Joanna Gliddon review 25 May 2012
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the lions, elephants and giraffes up close. Seeing rhinos having a fight at a watering hole. The campsite at Eupupa Falls. Sandboarding and quadbiking in Swakopmund.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It can be quite cold on early starts so the trousers with zips that turn into shorts are ideal. Taking binoculars is a good idea.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people benefitted yes - the Himba people who showed us round their homes were given a lift and also some food from our tour guide. Don't think it reduced environmental impact.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really good. The only downside were the airport transfers (which didn't turn up on the last day) and the three flat tyres our safari vehicle got - I think this was quite usual though.
Robert Jones review 17 Nov 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to choose, the Africat foundation visit was exciting, close encounters with Leopards and Cheetah was an experience. Etosha National Park was simply wonderful, so many wild animals and superb viewing positions. At times we felt we were the only ones in the park. Meeting the Women and Children in the Himba village was an eye opener but it was the way they choose to live and we respected that right. Sossusvlei and Dead Vlei were absolutely enchanting.
And finally the boys from Wild Dog safari were so friendly and helpful, both were a walking encyclopedia of local knowledge and helped with all queries, food was excellent and they both helped with tents and suchlike chores.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take warm clothing, you soon get acclimatised to the heat of the day and in contrast the Mornings and Evenings feel really cold. Bring along a torch. Don't forget a good camera with a long zoom.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I hope so, we did take along presents for the Himba village (No Sweets) and they were paid by the tour company. Other than that although we spent money in almost every village we stopped at and bought from local sources whenever possible.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was utterly fantastic and well worth the long flight. Be prepared for long journeys in the viewing bus over some very rough roads. Other than that you will enjoy every moment.
Klaus Gleissberg review 25 Sep 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The dunes in the desert and the wildlife in Etosha.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack a pullover for some cold mornings, take good walking shoes, take NO posh clothing as there is lots of sand and dust as most roads are dirt tracks.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
In a limited way as tourist provide them with employment and the environment up to now is not being spoiled.
Alison Templeton review 23 Sep 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wildlife in Etosha Game Park and sky diving in Swakopmund.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for long drives on gravel roads. And don't wear anything black - it will be grey in no time! Take a water bottle - the local water is safe to drink and it means you don't throw away so many plastic bottles.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We used local guides and small camp sites. The only downside is that there is no recycling in the country.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic! There was only 7 in the group which meant we could stretch out on the bus. If it had been a full trip, the bus conditions would have been cramped. And you spend a lot of time on the bus.
Paula Morris review 16 Jul 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many memorable parts of the holiday, it was packed with variety which makes it so hard to choose one thing above another. Never having been on a safari before it was amazing to be so close to the animals in Etosha National Park. The scenery in Namibia was fantastic, there was so much to see from the windows of the truck as we crossed the country on dirt roads.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are going during July or August remember that it is winter in Namibia and as soon as the sun has disappeared, which can be as early as 17:45, it gets very cold, so don't forget warm clothes and thermals for sleeping in.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
This was not too obvious during the trip, although we used small local shops for buying supplies along the way. We also visited a Himba village where children and orphans were cared for by a small community of women. It's hard to see what impact we had on the environment, we did a lot of driving therefore adding to the pollution caused by the many other safari trucks that we saw, but we used designated camping spots and always removed all rubbish and gave our leftover food to local camp workers.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had an excellent time would love to spend some more time visiting Africa.
Janine Horsburgh review 22 Apr 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all superb but I was most impressed by the White Lady Valley and the Brandberg Mountains.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure that you have something to read on the bus as there is a lot of travelling.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I wasn't too sure about the Himba Village which seemed to be a it of a tourist trap rather than a real project. Only 5 of the children were allowed to go to school in case they lost their traditions, but even our guide insisted that school was important and his children would be sent. So the orphans of the village are stuck as tourist attractions while they are cute... but then what?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a really lovely time, totally got away from Europe and had my eyes opened. I enjoyed the camping which was well planned and accompanied and a long way from roughing it, but I also enjoyed the break in Swakopsmund and the luxury of a bed!
