Reviews of safaris to Central Highlands

"What an amazing trip!

From the moment we first contacted Expert Africa, when Chris personally responded to an inquiry about when to travel, we knew we were in good hands. Maruska planned our journey and was thorough, accesible, and accomodating, working with us to ensure that our itinerary was exactly what we wanted. As a result, the trip not only met, but far exceeded our expectations. We kept commenting that this was "the trip of a lifetime," and it was. Stunning scenery, luxurious accomodations, and excellent service all combined to make this an incredible journey.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have just a few suggestions as you plan trips for future travelers:

(1) It might be useful to provide slightly more extensive driving notes. For example, instead of simply saying, "approximately 4 hours, mostly on gravel roads" you could add a few details, for example "you will pass through the charming town of Solitaire" or "you will cross the Tropic of Capricorn before hitting the tricky but beautiful Kuiseb Pass."

(2) The drive from Mowani Mountain Camp to Etosha is much longer than the estimated 3.5 hours; it actually takes about 5 hours given the poor road conditions of the gravel roads near Mowani. We still made it to Etosha before sundown, but it's worth advising future travelers of this.

(3) Although we enjoyed staying in Swakopmund, both of our excursions were in or south of Walvis Bay. It struck us that future travelers doing the same thing could stay in Walvis Bay and therefore cut out the drive time back and forth from Swakopmund." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"We had a fantastic trip to Namibia. We were very pleased with the help we received from Expert Africa in booking our car hire and accommodation (we booked our flights separately ourselves). Sabine was excellent in helping to advise us about our itinerary, with a detailed understanding of travel times etc.

Our favourite places to stay (in order) were Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Camp Kipwe and Hoodia Desert Lodge. We would also very much recommend visiting the western part of Etosha for some great safari in an area almost empty of tourists." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"It was a great experience. Drove almost 5,000km with no punctures in 2WD SUV.

The planning and booking were made an easy experience with excellent first hand knowledge which was so helpful.

The Namibia Guide book was the most useful we have ever had with so much useful detail.......perhaps it should be suggested to help planning as there is so much useful info.

10/10 to Expert Africa

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Not really." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"We more or less followed the itinerary of the Sandgrouse trip, with a few lodging substitutions. The variety of landscapes, activities and the mix of flying and driving really contributed to our enjoyment.

Tracy was terrific at advising us on lodging selections and providing information on reasonable driving times. We usually book our trips ourselves over the internet, but we knew it was important to get insights and expert advice from the pros for a trip like this. We would recommend Expert Aftica highly.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

I probably would have skipped Damaraland, going from Swapkopmund to Erongo up to Ongava. And I definitely would have spent an extra night at Wolwedans. But this is just personal preference." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"This feedback is far too long and not what you want to receive on your return from holiday when you have a million other things to do!! This is why it has taken me so long to complete after the end of the holiday. Why bother to ask about S A Airways and B A?

I have travelled with your company on several occasions and remain a great fan of the effort you take to make a holiday, to what could be a difficult area, run as smoothly as possible. This time was no exception and the following comments are for your guidance / information and in no way a criticism.

As you suggested we collected our baggage in Jo'burg and checked in again. On both occasions that we passed through Jo'burg the airport was EXCEEDINGLY busy and it was a good job that we had a 3 hour wait (as you had intimated) otherwise we would have missed the connecting flight. Anyone who was nervous of crowds and queues and delays may have felt concerned especially as a dangerous situation occurred as there was no room for passengers to alight from an escalator to join a massive queue through passport control.

Please see comments on the car at Mundulea.

When we arrived to check in at the Taj Pamodzi they asked for credit card details (which is usual in a hotel) and then asked how we were paying for the accommodation. It took over 10 minutes to convince them that we had already paid our travel agent. They had the audacity to say 'has it cleared through your bank account'. Eventually someone agreed that Expert Africa would be paying for the accommodation BUT THEY HAVE NOT YET PAID. Who was correct? At one time they wanted us to contact you before they would let us stay.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Whilst I can appreciate that you want as many good comments as possible I feel that you may miss out on the odd nugget of criticism / feedback because some like me considered giving up and are put off by the length of this feedback form.

The availability of a paper form would have been appreciated." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"First visit to Namibia, full of lovely friendly people, stunning landscapes and one startled honey badger.

The vast skies of day and night were breathtaking and we have returned with great memories and four personalised carved nut key rings.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Some of the travelling times between rest camps were longer than we anticipated. We stumbled on a couple of good places to stop for lunch / breaks but if these had been pointed out beforehand it would have made the journey a little smoother." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"A great experience.

A wonderful country from every perspective. All the arrangements worked well. We would happily do it all again tomorrow!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip

"The standard of attention to detail, notes, directions, maps etc. second to none.

Saskia was exceptional form her phone manner, follow up and attention to detail and providing advice and support. Nothing but brilliant. We loved the whole experience and will certainly be in touch with you guys again for another African experience. Thank you.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No! Is that OK?" Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip

"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. It was a well constructed itinerary which drew extensively upon Angela Griffin's expertise and local knowledge particularly in respect of travelling times and distances involved.

During the planning phase Angela was most patient in answering our often repeated queries and modifications to our plans. We have no hesitation in recommending Expert Africa to all.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

None apparent to date." Read full review: 8 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"A perfect trip ,which exceeded all our expectations. No hitches whatsoever, a totally amazing experience from start to finish.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

You were absolutely outstanding in your recommendations and suggestions. I cannot think of one negative aspect." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip