Reviews of safaris to Damaraland
1067 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Damaraland.
"Zambia Botswana Namibia 2008"
One suggestion: we noticed that several people doing similar trips had been provided with a spiral bound booklet with more information about the itinerary, details about each camp, with photographs and maps. We would have appreciated something similar, which would not be expensive to produce and would have been a very nice touch. Given the cost of the trip, the excellence of your service and the quality of the camps and transfers this would be an appropriate part of the package you offer." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari
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The wildlife is also so impressive, partly because you see a lot by passing through the country, but Etosha was 'on show' for us, with magnificent congregations of elephants, zebra and antelope, plus abundant rhino, jackall, and hyena and vists from giraffe - more often seen away from the waterholes. Four female lions and an encounter with a black rhino at close quarters capped our experiences.
The Namibian people we met were friendly and always competent. Most of the guides we met were very knowledgeable and gave good value.
We ate well and no one suffered from upset stomachs or other travel bugs. I travel a lot and have been in something over 20 African countries over the years. Ivisited Ngorongoro in Tanzania many years ago and was so impressed by the wildlife. But in Namibia the wildlife was comparable and the entire country a marvellous scenic experience." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"The best holiday we've ever had!"
It was probably the best holiday we have ever had, despite it being quite hectic. We found the notes provided by Expert Africa prior to our trip very helpful. T
The only thing that really caught us out was how cold it was at night and on the early morning and evening drives. Most of the lodges provided hot water bottles and blankets at night, and also provided blankets on the drives. We had taken fleeces but we still felt that we could have done with more warm clothing.
Perhaps greater emphasis of the need for this could be made in your notes." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip
"Self Drive Photo Safari"
Thanks Expert Africa." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Unforgettable holiday!"
We generally received a warm welcome wherever we went and would certainly return to Namibia in the future. A special thank you to Tracy Lederer who organised our trip at very short notice and we would also highly recommend Chris McIntyre's guide book which was informative and an excellent resource." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Highly Recommended"
The ExpertAfrica service was helpful, efficient and reassuring. The attention to detail in the documentation is impressive - as is the information available in Chris's book - which we took with us. Everyone at the lodges spoke warmly about the ExpertAfrica team - the work you do in visiting the lodges clearly pays dividends.
I normally plan and book all holiday arrangements myself, direct with hotels, airlines, car hire etc. It is a testament to Gwynneth that I booked this trip with ExpertAfrica, because I normally like to retain control. Her approach was supportive and in no way pushy. I felt that in trusting her to make the arrangements, she was definitely adding value.
She also called on her colleagues for more specific information about lodges she had not stayed at personally. Talking to someone about places they know well, and experiences they have had personally is a great feature of the service - even if you discover that you don't always want/like the same things. The level of interest in the trip is also an indication that EA are truly interested in their clients' experiences.
The only thing I would say is that I think it would be good if there were more details provided within the lodges about activities and facilities (generally speaking they tell you things verbally, but don't always have anything for you to refer to). I also felt that the guides could do more to tell people in advance what they are going to do, how long things might take etc. Normally this doesn't matter - you're on holiday! But sometimes it could be important, and coming back 1-2 hours after you were told you'd be back woulnd't be ideal! Maybe they could wear watches....that might help!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
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Its the first time we have ever used an agent rather than independant travel! Generally we were happy with the information and organisation. Thanks" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Superb holiday"
We will go back one day but with a 4WD this time (not for the extra traction but for comfort in bouncing across the ruts), There was a wonderful feeling of 'adventure' about the trip without it being too scary!
Suggestions for improvement:
Not really apart from my comments on 4WD carhire above. We enjoyed designing our own itinerary but also found your suggested tours helpful in this process." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"Great experience of remoter Namibia"
All the Lodge Managers were very helpful and we did not have to burden ourselves with the admin of this problem.
Suggestions for improvement:
Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 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.
