Reviews of safaris to Namib-Naukluft National Park
1041 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Namib-Naukluft.
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Our holiday was absolutely brilliant with many magical memories to treasure. We loved Namibia - the friendly people we met everywhere and the scenery which was stunningly beautiful. We felt safe and secure at all times.
Having never been to Namibia before we read what we could and planned an outline of a trip but needed "expert" help to pull the holiday together and get the most out of it whilst ensuring that we never had drives that were too long or demanding to be safe. Thanks to your help our holday was the success it was." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"An excellent holiday"
"Almost the trip of a lifetime ......."
All that went well was all down to you and the few things that left something to be desired were other peoples' responsibility entirely.
We had a superb time overall, the good things heavily outweighed the not-so-good and the total impression was really positive. Like Zambia and Botswana 2 years ago, we did things we had never done before - dune climbing, kayaking, tracking animals on foot, dining on a Tug - and would really like to do them another time.
We look forward to another visit to Namibia in the future, it would be fascinating to see how the tourism business develops and how the country makes the most of its tremendous resources to delight its visitors.
Thanks again to all the team.
We can hardly wait for our next adventure with you" Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
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We thought the country was stunning and easy to to get around in . Clearly there is a 'tourist trail' as we met other guests on more than one occasion. Having 'hosts' avaliable gave us an opportuntiy to have a wider picture of the country through discussion with them. We found people helpful and friendly . Because of its size, small population and recent history it is a very unthreatening place.
I would like Lodges/ camps to offer visits to local projects in order to gain more information about the local conditions and give opportunties to to have more experience of local people . I appreciate this would very superficial because of the constraints of time , but interesting. I understand this is something Waterberg offer.but which we could not experience.
Suggestions for improvement:
I have mentioned one in overall comments. If some Lodges/camps could offer more activities it would be worth staying for a longer period . Two weeks we appreciate is very llittle time to see so much, and the organisation of our a trip proved very efficient." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"FANTASTIC"
Nearly all UK travellers we met had arranged their trips via Expert Africa - what more needs to be said? We've travelled with you 3 times now and we wouldn't even contemplate looking elsewhere." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"A trip of a lifetime - unforgettable"
Our Expert Africa team _ Maruska and latterly Gwyneth - were wonderful. Maruska - you organised it all with such thought. It was wonderful to be back in Africa and in a part I didn't know at all. Our three sons, 11, 13 and 15, will never forget this holiday. They proved such keen bird and animal watchers that they put me to shame. Their enthusiasm never faded. They, like my husband and I, were enchanted by talking to the locals. I wanted the boys to meet local people where possible. We talked to waiters and guides and cleaners wherever we could as well as to owners. Each has his tale to tell. OUr guides were so well spoken in English and so keen to get tourism going in the right direction. I pray that it will not become a spoilt country - it has so much to offer. How meals of such delicacy were prepared in such remote locations I will never know - topclass food in back of beyond locatiions with views to die for.
Once back in Windhoek, I would strongly recommend a visit to the Craft Centre. We had our final lunch there and bought things there before driving to the airport. Safe parking there too. The art and crafts are just wonderful - better than anywhere else and all under one roof - you need at least two hours there.
Re Tipping - we found it hard to know how much to give at each lodge intot the Tip Box. Could be that we were overgenerous! Also, it is often hard as one doesn't have any small notes to hand to porters etc. Need to advise travellers to try and change big notes in towns prior to driving out to the back of beyond as we sometimes ended up giving far too much to people as we had nothing small to offer and we didn't want to leave them empty handed. Car guards - good to warn people of them and the need to hand them something each time. Extra advice on the phone would be helfpul prior to departure re this.
Good walking shoes essential!No need to take swimming towels as every lodge had them and just bulks up luggage. Would not take a child younger than our youngest as a lot of driving and he was fine but anyone younger no good. Binoculars essential for each member of the family - we had enough and it made such a difference as there is so much to see at the side of road eg ostriches, oryx, springbok, baboons all seen from normal driving.
It was the most wonderful trip and the selection of lodges were fantastic and we wish we could go back there. Thank-you so much. Expert Africa went beyond all our expectations. We have given our three sons an introduction to Africa, one part of it: Namibia, and we all succumbed to its beauty and we were lucky to travel with Expert Africa." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
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I think you are doing a great job!
