Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There wasn't just one inspirational moment but the following few are some highlights.  Seeing the lion walking down the road on a night game trip and the magical waterhole at Okaukuejo where the animals came to drink of an evening.  We were incredibly lucky to see the leopard on another game drive out in the open on our last game drive and it made the trip end on a high note.  The climb to the plateau at Waterberg was enjoyable but can be hard work for some.  The dunes just made you appreciate the scale and grandeur of Namibia and the interesting geology of the country.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roger was brilliant with the group telling us so much about his country which he was evidently proud of.  He told us so much about the landscape, geology, animals, culture and politics of his country.  He was also very humorous, interesting to listen and talk to, enthusiastic and looked after us incredibly well.  He and the rest of his team (Thomas, Ronnie, Freddie) worked very hard, the cooking was really good and organisation of the tour superb.   The next group will be lucky to get the same team. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

It did get really cold in June so though it says take a season 3 or 4 sleeping bag in July and August if you go in June take the same.  Also thermals, hat and gloves as particularly Etosha was very cold during the night, early morning.It does also get very dusty and sandy so advise to take most of your clothes suitable for safaris such as cut off trousers, shorts and shirts rather than anything dressy.

Suggestions

Just go if you've always wanted to visit and perhaps combine with a trip to Botswana or South Africa while you are at it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking up dune 45 to watch the sunrise and change the colour of the sand was truly inspirational. It was also amazing to finally see leopard, cheetah and meer cats in the wild in Etosha.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roger was brilliant. His knowledge gave us a brilliant insight into the culture, geology, wildlife and history of Namibia. He had a great sense of humour and was really interesting to talk to.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take South African rand as your currency as it tracks against the Namibian dollar. Also we ant in June and it got very cold at night so pack your thermals!

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up a sand dune for the morning sunrise, I didn't quite get to the top before the sun but magical all the same. As we bounced down the side of the dune we were met by a wild oryx at the bottom. Exceptional and once in a lifetime moment, at one with the natural world.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic! Knowledgeable. Friendly. Happy. Proud of his country. Would recommend to anyone visting Namibia.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a warm sleeping bag (as it gets quite cold at night and in the early morning), a good camera & plenty of sunscreen. Take a movie camera as animals don't stay still for long! Also, stay by the waterhole at night as you will get a wonderful view of the local wildlife, one night we saw 6 rhinos at once, amazing!

Suggestions

On our trip we were the only couple, all the others were single travellers, something that made the trip varied, everyone was included. Don't miss out on the oportunity to experience Namibia if you can't find anyone to accompany you.  The night drive at Etosha N.P. was a great extra as you saw the animals in a more natural setting, behaving as the would if you weren't there. Don't be scared of the dark, its another world but worth the late night!  The camping was a great way to experience Africa. Quality tents & fresh local homecooked food. It was so peaceful and quiet, worlds away from city life. The night sky was not covered by western light polution, an atronomers dream.  The craft market was a great place to get African knicknacks, be warned that the stallholders are persistant and can be pushy if there are not many tourists around.   

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing several rhinos and groups of oryx. The unnexpected events such as seeing an aardwolf on the night drive, or the sun coming out at Swakopmund, where I was able to take photos of flamingos in flight for the first time, the male kudu on the footpath at Waterburg plateau.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Compared to other guides, maybe a bit too relaxed, particularly about making late departures from the campsites which reduces the opportunities for seeing animals at first light and seemed to mean some fast driving. Ok if you prefer a lie in when you are on holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take SA rand with you. It is used interchangeably with the and avoids the problems experienced by some of our group when changing money at the airport on the way in. Also, you are allowed to bring it back out again. The Namibian dollar can't be brought out and Windhoek dutyfree charges about 3x the high street price.A lot of viewing in Etosha is done by standing on the seats to look out through the roof. If you are less than about  1.65m (5'5") it makes it difficult to use a camera and if you stand on the floor you are going to be looking between the legs of those who are a bit taller. If you are taller than that, then no worries - it gives you a better view than the people in the land cruisers.

Suggestions

Great bakeries and cafes at Swakopmund and along the way (especially at Outjo). Giant sand dunes! I've been to both the Hidden Vlei and the Dead Vlei and don't think there is much to choose between them. Be prepared for basic toilet facilities at dune 45. A bee swarm was attracted to the toilets when we were there. Water is generally fit to drink but you might want to take a water bottle with you.Take plenty of memory cards rather than waste time and battery on review and deletion. Recharging seemed to take longer at some sites than others, but was possible at most of them.

