The grand tour of Namibia
The tour Nature Travel Namibia put together for us was undoubtedly one of the best touring holidays we have ever had, helped no end by the fact that I wasnt doing any driving!
Namibia is a fascinating country of so many contrasts, and stunning scenery. Having lived in South Africa for many years, and understanding weather and drought conditions, it was wonderful to see the country looking so green and lush, and even a river or two with water in them! We also understood why there was so remarkably little game to be seen in the Etosha. (A first time visitor wanting to see game would have been very disappointed) But we also knew when we booked it was not the prime time of year to be coming. I was not convinced about doing the 'Living Desert Tour' but it was the most fascinating and informative morning!
Jakes was in all respects a marvellous guide, safe driver, and so attentive and considerate of all our needs before we even realised we had any. He is passionate about the country, and with his farming background, so knowledgeable and interested in all aspects of ecology, flora and fauna. He is a very interesting dinner conversationalist; we tend to have an insatiable curiosity about countries we visit, not just what we are looking at, but also about the people and their thoughts, politics and attitudes and history.
He is also obviously a very popular guide and visitor to all the lodges we stayed in, Always a great welcome on our arrival, all the staff know him and would go out of their way to do anything for him and for us.
The Belvedere was in all respects far more comfortable than the Hilton, and as we joined up with another guest, we had a most amusing evening at the 'Stellenbosch Wine Bar and Restaurant'
All the other hotels and lodges were excellent, rooms comfortable, food good and all situated in amazing environments.
Email DSNam | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
For the nature lover there isn't many other destinations that provide it all - wildlife, birding, scenic beauty and the bush experience. A vast country with arid landscape of the Namib, forested areas in the northeast and the unique bush experience of the Kalahari.
Email ronmcbride66 | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The country is vast and sparsely populated. It is SAFE. The road system is good. The country has an amazing diversity with vast sand dunes, coastal experiences along the Skeleton Coast, beautiful mountains and Etosha. Accommodation ranges from camping, guest farms and lodges, some of which are really top-of-the-range: one at Doro Nawas, may have 7 light aircraft on its airstrip. Trips thus can be self-drive or fly-in ... or a personal guide can drive visitors around. The experience is breath-taking. The urban centres of Windhoek and Swakopmund are interesting with a pleasant ambience.
Email Ben | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Namibia - 3 Day Desert Safari
We did the 3 day desert Safari. Had a fantastic time - this is certainly an experience not to miss. The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. The food was good. As someone who hates camping, I found this part of the trip tolerable. Shower block was clean.
Email mymaroundtheworld | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Namibia was incredible, the nature is nothing short of spectacular. We loved Etosha National Park and, quite a bit farther south, Walvis Bay, but there's so much more to see. The infrastructure in general is great for Africa, so if this is your first time on the continent, this is a great place to start.
Email darthdracir | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Savana, wildlife, desert, red dunes, everything on the same trip. Safe country, even though someone tried to "help" me at an ATM in the capital, you'll be just fine if you follow the basic rules. On a second visit I'd have no problem on self-driving around either. Competitive prices comparing to other African destinations.
Email Jill Scoby | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An incredible wild, rugged country. It felt like it was not particularly well known to American, European or Asian tourists (except Germans!), so each of our experiences was blessed by a lack of crowds, groups, tour buses, etc. The country is huge, so three weeks seemed like almost too short of a time to see all that we had on our itinerary -- I would LOVE to return and spend more time at each one of the places we visited. I will say that Etosha National Park and the San Bushman immersion experience at Fiume Bush Camp were truly the pinnacle of a trip that had nothing but highlights!
Email Faivre Jean-François | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Namibia is a wonderful country
Many many animals, always sun, beautiful lodges, hearty and delicious meals............... A memorable trip !
Email Anant | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Etosha National Park is fantastic - we spent 13 hours driving ourselves through the park from sunrise to sundown, saw all kinds of amazing animals, at a total price of roughly $10 US.
Email paulafrenchp | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wildlife is prolific in the dry season, but not so good for birders. I would recommend Namibia as a destination and it is a safe place to visit - driving there is very good and the roads (mainly) are in excellent condition