Reviews of safaris to Damaraland
1066 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Damaraland.
"Surpassed our expectations"
The only problem we encountered was with the transfers. When we left the car in Katima the transfer peop0le had no record of us and we were delayed by about an hour. the transfer, once it happened, was seamless, but it did cause us some worries as we sat in a café with mountains of luggage. Similarly no one turned up for our transfer to the airport when we were at Victoria Falls. We eventually loaded our luggage onto the last minibus going in that direction and sat5 down so they agreed to take us. I think it was an easier option than trying to move a rather stressed middle aged English couple!
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Sort out the transfers" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Loved every minute. Great family adventure."
Elvis - our guide for the whole trip was fantastic - he felt like one of the family by the end of the trip. He was incredibly knowledgable and interesting, kept us organised, and was very thoughtful and considerate. He really made the trip." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia July/August 2014"
A couple of general points:
You are right: one doesn’t need a 4WD. Nor a second spare tyre (though we did come across a 4WD with its third puncture of their trip). The only disadvantage of not having a 4WD is that we had to go VERY slowly over some of the gravel roads, whereas I suspect we could have gone faster (though no less uncomfortably) in a 4WD. For example, it might be worth noting that it took nearly an hour from the tarmac road to the Elegant Farmstead.
The (more tourist-orientated?) petrol stations at Okakeujo, Naumatoni, Solitaire and Sesriem did take credit cards (the guide book says that none does).
Accommodation was generally a delight - largely gorgeous, well-appointed and well looked-after places in perfect surroundings.
Warm clothing - I took a very light cardigan, a light jumper and a fleece. This was ample (the guidebook mentions people who wished they’d brought pashminas, blankets etc… not sure why!). Fleeces were worn only at night (game viewing) or in the early morning (at Dune 45), other than at Swakopmund where they were worn all the time!
Route was fine and just right for the duration, especially as some of the distances were long. Etosha, Damaraland, Sossusvlei were all must-see destinations. The only driving we didn’t like was the section between Khorixas and Doro Nawas where the gravel road was very uncomfortable. It was a pity we had to do Okakeujo before Halali but it wasn’t a big problem. The only possible change we might have made would have been to spend one day less in the Sossusvlei area – there isn’t really two days’ worth of activity here unless one is a hiker (which we weren’t) - and travelled back a day earlier." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Wonderful experience"
When we go back to Africa we would be disappointed if we were unable to use Expert Africa again as our guide.
Cout our entire party as highly satisfied and grateful." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
Highlights are many and varied including the 1st sunset over the Kalahari at Bagatelle, hiking the Quiver Tree gorge, sand dunes at 1st light in Sossusvlei, Tommys Living Desert Tour, desert adapted elephants and lizards at Camp Kipwe, barbecued game at Taleni (our kids favourite meal), seeing 3 cheetah in Etosha, warthogs on the lawn at Mushara and the universally friendly people we met on our travels." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia - Sossusvlei to Angola -J uly 2014"
If you are a keen photographer there are some stunning opportunities.
If you are keen on game and predators there are better countries to visit but I would recommend the broader view; literally, and I am sure we will end up back there.
Best camps: Little Kulala and Serra Cafema
Standout moments; scenery especially Sossusvlei and Skelton coast, Himba people, rhino, quad bikes" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia July 2014"
There were some late changes, both on our part and Expert Africa's, which were handled very well. Things ran smoothly from collection of hire car to it's return almost two weeks later. Namibia is a great country to visit for a self-drive, we would highly recommend it as we would Expert Africa!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
The camps were mainly excellent and certainly as good as we had hoped. We had an unfortunate incident when my wife's bag was stolen from the car outside our guest house in Windhoek and the staff at Galton House couldn't have been more helpful, as were the head office staff at Wilderness Safaris in helping us resolve matters.
There is obviously quite a bit of crime in Windhoek (and possibly other towns) and travellers should be aware of this and keep their wits about them. We were identified as a target once we arrived in Windhoek while driving a hire car with South African number plates, followed, and then robbed outside our guest house in a quiet street with nobody else around. If my wife's handbag had been hidden in the back of the car or in the boot things may have been different.
However, this didn't detract from a very enjoyable three weeks in a scenically amazing country with Namibian people who made our stay memorable." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
The people we met were friendly and polite and their lives fascinating, being so different from ours'.
The geography of the area was beautiful, in all it's different forms. Quite stunning.
We had a great deal of very useful advice from Expert Africa and a very smooth holiday." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
Where to stay in Damaraland
Our suggestions for safari camps in Damaraland