Namibia: reviews from our travellers

"Excellent! In addition to the highlights mentioned under each camp, one of the highlights of the whole trip was the day we transferred from Sossusvlei to Damaraland. Firstly, an absolutely unforgettable flight at low altitude over the red sand dunes, and then along the coastline to Walvis Bay. Aquanaut Tours took us on the boat ride out to Pelican Point - over 20,000 Cape Fur Seals. On the way, Pelicans and other seabirds followed us; a pair of Dolphins leaped and played around the boat, and several times, a seal jumped right up onto the deck. The captain assured us they were not aggressive, though they do bark loudly asking for a attention. He threw a fish overboard each time, too encourage the seal to jump off.

An amazing sight was the wreck of an old Russian cargo vessell which is now colonized by hundreds of Cormorants. They sit lined up in rows all along the spars and masts and every other available surface.

After the boat trip we drove towards Swakopmund, with sand dunes on the right and the sea on the left. We saw flocks of Flamingoes in the lagoons, as well as people dune-boarding and ballooning. When we stopped, it was to enjoy a seafood picnic on the beach, under canvas - fresh-shucked oysters (very sweet tasting), calamari, hake, salads, wine.

Mid-afternoon, after a short visit in town, we took off for Damaraland, now flying over entirely different scenery - wild and mountainous, the airstrip looking like a thin white line in the middle of utter wilderness.

This was a truly memorable day.

I should also like to mention Etango Guest Ranch. We booked a day room here, with transfers, as it is just a few minutes from the airport. Units are very comfortable and well-equipped, and are air-conditioned, so we were well rested for the long trek home. Just before we left in the evening, Carmen thoughtfully sent over a complimentary snack of cold cuts and cheese. There was already a coffee/tea tray in the room.

This is a fine place to start or end a safari, and we would not hesitate to do so again. However, in terms of longer stays it should be noted that the majority of guests at this Ranch are Afrikaans-speaking, or German/Dutch tourists, and that it also serves as a base for Hunting Safaris.

Final comments: Our luggage, including hand luggage was well within the 12kg. restriction. This was no problem as laundry service at all 3 camps was excellent, being picked up during breakfast and delivered back during dinner the same day. We had, as you advised, sweaters and windproof jackets for the chilly mornings and nights. Unfortunately, we had a freak cold front with bitter winds while at Sossusvlei, and these garments were not nearly enough. I surely regretted not packing my warm longjohns and vest. It should be stressed that normal weather patterns can no longer be relied on, anywhere in the world, including Africa - leave out something else if you have to, but pack plenty of layers. I ended up buying a fleece vest at the Camp. I don't suppose I'll ever wear it again, but It makes a nice souvenir of the trip.

I think I've said it all! I feel the information you give, both in your brochure and on the webiste, is the most honest and most balanced of any of the Tour Operators we have dealt with. Wish we could plan another trip with you, but Namibia - alas- is our last safari. All best wishes for your continued success." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip

"Thanks for a great holiday." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"We were very pleased with the level of service we received from Expert Africa, especially when we had to change our itinerary late in the day on which Sabina worked extensively and imaginatively to come up with a solution where we might otherwise have had to cancel the entire trip. We cannot praise Sabina too highly.

We were glad we limited our travel. We met many people who were spending a night here and a night there trying to see the majority of the country in a couple of weeks - several of whom were attracted by our more limited programme. From our perspective, we'd reckon we got far better value out of the vacation by focusing on one particular corner of Namibia's vastness.

Bottom line: this was a great trip - not least as we saw 32 different mammal species including many we did not see in Tanzania last year - and we will be coming back to Expert Africa shortly to explore options for Botswana next year and hopefully (now Clare's seen rhinos) satisfy Alastair's 26 year quest to see wild dogs!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"excellent holiday, journey well planned by you lovely varied accommodation.

thank you tracey" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip

"Would like to return some time" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip

"Our trip to Namibia exceeded all our expectations. We knew it would be good but were bowled over by the scenery, the people, the animals and the whole experience. Although the country is wild and barren in parts - it's beautiful and rich in so many ways. The people are friendly and we felt safe and comfortable - we even picked up hitchhikers!

If you can, take the Skeleton Coast tour - it's an amazing, beautiful and remote part of the country.

We hope to return one day to explore the bits we missed and return to some parts in more detail. Naturally we'll be asking Expert Africa to make the arrangements, they were great and when we were in Namibia it was clear they had taken everything into consideration to ensure our trip went smoothly and was as easy as possible." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip

"Our expectations of this trip were understandably high but the reality was far higher. We had spent time deciding which places we considered were special to us and Sabina [Ed: at Expert Africa] had incorporated them into our itinerary. She gave us several alternative accommodations for each location and we chose places as different from one another as possible. This meant that every stopover had it's own character and there was never any danger of us becoming complacent with our surroundings!

Looking back it is still amazing to contemplate where we've been. what we saw and what we did. We are still on a real high and it really was a trip of a lifetime. We will be back. Many thanks for all the help and advice." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip

"The company is a joy to deal with, feels very personal and makes things special even before the trip has begun. Wouldn't dream of booking through anyone else and although tempted at times to make own arrangements feel in such safe hands we wouldn't risk it.

Trip as a whole was as fantastic and rewarding as always and we are planning the 9th (and even the 10th!) already." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"would repeat trip with some small changes" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip

"very good with both Etosha living up to expectations and the Skeleton Coast just the best!!!

You did all that I asked." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip