38 independent reviews for Namibia small group guided holiday and safari
Reviews for Namibia small group guided holiday and safari
Janis Kaas review 7 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Watching a herd of elephants with a newborn in their midst.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures, as early mornings especially can be chilly. An inflatable seat cushion makes the long drives on « unsealed» roads more comfortable.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, absolutely. All the lodges in this tour had water conservation measures in place and their construction was of locally sourced or recycled material. The staff were native Namibians.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Outstanding - 10/10.Jane Horst review 24 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Amazing animal sightings en route and particularly in Damaraland and Etosha. Incredible changing scenery.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for long journeys on bumpy roads. Keep your binoculars and camera handy at all times. Try to keep some small notes/coins for restroom stops.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Each lodge had information about their conservation efforts. Water saving measures were encouraged. The lodges were well staffed.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10. We had a fantastic time.Sandy Denton review 13 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Ongava: Watching a variety of wildlife upclose in the resort drinking from Ongava's swimming pool and resort's manmade watering hole.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Fly to destinations if their budgets allow. The distances and corrugated roads are long and jarring. Arrange for planned activities during lengthy downtime at Camp Doros and Sossus. Clarify tipping protocols. Apparently we were the only ones who tipped each and every staff member per day per guest. Everyone else tipped only USD $5/day/guest eg, 600 NAD for 2 guests over 3 days vs 3000 NAD for 6 staff, over 3 days from the 2 of us.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
LOL, our overtipping benefited the locals! The drip shower at Sossus was unexpected given its similar arrangement at Doros which had a proper shower.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great guides, memorable trip. Very pricey...7.5 out of 10Karin Guttorm review 29 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Dunes2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a lot of driving3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It is a good way to get an overview of NamibiaLinda Hill review 1 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything, just an amazing place Namibia2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for an exciting long journey3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly tried4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Just magnificentJohn Nightingale review 4 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to say, it was all very exciting. Have to mention sightings of lion, cheetah, leopard, spotted and brown hyenas as well as porcupine and pangolin. Then of cause there were the desert adapted elephants and an array of antelope. But you can ‘t neglect the scenery and the desert not the the people and their culture. Truly a holiday to remember.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It’s colder than you might expect. I suspect the Atlantic coast is always liable to be cold, but inland on a couple of days there was a very cold wind. Weird having super bright sunshine but still feeling shivery. I would recommend something like a warm puffer jacket. Definitely needed something more than a light fleece.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It was clear that the Safari company was pumping lots of money into the community through their hotels. They also seemed to be doing lots to support conservation. Namibia is a wonderful country, but it’s land and it’s ecology is under a lot of pressure. I think eco tourism as supplied by the Safari company is going to be very important.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Simply great! Can’t praise the organisers enough. This holiday was originally booked for 2020 and was first postponed for COVID And then for a family medical emergency. The company supported us all the way through. They were great and the holiday they delivered was brilliant.Colin Jones review 24 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Climbing the sand dunes of Sous in the mist, before the sun rose. The views and colours were even better than the pictures!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Feel safe - everyone is incredibly friendly. Wifi is now readily available in most places - don't worry about being out of touch.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, a significant number of people are engaged in the hospitality industry. Tourism is still growing in Namibia and there is a recognition that conservation benefits everyone.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A trip of a lifetime, when everything exceeded expectations. Namibia is a hidden gem!Nicola Gregory review 1 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Looking up at the night sky at the stars out in the desert where there is zero light pollution.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We took water bottles as instructed but didn't need them as we were provided with them by Ultimate Safaris3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
As tourist the local people benefited from our trip. We donated to the Africat research centre.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The best country we have visited in Africa so far. The people were all so friendly and couldn't do enough for us. The lodges and hotels were amazing and our guide Wilson was really brilliant and really looked after us. He even found a cobbler for me after my boots fell apart from walking in the hot sand and rocks. He also arranged one night for Mark and I to have a private dinner table under the stars next to the fire pit at Camp Kipwe which was superb.John Gordon review 27 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Tracking desert adapted elephants in Damaraland.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Kayaking is warmer than the catamaran trip.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It felt that it was all helping to support local enterprise. Compared to other African trips, it felt that the environmental impact was low, although swimming pools in the desert felt a bit wrong. We could also see how some of what we paid was being used to help conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A fascinating insight into a wonderful country and people.Philip Laybourne review 9 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Quality and benefits from having a local tour guide ‘on the ground’ meant we could entirely trust in him and his suggestions.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take advantage of every activity. Prepare for long periods in a 4x4 - ie core fitness.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. Very impressed with programme of works and restoration/conservation programme.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 Star - truly memorable. Quality of accommodation and food was exemplary.Anna-lisa Ainsworth review 28 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Having Deadvlei to ourselves as the sun set. Kayaking with 100s of baby fur seals. Doing a walking approach with white rhinos and seeing a leopard in a tree in Etosha.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some warm clothes for evenings. Bit dusty so white clothes/shoes best avoided. Take pocket sized bird/mammal guides to tick off all the wildlife you’ll see.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes locals worked in all the lodges and restaurants. Water bottles provided and filtered water in thermos in rooms. Toiletries in glass and refilled. Shower water collected for watering plants. Visit to Africat supports predator/human conflict initiatives. Opportunity to donate to pack for conservation charity.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Exceptional! Can’t recommend it highly enough. Everyone we met was friendly, customer service is second to non everywhere. Amazing accommodation, guides and experiences. Next level!Yevgeniy Skaradinski review 22 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The landscape. The game.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider having different guides at each location.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic.Jonathan Richenberg review 11 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many memorable moments but it was so amazing after a very gruelling drive to Damaraland and up to Sorris Sorris Lodge where there wasn’t a road, when we were greeted with such genuine warmth to such a stunning location. The landscape was otherworldly and the sunsets and sunrise were so beautiful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take warmer clothes for the morning- a puffa jacket.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It varied. I guess local people have jobs in hospitality and tourism which helps local economies. Some lodges were far more environmentally conscious than others. We were surprised at some places when we had to buy a plastic bottle in order to get water. Some lodges requested water saving whilst others seemed to think that we were paying for luxury so we didn’t need to think about saving water.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous.Jeanie Money review 8 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All good, impossible to pick a highlight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack for hot & cold weather in June/July!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.Angela Smith review 29 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The country, the scenery, the light, the wildlife, the excellent guiding, fantastic lodges caring about the environment, the food and the people. All amazing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack enough clothes to last a few days in your hand luggage as our luggage was lost for three days.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely all these things and in many ways the ground agents are fantastic, can thoroughly recommend them. Their guides are first class! The lodges are eco lodges and sustainable and comfortable responsible tourism at its best.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful, one of our most memorable trips to Africa. Would definitely recommend Namibia. Diverse scenery from coast to desert in Etosha NP, wonderful game drives. Diverse wildlife, lovely people.Leigh Bolton review 21 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Memorable ............... open air showers. LOL.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Always take a torch and be prepared for some wild vehicle bouncing (not good for bad backs)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benfitted local people - unclear Reduced environmental impacts - unlikely with air flights and vehicle travel Supported conservation - also unclear4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
As anticipated - very good. A couple of minor issues outside control of the operatorRead the operator's response here:
Thank you for this .. but not 100% sure what to reply with.
Very often clients have no clue that lodges support local communities – and the supply chains that happen behind the scenes, but it seems churlish to point it out.
And as discussed at the RT day in November, flying to these places is a necessary evil – really to be able to support communities that depend on our business.
What do you suggest?
Louise Race review 1 Dec 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Impossible to reduce to one. Seeing a pangolin snuffling for grubs, primeval in its beauty; feeling the roar of a lion vibrating my bones with its power; the brutal wilderness of the kalahari itself.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I am so happy we booked this through this operator, who soaked up the hassle and straightened our path when Boris Johnson ruined our holiday of a lifetime. Also provided lots of small touches that added to the experience. I am so glad I found them through Responsible Travel and they’re my go-to for Africa.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Totally. Tswalu provides jobs, is doing major pangolin - and other- important research. It must be the first and maybe the biggest rewilding project in the world.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Patched my wounded soul and set it soaring.David McLachlan review 25 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Desert elephants in dry river bed2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
None3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very highlyRashila Kerai review 19 Apr 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Judith Nudd review 7 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Possibly the Dunes, we visited twice, early morning and evening and the colours were amazing. A rare spotting of two honey badgers in Etosha, one actually digging up a small animal out of the ground was a highlight.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for very early, very cold starts, travelling in a not too comfortable vehicle over gravel roads. We were a group of six, all apart from one in our 70's , none of us had problems but I would say a good level of fitness is required, although you spend much of your time sitting in the vehicle the days were long and tiring.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday company was Namibian run with all employees being Namibian, the company supports Africat.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. A better vehicle and shorter journeys would make the holiday 5*Andrew Johnson review 26 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We enjoyed all aspects of the trip; seeing so much wildlife in Etosha and the Africat visit were probably the main highlights, but seeing so much beautiful wild scenery, the stay on the coast and climbing the dunes at Sossusvlei & descending into Deadvlei were not far behind. What was also very special that day was to see the sunrise, the sunset and then full-moon rise over the desert when out on our 'sundowner'.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We'd certainly recommend the trip and Namibia as a country to visit. The group - all 7 of us in our 60s - agreed that it was probably a trip best done before the age of 70 as there are some long days travelling on mainly gravel roads which necessitate early starts and late finishes. We were particularly pleased with our decision to stay the extra night at Okonjima (Africat) - a perfect way to relax at the end of the trip along with the excitement of tracking and finding a leopard and cheetah, approaching the latter on foot at a distance of no more than a few metres.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local tour operator is a Namibian company employing 70 people and all the accommodation was sensitively developed employing local people. Tourism is the second largest industry in a country with 40% unemployment so we would like to think that our visit was beneficial.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
All the accommodation was first class with very good food. It would be unfair to single out any particular place as they all had the own unique character. We really appreciated the attention to detail that went into the trip by all parties involved. The trip certainly lived up to and in some ways exceeded our expectations. Everything ran smoothly with very few hitches.Joyce Meikle review 9 Sep 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Each destination was different and all great but my highlight was the animals in etosha Africa’s and damaraland2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is very dusty. Be aware of spending long hours in the car and actually not doing a lot on foot3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to supporting conservation. I felt a little uncomfortable visiting the Himba village but was very interesting4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Had a great timeSandra Schuler review 1 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I felt like we went from highlight to highlight during the ten-day trip, so it is difficult for me to pinpoint just one favourite moment. Taking photos of breath-taking desert scenery in the Namib; tracking and locating desert-adapted elephants in Damaraland; visiting a remotely located Himba village; sighting a sleek cheetah, magnificent lions and huge bull elephants in Etosha National Park; and just simply travelling in the company of an excellent tour guide and my fellow travellers were all highlights. Staying at comfortable, yet environmentally friendly lodges and eating scrumptious meals was also really enjoyable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The following items would help make your trip more enjoyable: • A camera with a good zoom, plenty of memory and a spare battery. • Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a hat to protect against the powerful Namibian sun. • A windbreaker for the cooler climate in Walvis Bay/Swakopmund, especially if you have opted to go on the boat cruise.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The tour company is Namibian owned and employs exclusively local guides and other personnel, so I would think that the holiday benefits Namibian people. The tour company also supports charities, ranging from rural school projects to wildlife conservation. Our driver/guide not only readily shared his wealth of knowledge about the different species of flora and fauna we encountered along the way, but he also consistently kept the welfare of animals we sighted in mind. He never allowed us to view an animal that was stressed by our presence and always gave them the respect they deserved.