okahirongo Ele. Lodge
Tucked away in Namibia's far northwest Okahirongo Elephant Lodge offers luxurious chalets, with stunning views and plenty of activities.
Kuidas Camp
Kuidas Camp is usually the first-night stop on a Schoeman's safari. It is a very simple camp with stunning views of the Huab River Valley.
