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Email Betty v.Hoenning | 50-65 years of age
A Diamond Of Beauty and Culture - Land of The Cheetah.This is Namibia!
I went to Namibia after having dreamt about it for years...And I organized my journey by myself, choosing among so many offers...! I decided to split my holiday in two, and I took a month leave from my job. Going to Namibia means trying to dive into the culture and landscape for a while, trying to catch more than a short glimpse into this beautiful land....
That's what I did. I then chose my destination to do something valuable: care for the Cheetah, the most fragile and amazing predator, which is bound to extinction.
I was guided by a Namibian guide for 9 days, crossed rivers, mountains, arrived to Sossusvlei early in the mornig to see a balloon up above the desert...the colours of the Desert left a memory in my heart which I tried to fix on my camera, but you have to see it, to feel it to understand the beauty and measure the greatness of this country. Words cannot described it. After the Rainy Season, Nature is flourishing everywhere, with grass, flowers, colours and animals everywhere.
My experience was completed by a long stay as a volunteer at the Cheetah Conservation Fund. I then discovered how much you can do for the cheetahs to try to stop the extinction of this beautiful animal.
Since then, I work for CCF from Italy, to give my contribution to this Foundation...I try to go to Namibia every year since then. One day, I will perhaps stay in Namibia for a whole six months a year...to know the country better, its people, its problems...This is Namibia!
Betty von Hoenning, Milan, Italy
CCF Ambassador for Italy
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Email Fabrizio Fenoglio | 35-50 years of age
Namibia: self drive tour
Visiting Namibia was a dream for me and my family for a lot of years and when last summer we decided to spend our holiday there we were all excited. I personally take care to plan our tour: my budget and my job allow me to stay unfortunately only for 17 days including transfer from Italy on the second half of August. I decided anyway to have a clockwise round of Namibia and I really recommend travelers to take the tour in this order because landscapes and wildlife became day after day more interesting.
Our was a self-driving tour: I booked on-line flights and we asked a local tour operator to rent a 4x4 pick-up and to book all lodges. We had no guide with us. Strong car is recommended because during our 7000km about 5000km were on unmade roads and there is always the risk to have a puncture on the way.
All lodges are very similar to each other in the services provided: breakfast, dinner and some excursions. The people of the lodge are usually very kind and are pleased to help you: one day we had a serious problem with our car that had an hole in the secondary fuel tank. We asked the car rental company to change the car and the lodge staff took care of everything!
Normally in the lodge the food is mainly based on meat of Oryx or Springbok and we really appreciate it.
In august the weather seems to be quite nice but with no clouds on the sky (a pity from the photography point of view): the temperature are affordable everywhere (the max temperature of 31° C was of course in Soussvlei/Deadvlei).
The east side of Nambia, from Windhoek to Fishriver, is not very interesting (with the exception of the Kokerboom forest and the Giant Playgrond): no animal or great landscape are facing you.
The thing will change in the south and west part of Namibia, where scenery and landscapes are the main subject (you can spot some wild horses, oryxes or springboks anyway): the Fishriver Canyon and the ghost town of Kolmanskop really require a visit.
After leaving Aus take the scenery route D707 instead of the main national road: you will face many great landscapes that are very different one to each other for colors and wildlife. Really recommended.
Then there are the awesome red dunes of Soussvlei and the Deadvlei: you have to be there early in the morning in order to enter when the gates open to see the dunes when the sun rise up providing an amazing orange color.
From Soussvlei to Swakopmund I really suggest to drive through the Moon Landscape, hopefully during the sunset: I never saw an incredible place like this one. The name is self explanatory. If you go there take some time to see the old plant Welwitschia Mirabilis.
In Swakopmund or in Walvis Bay there are a lot of activity to do: from boat trip to see seals or sea birds, runs with buggy on the dunes or flight trips (really recommended: Namibia from the above is dramatically different and amazing).
If you rest in the Twyfelfontein Lodge, take the chance to see the Himba village that is far one hour from the lodge (you cannot go by yourself, but you have to book the excursion at the lodge): here the Himba people are still living in the original way.
I had no time to visit the north part of Namibia, so I cannot provide any indication.
On the last days of our tour it was planned to visit the gorgeous Etosha National Park to see finally all the animals altogether in one place. It is possible to stay seat on a chair near the water pools waiting the animal or to have some self or guided safaris (you have to do it if you want to spot some lions). I suggest to have both and in particular to spent more time on the Okaukejo pool. Here it is possible to see: elephants, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, onyxes, springboks, etc.