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a fantastic time in Namibia and returned to work fully refreshed and with plenty of wonderful memories. In fact, I’m hoping to repeat the same trip again, just next time in the dry season for a different perspective.Zuzana Ledderhof review 28 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kayaking with seals2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Nice varied itinerary.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not sure4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 out of 5Ian Chowcat review 5 Dec 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many - climbing the sand dunes, visiting the wildlife at Etosha, meeting the Himba people, getting close to leopards and cheetahs at Africat......2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Namibia is a huge country, sparsely populated, with few tarmac roads. Be prepared for long drives on bumpy gravel roads and some off-road driving. But the rewards are well worth it. We were glad we went for a small group guided trip rather than self-drive - we had an excellent guide who added hugely to the enjoyment of the holiday, plus we were able to watch the sights while being driven by someone used to the roads and the long distances between settlements. And we had a great group of fellow travellers.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our visit to the local Himba people provided income for them as they struggle to maintain their traditional way of life. We stayed at the Africat wild cat sanctuary which specialises in rescuing endangered animals. Overall Namibian people were proud of their country and expressed very positive views about how is developing. They were keen to encourage more tourism as a path to growth and prosperity, with a proper concern for balancing development with conservation of wildlife and habitat.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best we have ever had. We'd highly recommend Namibia, and would also recommend seeing it on a small group guided tour - this added greatly to the enjoyment and our guide was superb in every respect.Catherine Chetwynd review 8 Oct 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our guide Arnold, whose organisational and social skills were outstanding; Dead Vlei, very atmospheric; elephant, rhino, cheetah, lions and two types of zebra - outstanding2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
pack for cool and hot weather, read about it before you go - the history is complex, I recommend the Rough Guide3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, or tour operator uses a local provider, which supports The Windhoek SAS Children's Village and we were asked to bring food, clothing and other necessities for the village.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent except that our first and last night were supposed to be in Galton Lodge, Windhoek, but we were 'upgraded' to the Hilton on our last night which was not as atmospheric, check-in was chaotic, my (female) friend and I were given a "King Twin", which proved to be a room with a large double bed rather than twin beds and there were no twins left, and two of the three lifts were out of commission.Erica Rosengart review 9 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every day of the trip presented exciting and memorable experiences. Highlights included climbing the dunes of Sossusvlei as the sun rose, tracking desert adapted elephants in Damaraland, kayaking with thousands of seals at Pelican Point (Walvis Bay), and the fantastic wildlife viewings in Etosha.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be ready for early starts and long days - but it's worth it!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - there was great sensitivity in our interactions with local people, including the Himba people we visited. I also appreciated learning about the various conservation efforts via our visit to the AfriCat Foundation and our experience with the Torra Conservancy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Outstanding! This was a wonderful holiday with a fantastic and well-organised tour company, top-notch accommodations, and an expert, friendly and helpful guide. Additionally, as a solo traveler the small size of the group (7 people plus guide) was ideal for me. Highly recommended!Glennis Ballard review 10 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was brilliant. One of my most memorable experiences was tracking and finding the desert elephants, a small herd of females and young in the early morning. plus coming across two white rhino peacefully grazing in the afternoon sunshine with thunder and lighting flashing around in the hills behind them - magical. Finding and watching lions, one male and four females laying in wait for a herd a zebra sadly ending in failure for the lions.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would have liked to have taken more for the children, sweets, pens and clothes etc...3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The visit to the Himba tribe. What lovely friendly people. The camps and lodges fitted well into their local environment. Superb.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant. Brilliant. 1st class all the way. I love southern Africa and this was my 5th trip in the last nine years this was the best trip so far. Thank you Simon and Marie for your help and advice. I look forward to traveling with you again in the future. Also ultimate safaris Tarry our guide in Namibia for helping to make this the best holiday ever. Many thanks to you all.Paul Watling review 17 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Damaraland and literally being 'amongst' a memory of female elephants and babies. The baby literally played with the antenna on the front of the vehicle. Extraordinary. The dunes at Sossusvlei are quite remarkable. We were within 30m of a black rhino in Etosha. We were also treated to a 'kill' in front of Treetops Lodge - an Oryx taken down by hyenas. The accommodation is generally exceptional, the food is fantastic. The guiding is quite outstanding.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a car-borne trip. You need binoculars, a good zoom on your camera and a bit of patience. Cautionary notes: Not for young people. Opportunities for exercise are few and far between. We were the youngest at 55 and have felt the need to stretch our legs since returning to the UK. Effectively you spend two weeks on your butt. Spotting wildlife in Namibia is not easy - springbok, oryx, giraffe, etc, yes - but the 'big 5' are rather harder to see. The distances between locations are long, mainly on dirt roads. The organisers underestimate the time required to cover those distances - although note that you are stopping occasionally for photo opportunities, wildlife, etc. But our non-UK (and slightly more mature) companions were occasionally disconcerted by the speed on dirt roads. It is a challenge for the guide who is also your driver. Just to emphasise, our guide was terrific - the standard of driving over all terrains was exceptional. There was no point where I felt unsafe, although I can't speak for everybody.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Generally, yes. Namibian people are welcoming and friendly. Clearly tourism is a major part of the country's growing economy and therefore your presence is beneficial. We made a trip to a Himba (local tribe) village. While interesting, these jaunts are a little formulaic and arguably a bit tacky. They get out their curios and everybody buys something. But this is an arduous 45 minute each way drive over terrain that tests the vehicle and your butt. If I could have my time again, I'd make a substantial donation to miss it, noting that the Himba are present at other locations and there is ample opportunity to understand their lifestyle there without seeing their village. Namibia is totally conservation-conscious - you cannot 'off-road' in Etosha, the main park - which can be frustrating, but totally right. Therefore, the wildlife that you see, you see from the dirt roads that criss-cross the park. From our experience, you see plenty, but you are relying on cheetahs and leopards to come close to the roads - they're hard to see. Namibia is a vast country and we covered great distances at significant speed - there's no other way to do it. Not sure that's particularly conservation-friendly, but you are regularly 'the only vehicle on the road', so it's not as though the carbon footprint is unacceptable. However, that may not be the case in 10 years as Namibia grows in popularity.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fantastic. Should be 5 stars. However, the Namibian organiser fell short on the vehicle - and bearing in mind the length of time you sit in it, this was a faux pas. The fridge never worked, the air conditioning broke down after 7 days and the fan belt slipped off - probably owing to the securing bolts working loose, perhaps due to the rigours of the trip to the Himba. It cost us time, but not too much. It added pressure to the guide / driver, who is also your mechanic! These things happen but, arguably, this should be routine maintenance (before the vehicle leaves Windhoek) - and this trip is not 'cheap'. All that said, while this was our first African adventure, our travelling companions all had safari experience - in Botswana, South Africa, Madagascar, Malawi, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania - and, to a man, they all thought this was the best - in terms of 'exclusivity' - around the animals (not so many other vehicles), accommodation and food (what's included in the package).Sally Britton review 14 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the fabulous landscapes of Namibia and being in private camps, miles from any one else with endless desert and skies all around us2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for long days and early starts - well worth it!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, camps were run by local communities, were very sensitive to environmental issues and we saw examples of how they lived and worked alongside wildlife.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant!Sheila Mitchell review 29 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many highlights in this diverse holiday, but for us our 1st sighting of a leopard was breathtaking. Being up the dunes at daybreak. The wonderful Camp Kipwe & the stunning Aricat centre. The wonderful singing of the children at the school2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Heed the warning of taking warm clothes & long trousers as it is quite cool early morning & evening.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Our visit to a local school was so touching. The children so friendly & happy just wanting to be around us & when we through balls into the yard the pure joy was immeasurable on their faces.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely fabulous. Can't find any fault, the sights where stunning, the accommodation mostly luxurious, the guides great & knowledgeable & the Africat centre is not to be missed 2 nights was not enoughMarita Vihervaara review 15 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Namibia is such a diverse country that it's difficult to choose the most exciting part. Sossusvlei and the red dunes were truly amazing. But so was Etosha park but for different reasons. Damaraland as well for it's beautiful prairie landscape ... Africat centre was a perfect end to our trip.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go and enjoy! You are well taken care of. You have to wake up early and distances are Wide so there is often lot of sitting in the car but it's all worth it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I'd like to think so. Tourism gives work for local people and safari organiser cooperates with himbas as well as with local orphanage. We donated for example vitamine b and some stationary to the orphanage. We were also given steel bottles which were also then refilled to reduce plastic waste. Small thing but big effect.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best holidays ever. Truly enjoyed trip and already planning to revisit Namibia and neighbouring countries sometime in the future.George Gay review 26 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The game drives through Etoshi were the most memorable. To be so close to these marvellous creatures is very special2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take good binoculars3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Insufficient emphasis was placed on either local benefits or the environment memorable4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Gwen Langdon review 17 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I was lucky enough to see a desert adapted elephant up close. We found the same herd of elephants on each of the three days we stayed at Damaraland Adventure Camp, Our first day in camp, our guide was following the chatter on the radio and heard the location of the elephants from another driver. We arrived in time to find them to find them feeding and a baby elephant having a nap (she made an appearance later ... following her mother around). I was photographing the elephants when one of the females decided to have a closer look at us. She walked up to the truck, stopped right beside us ( I could have reached out and touched her ... I didn't), The elephant looked directly at me, looked at the woman standing beside me and wandered off to continue feeding from another tree, Over the next three days I saw elephants walk around our vehicle and other trucks in the area, basically treating us as part of the landscape. What an amazing experience to be so close to such gentle giants.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a decent camera, with a spare battery so you don't need to worry about charging it. Take a headlamp as well as regular flashlight (torch). Headlamps keep your hands free to carry gear. Take lightweight clothing that's easy to wash and drys quickly Allow yourself a day of shopping in Windhoek after the trip if you are interested in crafts. jewellry or gemstones3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we visited local initiatives like the Living Museum and local businesses/craft centres. Our guide and the camp staff politely made us aware of water conservation and environmental impact. We didn't 'stalk' animals to get photos. We 'sat still' and the animals could come to us if they chose to. We also had some informative discussions about animal behaviour. The camps were environmentally low impact ... use of solar power, minimizing water use4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, I'd recommend this trip to friends, especially photographers. I loved the small size of our group, only 6 people. The vehicle was clean and well maintained. The food at Kulala and Damaraland Adventure camps was excellentVirginia Pope review 4 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Witnessing the enormous dunes at sossuvleti and the ever changing landscapes on the journey plus the exceptional lodges.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for long dusty journeys3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The fact we spent almost 2 weeks in Namibia spending money must have benefitted the local people. I cannot think we reduced the environmental impact ...our very presence driving everywhere in a 4x4 kicking up dust and emitting exhaust fumes and using their precious water must have a negative effect. I guess the fact we were there to enjoy the wild life must encourage conservation but I do not believe we have any sway with farmers killing big cats at all.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our tour guide Nestor was exceptional and really contributed to a unique experience. Overall I would say Namibia was the least exciting country in terms of wildlife we have ever experienced in Southern Africa (having visited 7 previously).Janina Tomsett review 17 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The animals have to be the highlight of Namibia. However we loved the red dunes in the Namib Naukluft Nat Park. The landscape in that area is awesome. A visit to a school and the Himba people was very interesting, and we really enjoyed the boat cruise from Walvis Bay, where we saw fur seals and Haviside's dolphin. The very tame, but wild Pelicans were very entertaining on board. The accommodation was very good.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take South African Rands, as Namibian currency not necessary. You cannot rely on ATM' s, as they run out of money! Credit cards are ok. Laundry can be done at most lodges, so it is possible to travel light.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, as we all bought items from the Himba people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable, & very well organised. A wonderful country to visit.John Hird review 6 Jan 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Great holiday. The agents in Namibia were extremely good. Their documentation, the vehicle provided and the first class guide helped make this a holiday to remember. Its a beautiful country with lots of animals and unusual countryside such as the Namib Desert. The Lodge accomodation was first class at every location.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Having a good organisation when you get to Namibia is essential highly recommend the local operator used. The areas of interest are miles apart over terrible roads, you need to be ready to endure hours of very rough roads.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The people are great and we supported local organisations where ever we could. Having travelled through other African countries Namibia seems to be handling the relationship between all races much better tahn many other countries.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.LINDA BLACKETT review 25 Nov 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery in different parts of Namibia is very dramatic and beautiful, especially Sossusvlei and Damaraland. The lodges are well situated with no fences round the camps so you can just watch the wildlife from your room. We saw a male lion at the water hole just 20 yards away from our porch and while in a night hide saw two rhinos fighting and they were only about 5 yards away. It was also very special going out for the sundowners with our guide singing and playing the guitar while the sun went down - we have come back with some lovely memories2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that the days are very long (the longest was from 5.30am, spent all day at Etosha National Park, had dinner, went to a night hide and got back to the lodge at midnight). There is a lot of travelling on very uneven, rocky roads. The weather was extremely hot and the vehicle not air-conditioned, which made all the travelling very tiring. I dont think this holiday would be suitable for anyone over about 70 years old3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All the lodges used employed local people and were all trying hard to reduce environmental impacts. All the people concerned supported conservation4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a brilliant holiday. The guide was great, very knowledgable, very professional and his enthusiasm and love for his country shone through everything he did. He made our time in Namibia very special. All the lodges used were comfortable and clean and the food great and the people there friendly and helpful.Holiday Reviews
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