How to find the best Namibia safari tour operator

For many, a safari holiday to Namibia is the ultimate adventure that will create cherished memories that last a lifetime. Breath-taking scenery, incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities, luxury accommodation and scrumptious food are just some of the wonderful things on offer when you book a safari tour of this enchanting Southwest African Nation.

Regardless of your budget, and whether you’re seeking to book a self-drive or private guided holiday, choosing a trusted safari tour operator is the single most important thing you can do to ensure you have the best possible experience.

However, competition amongst safari operators is fierce and we’ve even heard of some disingenuous operators that promise the world and fail to deliver. If you’re planning on booking a Namibia safari tour, conducting proper research is key. That’s why we’ve put together a list of helpful tips, advice and questions that you should ask yourself before you book- read on below!

Does my operator have local knowledge & first-hand travel experience?

The best safari tour operators are undoubtedly the ones with local knowledge and first-hand travel experience so before you even consider booking try to uncover a little bit more about your potential operator.

Not only will an experienced tour operator be able to provide great travel tips and insight about this fascinating country, but they’ll also know all about the best lodges to stay in and the best attractions to visit- because they’ve been there and done it themselves!

If you can find a tour operator with consultants and holiday specialists based in Namibia, then even better. Just like any country, the landscape changes; some lodges may no longer be as great as they once were, some roads and routes may no longer exist; you’ll never have to worry about encountering any sub-par accommodation or poor routes if you book with an operator that has boots on the ground.

To uncover basic information about your tour operator the best place to start is the homepage or About page on the operator’s website. You can also try searching the web for company background details.

Is My Tour Operator Independent?

Some tour operators own and manage their own transfer companies and lodges so you may not be able to experience the best Namibia accommodation options because they will promote their own first.

For a Namibia safari travel experience catered just for you try to look for an independent company. Independent operators are more likely to give unbiased advice and they can create bespoke itineraries tailored to your tastes and budget.

What support is available during my travels?

A dream safari holiday to Namibia can soon turn into a nightmare if you encounter any difficulties on your travels so it’s essential to ensure that your chosen safari operator has adequate support measures in place. The most reputable Namibia safari tour operators prioritise customer support and should have a 24/7 support line available. If you can find a safari specialist that offers in-country support then even better; that way you can rest safe in the knowledge that help will be with you soon if you do encounter any issues.

What are the customers saying?

Before you even consider booking with a potential safari tour expert you should always check out the reviews online to see what other customers have to say about their experience.

Third-party review sites like Google Reviews and Trust Pilot are a good place to start and you can even give the company a quick search on social media. Reviews uploaded on sites like the ones just listed are unbiased and genuine, which should help you build up a good picture of what you can expect.

What activities and accommodation options do they offer?

After a long day roaming the wonders of Etosha National Park, or spotting the seals at Cape Cross, you’ll no doubt want to rest safe in the knowledge that you can reside to your cosy and comfortable lodgings.

The best Namibia safari tour operators offer a plethora of accommodation options, each tailored towards different budgets and tastes. Browse your operator’s website and see what’s on offer; the very best specialists will have superb lodgings options for families, couples, and solo travellers.

It’s also wise to find out what activities your tour operator will provide. Do you value a more rugged adventure holiday where you’re up close and personal with mother nature? Would you rather take in the epic Namibian sights by plane? Enquire about the different activities available and ask if a certain activity or excursion can be included if you can’t see something you’d like to do included in a standard itinerary package.

Is the payment policy clear?

So, you’ve chosen what you believe to be a reputable safari tour operator and now it’s time to pay. Before you transfer any funds always read up on the payment terms and conditions and make sure you scroll over the cancellation policy in detail.

It’s also important to ensure that you avoid anything that looks suspicious. If a tour operator is asking you to make a transfer to a bank account that isn’t in the company name then this should raise a big red flag!

Why Choose SecretNamibia

SecretNamibia is a luxury safari company specialising in tailor-made luxury safaris. We pride ourselves on delivering unrivalled customer service and our professional safari architects will be with you from first contact right through to the end of your trip.

Based in Namibia, our expert local knowledge enables us to provide itineraries and packages bursting with the best activities that will help you get the most out of your Namibia holiday adventure.

We offer a full booking service that includes flights, accommodation, and transfers. We only work with the absolute best service providers to ensure we deliver the ultimate Namibia safari experience.