Namibia & the Skeleton Coast: Africa's Last Wilderness (2012)

We enjoyed this trip & it was a new & exciting adventure. We previously had been on the Ultimate Africa & Tanzania trips. If anyone has never been to Africa, we would advise that either 1 of the other 2 trips should be taken before this one. The weather was perfect, not the rainy season that we were concerned about.
You do not see the many, many animals that you do on either of the other 2 trips. Etosha Nat. Park had the most & we did see our first 2 rhinos on this trip & also more lions than previously.
The sand dunes are undescribable as is the area around Palmwog Lodge.
We had a very knowledgeable guide, Uanee. He knew the country & the people
whereever we went.
The school visit was very good. It was recommended that we bring any used clothing or shoes for children. We did not pay enough attention to that in the book. They certainly can use any of the above & we are sorry that we did not gather both shoes & shirts & bring them with us.
The "home hosted meal" is not really that as it was a group effort by many in the area so a gift for that was not necessary.
In the past we had enjoyed staying in the tented camps. Kalala was the best one of these. We were disappointed to be staying in a "motel" like camp at Palmwog although they did have a tented section in this lodge, but others were staying there.
All told it was a good trip.

Traveler: James Westphal from Rosendale, WI traveled on February 20, 2012

great trip; landscapes were fantastic & wildlife viewing better than expected; two of three camps were excellent facilities & all three had great food with early morning drives at sunrise; balloon ride worth the price & school visit was best i have experienced; very interesting country & worth the investment of time & money to go there; one of my best OAT trips, ranks right up there with eastern turkey, route of mayans & nepalbhutantibet

Traveler: Edward Deisley from Queensbury, NY traveled on February 09, 2012

This was our 17th OAT trip, third on Safari plus two others to Africa. It would have been marked excellent had it not been for the fact that three of our party of eight should never have chosen to do an adventure trip. They just were not capable of too many of the activities but at least they did not detract from the enjoyment of the others. Two of those three plus one other member of the party spent so much time taking photographs (multiple shots of the same thing) that it did slow down the experience considerably.

Our trip leader, Uneaa, did a great job of coordination and the itinerary was well planned and executed. The trip was certainly worth the cost although the flight arrangements could have been thought out a little better.

Just because I didn't give this trip a four star rating doesn't indicate a disappointment with OAT. In fact we have already booked our 18th trip for next May.

Traveler: Lawrence Roy Klein from Oro Valley, AZ traveled on November 16, 2011

Took this trip, with the Cape Town extension, in early October 2011. It wildly exceeded our expectations. So few people even know where Namibia is, let alone travel there, which is a shame. While it has plenty of animals, especially birds, that's not the main point of visiting it; rather, it's the diverse and unusual terrain that's the main lure. From the plains of Kulala, to the Dunes of the southwest coast, to the isolated coastal community of Swakopmund (still looking very German), to the vast Damaraland with its Himba tribe and ancient pictographs, to Etosha and its rich wildlife - and most of all, its warm and varied people. I found Namibia a very spiritual place and our amazing guide, Rudy !Naibab (and his assistant Ludmilla Beukes) went out of their way to show us as much as possible and to make the trip magical. The lodges were astonishingly luxuriant, the food delicious, and the lodge staffs very warm and accommodating (although the camp at Etosha needs a bit of work). If you love Africa, but haven't been here, you simply must go. Go!

The Cape Town extension was very good, too. We had guides from three different local vendors, all excellent, and the hotel was right in the thick of things (which, if you are a seasoned OAT traveler, you will know is usually not the case), so you can walk everywhere. Assuming they continue to use the Inn on the Square for their Cape Town base, be sure to eat at Fork, right behind the hotel, and shop at Tribal Accents, which is a few doors from Fork. Da Capo!, right on Greenmarket Square, a few steps from the front of the hotel, is also very good.

Traveler: Diana Britt from Pasadena, CA traveled on October 12, 2011

This was a "fabulous" trip. Our trip leader Uanee was professional, knowledgeable and funny. OAT balanced the trip just right with the number of hotels and campslodges. We saw lions, elephants, cheetah, rhino, warthogs, zebra etc. The food was very good. The Namibian people are very friendly and kind. Seeing the sand dunes at dawn and hearing a lion roar during the night and watching rhino, giraffe, zebra and warthogs at the waterhole in front of our patio at the lodge was just wonderful! Shopping was great. It is a must go trip!

