Reviews of safaris to Damaraland
1067 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Damaraland.
"A wonderful experience"
The accommodation was well chosen, the information supplied was second to none, (maps, routes and instructions on how to get to the accommodation).
Suggestions for improvement:
Because of the time of year, it was suggested that a 4X4 would be a good idea. The extra cost put the overall price over our budget so we opted to go earlier. We had no need for a 4X4 but the state of the roads, with severe 'washboarding' meant that a small saloon, with its firm suspension, was very tiring in some places. We could not maintain more than 30 Kph in some places, whilst being passed, at speed, by larger cars with bigger wheels and softer suspension. I cannot suggest a cure for this other than to let future clients read this comment.
On a lighter note, it was worth having a second spare wheel for the peace of mind and the fact that having a second meant that we never needed either of them! We met many people who had had punctures.
An anecdotal word of warning :- One couple had a puncture, jacked the car up and found the second wheel was the wrong size, got out the original spare which turned out to be flat. Hire company not known." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Namibia"
The dunes are breathtaking and should not be missed by any visitor. The countryside is very diverse, the people are so very friendly, the standard of accommodation is first class, the game viewing is as good as anywhere in Africa.
It is a refreshing experience for anybody who loves Africa.
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Expert Africa are a pleasure to deal with as they know the country, the lodges and how best to advise travellers. I am very pleased to have become a traveller with the team and hope that Tracy will be around to advise me the next time.
I think that possibly a better vehicle could have been brought to my attention as the dirt roads are very ridged at the moment. We only saw two graders the whole time and travelling nearly 3000 ks is quite a lot in a little car." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"We are so glad we visited Namibia!"
Just one thing : we found the saloon car inappropriate for some of the roads we used. Upgrading the car in Swakopmund was the best thing we did." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Magnificient"
Namibia has surpassed our best expectations in many ways. Once again its our trust that smaller camps are always preferable to large scale operations.
Wilderness Safaris have completely disappointed us as we were expecting a higher service level. Guests are treated as numbers and not as individuals. While perusing their operational brochures we became aprehensive of their magnitude and the size they have attained on these last 5 years of operation. I am afraid that they will loose all the African flair we "guests" look when going to Africa.
Their lodges are good but possibly due to immediate success they are relaxing on quality of service.
Thank you for a wonderfull experience/ holiday." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"A memorable holiday"
Namibia is a very interesting and diverse country and we would like to think that we will have the opportunity to return and visit the parts we didn't have time to do this trip.
We drove over 2500 miles and were glad that we had been advised to have 2x all terrain vehicle. The gravel roads we drove for the majority of the time were not as good as we had been led to believe by the guide books. People we met who had "normal" saloon cars all said they were struggling.
A 4x4 is not necessary but the extra ground clearance of our Hyundi Tuscan was an advantage.
In our exprience the service of Expert Africa helped us plan just the holiday we wanted." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
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However I do disagree that the gravel roads can be used by normal car. We had a 2x4 and struggled at points, I personally could not drive on some of it. I would advise people paid the extra for 4x4.
Dora Nowas & soussi Dunne Lodge said that only 'brave' people do not use 4x4. If I were advising simeone else I would advise they flew to the main attraction & did the activities or hired a driver.
African people are wonderful.
Suggestions for improvement:
I would suggest you promote the flying to destinations & not using ordinary cars" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"The trip as a whole"
The choice of accommodation was perfect and the range of activities was really good. Absolutely no complaints.
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really as it all went prefectly. Gwynneth was very helpful and patient. She managed to get the bookings that we required and arranged a very good itinerary.
Thank you" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
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One big plus was that we stopped off on the way in order to meet some local people, who gave us a real insight into the pleasures and problems of living in Namibia.
The one hiccup came at Cape Town airport when the car failed to materialise. We therefore had to take a taxi to the vineyard.
Can I send you the receipt for reimbursement?" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Namibian safari trip"
Suggestions for improvement:
The feedback on the web site is very helpful in choosing the right place to stay.
Gwynneth was great for suggesting Mushara outpost rather than staying in Namutoni rest Camp, 3 nights at Namutoni would be a lot less pleasant than 3 nights at Mushara! Mushara was a very comfortable lodge.
I would strongly suggest though that you reccommend 4 wheel drive cars for 4 guests travelling together in future. The cost is a lot more, but we would gladly have paid it for the peace of mind. As you know, areas in Damaraland etc are extremely remote, and I dreaded breaking down there, and it was a real concern for us. At Etendeka we met a couple, also with a Toyota yarris, who were also having a lot of trouble driving on the gravel roads." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Where 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.
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.
Camp Kipwe
With unusual, igloo-like rooms, open-air bathrooms and beautiful scenery, Camp Kipwe is well placed for nature and cultural excursions.
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.
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 Walking 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.
White Lady B & B
White Lady B&B, a small, comfortable guesthouse, offers a stepping stone to the sites of southern Damaraland.
Brandberg Restcamp
Brandberg Restcamp is a simple, no-frills place, close to many attractions, offering sundowner drives, guided hikes up the Brandberg and game drives .
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge is a luxurious, low-impact luxury camp offering top-notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
Ugab Terrace Lodge
Ugab Terrace Lodge is a comfortable stopover between Damaraland and Etosha National Park or Namibia’s Central Highlands.
Damara Mopane Lodge
Damara Mopane Lodge is a large 60 room lodge surrounded by beautiful gardens. It can be used as a comfortable stopover between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast
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.
Huab Under Canvas
Huab under Canvas is a no thrills bush camp offering top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of Damaraland.
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
Sorris Sorris Lodge
Overlooking the Brandberg Massif, Sorris Sorris is probably the most luxurious lodge in southern Damaraland.
Camp Doros
Small, intimate and with excellent eco-credentials, Camp Doros is set above an ephemeral river within a remote community concession of Damaraland.
