Reviews of safaris to Damaraland

"Pretty sure I was very happy, but there does need to be a way to clear old trips without just clicking 'average' for everything, since this is rather unfair. (Trust me, people will remember and comment on the bad stuff!)." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"We had a magical time in Namibia! Our trip was so well-organized and perfectly suited to our needs, wishes and budget that we wouldn't have changed a thing about it. This was our first time in southern Africa, and Namibia has indeed spoiled us! The big empty dirt roads, stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, warm hospitality, and eco-conscious mindset all combined to make this an unforgettable vacation. We cannot wait to go back.

Expert Africa's website was perhaps the main reason we chose to work with them over other self-drive tour planners we considered. Working with Sabina - a native Namibian - was also important. She was able to answer all of our questions and address all of our concerns, particularly relating to driving. We are so glad we went with her advice to NOT get a 4WD. Being city people that went against our instincts somewhat, but the price difference was significant and we were 100% satisfied with our Nissan X-Trail.

We did not make our plans early enough to get exactly every lodge we wanted, but the alternatives that Sabina suggested were excellent - especially Onguma Bush Camp. She also did a great job at pointing out details regarding a couple of the lodges that had concerned clients of hers in the past and wanted to make sure we were still okay staying there. We didn't have any major surprises (of the bad kind!) on this trip, and we believe it's because we were well-prepped by Sabina, the very informative Bradt guide, and Expert Africa's website.

The only thing that was consistently different from what we had been told was the driving times. It always took us much longer to get from lodge to lodge than we expected. We definitely made many stops along the way which delayed us - especially during the first half of our trip - but even when we didn't stop much we were inevitably somewhere between an hour and a half to two hours behind the estimate. Thankfully we always left early enough that we were never in danger of driving at dusk or night.

Another issue worth pointing out is that while we essentially did the Caracal Self-Drive as described on Expert Africa's website, our final invoice was a lot higher than what was quoted on the site. We did make several upgrades, such as going with a K-class 2WD instead of a sedan, getting an extra spare tire, spending a night at a premiere waterhole chalet at Okaukuejo, and staying at Okonjima. In the end we paid quite a bit more than what we thought we were going to pay based on the website quotes. We have absolutely no regrets about this in the end, but it's important to know that what is on the website is really the bare bare minimum and that one should probably budget several hundred dollars more per person if more than one or two changes to the itinerary are going to be made.

We had the time of our lives on this trip and didn't want it to end! Namibia is a place unlike any other we've been to. Sabina did a great job at making it all go smoothly and we will definitely be giving her a call as soon as we can get back there!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"A special treat to celebrate 25 years of marriage - an adventure in Namibia. Spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, delicious food, & great company. We have brought home so many memories of a truely amazing place and thousands of photographs!

A special thank you to Maruska, for patiently explaining all the various options and helping us construct our special trip. Thank you!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"I won't lie, I was dubious about going to Namibia, it was my husband's dream holiday destination which is why we chose it but we both absolutely loved it!

Neither of us had ever been to Africa before and the fact that we could drive round on our own and do our own thing was priceless. We would go back in a heartbeat. Thank you to Expert Africa for everything!

We do think that a 4WD would have been better than a 2WD just because of some of the D roads. We had to turn back round on 2 occasions but this added to the adventure. If we did it again (or when we do it again!) we will be asking for a 4WD." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"Beautifully organised again by Expert Africa and Maruska in particular. Attention, guidance and care second to none. Thank yoi

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Keep on going." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"Fantastic holiday, but not happy about attitude of wilderness safaris when our Namibia Airline flight was cancelled. We informed them be e-mail at 6.30 am on that morning and think that the initial demand of £950.00 to continue our holiday schedule was totally unreasonable. We think they could have rearranged transport for us to continue on that day, within the timescale they had, we would like to say we were very impressed with the guides and staff at the lodges.

They were all extremely friendly and helpful and we were able to learn a little of Namibian culture. Also, the wildlife was amazing.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

No" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"Had a fabulous trip , enjoyed the country and it's people. A great experience we will delight in reliving it with our friends and relations through the 3000 photographs we have taken.

." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip

"An excellent itinerary which, after discussion with the very knowledgeable staff at Expert Africa, we tailored to fit our interests. The only thing they got wrong was the pick up point for Entendeka Camp but that did not cause any problems.

The quality of accommodation was very good value.

Driving was very easy with so little traffic. Wherever we stopped people were friendly and helpful.

One of our best trips." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"The whole trip was fantastic. I have severely shortened my comments as this is the third time I have had to type this page! Please see comment at the end.**

Team member was Gwyneth who I believe is no longer with you. All comments refer to her.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Although the feedback form is well set out, I have had to type some pages several times as the pages kept disappearing.!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Our holiday was superbly planned to allow us the opportunity to include a wide range of activities, landscapes and wildlife. We particularly enjoyed the opportunities to stretch our legs both independently and guided. We had a framework of ideas at the planning stage but Sabina, expanded and improved them. Her idea to go to 2 centres in Damarland, in particular Etendeka, was inspired and suited our love of wild scenery.

The other suggestion which worked very well was to include the Dolomite Camp which allowed us to do our own self drive the whole way across Etosha from west to east.

We were very lucky as we both had never been to Africa before and we saw so much wildlife at very close range.

We also enjoyed the variety in style and location of the lodges, and the distances between lodges was such that we never arrived too late to have the chance to relax a little in the afternoon. It was nice that the longer transfers were usually interspersed with a shorter transfer.

If or when we decide to return to Africa, we will be back in touch! Thank you so much." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip