Reviews of safaris to Central Highlands

"The initial delay [Ed: their flight to Namibia] at the beginning of the holiday was unfortunate as we did want to spend some time in Windhoek but that was the only problem we encountered.

Strange though, was the fact that the highlight of our trip to Etosha was perhaps a slight disappointment, and that other areas not expected to be as good, actually exceeded our expectations. The stay at Desert Homestead and the balloon ride were great. Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast had a totally different atmosphere. I'm so glad that we entered the Skeleton Coast Park. Its seems a barren forsaken area but the great waves pounding onto the shore and the mists rolling in gave it such a dramatic feel. Absolutley wonderful.

Damaraland was attractive but we didn't see many animals. I believe the area has been heavily poached up till quite recently and the Rhino Conservation is doing well now and other animals are increasing in numbers also.

We saw loads of animals at Etosha but didn't expect quite so many people. There is a speed limit to the roads around the park but we saw very few people adhere to it. Especially at the mad rush to get back to your camp before they closed the gates. There were birds and smaller animals run over because people either couldn't stop or couldn't see them in time. There were also instances at waterholes when people in 4 wheel drive vehicles decided to leave the ample veiwing areas around the waterholes to get closer to the animals for better filming. This was dangerous and very inconsiderate to the animals. We just wish that this area could be policed to stop this unthoughtful behaviour.

Erongo exceeded our expectations, although we were already looking forward to seeing it. The walking was very good and the birdlife beautiful. Personally if I had gone there first I probably would not have moved on.

I have no suggestions to help you improve your service, but must say that it was good not to be pressured as some agents do on a daily basis and it was very thoughtful of you to send a map with the suggested route to take. There were lots of little details that put your service above other agents and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anybody. Thank you all." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"We found the trip to be very interesting with lots to learn and find.

Namibian peoplewe met are a delight to talk to and be with. They are proud of their country and are very knowledgeable. They are keen to learn and are most welcoming and helpful. There is a lot to see and the accommodations are excellent. We have now seen all the big five game and were thrilled to see game at close quarters.

Distances are long and tiring, as are the gravel roads. Careful consideration of vehicle to use is important and we feel 4x4's are essential for peace of mind. Organisation of the trip was generally very good and we enjoyed the experience." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip

"Very enjoyable and restful holiday. Enjoyed some great outings to Sandwich Bay, Mola Mola boat trip, Sossusvlei and walks around Mowani. Etosha brilliant with wonderful game viewings especially at the camp waterholes." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Very impressed with the knowledge of Expert Africa staff. Tracy Lederer guided us through the myriad options of where to go, what to see and where to stay. We had a good natured tussle planning the itinerary over the amount of nights in any one place but she was proved right in saying you need to rest for more than 1 night after driving along the Namibian gravel roads!

Although she advised against driving up the skeleton coast due to the risks involved, this was something we particularly wanted to do, and we were able to achieve this because local conditions were fine on the day.

It was a defiunite advantage that Expert Africa staff knew the country so well and had visited the various lodges they recommended. I am sure our upgrade at Okonjima was due to the special relationship they have with the Africa Project.

All in all, the 10 day trip was one of our best holidays ever (and we have visited 63 countries). Although we had done our own research for several months before booking the holiday, we definitely benefited from the guidance and advice we received from Expert AFrica. I will definitely use the company again." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"You gave us a wonderful trip. It would be difficult to improve on the help that we were given." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"Namibia was Fantastic!! We felt safe, were overwhelmed by its beauty and diversity and were looked after brilliantly in many of the places we visited.

The wildlife was more abundant than we expected and varied hugely from place to place.

Each lodge had different character and environment. Overall , in retrospect, we wouldn't have changed a thing apart from the vehicle, and maybe 2 nights at Grootberg instead of going to Palmwag." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"Carefree driving, plenty to see.

There was something different every day, and we never quite knew what was coming next, but we were never disappointed." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"It was great and lived up to our/my hopes. The ONLY problem was at Okaukuelo which certainly worried my wife at the time." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"An amazing country, with friendly, helpful people.

The geography is phenominal and all the lodges we stayed in compimented it.

Thoroughly recommended." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip

"My goals were to show my grandaughter:

1. conservation efforts in southern Africa,
2.a glimpse of how average people live/work in rural and urban areas,
3. some of the geology and animals of Namibia and Botswana.

All goals met and we had a wonderful time!!!

The only thing that didn't work out was that I did not realize that virtually none of the shops/restaurants in either countrywould accept American Express credit cards. Even at the airports! I had allowed enough cash for gasoline, camp tips and misc but was relying on my AMEX card for the bulk of shopping and meals. This made for a very tight trip, especially at the end in Windhoek where we totally ran out of cash.

Please let people know which credit cards are accepted in these two countries!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip