Reviews of safaris to Central Highlands

"This really was a super trip - not cheap, but your recommendations were all good and the accommodation and services surpassed expectations.

We though it was a great experince and just wish we had a bit more time. Howevr, I'm sure we'll be back before long to explore other parts of the country and Botswana as well.

We enjoyed the Sefofane flights (and could not have done the trip in the time without them), but it was also nice to do some driving ourselves which allowed us to stop in real towns and interact with real people - just flying between luxury lodges for a whole trip would give a rather limited experience of the country.

Suggestions for improvement:

Not really - we were overall very pleased and impressed with the trip you had arranged for us, based on my initial rather vague thoughts." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"We (2 adults, children 11 and 10) had a great time. We had been to Namibia in 1995 and found it really quite unchanged for the most part. Highlights were Etendeka, the dunes at Sossussvlei, the kayaking trip with the seals at Walvis Bay with Jeanne Meintjes and some of our sightings in Etosha, including 8 lions and a cheetah. By the end of the holiday we were already making lists of places we would go to next time (Northern Damaraland, Caprivi Strip etc)

We would rate Namibia as a great first time destination in Africa for those who are allergic to package tourism and want to be independent, and don't mind a bit of driving (we did just less than 2000 miles in 15 days, which I would guess is not unrepresentative)" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"A wonderful country of huge interest and contrasts we had the holiday of a lifetime and a lifetime of a holiday! Thank you Expert Africa." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"For the oldest member at least the trip of a lifetime! Long anticipated we probably did it just in time - in another 2 years it will probably be too demanding for the oldies, whereas the "youngsters" may well be off on the Fish River trail.

While the wild life was incredibly exciting, it was what we had expected - only even bigger and better.

I don't think we could have anticipated the fantastic beauty and variety of the landscapes and the speed with which they change - the drive from Solitaire to Walvis Bay is just one example. Nor is it possible easily to convey the space, the distances, the emptiness,and the enormous skies - particularly on a moonless night.

We followed your suggested itinerary with one variation - we kept to the coast road from Cape Cross to Torra Bay and then cut across to Dora !Nawas. We were glad to experience that much of Skeleton Coast and thought the rest of the run more than rewarding , would in fact RECOMMEND it.- we'll have to fit in the Brandberg next time.

Now our one beef. We followed all of your advice re clothing - Kate, thank goodness even packed her long johns! - but simply were not prepared for the intense cold we ran into at Bullsport. Nor, according to the locals, was this particularly unusual. This being the case we think more thought should be given to heating the rooms and beds, and more blankets carried on drives at Bullsport. The temperatures at Kulala were not so different, but both these matters had been more effectively addressed.

Finally on this point we think that your advice should be beefed up to read - "and just to be on the safe side tuck in a pair of gloves, a scarf and a woolly hat" !

PS - Sabina, I have submitted our "report" on the trip but have, inevitably, thought of 2 comments I have forgotten to include! Firstly, how impressed we were by all aspects of the Wiiderness Safari operation with which we came into contact - not just the high standard of training, friendliness and professionalism of all the staff, or the imaginative design and comfort of the Lodges, but also their policies of community development and, perhaps in particular, their approach to HIV - AIDS.

Secondly we were very aware of the the positive approach generally to the AIDS problem - young people in "leadership" and "meet the challenge" T-shirts etc. However, nowhere could we find any means of making any direct contribution in support - and we mean specifically support which would be directed to Namibia, rather than to one of the umbrella Africa charities. We discussed this situation with Beula at Erongo and she was going to take it up thro' her management but I wonder whether you can give us any guidance and, more generally, if it is something to which Expert Africa might like to give some thought as I am sure there must be many of your clients who would also like to give more focussed help.

Again many thanks for your personal contribution to a wonderful holiday, Kind regards, Michael" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Should have stayed longer!" Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"'Very satisfactory' seems a weak description for an outstanding holiday experience. Not only is Namibia quite unique scenically, it boasts great variety: from the Namib sand desert to the mountains of Damaraland and Erongo; from the skeleton coast to Etosha pan. You have to work for these rewards if you drive, but every km is worth the effort (those who fly in must miss a great deal), and driving the great desert spaces is part of the experience.

The wildlife is also so impressive, partly because you see a lot by passing through the country, but Etosha was 'on show' for us, with magnificent congregations of elephants, zebra and antelope, plus abundant rhino, jackall, and hyena and vists from giraffe - more often seen away from the waterholes. Four female lions and an encounter with a black rhino at close quarters capped our experiences.

The Namibian people we met were friendly and always competent. Most of the guides we met were very knowledgeable and gave good value.

We ate well and no one suffered from upset stomachs or other travel bugs. I travel a lot and have been in something over 20 African countries over the years. Ivisited Ngorongoro in Tanzania many years ago and was so impressed by the wildlife. But in Namibia the wildlife was comparable and the entire country a marvellous scenic experience." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"The trip just got better and better. It exceeded all our expectations and we had a great time.

It was probably the best holiday we have ever had, despite it being quite hectic. We found the notes provided by Expert Africa prior to our trip very helpful. T

The only thing that really caught us out was how cold it was at night and on the early morning and evening drives. Most of the lodges provided hot water bottles and blankets at night, and also provided blankets on the drives. We had taken fleeces but we still felt that we could have done with more warm clothing.

Perhaps greater emphasis of the need for this could be made in your notes." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip

"Just to say we are all back from our trip to Africa and we had a terrific time, saw some fabulous animals and birds.

As a country I think it is probably the best in Southern Africa to visit as it has terrific game viewing, contrasts in scenery, friendly peoply, a feeling of safety and all at a reasonable price.

Suggestions for improvement:
Just keep doing what you are doing altthough it might be worth telling clients about the potential upgrade on Air Namibia as it is not necessarily offered, we found out about it through Trip Advisor or a similar site.

But overall thanks for a great holiday" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"My wife and I enjoyed the trip immensely, the photography was beyond my expecations, Leopard, Cheetah, Lions, Hyena, Rhino, all very rewarding.

Thanks Expert Africa." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"We loved Namibia and will go back. We had a great time

Its the first time we have ever used an agent rather than independant travel! Generally we were happy with the information and organisation. Thanks" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip