Reviews of safaris to Central Highlands

"A great 70th birthday trip.

Perhaps erred a bit on the luxurious side, but we didn't really complain." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 26 on a Namibia trip

"Fantastic!

Highly recommend." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip was excellent and our expectations were not only met but exceeded. We enjoyed the varying landscapes, the animals and the people.

The trip, which we requested at the very last minute, was superbly organised. From the time of my initial contact, all requests/queries were handled in a timely helpful manner. All the components (fly, drive, transfers) fitted together well and all connections/transfers went smoothly.

The only changes we would have made are those that could only have been made with hindsight!

So again, thank you very much Maruska and Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: These are very minor suggestions and comments and are made purely to try and be helpful.

(1) An explanation off what one can expect in relation to meals when your accommodation is on a full board basis and you arrive around lunchtime. Our first full board accommodation was at Canyon Lodge and we arrived at lunch time. We were greeted with some information about the facilities and times for dinner and breakfast, but no indication of whether there was any lunch available or whether we were entitled to lunch. Subsequent enquires resulted in us being directed to the dining room.

At a later lodge, we realised that we could have had lunch even though we arrived early in the afternoon but had already had lunch just in case.

(2) If people are doing an overnighter at Cheetah View Lodge it would be good to know that the cheetah feeding is at 2 o'clock, which is the only time that this is held, is also included in the cost of the accommodation i.e. so that if possible you would make sure you got there in time for that. The other paid activities did not seem to be good value. I did note that on EA's notes of this lodge, that it EA thought that there needed to be a better integration of activities with the overnight experience, and we agree.

(3) I think that Hyena Pan did include laundry facilities.

I apologise if I should have known some of these things. I did look up all the accommodations on your website (which I thought was most extensive and the reason I choose the company initially), and make notes before our trip, but possibly I missed bits.

We wish that the tipping thing could be made easier. Australia does not have a tipping culture and so it always comes as a surprise and what seems like a lot of extra money on top of what are not insubstantial costs, at least in some places. While were tried to follow the guidelines, sometimes we were caught out when guides changed or we had an extra guide.

It is impossible to single out 'other' people, other than guides and polers for example, as there are always people behind the that contribute to your enjoyment and comfort on a trip." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Provided a very well researched and considered experience for the four of us. Good variety of activities and accommodation. All transport and connections worked well. Maruska went to a lot of trouble to design a good trip for us at short notice. Would certainly recommend Expert Africa." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"This was our 5th and best trip." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"It was a great trip with lots of very different highlights.

It was also great to share it with the kids.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No, thank you for everything." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"This was the most special holiday. We cannot thank Josh enough for arranging such a fantastic itinerary enabling us to get a real feel for the country.

His knowledge and the fact that he had experienced places first hand meant that he could really tailor our trip to our needs.

We would definitely recommend a visit to Namibia and our only regret is that we only had two weeks. Driving was very easy, although you're covering large distances, there is always something new around the next corner.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nothing to improve on!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Initially was a little concerned about lack of wildlife sightings however dunes fantastic and despite the slapshod way okaukuejo camp appeared to be run the waterhole was a revelation. we saw rhino each night, 3 on the first night and 2 the second night plus a male lion then 4 females.

Highlight was the cheetah kill. Etosha fulfilled my expectations and more.

No one could foresee the torrential rain and subsequent flooding which lead us to being advised to travel the longer route to Doro Nawas which made it feel like an unnecessary out of the way stop. Given a good run up the skeleton coast this view would not be as jaded.

All the accommodation was good and the extra night at erongo was well worth it

Would recommend this trip to others" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"Overall a very enjoyable trip. Generally, the accommodation was good to excellent, with the possible exception of Mushara. The car performed well, no punctures! The directions given were easily followed, no need for a Satnav. Driving on gravel roads was not a problem, we generally drove at 60/80 kph.
We found the people of Namibia extremely friendly, we never felt threatened.
In conclusion, we felt the trip was well planned, two-night stays were just right and we would recommend the use of Expert Africa for future trips to that great country.

Thank you, Tom." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"I bought this trip for my wife's 60th birthday and it was an inspired choice. We usually back-pack so this was exceptionally easy - especially the transfer at the Botswana - Zambia border. Note that the driver told me that I couldn't get a KAZA visa at this border crossing, mentioned in the very good Bradt guide you provided. This was not correct and we were issued one when I enquired. Great choice of lodgings and really loved Okajima, River Dance and Garden Lodge.

Josh clearly explained to me the type of trip we were booked on, particularly that we were not including some of the major game parks, so we were very clear on what we would be experiencing and he sent me a new map free of charge when we found a minor mistake on the first one.

I'm impressed with the service by both Expert Africa and your local agents. Your instructions/information are excellent.

Minor points are raised where applicable in the accommodation reviews, but they in no way spoilt our trip.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Other than the points raised above, no." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip