SG
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Can’t get enough of the exquisite beauty
It has the full range of the rustic wild life to the modern world of skyscraper architecture
Food is amazing- was not disappointed
Historically and culturally rich
Warm and friendly people
Working language is English, so it easy for me to get around, both spoken and written
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Such a diverse range of experiences - from scenery to coast, wildlife, culture and hiking.
Namibia is a very large country - we only got a taste of everything in our 8 day visit. But there's a wide range of activities and opportunities - towns, national parks and coast. Sossusvlei was an amazing place - we climbed both Dune 45 and Big Daddy. Note, if you're planning to do this, you need to take extra water with you - Big Daddy is an epic climb, but so worth it, for the views and for the enormously fun descent straight down the side into Deadvlei! This dead valley is stunningly beautiful, although that sounds like a contradiction when you consider it's just dead trees in a mudbaked plain - but, truly, you have to see it to understand what an impact it makes. We stayed at the Namib Desert Lodge - one highlight was the sunset safari, culminating in a cliff top bar being set up for us, complete with wide range of alcohol and big platters of beautifully presented nibbles!
We visited Swakopmund, but didn't have time for any of the sea activities - however, the town itself is well worth a walk around. The architecture is interesting, with the German heritage, and we found a terrific bar - Bar Zonder Naam (the Bar Without a Name) - and also ate at the Blue Grass Restaurant, where the food and atmosphere were equally good. It was just a shame it was foggy and raining, so we didn't get the sea views! We did visit the Crystal Centre - again, well worth it, some stunning displays of a huge range of crystals, all mined in Namibia.
Our final destination was Etosha National Park, where we stayed at the Namutoni Lodge. Such a nice place - a good restaurant, swimming pool, clever design of the accommodation, with palisades around the front and back of each room, so you feel as though you're in a native compound or village. There's also a viewing platform overlooking a watering hole - great for a sunset visit to see the wildlife, while drinking a beer. We went on several safari drives - one memorable moment was when nearly 30 elephants slowly made their way past us, at a watering hole, and lined up in one long row to drink. Lots of zebra, impala, springbok, oryx, wildebeest, kudu, warthogs, some glimpses of leopard and rhino. But, most memorably - lions. Or rather, one lion and his mate, relaxing under a bush.
One small thing to note - most of the public toilets en route require a payment of just 2 or 3 rand. Also at the supermarket and restaurant carparks and petrol stations, it's customary to give 3-5 rand to the parking and fuel attendants. This means you need to change a larger note down to small notes or coins, so you have a kitty.
Obviously, if you have longer to visit, you could see more, or stay longer in one place - we did cover a lot of miles in a short space of time. But it's perfectly do-able to get a really good taste of Namibia in a week, with a night either end to allow for flying in and out of Windhoek.
Overall, we had a really lovely time - Namibia is certainly a great country to visit.
US
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Confident these are the best tour operators out there!
I am so very grateful that I booked my trip with Robert at Tanzania Offroad Trips. I was so nervous, as I was traveling alone to Tanzania and I have medical needs. I have type one diabetes, so needed to keep my insulin cold all day and have fridges in the lodges. Robert was so proactive and got me a cooler with a temperature gauge on it for the van so I always knew my insulin was cold. He also called the lodges in advance to notify about my dietary restrictions. I felt completely safe with him. Beyond that, he was SO kind and flexible. I had many questions and he was able to shift the itinerary for me based on that. We also went with the BEST and nicest driver, Jolis. Well more than a driver (and he is a fantastic driver)- he was a great animal spotter. We even saw a whole family of lions in a tree in Tarangire and had them all to ourselves.
Both Robert and Jolis have the best energy. They are funny, open, patient, and great to be with. We often had all day game drives and I was never bored. I am confident they are the best there is. So many other cars just were listening to the radio to chase animals and get surrounded by other cars. But, they were patient and we would go on our own and relied on instinct and luck- and we saw ALL the animals. Even about 7 serval cats! Another highlight was we were able to witness a Masai tradition on the Ngorogoro crater. It was beautiful, unusual, and moving.
Overall, I believe I had the best possible trip. I felt safe, lucky, and will forever be grateful to Robert and Jolis for the experience.
65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Extremely knowledgeable and friendly . The best operator one could wish to go on safari with
My safari with Aquila Wildlife Adventures was THE most enjoyable and memorable experience I have had in 50 years of pursuing my passion - game viewing in the most iconic locations in Africa .
I would strongly recommend Aquila Wildlife Adventures as the safari operator of choice for anyone planning a safari in East Africa .
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Expertly provided Safari trip from start to finish. Our satisfaction seemed to be paramount.
Leisureway Adventures really did give us the experience of a lifetime.Pricing was competitive, giving more for our money than other well known operators.Tailor made for us, with a vehicle and driver that surpassed what we were hoping for. Left us feeling we were always looked after and sad for it to end.
CO
35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
reliable, kind, knowledge, good vibe, the best experience.
You will not regreate. This guys know what they are doing, and they are very cool people. Everybody is very nice, acomodations, food, transportation, everything according of what they offer. We get surprised for what we get. It was better than expected.
The best guides I’ve ever had in Kenya.
The guide are so informative and friendly. We had kids that were 5 years old as well as 16 years old and everyone was always excited for the safari and guide’s storytelling. We loved staying out all day on safari. Its was such a wonderful experience.
DE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best operator, best experience, best guide in Kenya
All Safaris with Aquilasafaris are perfectly organized by the owner. The Camps are selected carefully, the experiences are more than ever expected. A lot of knowledge and respect for wildlife make these Safaris the best we ever did. Thank you so much!!!
DE
20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An incredibly intelligent and wildlife-loving guide who gives everything for his Passion.
Aquila Safaris is the best Tour Operator you can choose if you want an unforgettable, amazing and wonderful Safari. The Knowledge and Love for Wildlife of this Guide is extraordinary and he gives everything and even more to give you a unique Safari with many unforgettable memories. Thank you Moha! Here’s to many more Safaris! I would never choose another guide! ☺️
35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional !!!
Did the Kunene Camino. Ellen was our guide together with Jaco, George and Steve that did the cooking, set up the camp sites etc. A group of 5 ladies from Franschoek joined us for the hike, lovely people. I must say we all formed a special bond during this time. Being in the Nature, experiencing that part of Namibia was wonderful. Wild Cherry adventures...thank you so much. Definitely going to join you for more caminos!!!
