Reviews of safaris to Southern Namibia
415 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Southern Namibia.
Photographer
IOM
"Namibia Tour 2008"
I visited Namibia between 13 Feb 2008 and 28 Feb 2008
"An excellent trip, but much wetter than we expected (We had been to Namibia in February before and saw no rain).
This is a good time of year to see everything green (even in the desert) and the young animals in Etosha.
Very quiet in Etosha. We watched a rhino for 30 minutes and no other car came along.
With two spare tyres we had no punctures this time. We managed easily without a 4x4 - I would not have attempted to cross the Tsauchab in flood even with a 4x4 as the water was above my knees and flowing fast. No problems with the car and very helpful staff at Windhoek airport." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
This is a good time of year to see everything green (even in the desert) and the young animals in Etosha.
Very quiet in Etosha. We watched a rhino for 30 minutes and no other car came along.
With two spare tyres we had no punctures this time. We managed easily without a 4x4 - I would not have attempted to cross the Tsauchab in flood even with a 4x4 as the water was above my knees and flowing fast. No problems with the car and very helpful staff at Windhoek airport." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Harvey and Jo
Lewes
"Thanks for our third excellent trip with you"
I visited Namibia between 25 Jan 2008 and 12 Feb 2008
"This is our third Africa trip organised by you, and once again your advice in selecting where to go, choosing the balance between travel time/distance and length of stay in each place, and much more, was spot on.
The driving distances were all fine to manage, the lodges and camps we stayed at were varied in style but all interesting, very comfortable, and with a very high standard of service and food.
You put us on to some ideas that we might not have pursued ourselves (e.g Sandwich Harbour), and put us off some which we were pleased that you did (e.g. driving the Skeleton Coast for any more than the run up to Cape Cross, advising us that it is not really an interesting drive, and that in the wet season we would be one of very few on the road further north in an area where flash floods could be a problem. Both right).
After 10 days on good gravel, we appreciated how much better a 4x4 sits on the road than a light saloon, but were beginning to wonder whether the extra expense was really necessary. Then the heavens opened, and on the road between Doro Nawas and Khorixas we soon understood why Sabina recommended a 4x4 so strongly.
We had a great time because it is a lovely country with great scenery and lovely people, but the fact that it went so smoothly has much to do with Expert Africa's knowledge, experience, and attention to detail in planning our trip.
Thanks again, very much. Funds permitting, we will be back in Isleworth some time in future …." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
The driving distances were all fine to manage, the lodges and camps we stayed at were varied in style but all interesting, very comfortable, and with a very high standard of service and food.
You put us on to some ideas that we might not have pursued ourselves (e.g Sandwich Harbour), and put us off some which we were pleased that you did (e.g. driving the Skeleton Coast for any more than the run up to Cape Cross, advising us that it is not really an interesting drive, and that in the wet season we would be one of very few on the road further north in an area where flash floods could be a problem. Both right).
After 10 days on good gravel, we appreciated how much better a 4x4 sits on the road than a light saloon, but were beginning to wonder whether the extra expense was really necessary. Then the heavens opened, and on the road between Doro Nawas and Khorixas we soon understood why Sabina recommended a 4x4 so strongly.
We had a great time because it is a lovely country with great scenery and lovely people, but the fact that it went so smoothly has much to do with Expert Africa's knowledge, experience, and attention to detail in planning our trip.
Thanks again, very much. Funds permitting, we will be back in Isleworth some time in future …." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs C
Berkshire
""
I visited Namibia between 22 Dec 2007 and 5 Jan 2008
"Our trip was a real adventure and Tracy at Expert Africa was superb in making suggestions linking various places of interest together.
The route we took was by far the best way to do it. It was our first experience of Wilderness Safaris and we enjoyed their camps and lodges enormously. As always a lot is down to the staff at the lodges and we would particularly like to single out Patries the manager and Johann our guide at Kulala, Florentia (assistant manager) & Jefta(our guide) at Doro Nawas, Rosi at the Stilz and Arnold our guide at Okinjima - these guys were stars!
A minor point is that on occassion we weren't always sure what we were supposed to pay for and what was inclusive - the terms full board & half board didn't always explain - sometimes water was free, other times we were billed for it for example. However none of our bar bills came to very much and we certainly didn't get the impression we were being charged a lot (apart from at Wolwedans where they tried to charge us £30 for a bottle of wine we didn't have! but they're not Wilderness Safaris!) but it's worth mentioning to you.
I'm already thinking about my next trip and Expert Africa will be my first stop. We also found Chris McIntyre's book excellent - we'd have been lost without it. Thank you!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
The route we took was by far the best way to do it. It was our first experience of Wilderness Safaris and we enjoyed their camps and lodges enormously. As always a lot is down to the staff at the lodges and we would particularly like to single out Patries the manager and Johann our guide at Kulala, Florentia (assistant manager) & Jefta(our guide) at Doro Nawas, Rosi at the Stilz and Arnold our guide at Okinjima - these guys were stars!
A minor point is that on occassion we weren't always sure what we were supposed to pay for and what was inclusive - the terms full board & half board didn't always explain - sometimes water was free, other times we were billed for it for example. However none of our bar bills came to very much and we certainly didn't get the impression we were being charged a lot (apart from at Wolwedans where they tried to charge us £30 for a bottle of wine we didn't have! but they're not Wilderness Safaris!) but it's worth mentioning to you.
I'm already thinking about my next trip and Expert Africa will be my first stop. We also found Chris McIntyre's book excellent - we'd have been lost without it. Thank you!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr I
Combs
""
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 5 Dec 2007 and 6 Jan 2008
Overall trip
Good
Cape turtle doves
UK
""
I visited Namibia between 14 Nov 2007 and 2 Dec 2007
"We are glad that we went and most of it we enjoyed but as you have probably guessed 2500 kms of gravel roads in 18 days is just too much. The long distances, the gravel roads, the lack of mobile phone coverage and the sense of isolation did give some cause for concern.
We did it - and that gives considerable satisfaction and a real sense of fulfilment, but next time? Give me a Toyota Land Cruiser!!
The clients need to be more fully informed about the roads, the distances and the general isolation experienced. For those people whose only experience of long distance travel is the M4 to Birmingham the roads of Namibia come as a bit of a shock.
Apart from that, it was a holiday of real treats and delights." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
We did it - and that gives considerable satisfaction and a real sense of fulfilment, but next time? Give me a Toyota Land Cruiser!!
The clients need to be more fully informed about the roads, the distances and the general isolation experienced. For those people whose only experience of long distance travel is the M4 to Birmingham the roads of Namibia come as a bit of a shock.
Apart from that, it was a holiday of real treats and delights." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr S
Syre
""
I visited Namibia between 11 Nov 2007 and 28 Nov 2007
"Our trip to Namibia exceeded our expectations. It really was wonderful, and we highly recommend it.
The scenery was ever-changing, raw and magnificent, just awesome." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
The scenery was ever-changing, raw and magnificent, just awesome." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr F & Mrs V
Kent
"A super experience"
I visited Namibia between 5 Nov 2007 and 22 Nov 2007
"We had a superb trip to Namibia seeing nearly all that we missed on a previous visit. Our eyes were opened to the diversity of the country and we feel privileged to have travelled through the places and met the people that we did.
All the accomodation was good, some moreso than others but in general the level of service was high in all instances.
Value for money could not be bettered.
Distances to be covered were well within our capacity and presented no problems. We found several interesting side roads to take especially the D707 from Sinclair Guest Farm to Aus (recommended by Peter and very picturesque} and the road from Bagatelle to Kalkrand {through the dunes}. Amazingly empty roads made driving a pleasure.
The friendliness of the local people and their helpfulness was evident to see and reassuring when you are travelling in a foreign country.
Only one incident with a female police officer jarred. We were stopped outside Otjirawongo for speeding and were told that a fine would have to be paid of N$100 but that she did not have any receipts so we would have to return to Otavi, an hours drive back.As I was not keen to drive back I elected to pay her without a receipt but only had N$70 in small notes. This she accepted without turning a hair. There was no ticket produced so I can only assume she made a profit! We were later told that the police only tend to operate speed traps within 20 km of towns so why go back to Otavi?
That aside we would like to thank Sabina for all her help and hard work in making our trip the success it was.
The company would certainly get a glowing recommendation from us if we were to be asked" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
All the accomodation was good, some moreso than others but in general the level of service was high in all instances.
Value for money could not be bettered.
Distances to be covered were well within our capacity and presented no problems. We found several interesting side roads to take especially the D707 from Sinclair Guest Farm to Aus (recommended by Peter and very picturesque} and the road from Bagatelle to Kalkrand {through the dunes}. Amazingly empty roads made driving a pleasure.
The friendliness of the local people and their helpfulness was evident to see and reassuring when you are travelling in a foreign country.
Only one incident with a female police officer jarred. We were stopped outside Otjirawongo for speeding and were told that a fine would have to be paid of N$100 but that she did not have any receipts so we would have to return to Otavi, an hours drive back.As I was not keen to drive back I elected to pay her without a receipt but only had N$70 in small notes. This she accepted without turning a hair. There was no ticket produced so I can only assume she made a profit! We were later told that the police only tend to operate speed traps within 20 km of towns so why go back to Otavi?
That aside we would like to thank Sabina for all her help and hard work in making our trip the success it was.
The company would certainly get a glowing recommendation from us if we were to be asked" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Aardvark
uk
"Second visit but not the last"
I visited Namibia between 10 Oct 2007 and 28 Oct 2007
"Overall, the trip was excellent. Camps are all different in style but up to a point that is fun and interesting. Inevitably, some aspects don't meet one's personal ideal but only at Waterberg did I hear another guest volunteer any criticism (of the dim religious lighting!). Guides and availability of game also varied but every site produced enough new species and sights to keep our interest up. Total 30 mammals and 152 bird species.
As our first trip had been with a small group from the UK travelling with CCAfrica, we had not realised that Brits are only 7% of the tourists, the great majority being German, tho we also met Italians and French. Everyone was excellent company and this was itself a significant part of the pleasure and success of the trip.
Driving entalied some long hot days but was not tiring compared with the M25, say. We helped one Damara family whose old car had died by taking them to the Uis township to find a man with a functioning battery and gave a lift to another lady going to visit her man in Reheboth hospital and, when I had to change a wheel, sure enough the next person along stopped to help. Again, nice parts of the experience.
One policeman at a roadblock tried to extort a small fine but waved us on when I produced pen and paper!
We would happily go back soon but the world is a big place, life is short and money is never enough. However, perhaps in a year or two....." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
As our first trip had been with a small group from the UK travelling with CCAfrica, we had not realised that Brits are only 7% of the tourists, the great majority being German, tho we also met Italians and French. Everyone was excellent company and this was itself a significant part of the pleasure and success of the trip.
Driving entalied some long hot days but was not tiring compared with the M25, say. We helped one Damara family whose old car had died by taking them to the Uis township to find a man with a functioning battery and gave a lift to another lady going to visit her man in Reheboth hospital and, when I had to change a wheel, sure enough the next person along stopped to help. Again, nice parts of the experience.
One policeman at a roadblock tried to extort a small fine but waved us on when I produced pen and paper!
We would happily go back soon but the world is a big place, life is short and money is never enough. However, perhaps in a year or two....." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr P
Penny
"A glorous month"
I visited Namibia between 7 Oct 2007 and 4 Nov 2007
"Despite the series of reservations expressed above [Ed: see individual camp reviews - follow the links below!], our experience as a whole was entirely positive. This is a wonderful country with resources of considerable potential. Our aspiration was to see and do - animal life, bird life in abundance; the beauty and power of the desert, the rich scale of the Okavango, the variety and suprise of Etosha, the charm and challenge of the San people.
We were privileged to have been and seen, and, for the most part, in exceptional settings and charming cirumstances.
To avoid your feeling too complacent ... flight instructions for the return journey showed two times of departure - 1940 and 2040.
But, if that's all I can find to complain about - and it's hardly that - then I think you have every reason to feel pretty pleased with your organisation. Expert Africa is so much more apt and expressive than Sunvil; 'Expert' you deserve." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip
We were privileged to have been and seen, and, for the most part, in exceptional settings and charming cirumstances.
To avoid your feeling too complacent ... flight instructions for the return journey showed two times of departure - 1940 and 2040.
But, if that's all I can find to complain about - and it's hardly that - then I think you have every reason to feel pretty pleased with your organisation. Expert Africa is so much more apt and expressive than Sunvil; 'Expert' you deserve." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms H & Family
Surrey
"Namibia exceeded all expectations!"
I visited Namibia between 6 Oct 2007 and 20 Oct 2007
"Thank you for all your help and advice in advance of the holday and for booking us into such lovely places (apart from kulala lodge where i hope the level of service improves). I thought the the time we spent in Etosha was fabulous and i cant believe the amount of game we saw there, seeing cheetah and a leopard at okinjuima was fantastic too and we really enjoyed all the driving as it gave us a chance to see the changing landscape.
I was impressed with the state of the roads and would thoroughly recommend driving to anyone who asked about this. The main reason I wanted to go to Namibia was to see the dunes, which did not dissapoint, and we went on a light aircraft flight over them to see the extent, stunning.
It was a fantastic holiday and i plan to return - and will spend more time at Erongo and go back to wolwedans dune lodge for definite." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
I was impressed with the state of the roads and would thoroughly recommend driving to anyone who asked about this. The main reason I wanted to go to Namibia was to see the dunes, which did not dissapoint, and we went on a light aircraft flight over them to see the extent, stunning.
It was a fantastic holiday and i plan to return - and will spend more time at Erongo and go back to wolwedans dune lodge for definite." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
415
reviews of Southern Namibia by travellers since August 2007
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Where to stay in Southern Namibia
Our suggestions for safari camps in Southern Namibia
Bagatelle Game Ranch
Bagatelle is a welcoming guest farm in the Kalahari. Visit as a stopover heading south or to enjoy the photogenic red dunes and varied wildlife.
Eningu Clayhouse
Scarcely an hour from Windhoek airport, Eningu is an artistic place to unwind amid the vast silence of the Kalahari.
Central Lodge
Central Lodge offers clean, fresh and comfortable accommodation surrounded by a well-kept garden in the centre of Keetmanshoop.
Kalahari Red Dunes
A good stop between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon, Kalahari Red Dunes is set around a dry lake on a private reserve, with excellent walking opportunities.
Kalahari Anib Lodge
Kalahari Anib Lodge is a comfortable stop between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon. Expect stunning Kalahari scenery, two swimming pools and lots of space.
Dabis Guest Farm
For good farm hospitality, wholesome cooking and an interesting farm drive, Dabis makes a great stop en-route from Lüderitz to the Sesriem area.
Kalahari Bush Breaks
Kalahari Bush Breaks, situated on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, is a perfect stop-over whilst driving between Namibia and Botswana.
Hotel Helmeringhausen
Hotel Helmeringhausen is a unique hotel in the heart of southern Namibia's farming district and makes a good stopover option.
Namtib Desert Lodge
A charming owner run lodge, located off the scenic D707, Namtib Desert Lodge is a convenient stop en route from the south to Sossusvlei.
Kanaan Desert Retreat
The tented Kanaan Desert Retreat offers a range of activities against the beautiful backdrop of the Namib Desert.
Otjimbondona
Otjimbondona Kalahari is a luxurious, peaceful and relaxing lodge conveniently located close to Windhoek's International Airport.
Kalahari Farmhouse
Kalahari Farmhouse, located in Stampriet has comfortable chalets in the gardens of an old farmhouse.
Suricate Tented Camp
Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp is a relaxing spot with its own waterhole and a range of activities for exploring the area.
Camelthorn Kalahari
Camelthorn Kalahari Lodge offers a peaceful night's sleep in the Kalahari, breaking the journey between Windhoek and Fish River Canyon.
Zebra Kalahari Lodge
Zebra Kalahari Lodge is located in the Intu Africa Kalahari Private Game Reserve; surrounded by red sands, it is a relaxing place for a night or two.
