BE
20-35 years of age
IT
20-35 years of age
Review about Okavango Delta by Monty1978
My preferred: due to the river, no big wildlife, but a real possibility to walk in the bush (fantastic way to get the feel of Africa) and go with the boats to see many hippo, crocodiles and fantasmagoric birds.
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Harsh Paradise
I have visited Namibia multiple times, most recently for a duration of 4 months. I am certain to return. Its many sensations and moods often return to my thoughts accompanied by a certain happy nostalgia. Namibia is an impressive country, raw and wild; it rewards further exploration but is also immediately beautiful. If you are anything like me, you may find yourself with a new look on life, certainly if this is your first visit to Africa.
Certainly if this is your visit to Africa, there is no better destination. In Namibia you have vast wildlife, fascinating culture, beautiful landscapes; from lush wetlands to parched deserts, and unlimited adventure. Importantly it is very safe, crime is low and the politics are stable, the infrastructure is remarkably good and everything is well run. Tourism is well established in most areas and is a vital part of the economy, but at the same time it is geared towards low volume-high revenue, meaning you are unlikely to see crowds.
Most visitors to Namibia follow the same circular route, clockwise or anti-clockwise. This route typically takes two to three weeks and covers a lot of the incredible must-see sights and areas and can be done in a rented 2WD drive car. I can not emphasise enough how beautiful and varied this country is; there is far too much to cover in three weeks, but this standard route is perfect in that it pays sufficient attention to the highlights and still allows a great sense of adventure though Im sure one would always wish it had been longer.
To summarise, the main places visited on this circuit:
The Namib desert, which is a unique ecosystem of endless shifting sand dunes and mountains. There is plenty opportunity for walking and to drive along the long gravel roads is awesome. One of the most astonishing natural features on earth is the Sossusvlei and the Deadvlei. The former is a green oasis among the dunes, and nearby the latter is a photographers dream: a clay pan dotted with dead trees.
Swakopmund, a quaint germanic seaside town surrounded by sandy flats. A tourist hub from where it is possible to go on many excursions to interesting birding sites, seal colonies or adventuring in the desert.
Damaraland, a beautifully arid region dotted with rocky hills and villages. It is possible to track down here the famous desert-adapted elephants and there is a large population of free-roaming black rhino. Amidst the other wildlife and still subsisting are the Damara people who graze their cattle. Twyfelfontein is Namibia's only world heritage site (so far), an ancient rock art site.
Etosha, the most famous national park offering the 'classic' safari experience in a rather unique setting. It is dominated by a vast clay pan, the southern edge of which is scattered with waterholes. Particularly in the dry season you will see vast herds of animals waiting to drink as predators such as Lions block their paths. Ive seen incredible amounts of lions here and Rhinos are almost guaranteed at the Okaukuejo waterhole.
A lot of people also visit a reserve called Okonjima. This is the home of the Africat foundation which works to conserve Cheetahs and Leopards. You will almost certainly see these two cats if not truly 'wild'. Ive recently decided no longer to recommend this place due to various ethical issues I became aware of during a volunteering stint.
There are countless other things to see and visit, but I will also summarise here the kost significant regions:
Kaokoland, a large desert area inhabited by the nomadic Himba people. Incredibly remote and rugged, wild, it shouldnt be attempted by unexperienced 4x4ers and certainly not solo. Expect to find vast sandy valleys lightly grassed and not another soul for miles.
Caprivi, a small region crossed by many rivers and characterised by swamps and forests. It is densely populated by a variety of peoples living in a largely traditional manner, but still wild and untamed and there is a large population of Elephants.
Kalahari, a vast semi-desert with sparse but interesting wildlife. Large portions are monotonous and uninteresting but some areas are fascinating. The Khaudum park has much wildlife and is remote and bushmen in the area can demonstrate their skills and way of life.
Fish River Canyon, the world's second largest canyon. Breathtaking and challenging hiking.
Finally, a very small place which I feel deserves more attention is the Mundulea reserve. This is a reserve being restored to its natural potential, and effectively conserves a great deal of endangered species. Visitors here will be received exclusively and be given fascinating lessons about the local nature.
It is easily possible to reach the vast majority of these places in a normal car, and once there tourists of all kinds are catered for. One can have great luxury with expert guides and astonishing views from your room, or one can experience the wild rhythms first hand while camping - of course intermediates are also possible.
Namibia is a truly beautiful country with great variety of things to see and do. It is easy to travel here and there are many options available for accommodation. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.
US
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
great day trip to the Lesedi Cultural center and Elephant Sanctuary
Michele was very responsive to my emails when helping to book a few day trips before our arrival to South Africa. Ben was a great guide and host for our day trip to the Lesedi Cultural center. The Elephant Sanctuary was fantastic. Themba Day Tours and Safaris did a wonderful job of picking us up at our hotel and taking my wife and I on two great day trips.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Kenya by JerseyMolly
This trip was a dream come true, I would love to come back to Kenya.
Review about Tanzania by a_hedrick
The BEST part of Tanzania are the people. Do not forget them. Make sure you give a gratuity.
IT
20-35 years of age
Review about Central Kalahari Game Reserve by Monty1978
In the middle of the bush, in the middle of the desert. Anybody there, lions tracks beside your room. Unique.
Amazing and unforgettable
Excellent service from the booking to the end of the safari, our guide was very knowledgeable and very kind. Everything was well organised. We definitely come back!
US
The most mind-blowing park we visited--simply amazing!
We spent 10 days at South Luangwa National Park: we could easily spend 50.
The wildlife was incredibly diverse and abundant. We saw over 100 species of birds, including eagle owls; lions every day, including a lion killing a buffalo; 100s of crocodiles; various species of antelopes; zebras, giraffes etc. Moreover, the quality of the guides is superb. Guides must undertake rigorous and lengthy training and testing before taking clients.
This was the last park we visited on our 45 day Southern Africa trip, which included Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, and Moremi Preserve. Of all the parks we visited, this is the one we would most like to revisit.
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A safari with a difference in Tanzania
A safari with a difference is what we experienced with our guide/company owner, Brian Mengoriki of Ecological Wilderness Adventures.
I organised our safari online directly with Brian and his staff and I couldn't speak highly enough of their attention to detail and the prompt and efficient service provided during our dealing over the internet.
Nothing was ever too much for Brian, as we visited numerous reserves and parks in our quest to source wildlife. We saw every animal we had hoped to see along with 100's of birds.
Our time hunting with bushmen, joining a blacksmith along with his numerous wives and children - all added to this unique safari.
The varied accommodation was fantastic allowing us to experience all aspects of a memorable holiday - tree-top lodges, tented camps to luxurious lodges - it was great.
We will always remember our camp in the Serengetti sitting by a huge camp fire at night watching the stars, listening to the wildlife and chatting the hours away.
We couldn't speak highly enough of Brian Mengoriki and his staff at Ecological Wilderness Adventures who contributed to our most memorable & enjoyable African experience.
We can't wait to go back and revisit Tanzania.
Thanks you Brian and Ecological Wilderness Adventures for providing a safari we still talk about and revisit with family & friends.