KathBC

Hi all,

Can anyone recommend a good tour operator they've used for Namibia?

I know some have used Gemma from Discover Namibia but I haven't been able to get a response from them.

Thanks!

sandi

Believe another I've read is Cardboard Box located in Windhoek. Patty might have used them some years back.

jesron

I used cardboard and chameleon safaris in the past. Both were very good. They do pretty much the same at the same cost.

ElaineAust

I used Ultimate Safaris in May this year. Very good service and pricing.

KathBC

Thanks all, I'll give these suggestions a try.

TanjaNamibia

Try SWA Safaris. Self drive and guided tours.

xelas

Gemma Dry from Discover Namibia is working on our 2 weeks self driving in May 2014, and her work is excellent. I am impressed, and that comes after 20 years of planning and executing our trips by ourselves.

KathBC

Hi xelas, yes I finally got a reply from Gemma, seems their server was down for a few days and it took them a while to catch up with things.

Hopefully all will go smoothly from here on.

CarrieT

Hi Kathee, I had asked Discover Namibia some questions about an itinerary they prepared for me and I never heard anything back (months now). Granted, my trip isn't until 2015, but I felt like I was being ignored so I started doing research and decided to try booking on my own.

I've found that all of the lodges/hotels take credit cards and I have already put deposits down on a couple places and booked my rental truck. It's pretty easy planning so far - even without an agent. I just booked a "luxury apartment" overlooking the ocean at the Beach Hotel in Swakopmund. Can't wait for that one!

But I'm glad they finally got back to you on your trip. I know it's nice to have a contact in the country you can talk to that will help with your trip - both before and during the trip. How long are you staying? Have you decided on your route/itinerary yet? I'd love to hear about your plans. And, of course, you're going before me so I'll be watching your progress with interest and waiting for any tips you can give me after your visit!

KathBC

Hey Carrie! Have my fingers crossed Gemma will remain in touch but only time will tell.

The plan so far is about 21 days on the ground May 2014. Not quite sure of all the routing just yet however Etosha will likely be the usual Halali and Okaukeujo altho Okaukeujo sounds a bit Disneyesque so not 100% sure on that one.

Most likely Hoodia Lodge in Sossusvlei and I liked your idea of the Beach Hotel in Swakopmund better than the Hansa which most TO's seem to recommend.

Still trying to figure out where Na'ankuse & CCF will fit into the itinerary and also how far north to go for a Himba settlement visit. May need somewhere interesting to stop between Swakopmund and Damaraland/Kaokoland to break up the drive.

So as you can see still have some areas to sort out.

CarrieT

Sounds like it's going to be a great trip!

I'm staying at Grootberg Lodge - half way between Etosha and Swakopmund. I noticed on their site that they offer a visit to a Himba settlement (among other interesting activities). Might be worth a stop? I wasn't sure if you were planning to stop between Etosha and Swakopmund or not.

Beach Hotel - the rooftop pool and bar with a view of the ocean sold me Not to mention how wonderful that apartment looks!

I'm sure Gemma can probably give you advice on fitting those things in...I know, it seems like once you start planning it turns out that you really need at least another week there, right?!

Lolazahra

Hi. I used Gemma two summers ago and she was great. I did think that she needed to upgrade her technology a bit which kept her from responding quickly, faxes down quite a but, etc. She is also a small shop so I think she can get swamped easily. But in the end, the trip was fantastic and she did a great job ensuring we saw a good bit of the country in a small amount of time. I hope it works out. Enjoy!

xelas

@KathBC: yes, I've been told the same thing about her server. As I hang more on Tripadvisor forum, Gemma is well respected DE and tour agent there. Only good nothing bad about her work. Yet it is the height of the dry season and she might be overwhelmed (by her success). So far the communication was smooth if not prompt between us. BTW Hoodia Lodge is an excellent choice. Would be on my list yet 2 weeks are not enough time to include also Sossusvlei. Well, it will be a second visit then. When in May are your dates?

@CarrieT: it is the first time for me to use an agent, after say 60 travels around the globe. Yet as Etosha is the centerpoint, and dealing with local agent is much easier then booking on your own. At least the price is the same, and it is always good to have an anchor in that part of the country if something goes wrong.

MarySch

In the summer of 2011 we took a trip with Ultimate Safaris - Namibia, with Tristan Cowley as our planner and Perez as our driver/guide. It was fabulous and I would highly recommend Tristan for planning your trip. We flew to Windhoek, began our trip there. Then we travelled north to Ongava and Etosha and did a driving tour going south through the major sites in Namibia and continued through South Africa until we got to Cape Town.

numbat83

Tristan Cowley planned a great trip for me in 2009, and was very responsive to my budget concerns. I'd strongly recommend Ultimate Safaris on the basis of my experience..