Namibia: reviews from our travellers
Unedited reviews written by our most recent Namibia travellers
"My Aug 2014 trip"
Pleased car gave no problems and was comfortable
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Clocks changed on Sep 7tth and would be helpful to tell clients
Petrol can now be paid for by credit cards at all pumps in Etosha but there are no ATMs
Problems with getting cash from ATMs at airport and elsewhere.
No diesel at Waterberg for those needing it
Would be useful to have list of toilets in Etosha" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"August/September Namibia tour"
Private lodges perform far better than NWR lodges but this is no doubt reflected in the price. NWR lodges do have the best locations however in relation to National Parks (particularly Sossus / Deadvlei).
Late for dinner one day as we didn't know the clocks had changed!
The one disappointment was the kayaking trip. Booked with Jeanne Meintjies who was much recommended but was dumped at the last moment with another provider (still awaiting explanation from Expert Africa). I believe it was because I was the only person booked that day.
Bradt guide states that 200 rand notes are not accepted in Namibia. We only read this after we had obtained our currency (largely in 200 rand notes) and a couple of days before we travelled. Managed to exchange some notes at Heathrow thanks to Covent Garden FX but found in practice this was not necessary and out of date information.
Feedback response:
We have looked in to issue regarding the kayaking and can confirm that both of Jeanne's vehicles had to be taken in for repairs unexpectedly, hence this traveller was switched to another operator who offers the same excursion." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"My Nambia Adventure was fantastic"
This trip would not have been possible without Expert Africa and even with my experience I still would want to plan my trip with them. My satisfaction is described by my description of my Namibia Adventure. My pictures are on my Facebook page for John White.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Could not be more satisfied. Website was a big help." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Aug/Sept 2014 - Kgalagadi & Fish Canyon"
This was our second visit to the park and we thoroughly enjoyed our 12 nights with some great game viewing interspersed with some very quite days!
If in the region the Fish Canyon is well worth a visit for 2/3 nights. We were also very fortunate to arrive back in Springbok to witness the flowers which again was highly enjoyable.
Overall a great experience." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 10 on a South Africa trip
"My Aug 2014 trip"
Fair distances to travel, which gave an experience of the country. The accomodation certainly met expectations, and in most cases far exceeded what we expected. A beautiful country with lovely friendly people. (Most people in the UK don't even know where it is!).
I am now curious about other places in Namibia and Africa to explore.
Thanks for organising a lovely journey." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Aug 2014 trip"
"Best holiday we have ever had"
"A wonderful time in Namibia"
Below we outline a few little issues solely for the purpose of providing assistance to future travelers (We are thoroughly satisfied with the service by the Expert Africa team and would not hesitate to rely on them again in the future).
We felt that the last full day of gravel road travel between Swakopmund and Doro Nawas was the least enjoyable day of the holiday, partly due to the fact that by that stage we had done a lot of gravel road driving and partly due to the fact that the itinerary between Uis and Doro Nawas was over a really bumpy stretch of road (both C35 and D2612) and our main concern was that the rented car would be damaged. We could neither admire the fantastic scenery outside the car nor fully focus on the - atrocious at times - road. We also did not expect that people would stand by the roadside and wave empty water bottles trying to get water from tourists, which obviously posed a dilemma for us.
The area around Uis and Khorixas seemed to us very deprived and we felt somewhat voyeuristic merely driving through as tourists. The area also felt quite unsafe - at one point we stopped at a roadside picnic table just to be surprised by a small truck full of men, one of whom got out and started hassling us for money. Similarly, on the way to Etosha and after visiting the Petrified Forest, we were asked by the official guide there to give a lift to one of his colleagues to Khorixas. As we obliged, we were instantly asked by the guest passenger if we could take on board two others. Our refusal to do so was ill-received. It appears that it is a common practice at that attraction to pressure tourists into giving lifts to staff members.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We think it would be useful to highlight the following points to future travelers:
1) additional spare tyre (second one) takes up a lot of space in the boot and it may make it awkward to pack and transport the luggage;
2) certain stretches of gravel roads are very rough and it would be good to clarify, who would be responsible for damaged suspension, should it happen;
3) the last stop gave us little time to enjoy the location, therefore it may be useful to consider accommodation in closer proximity to the airport;
4) it would be useful to clarify, how clean the rented car should be on the return;
5) it would be useful to warn tourists (especially those who have spare space in their cars) that at certain locations they may be asked for a lift by the guides;
6) we found that at some locations the full range of activities presented on Expert Africa leaflets were not on offer (e.g. guided walks at Buellsport Farm, night walks at Sossus Dune Lodge);
7) we would advise not to attend night drive safaris at Okaukuejo - the price is high and one normally sees much more during the day while driving around the park;
8) on tarmac roads one usually is not able to drive safely beyond 100 km/h due to warthogs roaming by the roadside - we almost had an accident because of them;
9) Perhaps advise guests to bring a travel kettle and hair dryer with them as they are not provided as a matter of course." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"A wonderful adventure"
On one transfer from a houseboat to our first camp we were looked after by six different people, and had a very pleasant two hour break at a river side lodge whilst waiting for our plane. It all happened seamlessly and with great good humour. That takes some organising!
Megan and Expert Africa are a class act!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Botswana safari
"My Aug 2014 trip"
All the information and maps were excellent. We were very impressed with the accomodation selected, all the journey times were well planned and manageable and the whole holiday was well structured. We had great help and service by Sabina and everything worked flawlessly.
We have been very impressed with Expert Africa and Sabina and would recommend them to anyone visiting Namibia. Thank you for arranging such an outstanding and memorable trip." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip