Reviews of safaris to Etosha National Park
1315 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Etosha.
"My big birthday trip 2025"
We were very happy with Kwessi Dunes (trip highlight), Mowani Camp (awesome views, the best food) and GocheGanas is a little gem. If we had more time, we would have stayed a little longer in Swakopmund - beautiful city!
The only camp that we felt a bit underwhelmed by was Ongawa Lodge. The reasons are:
1. We were not told upfront of costs for Etosha and Ongawa gane drives - the manager mentioned that game drives were not included but failed to disclose prices, which were not shown in the room either
2. The game drives in Ongawa follow a set route and in three drives, we pretty much saw the same views/animals. Other camps use their land to show different sites. This felt too little for NAM1,500 per person/per drive
3. The Etosha Game drive is very expensive at NAM2,500 per person and it lasts only 3h
4. We were given our bill after breakfast on last day. We scan the bill and paid since we were in a rush. The bill felt excessive so we asked for breakdown and found out that we were overcharged for Etosha Game drive by NAM5,000. The manager was not particularly graceful in handling with this mistake - we had to recount days spent and activities per day before the mistake was acknowledged. They were unable to do the refund so we are now waiting to see if this come through this week.
I hope the comments above are useful and thank you once again for your help,
Rute & James" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"My Mar 2025 trip"
The only handicap was that the rainfall had been exceptional and, unlike the other years when we have visited in March/April the Etosha Pan was flooded, rivers had burst their banks and some of our drives were through deep water.
This impacted on the wildlife and overall we saw less of some animals than previous visits.
Giraffes for example were extremely scarce for the first 10 days as they hide in the trees to avoid lightning." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"My Mar 2025 trip"
"My March 2025 trip"
The trip was very well organised and everything worked seamlessly. We booked with very little notice and Tracy pulled it together very quickly for us. We also completely reversed our itinerary at the last minute, probably causing hair to be torn out but Tracy never showed it.
We used the Bradt guide constantly and it was always with us. I will try to email in my very small contributions/changes that we found along the way.
I especially loved the north of Namibia this time. It reminded me of my time in Zimbabwe 35 years ago and I was surprised by how little it had changed. I'm a big fan of the rainy season and love visiting in the green season. We were surprised and delighted by how much game we saw, and of course the birds were incredible. The Delta was magical and Shinde was a very good 2nd choice since Kwara didn't have availability. We loved Shinde and had some great sightings.
The lodges were very comfortable, some were luxurious, more so than I would choose on my own, but perfect for us as a couple. Hugh likes more comfort than me and would like to have known in advance which lodges didn't have air conditioning.
Overall it was another great trip. Thank you Expert Africa" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia March 2025"
Namibia is a magical country and we had amazing, once in a lifetime experiences every day that couldn't fail to move us. This really was a trip that kept on giving in the most profound way.
The expanse, emptiness and beauty of the landscapes really must be seen to be believed and the warmth of the people (especially those we met at Doro Nawas) felt so sincere, it quickly felt like home.
Sabina put together a fantastic itinerary for us and we felt she really took on board and understood our preferences. It was a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation and ticked all our boxes (even some we didn't know we had).
We hope Namibia will welcome us again in the future and we wouldn't hesitate to use Expert Africa again and to recommend it to other travellers.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We're not sure how it could have been improved - everything was excellent, heartfelt thanks to all involved." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My Jan 2025 trip"
"Namib Desert, Damaraland, Etosha self-drive"
We had chosen Namibia as none of the family except one had ever been to Africa on safari, and we wanted a special experience as my husband and I were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. It is fair to say this holiday is the best holiday any of us have ever had. Namibia is such a beautiful and varied country, it blew us away. We stayed in extremely comfortable lodges, which were all without exception outstanding. The staff were helpful and kind. The food delicious. The guides knowledgable and entertaining. And we saw so many different animals! If it hadn't started to rain hard on our last day I think we may never have left.
Expert Africa, and specifically Sabina, did a brilliant job organising the logistics: everything worked as per plan - the route and accommodation descriptions were accurate, the lodges expected us, the cars were brand new and drove well, and the supporting information provided relevant and useful.
Thank you very much for our holiday of a lifetime!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Dec 2024 trip"
We take a 2-3 week trip every year, and usually do it fully independently. For this trip, I had planned out the full trip, and then we decided for fun to see what ExpertAfrica would quote, thinking it would be higher. It turned out to be about 30% cheaper! And on top of that, Maruska provided a lot of benefits we would have otherwise missed out on.
For example, we booked rather far ahead (over a year), and Maruska was able to make the bookings even though they weren't available yet on some hotels websites.
She was also able to determine that a couple would be closed over the holidays and recommended alternatives.
Her step-by-step directions between lodges was also excellent, better than both Google Maps and our physical map.
I'd definitely recommend ExpertAfrica to my friends (or anyone!) and we will be using ExpertAfrica again if we're headed to a country tha ExpertAfrica offers trips to.
Thanks for helping make our trip so memorable!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Nov 2024 trip"
I don't know what Tom said to Europcar but their treatment of us was exceptional.
We also appreciated Grace meeting us at the airport and seeing us through.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None - all excellent." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Oct 2024 trip"
We stayed in a variety of accommodations and Expert Africa prepared us for each one - we knew what to expect and how to get there.
It was a wonderful trip." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Etosha
Our suggestions for safari camps in Etosha National Park
Okaukuejo Camp
Set within Etosha National Park, Okaukuejo Resort is a large camp with a productive, floodlit waterhole.
Halali Camp
The smallest of Etosha's erstwhile restcamps, overlooking its own floodlit waterhole, Halali has a superb location near the centre of Etosha Pan.
Mushara Bush Camp
The family-friendly Mushara Bush Camp offers great value and is an excellent base from which to explore Etosha National Park.
Ongava Lodge
With fantastic views over a private reserve bordering Etosha, the smart Ongava Lodge offers driving and walking safaris on the reserve, and guided drives in Etosha.
Ongava Tented Camp
Set around a waterhole on a private reserve, the small Ongava Tented Camp combines understated comfort with activities that include walks and night drives.
Onguma Tented Camp
Onguma Tented Camp is a lovely, little tented camp which centres around an attractive waterhole a short drive from the Von Lindequist Gate to eastern Etosha.
Mushara Lodge
Close to the eastern entrance to Etosha, the comfortable Mushara Lodge is well-placed for exploring the park in your own vehicle or on a guided drive.
Dolomite Camp
Opened in 2011, Dolomite Camp allows visitors access to the far west side of Etosha National Park, which was previously off limits to most visitors.
Onguma Bush Camp
For great wildlife viewing without breaking the bank, the affordable and understated luxury of Onguma Bush Camp could be perfect.
Namutoni Camp
Centred on an old fort, the government run Namutoni Camp is located just inside Etosha National Park, close to Fisher's Pan.
Hobatere Lodge
To the west of Etosha National Park, on the edge of Damaraland, Hobatere Lodge offers good game-viewing on its own reserve.
Mushara Outpost
Intimate and luxurious, Mushara Outpost is well-placed on a private reserve to explore nearby Etosha National Park on your own or on a guided drive.
Safarihoek Lodge
At the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, Safarihoek Lodge offers comfortable accommodation and excellent game-viewing.
Onguma The Fort
The Fort is the jewel in the crown of the Onguma lodges, and arguably the whole of eastern Etosha.
Onguma Camp Kala
For a bird’s eye view across African bush, the stilted rooms at Onguma Camp Kala are truly special.
Onguma Forest Camp
From its woodland setting on the Onguma Reserve, Forest Camp is within easy striking distance of Namibia’s flagship national park.
Etosha Safari Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Safari Lodge is a convenient base from which to explore the park.
Little Ongava
The beautifully located and luxurious Little Ongava is a stunning place to stay in order to explore Etosha National Park and the private Ongava Reserve.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable base from which to explore the park.
Etosha Safari Camp
Funky, low-key and very original, Etosha Safari Camp is well placed for visiting Etosha National Park on a self-drive or guided safari.
Andersson's at Ongava
With game drives on both its private reserve and in Etosha, Andersson's at Ongava also offers access to the Ongava Research Centre.
Mountain Lodge
In the heart of the private Etosha Heights Reserve, the family-friendly Mountain Lodge offers game drives and bush walks within an exclusive environment.
Mokuti Etosha Lodge
With 106 rooms, child-friendly Mokuti Etosha Lodge is more like a hotel than a lodge. Facilities to include a gym, spa, tennis courts and even a snake park.
Etosha Oberland Lodge
A short drive from Etosha National Park's southern entrance, Etosha Oberland Lodge is a very comfortable base from which to explore the park, with excellent food.
Vreugde Guest Farm
Vreugde Guest Farm is a delightful owner-run and working sheep farm where you can expect a warm welcome and charming hospitality.
Villa Mushara
Offering luxury on a peaceful private reserve close to Etosha, Villa Mushara is a great choice for honeymooners & those wishing to indulge themselves.
Etosha King Nehale
A short drive from the national park's northern entrance, Etosha King Nehale Lodge is an interesting and comfortable base from which to explore the park.
Safari House
The private Safari House on the Etosha Heights reserve is a great option families or friends travelling together.
Toshari Lodge
Smart and professionally run, the hotel-style Toshari Lodge is well-placed for self-driving in Etosha National Park.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
