1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Watching a leopard only 10 meters away at The Big Cat Foundation. Watching a family of twenty or so elephants with small babies at a waterhole within 25 meters of where we sat. The Etosha National Park made you feel like you were living within a wildlife documentary! Spending time amongst some of the most mesmerising desert scenery in the World. Namibian people and their ability to sing better than most angels. Talking to an Eagle Owl and his girlfriend who just happened to be in a tree right above us.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Safari clothes are that dusty green because whatever you wear you will end up that colour if you do any serious travelling in Africa! Make sure you pack a headtorch and spare batteries.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, it benefited local people in that we stopped, on average where we could, every 2 hours, and there was always an opportunity to meet local people and perhaps buy locally made items. Local people sang for us or helped us out on occasion. The guides always chatted with the locals to gain up to date knowledge and we would often leave a little food or something for the camp attendants. This appeared to be a company policy, throughout there was always an empathy with the people and the environment.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Very good value, cram packed with amazing experiences. An awesome introduction to the diversity and beauty of Namibia.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Going up Elim Dune, not far from Sossussvlei one evening close to the end of the trip. There had been a viscious wind stirring up the sand in the campsite earlier that afternoon and most of our group had decided they just wanted to stay behind as the sand was getting everywhere. However, the wind dropped and with a bit of coercion from our guide, Derek, 3 of us went with him to see the sun set from the top of the dune. It was a hard walk, but the sand was such a beautiful rust colour, and purple in the shadows. The fact that only a few of us went made us feel very pleased, I think. Then Derek persuaded us to hurtle down the dune on the return journey, which was terrifying but such fun. The others didn't know what they missed. Derek's enthusiasm for his country was infectious and he did us proud. It took a lot of strength to climb in the last heat of the day - I can feel the memory of the pain in my legs even now, but I have a real sense of achievement having managed it.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Invest in a back pack that can carry a water pouch, for the few 'hikes' we did. A head-torch is absolutely essential. Don't expect to get a tan - hardly anyone disembarking from the plane had been foolhardy enough to try to ignore the sun's very powerful UV rays. A hold-all is much better than a rucksack as it gives easier access to everything each night. Namibia is one of the best African countries for cashpoints. Packing earplugs might just help you sleep when the lions and jackals are conspiring against it! Expect sand in everything towards the end of the trip. Take a bit of travel washing liquid as there's a laundry in Swakopmund (tho drying takes a mountain of $5s) Collect up your clothes for the next day the evening before so that you don't have to scrabble about in the pitch black of 6.30am. Have a mini wash kit to take to the washblock that can hang up, rather than always taking everything in a bigger bag. Follow the lead of your guide - take showers in the afternoon when it's warm, rather then before you go to bed or when you get up cos it's very cold then. The water from the taps IS safe to drink. Take a guidebook for Namibia if you wish, but your guide will give you more than enough information as you go.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, although it was still obvious that we had so much wealth and many of the locals did not. Best not to flaunt the hiking boots you might be wearing or the posh camera you carry. The ability of the guide to steer you through everything was essential to feeling that your impact was as best it could be, and helped the country's economy rather than being a blot on such a splendid, expansive environment. Don't be tempted to believe De Beers' interest in the diamond areas around Luderitz is as benevolent to the population as the company likes to pretend.

4. Any other comments?

On the holiday, it was tiring having to get up fairly early to drop the tent before breakfast and then do a day's drive (of up to 600km in length), and the sun seemed to go down remarkably early. The heat in the middle of the day could be intense, but conversely it could get REALLY cold and the wind flapping the tent at night could keep you awake. There was some threat to safety when going to the loo in the middle of the night, and the wash facilities were not perhaps as good in many cases as they could have been (although the open vista from the campsite toilet and shower on our first night near Otjiwarongo was something special).....That being said, we were really sad to return home and it will be a truely memorable holiday. I wouldn't have said I came back relaxed, until I looked in the mirror and realised that the grey circles under my eyes had miraculously gone (temporarily). I wouldn't have imagined that the 10 hour flight would have been good for me, but Air Namibia is a credit to its country (I did offset the carbon emissions, incidentally). Such an amazing place. So difficult to sum it up in words.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The visit to Etosha was the most memorable part. We did not see lions which was a shame, but did see all the other animals we wanted, and were especially pleased to see two, extremely rare Blue Cranes. A fantastic experience, which we plan to do again.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Take warm sleeping bags and clothes. Despite it being in the mid 30's during the day it got down to freezing at night.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Not especially on either count. We were NOT impressed with the trip we made to a Himba village, we felt the women were exploited by both the western visitors as well as their men folk. With regard to the environment, we did not feel that this trip was especially environmentally friendly, but we guess that travelling in a bus with up to 14 other people was better than using 4x4 vehicles which most people seem to do.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

We had a fantastic time, the travelling on the "Southern Swing" was a bit of a chore, but otherwise a fantastic adventure.

Read the operator's response here:

We are very pleased to hear that Mr & Mrs Wright enjoyed their trip to Namibia so much and found it to be a 'fantastic adventure'. 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 Mr & Mrs Wright didn't particularly enjoy the visit to the Himba Village. A visit to the village as part of this safari benefits the Himba people living here so we feel that we would like to keep the excursion included in the itinerary. However, we learn that we should make travellers much more aware of the details before arriving at the Himba village.

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.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Impossible to give just one: a cheetah staring at me from 8 feet away (with no fence in between); having a shower while watching the sun rise at the Africat campsite; 360 degree views which stretch for miles; quad biking in the dunes; the stunning scenery along Orange River; and Sussosvlei pan in the Namib desert dunes.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Be prepared for it to get cold at night - take layers including, if you are going anywhere near their winter, a woolly hat and light gloves. Zip-off trousers are by far the best idea for travelling as you generally set off early when it's still too chilly for shorts. Most importantly, go with the flow - 3-walled, roofless showers may not be what you'd choose at home but campsites with features like this were one of the highlights. It's a small thing, but if you like a beer or glass of wine with your evening meal visit the supermarket/bottle shop on the morning of the day you arrive as they close from 1pm Saturday until Monday morning.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Local accommodation or official Namibian Rest Camps were used, and local communities (Himba and Nama) visited. The guide/assistant were Namibian and where local guides were used these were local too.
The van used was a little old and used unleaded petrol, but I understand it is to be replaced by a more efficient vehicle soon. Campsites blended into the scenery as much as possible and many accommodation/buildings seemed to be made in the local way. the visitor centre at Twyfelfontein seemed to be made entirtely of recycled materials!

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Excellent. You have to be prepared for the sheer number of hours on the road, but it's the only way to do justice to such a large and fascinating country. Some of the campsites used and activities done it would have been virtually impossible for us to access if we'd travelled on our own, and these gave us a much better understanding of the country.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Some of the traditional costumes of local tribes and the camp site at AfriCat Foundation, in particular the view from the toilets and Shower.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Obviously take plenty of film & batteries, don't bother with US$, but take South African Rand. Think about the time of year as this impacts scenery, wildlife, mosquitoes and temperature. Way up the pros & cons depending on your preferences.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I believe it made every effort to, more so than any other holidays I have been on.

4. Any other comments?

**** The only downside is that due to size of Namibia, some days had many hours travelling along dirt roads.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The trip was fantastic: spectacular scenery, friendly people and tons of wildlife spotted. Most memorable part of the holiday - lots of things! From the early morning views over some of the largest sand dunes in the world, watching elephants, giraffes, rhino and many more creatures visit the water holes of Etosha, to a fascinating visit to the Katatura township.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

(i) Prepare to get very dusty when travelling on the many gravel roads (although they're in good condition - better than many UK roads!). All the campsites had showers though! (ii) Check which plug you need for recharging batteries - Namibia uses 3 large round pins, which are not like the European 2-pin plugs (iii) Prepare to shoot lots of camera film/media and a good zoom is always worthwhile for those extra special safari photos.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Generally, I think it probably did benefit the local people and there was minimal environmental impact. The Namibian operator seemed very responsible.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Most memorable part - watching lightning strikes.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Tips for travellers - check who you are travelling with.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Some benefit to the indigenous population, but not minimize impact on environment.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Holiday was OK. Now I have had time to reflect I would rate it at least 4 star for the actual experience of the country itself but 2 star for the guide and travel company.