Traveler: Jo Ann Malchiodi from Huntington Station, NY traveled on October 16, 2011

THIS TRIP WAS A PERFECT FOLLOW-UP TO AN EARLIER ONE, ULTIMATE AFRICA, WHICH FOCUSED ON AFRICAN WILDLIFE AND INCLUDED NAMIBIA (THE CAPRIVI STRIP). WHILE THERE WAS PLENTY OF WILDLIFE VIEWING, IT WAS NOT THE PRIMARY FOCUS OF THE TRIP. THE EMPHASIS WAS MORE ON THE DIVERSITY OF NAMIBIAN CULTURES AND ENVIRONMENT THAN BEING "ON SAFARI". THERE WERE PLENTY OF "AHHH" MOMENTS: THE RED DUNES OF THE SOUTH, A BLACK RHINO CHASING A LION, THE VIEW OF THE SKELETON COAST FROM THE AIR, ANCIENT PETROGLYPHS. I'M SURE EVERYONE ON THIS TRIP HAS HISHER OWN LIST OF HIGH POINTS. AS THE CATALOG STATED, A SENSE OF FLEXIBILITY AND ADVENTURE IS NEEDED BECAUSE NOT EVERY THING WENT WITHOUT THE OCCASIONAL GLITCH; BUT THIS IS TRUE ON EVERY ADVENTURE!

Traveler: Maureen Tisei from West Roxbury, MA traveled on September 25, 2011

This was our first OAT trip. It was just wonderful. Our guide Rudi Naibob was excellent, the 3 hotels and 3 lodges were all great. The nation of Namibia and its people were welcoming, friendly and we felt comfortable and interested at all the different stops along the way. WHY is OAT ending its trips to Namibia???? Truly have no idea and it is a shame. Many people have not heard of this independent, peaceful nation. We could learn about a nation that does not make the headlines, contains a unique combination of geological beauty and marvelous wildlife. I strongly urge OAT to return to visiting this nation.

Traveler: Joan Kershner from Hendersonville, NC traveled on November 18, 2010

This is our first trip to Namibia, although we have visited about a dozen African countries in the last ten years. This trip was truly interesting and rewarding. Our program director Joel as well as many local guides did their best to show us their beautiful country. Our PD Joel even went out of his way to make sure that we had a chance to climb the famed dune 45 of the Namib Desert once he learned many of us wish to do so even though it was not in our original program. If your interest goes beyond just wildlife, and you would like to experience Africa in a broader manner, you should consider this trip. You will come home feeling like you were more a traveler than a tourist. More importantly, you will feel you have bonded with those kind people, and really would like to do something to make their lives better, the similar to the way they made your trip very special. This kind of travel will certainly make the world better place for all of us. Thanks OAT, thanks Joel, and thanks to all those wonderful people we have met in Namibia. This is truly a memorable trip!

Traveler: Singteh Lu from Mount Vernon, WA traveled on September 10, 2010

It is a good idea to always have the fan turned on and circulating over your bed. I did this and was never bothered by mosquitoes. I didn't find out until our last stop that others who had not been using the fams were being bitten. I guess the mosquitoes don't like the breeze.

Traveler: Dorothy Hutchinson from Frederick, MD traveled on September 28, 2009

On our trip to Namibia, one of the places that I liked the most was Kulala Lodge, which most people referred to as the "loo with a view". The restroom off of the dining area was the main "loo with a view", but every cabin, at least that I'm aware of had its own "loo with a view". The bathrooms were totally elevated, so your privacy was guaranteed, and you could look out at this amazing scenery and waterhole in front of the lodge while you were in the loo.

When we first arrived at the Lodge, a member of the housekeeping staff showed each one of us to our cabins, and explained what was where, etc., and we were also shown our balcony, terrace, loo, bedroom, safe, etc., etc. On my balcony I had this little lizard who I named George. My friend Helen, a member of the tour group, would ask me how George was. It was so nice to have a little lizard for company when you were addressing postcards on your balcony!
That Lodge, for being out in the middle of nowhere, was the most beautiful lodge we stayed at during our entire trip.

