Reviews of safaris to Central Highlands

"A thoroughly enjoyable trip; Tracy successfully matched our interests and preferences with the accommodation and avtivities she recommended. She had advised a 4WD vehicle as we were travelling in the rainy season; advice we recalled on the 3 occasions we got stuck (but in sandy river beds / approaches on D-roads, not in deep water). The Yaris we had was basically too low-slung to the ground. Luckily we received help each time but it did make driving in some of the remoter areas rather nerve-racking wondering what was at the bottom of the next dip! in the roadl.

We found the Namibian people welcoming and friendly and hope that, in the places where we stayed, profits remain to benefit the local communities. We did see and hear some evidence of this but were not always sure. It was fun occasionally bumping into people we'd met before, as they tended to follow similar routes.." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"Our experience in Namibia was overwhelmingly positive. We definitely would like to return in the not too distant future.

When we return, we would want to explore whether there is some way of staying in less luxurious places (short of camping).

We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we have never had such excellent service from anyone in any sphere!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"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

"Enjoyed the holiday. Well organised. Etosha was outstanding. Victoria Falls was majestic. Apart from Terrace Bay hotels were good to very good. Apart from Sams Giardino the food was rarher ordinary with little choice in some cases.

On occasions the distances for driving were rather long and tedious. Surfaced roads wre good with little fraffic. Graveled roads varied from good where recently graded to awful with rather more of the latter than former. Return journey was a nightmare." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"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

"Very good." Read full review: 32 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"The holiday was perfect, we will be returning to Namibia to visit a few new found friends and the parts of the country we did not manage to see.

Thank you" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Overall, we had a wonderful time in Namibia and Zambia - we are very happy with Expert Africa and Sabina! Sabina's service was outstanding and we credit her for the success of our trip!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"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

"What a strange scale - where is the excellent / good . Very satisfactory sounds very English - a massive understatement for what was a really good holiday.

Really appreciate your help in sorting out the itinerary and even getting the little details sorted such as marking up the map with where we were going to stay - thank you so much Judith & Stuart" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip