Hello Helpful Namibia Insiders: Sorry this is long, so bear with me. I have done such extensive research the past week, maybe this will help others plan their trip, too.
BACKGROUND: Family of five (children ages 14, 11, 9—at the time of trip) traveling to Namibia from approx. 12/18-1/8 (20+ days). Self-drive trip. Considering Swak, Damarland, Etosha, Tsumkwe, Caprivi and Waterberg
A couple comments first:
1. CAR: I plan on renting a Toyota Condor because the Brandt guide suggested this 2WD for 5-6 people. What do you think of this car?
2. CAPRIVI: Camp Kwando--in reading the reviews it seems to have awful management service. Anyone care to comment here? I'd prefer this location to Lianshulu which seems to be larger geared more for big groups.
3. Windhoek guesthouses: Terra Africa or Rivendell?
6. Damarland--any recommendations for a working guest farm somewhere in region?
7. Anyone heard of Francolino Fly-ins lodging near Twyfelfontein? It looks so cool, but according to Namiweb it is closed. Any updates?
8. We want to keep the driving times between 4-5 hours max. In reviewing our itinerary, does this seem feasible?
9. Botswana--Would love a river boat trip into Botswana for two nights while in Caprivi, if possible, and if worthwhile-change of scenery?
10. NOTE: We can add a day or two to this itinerary if needed.
SFO-Walvis Bay or Windhoek on British Airway (only airline I can find that will go from SFO to Namibia; haven’t looked at cost to fly home from Wind yet-couldn’t find this option on website) My reasoning behind flying into WB—not interested in spending time in Windhoek, so this saves one night of accommodations and driving from Wind-Swak. Rent 2WD (Toyota Condor or VW Microbus—not sure of cost for this vehicle, open viewing of luggage?)
• Swak-3 nights at Brigadoon. In the matter of time and keeping the children in mind, I’ve decided against visiting Sossusvlei. I thought we could possibly do a fly-over day trip adding Skeleton Coast, too, but it may be cost-prohibitive. We would like to take Tommy’s Tours and Safaris, Mola Mola Sandwich Harbor 4x4 and Eco Marine Kayak trip; Kids would love to go sand surfing; plus the possible flight to Soss. Our two sons (ages 14 and 9) and my husband would love to go on quad bikes if possible. I will stay far away from these, as I managed to almost overturn one on a palm tree in Dominican Republic last year knocking my 9 year old daughter off—no injuries, but very embarrassing!
• Damarland-2 nights We heard about a EHRA project in Anixab along the Ugab River (northwest of Uis) that helps out the Gariseb School. We would like to visit this school. I’ve inquired with EHRA to see if there is a holiday project (painting or something) that they may be working on that we could help for a day or two. We’d also like to visit some of the sights around Damarland—petrified forest, possibly Twyflefontein (though too many rock engraving stops will lose the children’s interest). I only read on tidbit on this, but the Wondergat sounded intriguing. Of course, we’d give anything to see the Desert Elephants! Also, I’m hoping we’ll be able to hear the “tick” language being spoken. I have NO idea where to stay! If we do this project Brandberg White Lady Lodge appears to be close, but it got terrible reviews on Trip Advisor. Perhaps a nice guest house/working ranch?
If we don’t do this project than we’re more flexible on where we go. Perhaps we just spend one night at Vingerklip Lodge (does this have large busloads of visitors?), or another one I found interesting is Franco Fly-ins—not that I’m really interested in the flying portion, but the accommodations seemed interesting. I love the idea of sleeping under the stars and the outdoor shower. Also, closer to attractions and I know we won’t want to drive much on a rest day!
• Etosha-3 nights (most likely at Okaukuejo and Etosha Aoba Lodge—but still considering Namutoni or Halili, though I was thinking this could be a lunch stop on the way to the eastern side of park) Would we see more if we hired a guide to take us around at either location? It may be nice for us to take a break from driving while in the park, though, I hear this is part of the experience.
• Nhomo Camp, near Tsumkwe-3 nights We’re really excited about this. A chance to spend time with Bushman while they hunt. Can we drive on C44 to camp with our Toyota Condor?
• Rundu at Hakusembe River Lodge—1 night; Anyone been here?
• Mahango National Park area—2 or 3 nights. I’m still debating between Ngepi, Ndhovu and Mahangu. Ngepi—what I like: cage pool in river, tree houses with reed walls, activities. Not so sure if nightlife will be too loud for the family. We may be too old for this place. Lovely and relaxing looking tents. One possibly on the river—how cool! Mahangu—anyone been to help me out here?
• Mudumu Park environs—2 or 3 nights. Still debating between Lianshulu--hear the excursions are ridiculously expensive particularly the one to Kwando Lagoon Camp which sounded interesting to me. Like the idea of the new suites with individual plunge pools, but this probably comes at a hefty price. Worried that this is where tourist groups congregate. Camp Kwando—place looks great, but terrible reviews regarding staff/management on Expert Africa website. Wondering if this will change? I’d love to do the overnight to Mamili Nat’l Park suggested in a guidebook. Perhaps a trip to Botswana for a night.
• Rundu at Hakusembe River Lodge—1 night again, or could we make it to Roy's? How long a drive is this from Mudumu area?
• Frans Indongo near Waterberg-1 or 2 nights
• Windhoek before flight--Terra Africa or Rivendell? Any suggestions
I've been researching extensively, and truly appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you.
