Reviews of safaris to Etosha National Park
1318 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Etosha.
"My Aug 2014 trip"
Tracy gave us plenty of tips on the various camps, pros and cons of some of our choices which helped our final decisions on places to stay and kept us informed throughout of flights, costs etc.
The holiday was better than we had imagined and any slight reservations that we may have had about drivng oursleves about were soon put aside with the empty roads and clearly marked map that Tracy supplied.
We enjoyed the mix of camps that we stayed in and meeting the many staff members that made our stays so enjoyable. It is a shame that the NWR have not invested in Okaukuejo because the location is so good. It was like staying at Butlins after a night at Claridges.
Our previous African trip was to Botswana, only staying in the reserves so this time having the mix of wildlife and real life made for an overall better experience and a small taste of Namibian life.
Thank you for organising a great trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No.
All the literature was superb and service 100%" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"We hoped it would be good - it was stunning!"
Only negative was Johannesburg airport on the return journey. Their concept of customer service is negative as far as getting people through Passport Control and Security as quickly as possible. We made our flight with about 5 minutes to spare.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Cannot fault Expert Africa - Sabina in particular. You guys have been superb.
We'll be re-booking in 2 years time - finances permitting! We have to return to Okonjima and see how our Leopard is getting on!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
You mentioned that previous customers had reported back that they would have preferred a 4-wheel drive car. We found our 2-wheel drive car fine. In fact the major irritation of the holiday was 4-wheel drive cars speeding past us, particularly in Etosha, causing dust clouds." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Unforgettable ... worth repeating"
Most of the time we followed the route suggested by Sabina but occassionally we went a different way, following routes suggested in Chris McIntyre's book. We only misjudged how long it would take us once - a result of too many stops for photographs.
The people are very friendly. The scenery is stunning and often seems devoid of life, until you stop. The roads are the best that I have driven in Africa (excluding the Republic of South Africa). All in all, Namibia is an unbeatable destination and a photographer's paradise.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No! We were more than happy." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"Surpassed our expectations"
The only problem we encountered was with the transfers. When we left the car in Katima the transfer peop0le had no record of us and we were delayed by about an hour. the transfer, once it happened, was seamless, but it did cause us some worries as we sat in a café with mountains of luggage. Similarly no one turned up for our transfer to the airport when we were at Victoria Falls. We eventually loaded our luggage onto the last minibus going in that direction and sat5 down so they agreed to take us. I think it was an easier option than trying to move a rather stressed middle aged English couple!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Sort out the transfers" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Loved every minute. Great family adventure."
Elvis - our guide for the whole trip was fantastic - he felt like one of the family by the end of the trip. He was incredibly knowledgable and interesting, kept us organised, and was very thoughtful and considerate. He really made the trip." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia July/August 2014"
A couple of general points:
You are right: one doesn’t need a 4WD. Nor a second spare tyre (though we did come across a 4WD with its third puncture of their trip). The only disadvantage of not having a 4WD is that we had to go VERY slowly over some of the gravel roads, whereas I suspect we could have gone faster (though no less uncomfortably) in a 4WD. For example, it might be worth noting that it took nearly an hour from the tarmac road to the Elegant Farmstead.
The (more tourist-orientated?) petrol stations at Okakeujo, Naumatoni, Solitaire and Sesriem did take credit cards (the guide book says that none does).
Accommodation was generally a delight - largely gorgeous, well-appointed and well looked-after places in perfect surroundings.
Warm clothing - I took a very light cardigan, a light jumper and a fleece. This was ample (the guidebook mentions people who wished they’d brought pashminas, blankets etc… not sure why!). Fleeces were worn only at night (game viewing) or in the early morning (at Dune 45), other than at Swakopmund where they were worn all the time!
Route was fine and just right for the duration, especially as some of the distances were long. Etosha, Damaraland, Sossusvlei were all must-see destinations. The only driving we didn’t like was the section between Khorixas and Doro Nawas where the gravel road was very uncomfortable. It was a pity we had to do Okakeujo before Halali but it wasn’t a big problem. The only possible change we might have made would have been to spend one day less in the Sossusvlei area – there isn’t really two days’ worth of activity here unless one is a hiker (which we weren’t) - and travelled back a day earlier." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Wonderful experience"
When we go back to Africa we would be disappointed if we were unable to use Expert Africa again as our guide.
Cout our entire party as highly satisfied and grateful." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2014 trip"
Highlights are many and varied including the 1st sunset over the Kalahari at Bagatelle, hiking the Quiver Tree gorge, sand dunes at 1st light in Sossusvlei, Tommys Living Desert Tour, desert adapted elephants and lizards at Camp Kipwe, barbecued game at Taleni (our kids favourite meal), seeing 3 cheetah in Etosha, warthogs on the lawn at Mushara and the universally friendly people we met on our travels." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia - Sossusvlei to Angola -J uly 2014"
If you are a keen photographer there are some stunning opportunities.
If you are keen on game and predators there are better countries to visit but I would recommend the broader view; literally, and I am sure we will end up back there.
Best camps: Little Kulala and Serra Cafema
Standout moments; scenery especially Sossusvlei and Skelton coast, Himba people, rhino, quad bikes" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 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.
Taleni Etosha Village
Only 4km from Etosha's southern entrance, Taleni Etosha Village is an affordable 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.
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.
Onkoshi Camp
Onkoshi Camp is owned and run by Namibia Wildlife Resorts. Built on elevated wooden platforms it overlooks Etosha Pan.
Toshari Lodge
Smart and professionally run, the hotel-style Toshari Lodge is well-placed for self-driving in Etosha National Park.
