Reviews of safaris to Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland
211 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Skeleton Coast.
Mr & Mrs AS
Colorado
"A Wonderful Holiday in Namibia"
I visited Namibia between 25 Oct 2010 and 13 Nov 2010
"Had we to do this trip over, there is very little we would change. Our biggest miscalculation was the amount of time spent in Etosha. We thought that Etosha would be similar to the National Parks in the USA, that is bumper to bumper traffic, some folks racing through the park, and sometimes no place to park to see the sights. This, of course, is not true in Etosha and we would have spent much more time there.
We realize that everyone as different tastes and desires. Some prefer "resort" lodges, which are fine in many instances providing there are activities there to justify the cost. However, there are times that a nice B & B like Termite Hills or a hotel like the Makalani in Tusemb are quite satisfactory (if available of course).
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We would not hesitate to have Expert Africa help us plan and arrange our next Africa adventure." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
We realize that everyone as different tastes and desires. Some prefer "resort" lodges, which are fine in many instances providing there are activities there to justify the cost. However, there are times that a nice B & B like Termite Hills or a hotel like the Makalani in Tusemb are quite satisfactory (if available of course).
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We would not hesitate to have Expert Africa help us plan and arrange our next Africa adventure." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Miss T & Mr B
London
""
I visited Namibia between 1 Oct 2010 and 24 Oct 2010
"Overall our trip was marred by the fact that we had an ordinary car. This was totally unsuitable. You have already received comments on the especially bad roads. This made travelling stressful, uncomfortable and tiring. We would often only reach our destination at dusk as we had to travel so slowly.We could not enjoy the journey or stop because of the stress of the hours of daylight left to get to our destination. Once at our destinations we were exhausted and shaken which marred our enjoyment of the lodge, location, wildlife.
Etosha, one of our planned highlights was especially disappoiting due to the fact we only had a car (see earlier comments).
We saw almost no other 2WD vehicles throughout the trip and everyone we spoke to, either locals or in the tourism business could not believe we had been advised that a car would be ok for the journey we were undertaking.
We advise that under no circumstances future guests are infomred that a 2WD vechilce is acceptable.
One final recommnendation....provide some advice on tipping and especailly advise on the car park security attendants. The first time we parked the car and saw someone coming towards us with a cosh we thought we were going to be attacked and not that he was coming to offer to look after the car.!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
see comments throughout questionnaire.
I reiterate again DO NOT recommend 2WD vehicles... the stress, discomfort, seeemingly endless punctures/tyre problems overroad any real enjoyment of the holiday." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Etosha, one of our planned highlights was especially disappoiting due to the fact we only had a car (see earlier comments).
We saw almost no other 2WD vehicles throughout the trip and everyone we spoke to, either locals or in the tourism business could not believe we had been advised that a car would be ok for the journey we were undertaking.
We advise that under no circumstances future guests are infomred that a 2WD vechilce is acceptable.
One final recommnendation....provide some advice on tipping and especailly advise on the car park security attendants. The first time we parked the car and saw someone coming towards us with a cosh we thought we were going to be attacked and not that he was coming to offer to look after the car.!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
see comments throughout questionnaire.
I reiterate again DO NOT recommend 2WD vehicles... the stress, discomfort, seeemingly endless punctures/tyre problems overroad any real enjoyment of the holiday." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Average
Mr & Mrs G
Guildford
"Namibia and Botswana"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 29 Sep 2010 and 14 Oct 2010
"We know now that in Namibia we should have included The Skeleton Coast. We didn't know when we booked our holiday!
Selinda Camp was by far the best experience of the holiday, for us it was the perfect safari destination. Maybe because it is privately owned, it had that extra something? It was not nearly as expensive as Little Mombo, but it definitely had a 'magic ingredient'.
Last year we went to Lion Camp in Zambia, which is also on our favourite camp list, this is also privately owned, but again not on the silly cost list - so next time we book we will go for privately owned smaller camps.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We would definitely use Expert Africa again." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Selinda Camp was by far the best experience of the holiday, for us it was the perfect safari destination. Maybe because it is privately owned, it had that extra something? It was not nearly as expensive as Little Mombo, but it definitely had a 'magic ingredient'.
Last year we went to Lion Camp in Zambia, which is also on our favourite camp list, this is also privately owned, but again not on the silly cost list - so next time we book we will go for privately owned smaller camps.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We would definitely use Expert Africa again." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs M
E Sussex
"A great holiday"
I visited Namibia between 16 Sep 2010 and 28 Sep 2010
"Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the holiday.
