NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Mudumu National Park by Emiel de Lange
Wildlife is still recovering but you can see some rare species like Sable and Roan. It is largely dry and rather boring away from the river but truly vast and wild.
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Zambezi Region by Emiel de Lange
A rough imperfect area, densely populated. The parks are still recovering but there is plenty of wildlife already. The rivers and wetlands are beautiful and full of birds. The people are fascinating and friendly. Feels truly wild and a perfect place to get into the bush.
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Nkasa Rupara National Park by Emiel de Lange
Truly excellent. Unparalleled remoteness and adventure. Plenty of wildlife and spectacular floodplains. Often unreachable and easy to get stuck!
NL
under20 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Review about Bwabwata National Park by Emiel de Lange
Small, littered with the remains of military installations, but seek out the rivers; lush, full of wildlife and unparalleled birding.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by JerseyMolly
As our driver said: this is the real safari! We were there for the migration, so there were zebra and wildebeest as far as the eye could see. Tough to get to, but well worth the trip.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A truly unforgettable experience
I never imagined it was possible to get so close to wild animals! Elephants were crossing the road right in front of our vehicle, a leopard was enjoying a meal of an impala under an acacia tree, a cheetah was taking a siesta in the bush right by the side of the road and a lioness was taking her three young cubs for an afternoon stroll. There were reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, dik dik, oryx, and lots and lots of birds! Our guide knew all about these animals, and also knew just where to find them. We stayed at the Samburu Game Lodge, which was very charming, if a bit run down. The food was mediocre, but there were several vegetarian selections, so no one went hungry. Samburu is hot, so bring light clothing, sunscreen and bug spray, and prepare to be amazed!
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
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 Tarangire National Park by a_hedrick
We saw lions, leopards, water buffalo, elephants and zebra within 10 meters of our windows at Tarangire. We saw more birds and other wildlife up close and bigger variety at Tarangire in October and November in two consecutive years than the Masai Mara or Ngorongoro Crater. Make sure you check the wildlife migration patterns before you go to any national park to make sure you are booking the right season. We saw lions stalking kudu and other tourists we spoke with saw lions kill zebras. We saw loots of abay elephants up close.
Review about Tanzania by a_hedrick
The BEST part of Tanzania are the people. Do not forget them. Make sure you give a gratuity.