Namibia's Etosha Pan & Skeleton Coast

We had a wonderful experience of the vast and arid Namib Desert, intense colour of the dunes in Sossusvlei, the awe inspiring Skeleton Coast and Etosha Pan, getting close to the pelagic birds at Walvis Bay, amazing plants, veteran desert trees and desert specialist animals such as desert elephants, zebras, ostriches. There was abundant wildlife living in such a harsh environment. Thanks to our superb guides we saw both black and white rhinos, cheetahs, porcupine, brown hyenas and many other mammals and bird species. Another highlight was watching a mother and young leopard. We learnt much about the many animals living in fragile habitats and ecosystems. There was also impressive geology and rock formations and the awesome lichen fields north of Swakopmund. And many beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the desert. Naturetrek is a tour operator with attention to detail with detailed pre-departure information, Tour Itinerary and Tour reports. Importantly each trip produces a checklist for record keeping. They are very helpful if some unforeseeable difficulties arise during the tour. Their guides and local guides are very knowledgeable and professional, often with humour. This trip was a very well designed route, excellent guides and excellent accommodation and food.

Q.X. London, Oct 23

A group of eight friends joined the Naturetrek Etosha and the Skeleton Coast tour in mid-October. The arrangements were faultless throughout and the standard of accommodation exceptional. Our two guides, Neil McLeod and Jakes de Jagar were outstanding naturalists and they ensured that we all saw and photographed the wonderful birds, mammals and reptiles of Namibia. In over twenty years of experience of safari my wife and I consider this to have been one of the very best. We are already considering a return to follow an alternative itinerary very soon. For anyone keen to experience the natural history of Southern Africa, we can recommend this tour without any reservation. It was outstanding from start to finish. 

J.T. Leicestershire, Oct 23

Neil is a superb guide in every respect - fantastic spotting abilities, an amazingly in-depth knowledge of Namibian wildlife (including the smaller things such as Herpetofauna and inverts as well as the birds and mammals), and is also extremely well-organised and looked after us incredibly well. An excellent driver, too. I was also most impressed with his relentless efforts to get the authorities in Etosha to refill an artificial waterhole that had emptied due to a fault with the inflow - shows a real concern for the well-being of the wildlife there. I loved all of it - the reptiles, birds, other mammals (especially so many Black Rhinos) were amazing, and spectacular scenery, too. This was the most enjoyable trip I have done for a long time

S.W, Nottinghamshire, Oct '22

This was one of the most interesting trips I have ever done. Neil's knowledge of the birds and wildlife (and where to see them) of the country is outstanding. He was also keen to hear about particular interests of group members and tried (and usually succeeded) to ensure these needs were satisfied (eg to see or photograph a particular bird or animal). He was always warm, friendly and helpful. One of the best trips I have ever done.

E.G, London, Oct '22

Excellent driver/guides (and excellent Naturetrek guide), made for wonderful wildlife sightings.

M.&J. W. North Yorkshire, Oct 19

A trouble free trip to Namibia. Wonderful landscapes and scenery, great variety of wildlife covering birds, mammals and sealife in a safe and friendly country. The weather was great and being driven round by our local guides meant we could enjoy the journeys and our surroundings despite some drives being quite long. Excellent accommodation and food.

A.S. Birmingham, Oct 18

John Carruthers is a knowledgeable and very competent guide making the trip very interesting. His patience with novice birdwatchers like ourselves greatly enhanced our enjoyment.

E. & C.S. Derbyshire

We do want to emphasise how much we enjoyed the contribution made by Naturetrek and the local personnel. They all provided expert knowledge, considerate attention to the group and good company - very much appreciated.

C. & G.F. London

17 days spent exploring range of landscapes and their associated wildlife in Namibia and Etosha with excellent UK-based leader and 2 local guides who fearlessly and safely clocked up the miles to ensure we saw as much as possible. Excellent vehicles with good visibility for all plus accommodation in a variety of well equipped lodges. Programme included night safari when I was closer to a lion than was expected or necessarily comfortable but a bloody mouth did indicate it has recently eaten, a boat trip which involved pelican and fur seal joining us, chance to sleep and eat under the stars, breakfast at dawn outside and marvellous views of 225 birds, 38 mammals and at least 25 trees which guides made sure we all saw.

J.J. Aberdeenshire

Well structured trip with excellent local driver guides and very good Naturetrek leader. Namibia was beautiful, spacious and friendly. Great birds and wildlife but also an excellent museum in Swakopmund, evidence of first Portuguese discovery and marvellous rock art. Food and drink varied from okay to great. Accommodation the same with Damaraland a serious highlight. Every day offered something special. My personal (history and cultural) interests were respected and accommodated without fuss. Handled a varied group with ease.

K.O. Wiltshire

An excellent trip - l will never forget the Giant Eagle Owl flying over the sandgrouse in the dawn light at Hobatere. Jhan also took a lot of trouble to get people on the birds, and his addition of the Avis Dam at the end of the trips itinerary was inspired - a real high note to end on.

V.G. Surrey

John, Ryno and Jerry made a very good team, even running to a good comedy act!

D.R. Kent

I must mention the excellence of the local guides, nothing was too much trouble. Even to the extent that when I dropped my SLR camera they managed to lend me another…Also, the Naturetrek leader was very good. Thus every incentive to travel with Naturetrek again…

A.J. Essex

Zul the leader was superb on the birds and helping people to recognise birds - very patient with beginners.

E.L. Hampshire

This was a wonderful holiday - one of my most exciting and memorable African experiences

Dr. A. C. Hampshire

The three wilderness safari camps were outstanding. Damaraland Camp was one of the best places we have ever stayed at. The guides/drivers, Festus and Jeremia were outstanding in their general knowledge of wildlife, their country and history. Some of the best guides we have travelled with.

Mr & Mrs M. Hertfordshire

The guides, Festus and Jeremia made this trip with their care, calm approach and their unquestionable knowledge of their wonderful country, wildlife, ecology and geology. They made sure that the vehicles were always positioned so that all of us could see. They really cared for us in every way. We are general wildlife lovers and found the holiday brilliant. I had a checklist of 6 animals I had always wanted to see. We saw these and many more thanks to our guides.

Mr & Mrs D. Shropshire

Both naturalists and tour leader were invariably friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The lodges were in general excellent and very welcoming. I particularly remember the Kulala Desert Lodge for its wonderful situation. But top of the list, I think, must be the Damaraland Lodge, which produced a splendid cooked lunch in the middle of the wilderness when we were expecting a packed sandwiches. Then a parting breakfast at the top of the hill in similar fashion - very surprising and imaginative! And wonderful scenery! Oh and there was dinner under the stars to start with.

J.G. Surrey

The whole trip was outstanding but Damaraland stands out as being the best bit. The camp was wonderful and the scenery and the people just amazing.

H.M. Clackmannanshire

The wildlife, scenery, geology and company were all wonderful. Our guides were very knowledgeable, very enthusiastic, very caring and huge fun!

M.L. Edinburgh