Most Inspirational Moment

Breakfast at the foot of Dune 45 after an early morning start seeing the sun rise over the Namibian landscape. It was magical having our breakfast in the middle of the desert surrounded by the red sand of the Namib desert. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney made our Namibia tour an unforgettable experience, about which we still talk enthusiastically after 6 months. He is a great ambassador for his country, sharing knowledge about plants, animals and landscape. Working relentlessly and discretely in the background, he created a really nice atmosphere, allowing us to experience a worry-free holiday of which we enjoyed every minute. He is very good with all members of the group, being patient, approachable and friendly at all times. When rooms of different standards had to be allocated between the group members he demonstrated great diplomatic skills, leading to the group accepting the situation and being content that the best solution had been found.Through his commitment, hard work and enthusiasm Ronney made our holidays a special experience. For this and to recognise his dedication to the job and the group we recommend him for the tourleader award 2012.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take lots of memory cards for your camera and spare batteries as they are not as freely available as in Europe. Pack varied clothes as the mornings can be very cold (we went in August) but during the day - especially inland - it can get quite warm. Layers do pay off. When doing the lodge based tour, take a hair dryer with you, as they are not available everywhere.  

Suggestions

There are so many memories that will be forever with us and that make this holiday and unforgettable experience: Sitting at a lookout hill at Solitaire Lodge on after our first full day in Namibia, watching the sun set and experiencing the sheer endlessness of the country sideHaving breakfast in the namib desertExperiencing the Namibian wildlife entering and exiting the waterhole at lodges in Etosha as if it was a performance on stageseeing an elephant squirting water on a rhino to end a fight over  a waterwholeWatching 30 elephants at the waterhole, drinking, play-fighting and "performing to the audience" led to 2 unforgettable hours of entertainmentExperiencing the tension of antilopes before the appearance of a lion at the waterhole and a lioness drink at nightStaying at white lady lodge in the middle of nowhere, seeing the most incredible star sky with the milky way running through itClimbing up the waterberg plateau until the plain opens in front of you for a impressive viewa really unforgettable experience, made possible by a great tour leader   

Most Inspirational Moment

Sitting by the waterhole in Etosha and watching a zebra family cautiously make their way round and in to drink; finding one lone elephant having a drink, only for him to be joined by the rest of his family, some giraffes, hyenas, jackals and warthogs; sitting by Sesriem Canyon and watching baboon families on the other side watching us as the sun went down; walking through the dunes to Deadvlei surrounded by the wonderful desert scenery to name just a few!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronney was very pleasant and helpful and knowledgeable about his country. He worked hard to make sure we got the most out of our holiday. The teamwork displayed by Ronney, Sam and Jonas was exemplary. They were so efficient setting up camp in the evening and striking camp in the morning while we just relaxed! A special mention must go to Jonas' excellent cooking!

Advice for Potential Travellers

November in the desert is seriously hot - even at night! On the last day the market at Okahanja is not the nicest - there is serious pressure to buy and the stalls all seem controlled by one company so you do not feel that your money is going to the community. Check with your guides but depending on flight times you may have free time in Windhoek later that day. There is a community craft market in the centre of Windhoek which is a much more pleasant experience so if you know you will have time there just have a coffee in Okahanja and leave the shopping to Windhoek (the coffee shop in Okahanja served great coffee and cake!).

Suggestions

If game viewing is a priority beware travelling once the rainy season starts (November). We were lucky and saw most of the animals we wanted to but everywhere we went we were told it was going to be difficult to see animals as the rains had already started in Etosha and then they don't come to the watering holes as much.All in all though an amazing trip and a holiday I will remeber for a very long time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The incredible changing colour and shadowed expanses of Namib sand  sculptured in the early morning sunlight was unforgetteble.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam was a cheerful hard working leader who drove carefully and had super vision in spotting distant game.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Buy a solid rubber ring pillow for both the eleven hour flight and the long bumpy journeys in the truck. An excellent guide is by Chris McIntyre [Bradt, 4th edition, 2011]; this provides a lucid summary of Namibia's history, culture,  environment and animals; as well as local detail. Prices  are low compared to the UK; 1/2 litre of good local beer was around £1.25 and wine £7 a bottle in a restaurant [November 2012: Nam$ 13.5 = £1]. There are numerous exchanges at Windhoek airport, the city, and large towns (though not so many); and a better exchange rate than in the UK. Treat yourself to an excellent four course dinner in the magical old 'Beau Geste' fort at Namutoni in the Etosha National Park [about £15]. Don't buy bottles on the return flight - one faces brutal confiscation at Frankfort when changing planes.

Suggestions

The lodges during the hot summer time do generally provide welcome air conditioning and reasonable comfort. However, the condition of the hotel at Swakopmund would not be acceptable to the YHA. Bradt (in 2006 ed.) observes 'rooms are basic', and nothing has changed! Have not seen fly-papers hanging in a dining room since - well, long ago! Namibia is well worth exploring; the people are friendly and welcoming, the country offers great scenery. I enjoyed the journey (together with the geniality of my companions); and, hopefully, so will you.  

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many special memories but the highlights have to start with climbing Dune 45 at sunrise and walking through Dead Vlei, swiftly followed by 4x4 in the Dunes at sandwich bay. The stand out highlight had to be finding completely wild desert elephants in our camp at Brandberg. I woke up early to take pictures of sunrise only to find elephants moving through the camp site which was a wonderful sight. We saw every type of animal we could wish for in Etosha including giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, lions, cheetahs, various antelope and springbok. But the highlights of Etosha and herd of about 25 elephants which came right up to the truck crossing the road in front of us and a leopard which snarled and charged at the truck only to swiftly melt away into the undergrowth.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sam our guide was excellent he was friendly, helpful and had an inexhaustible knowledge of all the animals, birds, culture and history of the Namibian people. He also made sure we got to all the sights and into the game parks before the other tours which made a real difference. I will never forget the drive to Dune 45 as well as walking and viewing the desert from the top of it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The nights in the desert were quite cold so there is a need for a few warm clothes. However thing soon start to warm up once you get towards Swakopmund. I would also highly advise to the 4x4 desert drive in Sandwich bay which is a new optional tour as it was excellent fun driving up and then down the dunes, seeing where the sea meets dunes and digging for Geckos in the sand.

Suggestions

This is an excellent tour which has great variety. I was worried that 3 days of the game park at Etosha would be too little but we managed to see most of the major animals all on day one or beginning of day 2 as they all came to us at the waterholes!!! I would highly recommend it and the dunes are fantastic sight which all should see.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were able to be just feet away from 'wild' cheetah on foot, and in the truck saw elephant, rhino, zebra and giraffe, amongst others, closer than I ever imagined. The views from the top of the dunes at Sessriem were also breathtaking.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader and camp assistants were wonderful. They were friendly, helpful and a joy to be around.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to just pick one; the amazing 'live theatre' of wildlife at Okaukuejo waterhole at midnight (2 mins from campsite) at Etosha NP, beautiful colours of Africa, friendly and welcoming people, at the top of the golden sand dune at sunrise, quirky campsites in the middle of nowhere, meals round the camp fire, our tour leader and crew ...

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie was amazing; very organised but in relaxed not regimented way, knowledgeable about his country, funny, interested in his travel group, great team leader for the camp crew. I felt very safe and relaxed on this holiday thanks to the crew, despite travelling on some very remote roads and camping in the wilds of Africa.

Advice for Potential Travellers

July is their winter so pack well for the evening, particularly camping, as it gets v cold. The trip notes need greater clarity so def take at least season 3 sleeping bag, fleece liner and base layer. Camping was a brilliant experience if you were warm. You will need layers for the day from windproof outer layer and fleece to t-shirts and shorts. Lots of early mornings as the sun rises when it's cold and then quite hot during the day. Remember to take a head torch too. Tents were basic but superb!

Suggestions

This is a must do trip for every traveller. It took me ages to decide which holiday to go on this year and this trip certainly exceeded my expectations on so many levels. So many truly wonderful experiences and two weeks seemed to fly by so quickly. Camping is by far the best way to explore Namibia. Every campsite was different and added to the experience. Wildlife was awesome - we were very lucky and spoilt travellers. You'll return from your holiday with hundreds of stunning photo's. There are many long journeys to ensure you cover as much of Namibia as possible, however, very few of us had time to read our books due to the ongoing banter with other travellers and crew, and the changing landscapes and wildlife mile after mile. Enjoy!