Reviews of safaris to Damaraland
1126 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Damaraland.
Mrs C
W Sussex
"3-week self-drive of Namibia in June 2012"
I visited Namibia between 11 Jun 2012 and 1 Jul 2012
"It exceeded all expectations. Namibia is a beautiful, if sometimes stark, country and we found the people we met most friendly. Without exception, the various accommodations were very good, and in particular, the full descriptions in Expert Africa's printed and on-line brochures very accurate.
Driving was overall a pleasure with empty roads and those with gravel surfaces mostly very well maintained apart from part of the road between Sesriem and Walvis Bay which is fairly rough, but without potholes. I think we saw graders at work every single day. There were no problems with fuel supply.
June is low season (most lodges said their bookings would be full from late July onwards). As a result, with few guests, we received very personal service. Day time temperatures were in the low to mid-tweties C, which was very pleasant, but evenings and nights were cold and many lodges provided hot-water bottles. We were glad that we had taken layered clothing.
Meals seem to have received criticism from other visitors for being boring. We have never experienced such tender and tasty meat (mainly beef fillet, kudu and oryx) although a three-week diet of red meat is not nutritionally recommended! Vegetables were varied, soups delicious and some of the desserts imaginative so we have no complaints.
The standard of the guiding, where we used it, was very high and our experience at Mundulea exceptional.
We never felt unsafe, which can't be said for many other African countries.
So, a perfect holiday - just 1400 photographs to sort through.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I think you are already way ahead of the competition.
Coming to your office to meet with Gwynneth was well worthwhile to get her views, as a Namibian, on our plans. Communication between booking and our departure was good, and as we have found in the past, you actually take note of feedback unlike most other companies.
Please keep up the good work and we shall certainly travel with you again. Thank you or arranging a wonderful holiday." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Driving was overall a pleasure with empty roads and those with gravel surfaces mostly very well maintained apart from part of the road between Sesriem and Walvis Bay which is fairly rough, but without potholes. I think we saw graders at work every single day. There were no problems with fuel supply.
June is low season (most lodges said their bookings would be full from late July onwards). As a result, with few guests, we received very personal service. Day time temperatures were in the low to mid-tweties C, which was very pleasant, but evenings and nights were cold and many lodges provided hot-water bottles. We were glad that we had taken layered clothing.
Meals seem to have received criticism from other visitors for being boring. We have never experienced such tender and tasty meat (mainly beef fillet, kudu and oryx) although a three-week diet of red meat is not nutritionally recommended! Vegetables were varied, soups delicious and some of the desserts imaginative so we have no complaints.
The standard of the guiding, where we used it, was very high and our experience at Mundulea exceptional.
We never felt unsafe, which can't be said for many other African countries.
So, a perfect holiday - just 1400 photographs to sort through.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I think you are already way ahead of the competition.
Coming to your office to meet with Gwynneth was well worthwhile to get her views, as a Namibian, on our plans. Communication between booking and our departure was good, and as we have found in the past, you actually take note of feedback unlike most other companies.
Please keep up the good work and we shall certainly travel with you again. Thank you or arranging a wonderful holiday." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Family Tsuchiyose
USA
"My Jun 2012 trip"
I visited Namibia between 9 Jun 2012 and 21 Jun 2012
"Our trip was amazing in the sense of what we saw and how we did it, and its varieties.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It is very difficult to get the information and feel for the country you have never been to, and how things are done in each location. In that sense, the details were not communicated well to our needs.
It is easy to say, "please ask any questions if you have", rather than " please check this," or " did you know this?" to make sure that we understand the same thing. Many things are assumed to be understood. The communication was always initiated by me.
The child age should be considered individually by the height, not by age. Our daughter had never been a problem to any lodge. Given her age is 11.5 and she is tall." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It is very difficult to get the information and feel for the country you have never been to, and how things are done in each location. In that sense, the details were not communicated well to our needs.
It is easy to say, "please ask any questions if you have", rather than " please check this," or " did you know this?" to make sure that we understand the same thing. Many things are assumed to be understood. The communication was always initiated by me.
The child age should be considered individually by the height, not by age. Our daughter had never been a problem to any lodge. Given her age is 11.5 and she is tall." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
The B Party
Hampshire
"My June 2012 trip"
I visited Namibia between 8 Jun 2012 and 26 Jun 2012
"This was our second trip and another great one. Namibia offers luxurious accommodation, delicious food and staff who love their job and country.
not to mention the breathtaking scenery and the fantastic wildlife.
Tourist numbers are noticeably down - so more people should visit !" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
not to mention the breathtaking scenery and the fantastic wildlife.
Tourist numbers are noticeably down - so more people should visit !" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr I
London
"My trip to Africa"
I visited Namibia between 6 Jun 2012 and 26 Jun 2012
"My trip to Namibia was, overall, amazing! Life changing even.
I drove through bush fires and was chased by a bull elephant! Man, it was exiting! And I was followed by a baboon for an hour during one of my walks. Probably thought I looked a bit lonely. :-D The only niggly thing was not getting vegetarian food on the flights as that had not been specified. Apart from that, I am definitely going back as soon as I can.
For a woman driving on her own, I had few problems except with the usual, i.e. men with far too much testosterone. I know how to handle that though so it wasn't a problem. I loved driving around on my own for three weeks. Best thing I ever did.
Next time, I won't bother with Swakopmund though. The only place I disliked despite the kind and friendly people. Just too weird for me (i.e. German town in Namibia) and in any case, I was in Namibia for the flora and fauna, not towns and buildings. I'm glad I went though as I wouldn't have known that had I not been.
Overall, a great holiday! Me = Happy! :-D" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
I drove through bush fires and was chased by a bull elephant! Man, it was exiting! And I was followed by a baboon for an hour during one of my walks. Probably thought I looked a bit lonely. :-D The only niggly thing was not getting vegetarian food on the flights as that had not been specified. Apart from that, I am definitely going back as soon as I can.
For a woman driving on her own, I had few problems except with the usual, i.e. men with far too much testosterone. I know how to handle that though so it wasn't a problem. I loved driving around on my own for three weeks. Best thing I ever did.
Next time, I won't bother with Swakopmund though. The only place I disliked despite the kind and friendly people. Just too weird for me (i.e. German town in Namibia) and in any case, I was in Namibia for the flora and fauna, not towns and buildings. I'm glad I went though as I wouldn't have known that had I not been.
Overall, a great holiday! Me = Happy! :-D" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs W
London
"My Jun 2012 trip"
I visited Namibia between 3 Jun 2012 and 17 Jun 2012
"The trip was everything we had hoped it would be, with the itinerary being well thought out and manageable in terms of travel time.
Our only regret is that we didn't have more time - next time, we'll have to head south as well.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None - Gwynneth was extremely helpful and really knowledgeable, making sensible suggestions about proposed changes to our itinerary and speaking from personal experience." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
Our only regret is that we didn't have more time - next time, we'll have to head south as well.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None - Gwynneth was extremely helpful and really knowledgeable, making sensible suggestions about proposed changes to our itinerary and speaking from personal experience." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
The H family
Chester
"My Jun 2012 trip"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 1 Jun 2012 and 21 Jun 2012
"It was one of the most memorable holidays we have had. Everything was in line with or better than expectations. I think the key to Expert Africa's success is knowing about all the country's facilities firsthand, and then taking care to understand what the client really wants from the holiday. Because this happened, we had no unpleasant surprises, and may pleasant ones.
The balance of time we spent in each place was perfect, and therefore gave us a wide range of experiences in the time available.
The car hire was a success. I think for the gravel roads, the Nissan X-trail is a must, rather than a saloon, and people should be encouraged to take one. The Budget car we had was not provided with a second spare wheel, as had been booked. The manager was apologetic, but said the wheel he intended to supply was damaged. He then rightly said (as it turned out) that with it being the dry season, with no potholes, and with sensible driving, we should have no problem. In fact we had no tyre problems at all. I think in the dry season a second wheel is perhaps overcautious. Very comfortable car, with plenty of space for both people and luggage.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Hard to think of anything. Just keep visiting places, listen to feedback and ensure you understand what is important for the client (even if he doesn't know himself!)" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
The balance of time we spent in each place was perfect, and therefore gave us a wide range of experiences in the time available.
The car hire was a success. I think for the gravel roads, the Nissan X-trail is a must, rather than a saloon, and people should be encouraged to take one. The Budget car we had was not provided with a second spare wheel, as had been booked. The manager was apologetic, but said the wheel he intended to supply was damaged. He then rightly said (as it turned out) that with it being the dry season, with no potholes, and with sensible driving, we should have no problem. In fact we had no tyre problems at all. I think in the dry season a second wheel is perhaps overcautious. Very comfortable car, with plenty of space for both people and luggage.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Hard to think of anything. Just keep visiting places, listen to feedback and ensure you understand what is important for the client (even if he doesn't know himself!)" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C & Mrs L
Kent
"My May 2012 trip"
I visited Namibia between 31 May 2012 and 19 Jun 2012
"Namibia exceeded our expectations. Wonderful scenery and wildlife.
Wilderness safaris were efficient in notifiying me of the change of itinerary after the fire at Camp Kipwe" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Wilderness safaris were efficient in notifiying me of the change of itinerary after the fire at Camp Kipwe" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M x 4
UK
"The trip of a lifetime"
I visited Namibia between 26 May 2012 and 9 Jun 2012
"Probably the best family (of 4) holiday we have ever had. Great organisation from Expert Africa. Welcomed wherever we went.
The local Namibians were so helpful, and really keen for us to enjoy their country.
Some of the places where we stayed were in the most stunning locations.
In retrospect, we might have been better staying 3 nights in some places (Doro Nawas and Erongo leap to mind). But then, what would we have missed out? Probably Swakopmund, which is really only worth 2 nights if you wish to undertake specific activities such as sand-boarding etc.
We appreciate your tolerance as we added more members of the family!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only bit of advice I would quibble with was the encouragement not to travel from Onguma to Windhoek in one day, but to take a break at Erongo. Onguma-Windhoek is only about 45 km further than Onguma-Erongo; and it is all on tarred road.
Having said that, we are so glad that we did visit Erongo (see that section) - we wouldn't have missed it for anything." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
The local Namibians were so helpful, and really keen for us to enjoy their country.
Some of the places where we stayed were in the most stunning locations.
In retrospect, we might have been better staying 3 nights in some places (Doro Nawas and Erongo leap to mind). But then, what would we have missed out? Probably Swakopmund, which is really only worth 2 nights if you wish to undertake specific activities such as sand-boarding etc.
We appreciate your tolerance as we added more members of the family!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only bit of advice I would quibble with was the encouragement not to travel from Onguma to Windhoek in one day, but to take a break at Erongo. Onguma-Windhoek is only about 45 km further than Onguma-Erongo; and it is all on tarred road.
Having said that, we are so glad that we did visit Erongo (see that section) - we wouldn't have missed it for anything." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms S
North Carolina
"Trip of a lifetime"
I visited Namibia between 17 May 2012 and 29 May 2012
"My husband and I spent 13 days in Namibia, and it was probably the best trip of our lives. We stayed at a mix of upmarket, full service lodges, to middle market guesthouses, to self-catering camps. The trip went far above and beyond our expectations. The people are very friendly and the country is beautifully desolate. I had been to Namibia for 4 months ten years ago, but working with Expert Africa really made our recent trip significantly better than it would have been with my limited knowledge. Saskia at Expert Africa prepared everything for us; our itinerary was very well-planned out, letting us hit a number of incredible spots, while also giving us plenty of time to enjoy the drive.
We can't thank Saskia at Expert Africa enough. She created the perfect trip for us, made sure we were able to do everything we wanted, and her expertise about the area was extremely helpful. She patiently and informatively answered all of our questions, and provided critical information and options that we didn't even know we needed. Well before our trip, Expert Africa sent us a travel pack including a folio of vouchers, information on all the places we stayed, guidelines for visitors, and a map with all our locations labeled. These items were our bible while we were in Namibia, and kept everything in order and easy on our trip.
We are VERY eager to go on another trip with Expert Africa, and have been recommending them whole-heartedly to all of our friends. Thanks so much for an amazing trip!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It's truly hard to think of any real ways to improve upon our wonderful trip!
My only suggestion might be to reorganize some of the information in the guidelines for visitors and our specific information to follow the order of our trip. This was mostly the case, but for a couple of items, I had to flip back and forth to figure out what to do. In particular, it would be wonderful to have a list of all items we need to bring with us, since some of the items (i.e. the copies of passports, etc., we needed to rent a car, which it turned out we didn't need in advance, so it was fine) were located in separate areas. This is truly a minor point, however, since the information is mostly organized this way already, and careful reading should be sufficient for travelers." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
We can't thank Saskia at Expert Africa enough. She created the perfect trip for us, made sure we were able to do everything we wanted, and her expertise about the area was extremely helpful. She patiently and informatively answered all of our questions, and provided critical information and options that we didn't even know we needed. Well before our trip, Expert Africa sent us a travel pack including a folio of vouchers, information on all the places we stayed, guidelines for visitors, and a map with all our locations labeled. These items were our bible while we were in Namibia, and kept everything in order and easy on our trip.
We are VERY eager to go on another trip with Expert Africa, and have been recommending them whole-heartedly to all of our friends. Thanks so much for an amazing trip!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
It's truly hard to think of any real ways to improve upon our wonderful trip!
My only suggestion might be to reorganize some of the information in the guidelines for visitors and our specific information to follow the order of our trip. This was mostly the case, but for a couple of items, I had to flip back and forth to figure out what to do. In particular, it would be wonderful to have a list of all items we need to bring with us, since some of the items (i.e. the copies of passports, etc., we needed to rent a car, which it turned out we didn't need in advance, so it was fine) were located in separate areas. This is truly a minor point, however, since the information is mostly organized this way already, and careful reading should be sufficient for travelers." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs & Mr M
UK
"My May 2012 trip"
I visited Namibia between 16 May 2012 and 6 Jun 2012
"Very happy with the itinerary as it allowed us a brief look at many different parts of the country in a relatively short period of time. We travelled 4200 kms in 3 weeks. We are used to driving on gravel and corrugated roads but other less experienced drivers may have found the length of trip tiring. It also meant that some very good camps became overnight stops instead of the destination they deserved to be. (eg. Mushara)
We purchased goods for which we could reclaim the VAT. Our claim was processed without problem other than a 70 minute queue after check-in and 15 minutes before check-in to complete the form and have Customs and Excise check that we had the goods in our possession. Some people in the queue did not get their claims processed before having to board their flight. At the time I was queuing most of the people were on a flight to Angola and had a very large number of receipts with their claims. These were being audited carefully and many rejected which added to the time being taken." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
We purchased goods for which we could reclaim the VAT. Our claim was processed without problem other than a 70 minute queue after check-in and 15 minutes before check-in to complete the form and have Customs and Excise check that we had the goods in our possession. Some people in the queue did not get their claims processed before having to board their flight. At the time I was queuing most of the people were on a flight to Angola and had a very large number of receipts with their claims. These were being audited carefully and many rejected which added to the time being taken." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
1126
reviews of Damaraland by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Damaraland
Our suggestions for safari camps in Damaraland
Doro Nawas
Comfortable rooms and a convenient location make the community run Doro Nawas a great base for exploring Damaraland.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani is a beautiful and stylish mountain retreat in southern Damaraland; it makes a great base for visits toTwyfelfontein.
Damaraland Camp
Setting the standard for community partnerships, Damaraland Camp offers a beautiful location, a range of activities – and a genuine welcome.
Camp Kipwe
With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare opportunity to track black rhino on foot in one of the last true wilderness areas – an amazing experience.
Etendeka Camp
Etendeka is an owner-run camp in the remote and less visited north of Damaraland. The camp is renowned for it's spectacular guided walking trails.
Grootberg Lodge
On the edge of an ancient plateau Grootberg Lodge has a stunning location and arguably the best views of any lodge in Namibia.
Twyfelfontein C'try Lod.
A large lodge set among the rocks, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge is a convenient base for visiting the rock engravings, which are only 4km away.
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Spitzkoppen Lodge provides stylish accommodation in an area of scenic grandeur with guided access to sites of ancient Bushman rock art.
Palmwag Lodge
Palmwag Lodge has a great location by a spring in the Uniab River and offers access to an area where you can see a variety of desert-dwelling animals.
Huab Lodge
Huab is a classic little Namibian Lodge which is slightly off the beaten track in a lesser visited part of Damaraland.
Brandberg White Lady
Brandberg White Lady Lodge, nestled at the foot of its namesake, makes a good base from which to visit bushman rock paintings including the 'White Lady'.
Vingerklip Lodge
Vingerklip Lodge occupies a lovely location, but is a little too far east for guests to visit Damaraland's main attractions.
Khowarib Lodge
Khowarib Lodge has a great location overlooking the Hoanib River. This is one of the few places to offer authentic Himba village visits.
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
Malansrus Camp
Within easy reach of Twyfelfontein, Malansrus offers a simple but comfortable base for visits to the rock engravings or seek out desert-adapted elephants.
Etendeka Hiking Trail
The Etendeka Walking Trail promises to offer a back-to-basics walking and camping experience in one of Namibia's most remote and untouched wilderness areas.
Ozondjou Trails
The simple Ozondjou Trails gives a unique perspective on living with Damaraland’s desert-adapted elephants and how tourism is key to protecting them and the livelihood of the people.
Palmwag Sleep-out
Palmwag Sleep-out is a simple camping experience and a great way to enjoy the remote beauty of the vast Palmwag Concession
Camp Doros
Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.
Sorris Sorris Lodge
Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.