Suggestions for improvement:
I think you are doing a great job!" Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Honeymoon in Namibia"
"Fantastic African adventure"
It was all tremendous fun - we saw amazing things and met lovely people.
We have lots of wonderful memories and enough stories to last us years!
Suggestions for improvement:
No - you did a fantastic job for us!" Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia 2008"
Thank you." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Where to stay in Namib-Naukluft
Our suggestions for safari camps in Namib-Naukluft National Park
Kulala Desert Lodge
The comfortable Kulala Desert Lodge offers fantastic views of the Namib and a private gate to the Namib-Naukluft Park - a bonus on guided excursions.
Hoodia Desert Lodge
The owner-run Hoodia Desert Lodge offers a high standard of accommodation, delicious food and excellent service in a stunning, peaceful setting just 22km from Sesriem.
BullsPort Lodge & Farm
A traditional Namibian farm, BullsPort offers warm hospitality and a genuine rural experience, with excellent hiking and horseriding.
Sossus Dune Lodge
One of only two properties inside the Namib Naukluft Park, Sossus Dune Lodge has a superb location, for visiting the dunes.
Desert Homestead
With great-value accommodation in a lovely setting, Desert Homestead is a great base for exploring Sossusvlei.
Zebra River Lodge
Zebra River Lodge offers a range of hikes around the Tsaris Mountains from a comfortable and homely base.
Little Kulala
A high-end lodge with spectacular views, Little Kulala, makes a great base for visits to Sossusvlei or a balloon ride over the Desert.
Rostock Ritz
The igloo-style chalets at Rostock Ritz offer exceptional desert views and make a convenient stopover between Swakopmund & Sossusvlei.
Barkhan Dune Retreat
Barkhan Dune Retreat is a welcoming lodge close to the impressive Spreetshoogte Pass, majors on hiking and relaxation.
Sossusvlei Lodge
Sossusvlei Lodge is one of the larger options in this area. However, it occupies a convenient location next to the Sesriem gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Namib Outpost
About 30km from the gate to Sossusveli, Namib Outpost is a great base for exploring the dunes and surrounding attractions.
Dead Valley Lodge
Dead Valley Lodge is inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park, affording guests almost unprecedented access to the dunes.
Desert Camp
Desert Camp is an economical option for independent travellers who want to self-cater, and is well situated for access to Sossusvlei.
Desert Quiver Camp
Desert Quiver Camp is an economical option self-catering, well located for access to Sossusvlei.
Corona Guest Farm
In central Namibia, north-east of the Namib-Naukluft, Corona Guest Farm offers a traditional farm stay and rugged hiking.
Elegant Desert Lodge
Elegant Desert Lodge can be used as a base to visit Sossusvlei. It offers comfortable accommodation and facilities in the desert.
Namib Naukluft Lodge
Namib Naukluft Lodge offers clean, comfortable rooms with pretty views, although it's 60km from the Sesriem Gate into the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Sonop
Away from the hustle and bustle of the area immediately surrounding Sossussvlei, Sonop offers a luxurious stay in a remote part of the Namib Desert.
Namib Desert Lodge
Namib Desert Lodge is a good budget option in the Namib-Naukluft although, it is further from Sossusvlei than we'd typically suggest.
Le Mirage Lodge
Le Mirage Resort and Spa offers accommodation and a range of massage and beauty treatments in a Moroccan-style building in the desert.
Solitaire Country Lodge
Solitaire Country Lodge is a good stop-off on the way to Sossusvlei and can be used as a base to explore the Naukluft Mountains.
Desert Hills Camp
Conveniently located for the renowned dunes of Sossusvlei Desert Hills Glamping Camp offers a simple but comfortable tents in picturesque surroundings.
Desert Grace
A stylish offering giving access to the famous dunes in the Namib-Naukluft National Park as well as to activities on a private nature reserve.
Camp Sossus
Camp Sossus is a offers top notch guiding in a remote wilderness area of the Naukluft Mountains with easy access to the famous dunes of Sossusvlei.
The Nest
Designed to emulate the appearance of a sociable weaver nest the opulent Nest at Sossus is arguably the most exclusive private property in the Sossuvlei area.