Read the operator's response here:
We are very pleased to hear Ms. Horsburg had a superb trip. We really appreciate the time she took to note down comments on her experience as these are always useful to us and the safari operator. The Himba culture and beliefs are so different to our own and indeed, to many of the other cultures in Namibia. Himba children are the only children culturally excused from not going to school by the Namibian government. In the Himba tradition, children are usually responsible for the work around the village (herding cattle, sheep etc) and going to school is an alien concept in many areas. In the case of this village, 5% of the children receive schooling and the rest are raised traditionally. Although these concepts may seem alien to us, and to many of the other cultures in Namibia, we must respect the Himba people’s choice to continue their traditions in the same way they have done so for many years. The aim of the visit to the village is to explore a different culture, raise awareness and to generate funds that directly benefit the villagers. This is spent in many ways, including: medical care for the villagers and their animals; food and personal supplies not grown on the farm; blankets and cloth, water pumps and the fuel to run these. We feel that this visit benefits the Himba people by celebrating their continuing traditions in an ever changing world, as well as aiding them financially in a way that best suits their needs.
Khilan Shah review 31 Oct 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All the places that we visited. Particularly enjoyed Damaraland.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do it now!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Would recommend it to everyone.
Pauline Bezodis review 26 Aug 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing so many animals at the water hole at Okaukuejo in Etosha Park - amazing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We had no problem with mosquitoes in August so could have packed more shorts and sleeveless or short sleeved tops.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we did feel that it benefited local people eg our driver and guide, the people who worked in the lodges and guest farms etc. Also, we learnt a lot about the Bushmen Project which is working hard to improve the lives and expectations of some of the poorest people of Namibia.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.
Sue Benton review 9 Jul 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Flying over the desert and seeing eight rhinos at the water hall in one evening.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take very warm gloves, thermals and hats if they are going in their winter season.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes... took your football for the Himba tribe children... the look on there faces!!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent and fantastic value for money... enjoyed every minute.
Helen White review 2 Aug 2008
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery at Sussusvlei. The animals at Etosha.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some warm clothes for the nights. Otherwise all the information about the holiday was correct and appropriate.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes in that we spent money in the country. I am unsure of how we benefited the Himba people it was not clear if they were paid directly for our visit. I wasn't clear if they were being taken advantage of for the purposes of tourism.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent the whole family really enjoyed it. Exceeded expectations all round.
Read the operator's response here:
We are very pleased to hear that Mrs White and her family enjoyed their trip to Namibia so much and that it exceeded their expectations. We really appreciate the time taken to note down comments on their experience as these are always useful to us and the safari operator. We are sorry that Mrs White and her family were not given further information regarding the visit to the Himba Village. This should usually be done during the safari. I would like to reassure her that their visit to the village certainly does benefit the Himba people.
The Ojikandero Village was set up on this farmer’s land at the request of his friend, a headman of another Himba village further north. The village’s primary aim was to provide a home for orphans and mothers with their children. Tourism was only invited into this village later, after a discussion between the farmer and the village elders. The money generated by tourism directly benefits the villagers here and is spent in many ways, including: medical care for the villagers and their animals; food and personal supplies not grown on the farm; blankets and cloth, water pumps and the fuel to run these; care of the orphans. In addition to this each villager benefits financially from tourist visits. They are also able to generate extra funds through the sale of curios they make. Many of the villagers here have a second home at other Himba settlements further north, but they choose to live here because of the benefits from this well controlled tourism venture.
Denise Taylor review 3 Sep 2007
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were too many to choose just one - seeing a leopard run near the truck, watching an elephant chase away a black rhino from a watering hole and climbing the sand dunes in Namib National Park.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you like camping the holiday will be great, but there is a lot of driving so bring a book to read. Take more money than you think, soft drinks are nearly 50p a can and you will get through lots.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The company used local guides and we stayed in local accommodation. We visited a Himba tribe and a Nama village with opportunities to buy local crafts. There is limited recycling in Namibia although some of the campsites had recycling facilities through a Raleigh project.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a great way to see Namibia and to see both animals and spectacular scenery. It was very cost effective, including most meals compared to staying in a lodge.