Four of us took the Pre-trip extension to Victoria Falls. It was really nice. The only bad part about it was several portions of the Falls were dried up because of the time of year.

Our guide on the Pre-trip was named Bryson Tivatyi and he was very knowledgeable about his country, and unlike some other guides we had on our trip in Namibia, whether they were local guides or driver guides, you didn't feel like you were pulling teeth in order to get information.

I took the elephant back ride as an option in Victoria Falls, and it was so great, I would do it again in a heartbeat. When it was over and the guides at the elephant back ride drove me back to Ilala Lodge where we were staying, Bryson told me that Lundi (the elephant that I rode) was expecting a baby in either January or February of 2010. If anyone is planning a trip in the near future, ask to see Lundi's baby. It'll be worth it!

Traveler: Camilla from Middleburg Heights, OH traveled on November 19, 2009

Q: Where on earth is Namibia, anyway?
A: In southwest Africa sandwiched between South Africa and Angola, along the Atlantic Coast north of the Cape of Good Hope.

Q: Why go to such a remote place? And why a second time?
A: Namibia has almost the same array of wild animals as Kenya and Tanzania, but only a fraction of the tourists. So you’re not jockeying with others to closely view the wildlife. Our reason for a second visit (last year we toured the inland game reserves), was to enjoy the unique landscape of coastal Namibia, including the Skeleton Coast and the stunning red dunes of the Namib Desert, as well as getting a shot at the animals we missed before.

Q: What were the highlights?
A. Our favorite was a visit to the unique Himbe people, a nomadic clan whose women adorn themselves in red dye and with complex hairdos, and never bathe. Then there were the breathtaking 77-story high red dunes of the majestic Namib Desert, the shipwrecks along the storied Skeleton Coast including a vessel forced ashore just a month earlier by the powerful and unforgiving Benguela Current. Our scariest moment was during an after-dark game drive when we discovered a pride of lions feeding on a downed giraffe. We edged to within 30 yards of the carcass when the engine in our open Land Rover quit and couldn’t be restarted. The good news was that the lions had gorged themselves and were no longer hungry; the bad news was that the pride contained several young and curious cubs who were becoming interested in us. Not a moment too soon, another Land Rover came to our aid, forced the pride back and pushed our vehicle out of harm’s way.

Q: So it was all trouble free?
A: Hardly. South Africa is nine time zones away and requires some 30+ hours of travel, including a 16+ hour flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg. And whether your checked luggage will arrive with you is part of the adventure. In fact, both our bags failed to arrive home with us, and when they did arrive one was damaged.

Q: Do you recommend such a trip?
A: We certainly do. Tent life is not as primitive as it may sound. They contain real beds and bedding, and real bathrooms with showers. And on cold nights they even add hot water bottles. The memories are unique and unforgettable, and, the above example notwithstanding, your safety is assured by competent and attentive guides. We’d do it again.

Traveler: Lewis from Huntington Beach, CA traveled on July 16, 2009

This was our 9th trip with OAT and one of the most special. The topography, cultural exchanges and animal viewing were all excellent. One advantage of taking this trip early is that the cultural exchanges remain fresh and genuine. The people were all very friendly and welcoming. We were fortunate to see rhinos, lions, and a myriad of other wonderful animals, especially from our own watering hole at Anderson Camp in Etosha. We even spotted a Black Spitting Cobra! The accommodations and food were all excellent, as well, and exceeded our expectations. The only part that needs some improvement is that the guide was not as experienced as those we have had previously. This may be due to the newness of the trip, but was not a major drawback. Our guide for the pre and post trips were excellent. We did the Lion Walk in Vic Falls and that was definately a highlight, although not on the OAT recommended list!
Overall, I highly recommend this unique trip.

Traveler: Anne from Corral De Tierra, CA traveled on June 14, 2009

Visiting Africa was one of our dreams for many years. The tour of Namibia and the Skeleton Coast made that dream come true. The tour met all our hopes and expectations - if not exceeded them. What a wonderful way to see such an amazing country. We heartily recommend the trip.

Highlights of the trip included viewing and climbing the most beautiful sand dunes in the world, observing Himba tribal customs and daily life, and seeing countless animals in the wild, including many of the Big Five.

Thank you OAT for showing us Africa up close and personal.