As final suggestion I highly suggest the visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund located 44km east from Otjiwarongo.
As a conclusion I can say that for Italian people this is an expensive tour but it really worth it: it is very difficult to see such gorgeous and awesome landscapes plenty of animals like in Namibia.
Wild, empty and beautiful country with wildlife to be seen in many areas.
We spent just over 3 weeks in Namibia travelling around in a SUV and staying in a variety of accomodations from top end lodges to campsites. We went in Jan/Feb 2011 and it was the wet season. The rains were heavier this year than normal so caused a few problems with driving around. A high clearance vehicle is recommended at this time of year as there are several rivers to cross. The days are warm, with occasional sharp showers.
We headed north from Windhoek and stayed at Aloe Grove safari lodge. We were the only guests and were treated to an individual safari experience with the owners family where we saw leopard, cheetah, lion and lots of various antelopes.
We next headed to the Cheetah conservation fund where we learnt a lot about the conflict between farmers and environmentalists.
Next spent 3 days at Etosha NP. There was a great variety of animals to be seen but no elephants at this time of year. Birdlife was good.
Headed to the Namib Naukluft NP where we went on a desert adventure with Tommy's tours. Great fun, educational trip where you get to see small desert creatures and drive over high dunes.
We went to the Fish river canyon and to Ai Ais thermal springs in the south of the country. Heading back to Windhoek we stopped at the quiver tree forest just outside Keetmanshoop. Here we had another cheetah experience which was great value as was included in the camping and entrance fee. The Hardap dam is another good place for spotting wildlife.
We only had one other trip - a walk around the Sossussvlei area - very remote and beautiful. In Feb 2011, they had a lot of rain so we saw the dunes with grass growing on them and flooding in the area making for a unique experience.
The scenery in Namibia is superb, the roads are empty and in most places are in good condition (most are gravel). It's a good idea to take plenty water, food and plan for delays. We booked very little in advance and just went with the flow. Nowhere we went disappointed.
Our favourite places would be Etosha, Spitzkoppe, Sossussvlei, the fish river canyon and lake Oanub. Food was excellent in Windhoek and Swakopmund and in the good lodges. Sometimes the choice was limited in other locations. All campsites come well equipped with BBQ, so we tended to cook ourselves when in remoter places.
Photos from our trip are posted on http://www.flickr.com/photos/racheldunsdon/ check out under Namibia and wildlife.
Email Sallyrango | 50-65 years of age
Excellent wildlife, spectacular scenery, lots to do and see, interesting people.
We did a 2 week basic camping safari with a local company called Wilddog safaris. I would highly recommend this, as we covered long distances which would have been impossible if we had hired a car ourselves. We also stayed in deserted camp sites where we were on the only occupants. The only crowded campsite was in Etosha, but the proximity to a spectacular waterhole made it worthwhile staying there. The roads were largely unmade, and you can drive all day without seeing another car. It is very reassuring to have local guides and drivers. Our guides were excellent and cooked great food at camp in the evenings. We saw the dunes in the south, and went right down to Fish River Canyon, and then travelled North to Etosha, the Skeleton Coast and Damaraland. We also went out on a boat to see dolphins and penguins in Swakopmond. It was also privilege to meet the Himba tribe. We stayed on afterwards and had a few luxurious days at the Okonjima Lodge where the Africat Foundation is based. There we were able to see rescued leopards and cheetahs up close. Those three days cost nearly as much as the whole camping trip but it was well worth it.
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50-65 years of age
The Africa you don't know about
While Etosha park in Namibia is one of the GREAT African parks for seeing the Big 5 animals (especially the black rhinos), and really a marvelous place to travel in, it is really the rest of the country that springs to mind when I think of Namibia. Desert, the Bushman people, giant red and white dunes, unearthly red rock mountains, breathtaking narrow roads through rocky hills. Where there is no water you will see amazing deserts that seem to go on forever. You will find more cheetahs in Namibia than anywhere else in Africa (although most are now in protected reserves). The Cape Fur Seal colony and the Sossusvlei are unlike anything else, anywhere. I toured Namibia with Intrepid Travel's partner Dragoman. I did a different African camping trip (also in 2010) with Intrepid Travel and their partner Bundu, and really I liked the Bundu experience better -- the food was much better, and both the trip leader and the driver were South Africans. On the Dragoman trip, the trip leaders were not from Africa, and their knowledge was really superficial. I would also point out that even for people in their 20's, sleeping in a tent for 3 weeks or more becomes less pleasant as time goes on (assuming you're not used to it). Two weeks is not bad at all, but 3 weeks requires endurance. So it you're looking into tent-camping trips in Namibia or elsewhere, you should look closely at who is going to be your guide or leader throughout the trip.
35-50 years of age
Unexpected, unusual, unbelievable, unforgetable
I had no preconceptions about Namibia - I'd always been interested in the sand and the desert elephants and Skeleton coast and i thought I'd visit this place called Etosha but having been to Kruger just a month beforehand I expected little - especially as it was salt flats and not what I considered t be 'bushland'. What did i know? How wrong was I?! Etosha was incredible. We sat in the car just yards from lions for an hour. We saw hundreds of zebra. There were hyena and ostrich and warthogs and rhino and just about everything you wanted to see. In just two or three days we'd seen hundreds of animals in a very relaxed atmosphere - very little traffic on Etosha's 'roads' (it's basic but it's great for that reason). Outside the park though we saw giraffe 'wild' just wandering about the desert. Sadly we never found the desert elephants but the Skeleton Coast had huge seal colonies (man, they smell!) and the vast sand dunes of Sossuvlei are just unreal - I paid $100 for a sunset flight in a small plane and it was totally unforgetable. Namibia isn't as polished as some locations but that's its appeal for me. Just a stunning and unruined country.
Email Annie | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Beautiful country, people and nature!
We saw amazing sceneries, from deserts to ocean, from savanna to mountains, insane wildlife including rhinos fighting, leopards and all the expected animals and more! The roads were excellent, the lodges had character and luxury and the price tags were very reasonable! Can't wait to go back!
NL
Email Panagiotis Giannopoulos | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellen
Incredible trip of 10 days all around Namibia. The travel agency organised everything and personalised it. All the lodges were excellent. Can't decide what was better, the dunes in Sossusvlei, or the wildlife in the North.
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Email Aaron Roberts | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Namibia was one of the most enchanting, fascinating, and beautiful countries I've ever been to!
My recent trip to Namibia was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I set foot in this captivating country, I was greeted by a landscape that seemed to stretch endlessly, offering a mesmerizing blend of natural wonders and cultural richness.
One of the highlights of my journey was the opportunity to witness Africa's magnificent wildlife in its natural habitat. Guided by the knowledgeable and charismatic Rudolf, every excursion into the wilderness felt like a chapter from a wildlife documentary come to life. From majestic lions prowling the savannah to graceful giraffes and elephants roaming the plains, every encounter left me in awe of the sheer diversity and beauty of Namibia's fauna.
The dunes of Sossusvlei painted a surreal picture against the canvas of the desert, while the rugged terrain of Damaraland offered a glimpse into the ancient history of this land. Whether it was the ethereal beauty of the Skeleton Coast or the serene tranquility of Etosha National Park, Namibia's landscapes never ceased to amaze me.
And then there were the sunsets! Words fail to capture the sheer magic of watching the sky set ablaze in a symphony of colors as the sun dipped below the horizon. Each evening felt like a celebration of nature's artistry
But perhaps the true gem of my Namibian adventure was my guide, Rudolf. His passion for his homeland was infectious, his knowledge boundless, and his commitment to ensuring an unforgettable experience for his guests unwavering. From sharing fascinating insights into Namibia's history and culture to regaling us with tales of his own adventures in the wilderness, Rudolf was more than just a guide – he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of endless inspiration.
I carry with me memories that will last a lifetime – memories of Africa's wildlife, its landscapes, its sunsets, and the remarkable people like Rudolf who make Namibia truly special.
CY
Email Aris | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wild, remote, exclusively for adventurous nature lovers...
From all the many things we worried about before booking our Namibia trip that potentially could go wrong, nothing did! I think that must my starting point of my review. We didn't get sick, we had no road accident (not one flat tyre in 4000 km of road trip), we had excellent accommodation everywhere we went, we saw amazing landscape and wildlife that photos cannot do justice. We went on adventure tours that were value for money.
Safari Bookings connected us with Lilly of Great Explorations Travel Agency. I cannot praise Lily enough. She booked our car, the accommodation from every night in 10 different locations (we spent a total of 15 nights all over Namibia) and also booked in advance for us most of the adventure activities (safaris, hot air ballon, canoeing with sea lions, 4X4 dune driving etc). Everything worked out better than we hoped.
