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Emiel de Lange
NL
Visited:
October 2011
Reviewed: Aug 26, 2012
Email Emiel de Lange | under20 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
A Harsh Paradise
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.
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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.
Ancient Deserts and Burning Mountains
The wildlife is fascinating too. Beetles that do a headstand to catch droplets of water condensing on their backs, snakes that dance across the sand dunes, mysterious elephants that wander through the desert, stately giraffes doing yoga in order to get a drink of water and elegant oryx, marching across the plains are just some of the animals that Namibia has to offer. The birdlife, particularly in the north, is gorgeous too.
Long dusty roads and a blazing sun burning out of the clearest blue sky imaginable give your soul space to roam. And it's
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all kept together by the smiling faces of friendly Namibians.Namibia is a unique destination that has so much to offer!
Auriol Langen
The grand tour of Namibia
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
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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.
Jan Travelingcrow
NL
Visited:
May 2008
Reviewed: Aug 27, 2011
Email Jan Travelingcrow | 50-65 years of age
The Sound of Silence of Amazing Namibia
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felt unsafe or not being welcome. We traveled in May-June which is just outside the high season. Advantage is that it is not crowded, not even in the main touristic areas. Disadvantage is that the wildlife is more shattered and more difficult to spot as water is still available and the grasses are rather high. But we saw more than enough to balance the scales. Where to go? Make your choice, it is beautiful everywhere. My personal highlight: sitting between two cheetahs on the grass and stroking their necks, while they were licking my bare legs. Advice is, do not travel more than 300 km per day and try to plan a longer stay at highlights as Etosha, Namib Rand and Namib Naukluft Park. A warning: Africa get under your skin! You will always want to come back.
Maria
DE
Visited:
December 2024
Reviewed: Dec 25, 2024
Email Maria | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We had a wonderful time in Namibia.
The organization, handling and support of our vacation by Nature Travel Namibia was perfect and left no room for improvement.
Our guide Delano pointed out many special features and animals that we would never have noticed without him and took us to places that we would not have been able to get to without him. His company was incredibly committed and courteous.
The composition of the entire tour, the day trips and the selection of lodges was without exception a fitting and positive surprise.
In our opinion, it was the right decision to do this trip with a personal guide. It gave us plenty of time to enjoy the vacation ourselves, to concentrate on the beauty of nature and we had someone with us who took care of everything else. Great.
Mark
US
Visited:
October 2024
Reviewed: Nov 7, 2024
Email Mark | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Brilliant Contrasts
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at Cape Cross including routinely clubbing thousands of seal pups. I'll end on a brighter note. Our private guide Leonard with People's Tours was exemplary. He showed flexibility and consistent sensitivity to our needs, thorough knowledge of the country and animals, and even an appreciation of my twisted sense of humor. I highly recommend a private tour with him.
Deeksha Rathi
GB
Visited:
December 2022
Reviewed: Dec 21, 2022
Email Deeksha Rathi | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Epic landscape and lovely people
From the time we landed to the time we left, we saw amazing landscapes - it’s really a breathtaking variety of dunes, mountains, desert, canyons, and coast. I’d recommend Namibia highly just for the landscapes.
For wildlife, the drive up to Etosha national park is smooth. There are lots of gravely paths inside and out of Etosha (be ready for the “African massage”), but with a decent vehicle and a good driver, it’s all fine. In Etosha, we spotted lots of birds, rhinos, giraffes, ostrich, zebras and also a pack of lions and hyena from a distance, but really wildlife spotting is a game of time and patience (and this was our safari taster and so we have nothing to compare it with). Our guide Tinashe was excellent though in trying to make sure we see as many different animals in the two days of game driving in Etosha as possible. Also,
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we didn’t go in the peak season.Everywhere we went, the places where we were staying were super comfortable, including the camping bits (it was a mix of lodges and camps) and the people. I’m a vegetarian, but still could find enough options in super markets for me.
There was no sense of the place being over touristy or people hounding tourists. It was more of a sense of appreciation of tourists for their contribution to the economy (of course you have to be a responsible tourist and appreciate that you are in the wild - in pure nature and not a park). So all in all the experience was very enjoyable, refreshing and peaceful.
Andrew Thompson
GB
Visited:
December 2017
Reviewed: Feb 16, 2018
Email Andrew Thompson | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great variety of habitats, and wildlife (both birding and game viewing) which far exceeded my expectations.
Saleha Ullah
GB
Visited:
September 2017
Reviewed: Nov 18, 2017
Email Saleha Ullah | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Namibia is a country with amazing wildlife and so much more. I was surprised at the abundance of wild animals we saw in Etosha, but also saw other wildlife along our journey travelling across the country. The country has so much to offer in addition to its wildlife, including some of the highest sand dunes in the world, traditional tribes and hiking opportunites.
Manami
JP
Visited:
April 2017
Reviewed: Jun 11, 2017
Email Manami | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The safari in Namibia is absolute one of the best choices in Africa!
What I impressed firstly was the special safari truck which is remodelled the 4t truck for camping use. All camping equipment such as tents, cooking equipment, tables & chairs are well packed. Basically the camping life is to look around safari or sightseeing spots by the truck, park camping site, put tents, spend overnight, shut down tents, then move to another location. It was a bit busy, but we could have short rests during driving in the truck, which is one of the advantages to join such a group tour.
As for transportation, Namibia's main roads are mostly asphalt paved (though we passed some rattled roads), it was quite OK even for senior
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people, over 60 years old. Every two hours, we had a short break for washroom. If there are no proper facilities, we sometimes used bush washroom :)During these 10 days, we visited the most of major spots. Namibia, not like other African countries, has varieties of beautiful sceneries such as desert, coast, rocky mountain and bush. Especially I was so impressed by the beauty of Namib desert, its colour and scale. We had also some joyful activities. Quad bike and Camel riding in Namib desert, chatting and playing with Himba tribe children and women.
In the middle of 10 days, we lodged at the hotel for 2 nights, that gave us a break to sleep in bed, time for washing clothes and eating in restaurants as all meals during camping are cooked by the camping staff. It was also good for the camping staff to have a rest to survive the rest of camping days.
Our tour main guide and the assistant were wonderful and friendly. All the time, they gave us the sufficient information and lovely chatting. For me or may all tourists, they are almost representative of Namibian as there was less opportunities to talk with local people during the camping tour. It was also benefit to have interactions with the camping tour mates from different countries, then expand network around the world.