Namibia Adventure promises to showcase the diversity and dramatic beauty of the nation it explores, with experiences that range from wandering among towering sand dunes to voyaging on life-filled seas to safaris through isolated wilderness. But what is it like to venture on this intrepid tour? We talked to James, a Loyalty Club member, and Nikki, a member of our Operations team, who happened to be on the same departure, for their report.
What made you decide to go on the Namibia Adventure tour?
James: We had heard encouragingly good reports from friends and family about visiting Namibia, in fact a cousin has a condo at Walvis Bay. Once we made the decision to go, it was a no-brainer to select Wendy Wu Tours as our travel partner. We knew Wendy Wu Tours would not disappoint and it didn’t.
Nikki: Namibia has been on my bucket list to visit for a number of years, and the tour ticked all the boxes of what I love to look for in visiting a new destination – stunning scenery, incredible wildlife and the opportunity to experience local culture in a way that is directly beneficial to those involved.
What were the rest of your group like?
James: A mixed bunch of couples and both male and female single travellers. The small group size was an advantage.
Nikki: It was fantastic to enjoy the trip with such well-travelled individuals and hear their insight into their other overseas experiences (and other Wendy Wu tours).
How were the national guide/local guide?
James: Up to Wendy Wu Tours high standard although the national guide explained this would be his first Wendy Wu tour so we helped him out. The local guides at attractions such as Etosha National Park, Walvis Bay, Sossusvlei, were brilliant, all round informative/helpful/PATIENT/ friendly/knowledgeable, and the transport offered on trips through National Parks in jeeps with banked seating was excellent. The early morning blankets/covers were welcome.
Nikki: Elia our National Escort was brilliant in sharing his expertise and passion for his country, and at each individual destination our local guides were phenomenal in conveying their own specialised knowledge, whether that be the local wildlife of Walvis Bay or the Himba people of northern Namibia. The hospitality we received everywhere we went was truly wonderful and really helped to cement the incredible experiences we got to witness.
What was your standout memory from the tour?
James: Being well looked after by the guides and the top-quality accommodation and food. Being part of a small harmonious group (not sure if Wendy Wu Tours can control the harmonious bit!).
There are too many favourite memories to mention but if pushed would say Walvis Bay cruise and the Dunes 4X4 “cruise” and the Cheetah Conservation Fund facility. In fact, we would have liked to have spent more time at The Cheetah Conservation Fund facility only for the fact that it was busy and service in the gift shop was very slow – I would have liked to have spent more time and money there. Also, some of the “comfort stop” location visits were a bit short as we would have liked to support the local economy financially for their traditional craft merchandise.
Nikki: An absolute highlight for me was our day exploring Swakopmund – starting out the day with a cruise around Walvis Bay spotting dolphins and cape fur seals was so much fun, and ending with a 4×4 drive across the dunes of Sandwich Bay taking in the spectacular scenery was an unbelievable way to view these iconic sites.
Would you recommend this tour to other people and why?
James: Yes, with qualifications. Distances and hence travel times between hotels/lodges were sometimes quite long and Namibian roads are not all tarmac, so some of the roads were a “bit bumpy”. The locals call this enjoying a “Namibian Massage”. We are not saying don’t go just be aware of the road conditions beforehand. Not all people enjoyed all of the food on offer but everybody could find something to eat at every stop whether it be roadside comfort stops or hotel/lodge meals.
Any top tips?
Nikki: My tip would be to download some podcasts/audio books for the longer drives – it made navigating the bumpy Namibian roads much easier!
