Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay

"Our trip was excellent and our expectations were not only met but exceeded. We enjoyed the varying landscapes, the animals and the people.

The trip, which we requested at the very last minute, was superbly organised. From the time of my initial contact, all requests/queries were handled in a timely helpful manner. All the components (fly, drive, transfers) fitted together well and all connections/transfers went smoothly.

The only changes we would have made are those that could only have been made with hindsight!

So again, thank you very much Maruska and Expert Africa.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: These are very minor suggestions and comments and are made purely to try and be helpful.

(1) An explanation off what one can expect in relation to meals when your accommodation is on a full board basis and you arrive around lunchtime. Our first full board accommodation was at Canyon Lodge and we arrived at lunch time. We were greeted with some information about the facilities and times for dinner and breakfast, but no indication of whether there was any lunch available or whether we were entitled to lunch. Subsequent enquires resulted in us being directed to the dining room.

At a later lodge, we realised that we could have had lunch even though we arrived early in the afternoon but had already had lunch just in case.

(2) If people are doing an overnighter at Cheetah View Lodge it would be good to know that the cheetah feeding is at 2 o'clock, which is the only time that this is held, is also included in the cost of the accommodation i.e. so that if possible you would make sure you got there in time for that. The other paid activities did not seem to be good value. I did note that on EA's notes of this lodge, that it EA thought that there needed to be a better integration of activities with the overnight experience, and we agree.

(3) I think that Hyena Pan did include laundry facilities.

I apologise if I should have known some of these things. I did look up all the accommodations on your website (which I thought was most extensive and the reason I choose the company initially), and make notes before our trip, but possibly I missed bits.

We wish that the tipping thing could be made easier. Australia does not have a tipping culture and so it always comes as a surprise and what seems like a lot of extra money on top of what are not insubstantial costs, at least in some places. While were tried to follow the guidelines, sometimes we were caught out when guides changed or we had an extra guide.

It is impossible to single out 'other' people, other than guides and polers for example, as there are always people behind the that contribute to your enjoyment and comfort on a trip." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"Provided a very well researched and considered experience for the four of us. Good variety of activities and accommodation. All transport and connections worked well. Maruska went to a lot of trouble to design a good trip for us at short notice. Would certainly recommend Expert Africa." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip

"This was such a wonderful trip. Namibia is beautiful, the people are so friendly, and so much wildlife!

We rented an SUV and drove in a big loop around the country alternating driving days and exploring days, staying in nice lodges. Expert Africa did an awesome job organizing the trip for us. I had been worried about driving so much on gravel roads in isolated places, but everything worked out great. Being well prepared helped -- and Expert Africa helped a lot in that respect.

We enjoyed meeting the other guests at the lodges. The landscape is so incredibly beautiful. And we saw more wildlife than we could have imagined.

One of our best trips ever!" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"This trip exceeded our expectations and indeed blew them out of that water. This was high bar to set as we had travelled to the Galapagos Islands last year and had the the most amazing adventure.

It is horses for courses but for someone who adores remote raw landscape and tries to get to places relatively untouched by human interference Namibia delivered. We felt so welcomed by all the people we did meet who in most circumstances were going above and beyond their job descriptions and genuinely cared about showing us their country in the best possible light. I hope it remains a difficult country to travel in and the creeping influx of tick box tourists is held at bay.

Were appalled by some of the behaviour we witnessed of folk who clearly didn't appreciate the country for what it is. How difficult it is and how hard people work to provide what we thought were amazing facilities under challenging circumstances." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip

"This trip was so different, but so special for us.

We had never self-driven anywhere while on vacation, so this was a first. It allowed us to see the country in a different way. There is so much to do in Namibia, and we wish we could have stayed longer & seen more, but that just gives us a reason to come back.

Expert Africa continued to provide amazing service, on this, our third trip with them." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Communication with Expert Africa was excellent.

You transformed our requirements into a truly wonderful experience.

The accommodation was way beyond our expectations (for the most part)." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip

"Namibia was an incredible place.

Stunning scenery, vast skies and rugged open roads. Easy to navigate and felt safe the whole trip.

People are generally very friendly and helpful. The wildlife in Namibia and especially Etosha was incredible. Saw so many animals and birds. Some outstanding accommodation and food.

An adventure we will be talking about for years to come." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip

"This was the most special holiday. We cannot thank Josh enough for arranging such a fantastic itinerary enabling us to get a real feel for the country.

His knowledge and the fact that he had experienced places first hand meant that he could really tailor our trip to our needs.

We would definitely recommend a visit to Namibia and our only regret is that we only had two weeks. Driving was very easy, although you're covering large distances, there is always something new around the next corner.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

Nothing to improve on!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip

"Well organized trip; it was easy to communicate with our agent Josh when it was bit hard at first to find the right accommodation in the desired sequence due to non availability at some lodges, but Josh came up with a great alternative that exceeded our expectations while staying there.

Once in Namibia everything went smoothly and we enjoyed our stays at Desert Homestead Outpost, Wolwedans Dunes Lodge and the Strand Hotel very much." Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip

"The whole trip was excellent and that was down to your professional expertise and efficiency. I must say you have been one of the best companies I have ever dealt with and it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience..

Top marks to Josh for his overall efficiency and very engaging personality. It was always a pleasure chatting to him and nothing was too much trouble.

Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:

To be honest I'm finding it difficult to suggest anything and that is because everything was perfect. The service we received from yourselves was exceptional and I say this as someone (not trying to sound big headed) who has travelled a lot since I began in 1973 ! Just keep up the good work. I'll be back !

Just one small point. I don't know what is happening with the proposed newsletter which I signed up for but I would recommend that you get it up and running as a priority. I think this is an ideal way of keeping past customers informed and a very effective way of getting new ones." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip