Our Office
Blue Crane Safaris Namibia
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2010)
- Member Of:
- NTB & TOSCO
- Tour Types:
- Mid-range & luxury tours with set start dates and a fixed itinerary
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $83 to $1,105 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
BG
Email Ilian Shopov | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Two Excellent Consecutive Trips (back to back) in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe!
I took two groups of friends and travellers on two consecutive (back to back) safaris in Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe with Blue Crane Safaris in August-September 2021. The trips were planned for the same period in 2020, but due to covid pandemic we did them this year. The owner of the company Derek went away out of the ordinary work in order to facilitate these very complex, fully customeized and logistically difficult itineraries during very hard for travel times (different entry requirements for the different countries, change of flights by the airlines, organizing PCR tests etc.)
Derek managed to organize everything in a perfect manner, following us from the office in Windhoek every step of the way and facilitating changes that emerged for one reason or another (some of the groups participants required detours while during the trips). He was also working very patiently for year and a half prior to the beginning of the tours - accommodation bookings, changes, extra tours, payments etc. Lots and lots of hard work, which finally paid off - we had fabulous tours during very difficult to travel times - 12 people total for the first trip (Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe) and 8 people total for the second trip (Zimbabwe - Botswana).
These were mixed accommodated and basic camping trips executed in a highly professional manner. We used two great air-conditioned 4X4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs, pulling two trailers with baggage and camping equipment - all in excellent condition.
I would like to mention with great pleasure the two guides that we had (Sedney and Gavin), as well as the helper for the camping nights (Francis). They worked really hard - driving long hours, setting up and breaking camps during camping nights, cooking, bying supplies, spotting wildlife during the game drives in the parks and reserves, arranging extra activities, PCR tests, keeping constant tourch with the head office in Windhoek. Thank you, guys for the wonderful job your hard work and your friendship!
Itineraries:
1-st tour. Windhoek - Sesriem - Walvis Bay (Sandwich Harbour) - Spitzkoppe - Etosha NP - Bwabwata NP - Nkasa Rupara NP in Namibia plus Chobe National Park in Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
2-nd tour. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Chobe National Park - Savuti - Khwai Concession - Moremi Game Reserve - Maun in Botswana (full day Okavango Delta motor boat tour and a scenic flight over the delta while in Maun).
I would strongly recommend Blue Crane Safaris for any type of tour in Namibia and the neighbouring countries without any hesitation and I hope that I will have the privilege to use their services again in the near future.
AT
Email Karin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Taking the time to arrange itinerary, accommodation, and a guide to meet our demands & expectations
We used Blue Crane for our visit in 2016. When we decided one trip to Namibia was not enough, we contacted Derek again; there was no need to 'shop around' as the service was exceptional, and the prices then, as now, provided exceptional value for money. Emails and calls are always promptly responded to, and our suggestions, changes or general questions are quickly answered.
On this visit, we wished to travel north from Windhoek, across the Zambezi/Caprivi region, to Victoria Falls, through the Okavango and back to Windhoek. Derek continued with waitlisting us for our desired accommodation and arranged fly-in and boat-in transport to off-the-track lodges. We had, except where the isolation offered only one hotel standard, exceptional quality lodges and hotels... and the food? Fantastic. Everywhere.
But of course, it was about the culture and wildlife, and here Namibia really shines!
It was a significant advantage to have a private guide the whole trip, hearing the names and behaviours of the wildlife and history, geology, and geography of Namibia from a true local, our guide, Me-Gusto, who also attended to all the logistics around our daily life.
Derek ensured we did not visit 'commercialised' cultural tourist events, choosing by-and-for locations, including the Living Museum of the Ju/'Hoansi-San. Similarly, we stayed (yet again, it is an unforgettable location) at Africat Foundation's accommodation, Okonjima Lodge. In addition to the range of free-ranging animals sighted there, including leopards and cheetahs, we were blessed to see herds of buffalo, elephants, crocodiles and hippopotamuses (my personal highlight) at Serondela Lodge.
Botswana was a new territory completely, and the Okavango did not disappoint. Our stay at Hyena Pan was 5-star, with only some slight irritations with the local guides (Me-Gusto could not escort us on this part of the stay). Leaving Botswana for the dunes and Sossusvlei, a breathtaking balloon trip over the desert (with Namib Sky, who have their own charitable foundation and support local artisans and school children), before leaving Windhoek after a fulfilling 21 days of touring.
As a final note, we had special needs on the trip, and as 'seniors', our pace may be somewhat slower than others may choose to travel. Derek took all this into account and was very patient with the numerous changes to dates, duration of stays, and even the number of passengers: we were ultimately joined by family from Australia, which meant changing the trip to ensure they got to see sights we had experienced before.
Blue Crane Safaris Namibia offers set package tours, and I am sure the same care and attention we received would also be offered to those clients.
Email Joanna S | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unforgettable experience
I just completed the 10 Day camping safari with Blue Crane and had the most amazing adventure.
The organisation was seamless and the itinerary was perfect. My favourite places were Damaraland and beautiful Naukluft Park. I saw everything I wanted (and more) in Etosha. All camping places on this tour were well located and of very good quality.
The guides (Me-Gusto and Tony) were simply the best. They cooked the best food, were super organised, knowledgeable and fun to travel with.
I would recommend Blue Crane and will be using them again.
US
Email Almost Killed by Blue Crane Safaris | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Almost Killed by Blue Crane Safaris
I almost got KILLED by using Blue Crane Safaris Namibia for my tour in August 2024.
On a perfectly sunny day with no wind and no other vehicles near us at all, the driver from Blue Crane Safaris crashed our vehicle while making a right turn going downhill. The vehicle rolled over about 300 feet to the bottom of the rocky cliff. There were no shoulder seat belts in the backseats, so the passengers in the back were thrown out of the car window onto the rocky ground. Among the 5 passengers in the car, 3 got seriously injured and hospitalized (one with a broken Femur, two with broken ribs) and 2 suffered minor injuries. After the accident, Blue Crane Safaris refused to pay any expenses including medical expenses, or lost & damaged items since according to their contract, under no circumstances they are responsible for any death, injuries or losses whatsoever.
Unbelievably reckless and irresponsible –I would recommend you avoid at all cost.
Reply from Blue Crane Safaris Namibia
Posted on Sep 30, 2024We want to reassure you that we have thoroughly addressed the recent incident that occurred during your tour. It is encouraging to know that our safety protocols helped mitigate the severity of the situation.
As always, we took every precaution to safeguard you by strictly adhering to all safety measures.
We welcome any further engagement with you directly to discuss your concerns.
Rest assured; our clients' best interests remain our top priority.
Email Romala Dobie | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fabulous
From beginning to end Derek and his team worked professionally and tailored our trip from beginning to end to accommodate whatever we wanted. They did not try to change our minds but made sensible suggestions that would make our stay in Namibia run smoothly and without hitches. The whole team were pleasant, polite and respectful. They were very patient when I changed my mind a few times and never, ever made me feel I was being a nuisance. The service was excellent, the car they provided was in tip top condition and the itinerary was all printed out in detail. What we really liked was that they gave us maps to find our way around. We love maps. We would definately use Blue Crane again to plan our next trip.
DE
Email Leila & Andreas | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very professional tour operator providing perfectly organised tour with excellent guide
Very professional tour operator from first contact to end of the tour, with excellent and punctual support in the organisation.
The tour itself (11 days with guide) was very well designed, we really enjoyed the perfect organisation, the amazing lodges and the delicious food everywhere we went (also special dietary requirements were taken into account).
We had a very knowledgable guide with whom we felt very safe in the long drives and everywhere we went, and who always provided explanations about the fauna, flora and geology of Namibia. Thanks to him we were able to learn so much about the country and enjoy things we would not have noticed had we travelled alone. We were able to spot all wildlife we had expected to see...and much more beyond that.
With Blue Crane Safaris we had an unforgettable holiday in Namibia and would definitely travel with them again next time in Namibia!
HU
Email Judit | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The best!!
12 perfect days organized by BlueCrane Safaris from Windoek to Victoria Falls.
Everything went smoothly, accommodations nice, lots of animals, the guide Sammy did professional job. We enjoyed every moment of the our.
We highly recommend BlueCrane Safaris.
CH
Email Andrea | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent safari surpassed our expectations
In June 2014, my husband and myself (55 and 56 years old), my mother (80 years) and my daughter (22 years) did the Namibian Experience Safari with Derek Jacobs, owner of Blue Crane Safaris. From the planning phase during which all our questions were answered promptly all through the safari our experience was excellent. Derek organised everything to perfection, chose wonderful lodges and was able to answer all our questions about his country, its history, landscape and animals. He went out of his way to make sure we saw wild animals wherever possible, but we never felt we were in any danger. He was also great company and we shared many nice evenings with interesting discussions and a lot of laughs with him.
Thanks to Blue Crane Safaris and to Derek we have had a great family holiday experience - to be recommended without any reservations!
Email Margaret Mckenna | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Friendly and professional service all the way!
Thanks to Derek and his team at Blue Crane Safaris who planned and organised a perfectly executed itinerary for our first Self-Drive in Namibia. What a beautiful country to experience with changes in the landscape around almost every corner!
Derek was always available to assist or advise, and went over and above our expectations to ensure our safety, comfort and overall enjoyment for a memorable journey.
We will be back for another trip and plan to travel with Blue Crane again!
Email Wendy Dallas-Smith | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Efficient, easy to deal with and well priced.
The planning and communication with regard to the 17 day escorted tour of Namibia I recently took was excellent. Some lodges exceeding expectations. Our driver Marcus was knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. His contribution was a most important factor of the overall success and I would recommend him unreservedly. I was happy with the cost, level of accomodation and activities. The only hiccup I incurred was paying into a Namibian bank account from a UK bank account. UK Banks don’t like this! It was difficult. Not the fault of Blue Crane but something they could look into to help future guests.
Thank you Derek and team for a very memorable holiday. I hope to return and would use your services again.