Desert Rhino was our favourite place, followed by Ongava, Serra Cafema and then last would be Doro Nawas. We wouldn't stay at the Heinitzburg again.
The driving around was easy. You provided us with excellent information and all your arrangements were very well organised so we always knew where we were meant to be. If we did a trip again to Namibia, I think we would self-drive more or sort out a tented safari.
A negative we found with Namibia is that because of limited accommodation and because there are well-known sights, there is a sort of circuit that everyone appears to be doing, which made it feel a bit touristy.
On the positive side, the people are lovely and very helpful, and the country felt very safe to move around in.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really, we felt that Expert Africa did a very good job and were very helpful. however, having spent many holidays and lived in Africa, we did feel that Namibia is a very expensive destination." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Desert Rhino was our favourite place, followed by Ongava, Serra Cafema and then last would be Doro Nawas. We wouldn't stay at the Heinitzburg again.
The driving around was easy. You provided us with excellent information and all your arrangements were very well organised so we always knew where we were meant to be. If we did a trip again to Namibia, I think we would self-drive more or sort out a tented safari.
A negative we found with Namibia is that because of limited accommodation and because there are well-known sights, there is a sort of circuit that everyone appears to be doing, which made it feel a bit touristy.
On the positive side, the people are lovely and very helpful, and the country felt very safe to move around in.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really, we felt that Expert Africa did a very good job and were very helpful. however, having spent many holidays and lived in Africa, we did feel that Namibia is a very expensive destination." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs J & daughters
UK
"Trip of a life time"
I visited Namibia between 14 Sep 2010 and 30 Sep 2010
"We all had a wonderful holiday and one which we will never forget. I for one am already planning a return trip!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
A little more information on the weather. Did not expect it to be so consistently cold every evening except for our first evening in Windhoek or to be so windy." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
A little more information on the weather. Did not expect it to be so consistently cold every evening except for our first evening in Windhoek or to be so windy." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr SB
NW London
""
I visited Namibia between 12 Aug 2010 and 30 Aug 2010
"Overall a fabulous holiday.Very relaxing. A truly stunning country.
In the context of an excellent holiday - a few pieces of feedback
1. I think we should have been recommended a 4x4 car - hadn't realised what the roads were like, and would definitely have appreciated that! We were consistently the only guests at lodges who were in a small car
2. Swokupmund was not worth visiting. .The purpose of our trip was to see the country, not a seaside resort, so we had always seen this as simply a stopover. During the planning of the holiday, we'd pushed quite hard for just a one night stop over there, but Expert Africa had been quite insistent that we would need 2. This was a wasted day, which was disappointing. We should have either been allowed to take the one night, or instead, should have taken 2 separate nights out in the countryside.
Recommendation - try to understand what's important for people's holidays (for us towns were absolutely not important)
3. Palmwag was disappointing" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
In the context of an excellent holiday - a few pieces of feedback
1. I think we should have been recommended a 4x4 car - hadn't realised what the roads were like, and would definitely have appreciated that! We were consistently the only guests at lodges who were in a small car
2. Swokupmund was not worth visiting. .The purpose of our trip was to see the country, not a seaside resort, so we had always seen this as simply a stopover. During the planning of the holiday, we'd pushed quite hard for just a one night stop over there, but Expert Africa had been quite insistent that we would need 2. This was a wasted day, which was disappointing. We should have either been allowed to take the one night, or instead, should have taken 2 separate nights out in the countryside.
Recommendation - try to understand what's important for people's holidays (for us towns were absolutely not important)
3. Palmwag was disappointing" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
Worcester
"A wonderful holiday"
I visited Namibia between 20 Jul 2010 and 11 Aug 2010
"Namibia lived up everything that Expert Africa promised. Getting around was much easier than expected and the quality of the accommodation, food and service were all excellent.
The 2WD car proved perfectly OK, although it did mean taking it slowly on some sections of corrugated roads around Solitaire and Palmwag.
We were so glad we booked up three nights stays at various places. In our opinion this makes a huge difference to making the most of what's on offer in the different regions. We could easily have stayed another three weeks." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
The 2WD car proved perfectly OK, although it did mean taking it slowly on some sections of corrugated roads around Solitaire and Palmwag.
We were so glad we booked up three nights stays at various places. In our opinion this makes a huge difference to making the most of what's on offer in the different regions. We could easily have stayed another three weeks." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs B
Edinburgh
"Fantastic!"
I visited Namibia between 19 Jul 2010 and 9 Aug 2010
"Absolutely loved every minute of our holiday. Lived up to and exceeded our expectations in every way. We loved the country - the scenery is incredible, the people the friendliest we have met in any African country and the accommodation in general at a high standard (possibly because much is fairly new).
Every day was different, we saw lots of the country (leaving the Caprivi Strip for another holiday) and spent much of each day telling each other how much we were enjoying ourselves!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing I can think of" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Every day was different, we saw lots of the country (leaving the Caprivi Strip for another holiday) and spent much of each day telling each other how much we were enjoying ourselves!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Nothing I can think of" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs DR
N London
"Journey of a Lifetime"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 17 Jul 2010 and 11 Aug 2010
"Incredibly well put together, good advice, everything worked like clockwork and we would definitely use you again and recommend you to friends."
Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs E
Witney
"What a fantastic trip!"
I visited Namibia between 8 Jun 2010 and 26 Jun 2010
"We asked for something special to celebrate our Golden Wedding anniversary and we certainly got it. The highlights are too numerous to mention but we must comment on the people - they were all so friendly and helpful which really was one of the factors making this such a great holiday. We have returned full of wonderful memories.
Apart from specifics already covered, we must compliment Sefofane for very comfortable flight transfers. The game drive transfer between Ongava and Onguma was spoiled by it being unusually windy which meant we arrived at Onguma very, very dusty, but we did see lions on the way walking right up to our vehicle.
We should mention that South African 200 Rand noted are no longer accepted in Namibia due to problems with forgeries. They can only be exchanged at Bank of Namibia. There is no problem with smaller denominations.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have only praise for your service." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Apart from specifics already covered, we must compliment Sefofane for very comfortable flight transfers. The game drive transfer between Ongava and Onguma was spoiled by it being unusually windy which meant we arrived at Onguma very, very dusty, but we did see lions on the way walking right up to our vehicle.
We should mention that South African 200 Rand noted are no longer accepted in Namibia due to problems with forgeries. They can only be exchanged at Bank of Namibia. There is no problem with smaller denominations.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have only praise for your service." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
211
reviews of Skeleton Coast by travellers since August 2007
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Skeleton Coast
Our suggestions for safari camps in Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland
Cape Cross Lodge
Right on the Skeleton Coast, between Swakopmund and Damaraland, Cape Cross Lodge has easy access to Cape Cross Seal Reserve.
Hoanib Skeleton Camp Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is actually situated 42km inland in Kaokoland, this said they offer a superb guided day trip to the coast.
Terrace Bay
Terrace Bay is bleak. However, those that stay here come to experience the remote and inhospitable nature of the Skeleton Coast.
Serra Cafema
The luxurious Serra Cafema is in the most remote corner of Namibia - at the north end of Hartmann's Valley, across the Kunene River from Angola.
Skeleton Coast Safaris
Skeleton Coast Safaris is a small, family-run operation that has organised inspirational trips to this remote area of Namibia for nearly 50 years.
Hoanib Valley Camp
The intimate and remote Hoanib Valley Camp offers a rare chance to explore this dramatic corner of Namibia and to search for its sparse desert-adapted wildlife.
Shipwreck Lodge
The only property on this desolate stretch of coastline, the extraordinary Shipwreck Lodge opens up a new section of the Skeleton Coast National Park
Opuwo Country Lodge
Opuwo Country Hotel provides comfortable accommodation is well situated for a night's stop before travelling into remote parts of Kaokoland.
Epupa Camp
Epupa Camp is a welcoming oasis set on the palm-fringed banks of the Kunene River in north-west Namibia and close to Epupa Falls.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Tucked away in Namibia's remote north-west, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge offers an unexpected level of luxury, with stunning views and plenty of activities.
Kuidas Camp
Usually the first-night stop on a Schoeman Skeleton Coast safari, Kuidas is a very simple camp with stunning views of the Huab River valley.
Leylandsdrift Camp
Used exclusively on the second night of a Skeleton Coast Safari, Leylandsdrift is in a beautiful location and is a good place to track desert-adapted elephants.
Kunene River Camp
Used exclusively on the final night of a Skeleton Coast Safari, the simple Kunene River Camp occupies a dramatic riverside location with some excellent birding.