Linda Noble review 21 Sep 2007
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Okovango Delta.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You do not need to wear khaki or long sleeves. Be prepared to travel long distances without seeing anything of note.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes it boosted local economy & created jobs in tourism in areas where employment was needed.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I enjoyed the holiday very much but there were aspects of it which were not completely satisfactory.The vehicle we travelled in was an ordinary (& quite old )mini bus & we had to travel over 1500 kilometers in it. It had no air conditioning so the windows had to be open all the time & there was no fridge only a cool box which was not big enough for every bodies drinks. The windows were small so it was difficult to take pictures from them & the seats were quite small.
Read the operator's response here:
Let me start by thanking you for your feedback after you returned from Africa where you joined our Jackalberry Safari. The reports, good and bad, that we receive from our travellers are very important to us. Although, each of us travel to Africa regularly we still need assistance in keeping up to date with what happens in country in order to supply others with up to date information and keep our standards high.
I was pleased to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the Jackalberry Safari and your time in Namibia, Botswana and Zambia, despite the long distances required to get between the main areas of interest.
The vehicle used for this trip was a Toyota Hi-Ace. These Toyota minibuses are used as they have proven to be the most reliable for use on Namibia’s gravel roads over the past ten years. The safari operator generally only uses vehicles up to a maximum of three years old, however the vehicles used have to travel large distances as mentioned, often on unpaved roads, and consequently they can appear older than they often are.
Having said that, we are aware that these vehicles have short comings and so are trialing other vehicle types to see if there is a better option. Of the other vehicles trialed, many are still undergoing adaptations to try and make them more Namibia friendly. This is still a work in progress. Part of this testing has also included vehicles with and without air-conditioning and it has been found that air conditioning is often more of a nuisance than a help. Constant mechanical problems tend to occur when vehicles drive long distances on unmade roads – it is often too much for some vehicle mod-cons to deal with.
The Toyota Hi-Ace comes with bench seats which were found to be really uncomfortable for long journeys. These bench seats were replaced with individually designed bucket seats in an attempt to make things more comfortable for travellers, however we have pointed out to the safari operator that you found these quite small.
I would like to thank you once again for taking the time to follow up with us after your trip. I hope you take away some good memories and lots of good pictures of your time in Southern Africa. If you have any further comments or queries regarding your trip please feel free to email or call me.
Shelagh Hutchins review 2 Mar 2007
I will outline my principal complaints......
Firstly, there should definitely be a minimal number of participants on these trips, at least five I would reckon. Luckily the only other lady was very pleasant and we got on fine, but I was nearly the one and only member of the group as she only signed on a couple of days before we left . There WAS one other person apart from this lady who had been stuck in to bump up the numbers. This was a very young girl from the "Running with the Dog" office and she talked a lot in Africaans with the guide which was a bit off-putting as being so few it would have been nicer to have had the guide for us full time.
The other problem was the bus, which was old, grotty and TERRIBLY bumpy. Namibian roads are not the smoothest, and we did hundreds of kilometres in pretty lousy (and noisy because of the squeaks) circumstances. Also the trailer leaked and we had to spend one night on wet mattresses and in wet sleeping bags as there had been a storm during the afternoon and the rain had got in.
Apart from these mishaps the trip was very well organized and I shall anyway keep a happy souvenir of my Namibian safari. Oh, one other thing. I think it would be a good idea to warn future clients that they will be met by a representative from a group operator with another name. Also the weather at this time of the year is worse than I was lead to expect. There wasn't just a downpour and fine again afterwards - it was cloudy for a lot of the time with rain menacing, if not falling. I expected to get a suntan, but no such luck. The guide told us that since a couple of years the weather has changed and that it was a normal type of weather that we were experiencing.
I hope this will help you with your organisation of camping safaris.
Read the operator's response here:
Let me start by thanking you for your feedback after you returned from Namibia where you joined our Aloe Safari. The reports, good and bad, that we receive from our travellers are very important to us. Although, each of us travel to Africa regularly we still need assistance in keeping up to date with what happens in country in order to supply others with up to date information and keep our standards high.
I was pleased to hear that you enjoyed the Aloe Safari and your time in Namibia despite encountering more rain than you expected. Despite the fact that January through to March is part of Namibia’s rainy season it is still an arid country and it is unusual that showers last for long periods of time. In 2006 Namibia and most of southern Africa experienced much higher rainfall than usual and many parts were flooded. We kept monitoring the lead up to 2007’s rainy season to see if it would be a repeat of last year and were happy to hear that the rains had pretty much returned to normal. With weather patterns changing worldwide it becomes increasingly difficult to pre-empt what will happen each year.
You experienced more rain than you expected and we certainly take this comment on board. It will ensure that we prepare people for the strong chance that there will be more rain than what might be considered usual.
I was disappointed to hear that the trailer leaked and you spent a night in wet bedding which obviously would not have been very comfortable. I have spoken to the safari operator about this and they are working to seal up any gaps to ensure this doesn’t happen again. I would certainly like to apologise for this experience.
The vehicle used for this trip was a Toyota Hi-Ace that is two years old (purchased in April 2005). These Toyota minibuses are used as they have proven to be the most reliable for use on Namibia’s gravel roads over the past ten years. Other vehicles have been trialled and many are still undergoing adapt ions to try and make them more Namibia friendly. The vehicles are constantly maintained by two full time mechanics and it is they who will also look into the leaking trailer situation.
I realise that your main disappointment was that you were one of the only participants on the safari. We have always guaranteed our departure dates for the safaris that we offer. We feel this is important to allow travellers to be able to confirm their plans and book their flights when they are ready without having to wait for others to join them. It is especially important to us to be able to offer a good reliable option to solo travellers who otherwise, often find that they have to rely on others to book a trip before they can finalise their own plans. This is another reason why we don’t charge a single supplement on many of our safaris. Saying this, we have spoken to the safari operator to ensure that in the future we make travellers aware if they are the only participant on a trip at the time that they book (discounting any participants involved in the safaris or tourism industry) so that they have the option to choose another trip if they wish.
You were then joined by Marlize who is a new employee at the safari operator’s office and was on the trip to learn more about the safari route. I agree that it must have been frustrating to have Marlize and the guide speak Afrikaans to each other much of the time. This is their first language and it didn’t cross their minds that they were being rude however, your comments have helped them to understand that this can cause people to feel left out of what is going on around them. We feel that they have learnt the lesson but are very sorry that it was partly at the expense of your enjoyment which is a huge shame.
Thank you for your comments praising the guides driving skills as it is very important that travellers feel comfortable with the driving when these safaris cover such long distances on gravel roads. We have noted that you suggest a little more variety in the lunches offered and the chance of dessert (yoghurts or fruit) after evening meals. This is definitely something we’d like to look into improving and the safari operator is working with their guides to come up with ways of doing this.
I would like to thank you once again for taking the time to follow up with us after your trip. I hope you take away some good memories and lots of good pictures of your time in Namibia. If you have any further comments or queries regarding your trip please feel free to email or call me.
Julia Livesley review 23 Jul 2006
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I did a tandem skydive at 10,000 feet over the Namib desert. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life and the scenery was perfect to admire on the way down.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Warm clothing is required when camping during the winter. A torch is vital for the campsites. Take extra money to budget for activities such as sky diving, sandboarding and quad biking which are excellent fun. Take plenty of film/batteries for the camera - Namibia is a photographer's dream.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We were encouraged to recycle waste and we visited a local Himba tribe village which was very interesting. The companies that did the sand boarding and quad biking in the dunes appeared to be very responsible and took steps to show that they looked after the environment.
Catherine Miles review 7 Jul 2006
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The complete Namibian experience was really fantastic. I have been on 2 previous safaris, but this was certainly the best!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be confident that your safety, interests & enjoyment are paramount in Krazy Kudu/Wild Dog safaris intentions. The diversity & opportunity to learn, experience & enjoy will give you lasting memories.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
This is a truly eco tourist venture, travelling with the only company which uses Namibian guides, assistants & re-investing into the Namibian economy, carefully monitored to ensure support goes to PEOPLE, not bottomless pots(the recent scam exposed in the Kenyan game parks highlights how easily corruption occurs). The opportunity to meet the people who are benefiting, and helping to promote their welfare & futures, is a bonus & sensitively managed. They are the future assets of a developing economy in a beautiful country.
4. Any other comments?
Certainly 5 star, as experiences so close to the people, sounds, smells & sight of Namibia will never be forgotten. I will certainly recommend it to friends who have similar interests to me. Unfortunately some of my awe inspiring photos cannot be sent as my camera has taken a dislike to sharing its photos with my computer! Thank you!
Susan Kerry-Bedell review 18 Sep 2006
We had a fabulous time on our safari. There were only ourselves and one other couple - with a guide and an assistant - so it was almost like a private safari!
The most memorable part was visiting the Africat Foundation and seeing leopard and cheetah up so close. Also the campsite there is really beautiful - the best view from a loo I have ever seen (see photo)!
The most surprising thing was just how varied and beautiful the country is - from desert sand dunes to mountain canyons covered in wild flowers to hot and dusty plains, to a cold, grey and foggy coastline. Quite incredible.
Other tips - make sure that you take 'wet wipes' or other cleansers that do not require water, as we were at a campsite that had no water at all because of a broken pipe (elephants apparently), and we believe this is not uncommon. Make sure you take warm clothes for evenings and mornings in the desert. Essentials - torches and binoculars.
Wild Cat safari were very good at thinking about and alerting you to your environmental impact. The country as a whole is not good at recycling - which is very frustrating at campsites etc. Take your own water bottle / platypus and use local water (always safe unless your guide tells you otherwise) so you don't have to keep buying and throwing away plastic water bottles.
We all felt the visit to the Himba village was a little uncomfortable - it was like visiting a 'human zoo' - but we did appreciate that tourist interest will help keep alive their way of life which is under severe threat.
The Himba village thing was I think just a personal thing for all of us. We spoke to our guide at the time and he said no-one had ever told him that they felt 'uncomfortable' walking through the village in that way before.
The women seemed quite at ease talking to us (through the guide - the men of the village were nowhere to be seen), and swapping questions about clothing and kit (the platypus water carrier caused some confusion!). So I wouldn't want them to stop using the tribe as a cultural experience - especially since our guide was telling us that they are already becoming very used to Western ways and he felt their traditional way of life would not survive a further decade. Maybe as a past MSc Tourism and Conservation student, I was just being over-sensitive!
When we stopped for two nights in Swakopmund, the guides took us to local restaurants and bars, and always introduced us to their friends that we met as we were travelling about so we did feel that we had good contact with many local Namibians and the opportunity to buy locally and support communities was always there. Definitely a 4* trip - I'd love to go to Namibia again.
Clare MCHugh review 20 Aug 2006
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was an amazing holiday, I would heartily reccommend it to anyone who wants to get away from the rush of life in the west. I cannot pick any one highlight it was all so good. If I were to pick anyone item it might have to be a choice of sunrise/sunset over the Namib desert or seeing wild lion cubs no more than 4 meters from me. Given the choice of a holiday such as this every two years or a package sun holiday every year I would go for the former without hesitation.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The tips I would give sit back and let all that a camping safari has to offer come to you, the exciting and the mundane seeing the wild life close at hand, and the putting up and taking down of tents, enjoy the now of the holiday.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I hope that we did benefit the local economy and peoples and feel that our footsteps have been covered by the sands of the desert.
Emma Recchia review 7 Jan 2006
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hiking from Sesriem camp site to the base of Elim Dune and then the climb to one of the tops to watch the sunset...followed by the hike the following morning up Dune 45 to watch the sunrise....but the best part was running down the side of Dune 45 and feeling as though you are walking on the moon....not that I have ever done that :-)) .
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Maybe to allow more time for the whole trip so that they might get a chance to go to Damaraland and visit the Skeleton Coast....Also do not be scared to ask questions and if you really want to do something just have a chat with one of the guides..they are very accommodating!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. But I can only vouch for my camping experience as I do not know how the stay in the lodges would be.
4. Any other comments?
I am totally in love with Africa and already planning my next trip!!