Jerry and Nancy Keidel
The Villages, Florida

Traveler: Jerry from Lady Lake, FL traveled on May 06, 2009

If anyone is interested in receiving my rather lengthy (4 pages) comments on this trip, please contact me at: markmd@earthlink.net.
There is not enough room in this format for the report that I have written.

Traveler: Mark from Walnut Creek, CA traveled on April 19, 2009

We have traveled with OAT several time and this was one of the best trips.
Namibia is a very diverse area: sand dunes, beautiful landscapes (somewhat like New Mexico), many exotic animals.
The visit with the Himba people was a unique learning experience.
The accommodations and food were excellent.
When asked if this was better than Ultimate Africa -- I could not decide. They are both wonderful trips and different.
We did not take the extensions since we had traveled there with the earlier OAT trip.

Traveler: Wylie from Seguin, TX traveled on May 06, 2009

This was our 5th trip to Africa and our 13th trip with OAT. Our 1st time in Namibia. We chose this trip bc we wanted to see the sand dunes. And see them we did!! We arose b4 the sun to see the world's highest creasted sand dunes. It was breathtaking in the early morning light to see the apricot-colored dunes with their wind blown ridges. They are truly astounding! We had no wind no clouds and the sky was so blue. It is sureal.

The cities of Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund were "modern" with beautiful accomadations as compared to the wilderness camps. However, we always like the "outdoors" feeling and unique views at the camps. At one camp the stars and constellations shone so brightly in the dark desert sky- we had the opportunity to sleep "under the stars" at this camp.

The major high lights for us were the small plane trips, sand dunes,visiting the himbas, and seeing and touching the welwitschea plant. Fossil remains of the plant have been found in South America which was once attached to Africa. However, now this ancient plant only grows in the cool foggy hills of Damarland.

This was a truly amazing trip! And, oh yes, our fellow travelers and guides were wonderful too!!!

PS We saw the rhinos.....two of them!!

Traveler: Suzanne D from Anoka, MN traveled on April 20, 2009

This had been my third time in Africa and finally time to venture south to the cape. We were surprised that only two of us chose this extension. This is not a problem for OAT. They consigned with Hylton Ross Tourist Guide co. and we were met by our excellent guide at the airport. We had her all to ourselves for the entire time and she answered all the questions we could pepper her with. This is a dream part of So. Africa... affordable, busy, interesting and had excellent weather just for us. A true bargain and a trip to provide lasting memories. Way to go OAT!.
Janet

Traveler: Janet from Lake Oswego, OR traveled on January 12, 2009

Marueen's comments are right on. However, I wish to add a few comments for potential travelers, because the current writeup is incomplete. 1) the airflights between the camps are the highlight of the trip, but are not detailed in the writeup. 2) all camps do have power and the warning for people with sleep apnea is no longer correct. 3) the write up for Etosha needs to be corrected to clarify the major differences in wildlife between the rainy season and the dry season. The current writeup virtually assures seeing rhinos and this was a major factor for two people on our trip. In fact during the rainy season the elephants migrate north of the pan and the rhinos hide in the brush since there are abundant waterholes. But great trip and we had a great guide!

Traveler: Arden from Altadena, CA traveled on January 12, 2009

The three unique wilderness camps were great, with first class meals and outstanding service. The chartered flights within the country allowed us to see so much more of the beautiful landscape of Namibia that you would by bus. Although we missed seing rhinos, we were amply rewarded with many sightings of zebra, giraffes, desert elephants, lions, kudu, springbok, steenbock, wildebeest, redhearte beast, impalas, birds of prey, etc. This trip truly puts the "adventure" in Overseas Adventure Travel!

Traveler: Maureen from Fredericksburg, VA traveled on January 12, 2009

A fascinating country that appears to have its act together politically. The Sosusvlei area of the southern Namib was spectacular. I have seen a lot of sand dunes but this area was unwordly, an ocean of red sand. The fact that we were able to fly over it gave you a real sense of its vast scale. In that the rainy season had started we missed seeing elephants who were no longer forced to come to the water holes. This was compensated by the opportunity to spend 20 minutes alone with 4 male lions at a distance of 20 feet. You could easily hear them breathing. A fine trip.

Traveler: Willy from Portland, OR traveled on January 05, 2009