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Review: Overlanding with Nomad Tours Africa – Best of Namibia

About my nomad tours africa – best of namibia adventure .

During my backpacking trip in  Southern Africa , I heard from fellow backpackers that independent travel in Namibia is extremely challenging because of the desert and the lack of public transportation. Therefore, I decided to opt for an overlanding tour. After comparing different overlanding companies, I booked with ‘Nomad Tours Africa’ because of the price and itinerary. The tour was called Best of Namibia and it took me from Capetown ( South Africa ) to Windhoek (Namibia) in 12 days and 11 nights.

Group size Nomad Tours Africa: Max 24 international passengers (in our group we had 9 persons) Visited places: Cederberg, Namqualand, Orange River, Fish River Canyon, Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, Etosha, Windhoek. Food included: 11 breakfast, 11 lunch, 9 dinner Accommodation: Camping Crew: 2 (one driver, one cook) Packing capacity : 35 Ltr Price 2018: r15550 (1297 USD) (I participated in their tour in 2016)

Review Nomad Tours Africa – Best of Namibia

What i loved:.

• The itinerary and all the places we were able to visit with our truck were absolutely amazing!
• We had just enough ‘free time’ and drives were never too long.
• Our group was small (only 9 people, but this might have been lucky)
• The accommodation was comfortable and well-arranged (both camping places and the guesthouses)
• The truck is great! Comfortable seats, big lockers for your backpack etc.
• I was able to book last-minute in Capetown, only one night before departure
• Participants come and go, so group composition differs weekly
• The food was good during the tour.
• The price. Prior to the trip, I calculated how much it would have approximately cost me if I did it independently (with separate tours to Etosha and the dunes from Windhoek) and it was pretty much the same price. I felt it was a good value for money. The prices of the optional activities were also fair.
• Continue to 10 reasons why you should go overlanding! 

If I was the boss of Nomad Tours, I would improve:

• The quality of the tents and poles. The first day, we really had to search for suitable tents and poles. It was a bit of mess and some were broken. However, once we all found a complete and working set, it was fine.
• Our guides were fine, but not great. They were friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. However, with both guides I missed the enthusiasm to make the trip truly unforgettable. As a guide, it’s important to contribute to the atmosphere of the trip and this was just so-so. I can’t say, we truly had a fun trip together. They were also making jokes about 1 person in the group and I felt this was completely inappropriate.
• (I had no real connection with the people in my group. This is difficult to improve for Nomad Tours obviously. It might have been me, it might have been bad luck or it might also be the lack of atmosphere in general… In Windhoek, I met the people from the accommodated group (I was the camping group) for one night and funnily enough I immediately clicked with them. With some of them, I’m actually still in touch! They also seemed to be much closer with their guides. So, I can imagine this differs from trip to trip)
• Minor thing: At the end of the trip, we were asked to review the tour and tour guides, but we had to hand in the forms directly to the tour guides. I think an online form would have been better.

Instead of the  Nomad Tours Africa – Best of Namibia,  you can also opt for:

• One of the other overlanding companies such as Dragoman, Absolute Africa or Oasis Overlanding.
• I met an Absolute Africa group in Zimbabwe and they seemed to have a lot of fun together. They were mostly young people. But again, this may differ from group to group.
• If you’re interested in West Africa there is a company called Overlanding West Africa. I follow this company on Facebook and they offer some pretty cool, adventurous trips.

Bunch of Backpackers final verdict about Nomad Tours:

In terms of price and itinerary and visited places, I’m very satisfied! However, I was less enthusiast about the atmosphere during the trip, but obviously many factors influence this.

Disclaimer: I was a regular customer on this Nomads Tour. I did not receive any discounts.

As you may know, I always backpack (mostly solo). I still prefer to travel independently, wherever it is possible. However, group tours like this are also pretty cool. This was my first experience with an overlanding company and my first-ever traditional group tour! Would you go an overlanding adventure?

Here are 10 reasons to convince you why you should go overlanding! I especially agree with number 1.

Read more about my Southern Africa backpacking adventure here! 

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Backpacking Southern Africa: an ultimate overview

Very brave to visit Africa! Is there dangerous nowadays or they just scare us on TV? :-)

Africa is a continent with 54 different countries. You can’t really blanket 54 countries under a statement like that. Like everywhere in the world, there are safe and unsafe areas.

Great article about Africa travels, I got motivated to visit it again!

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NOMAD AFRICA TOURS & SAFARIS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Nomad Africa Tours Review – Victoria Falls to Cape Town

• 14 minute read

I set off on my first African journey in September 2023, starting independently in Angola . After that, I joined a group tour with Nomad Africa Tours, going from Victoria Falls to Cape Town over 20 days.

In this article, I’ll share with you why I chose a group tour over going solo and why I chose to go with Nomad Africa Tours. Furthermore, I’ll take you along on the tour’s itinerary and share details about group dynamics, camping versus accommodations, the crew, the food and my overall experience with Nomad Africa Tours.

For a quick summary, scroll down to the end of this article for the main takeaways and my final review score.

Contents of this article Hide

Group tour or independent (solo) adventure, overland truck tour selection process, week 1: start your nomad africa tours adventure in zimbabwe and botswana, week 2: game drives in nomad africa tours truck and northern namibia, week 3: desolate desert, quiver trees and wine country, the nomad africa tours crew, the nomad africa tours truck, the camping equipment & campgrounds, the group dynamics, final thoughts, victoria falls to cape town with nomad africa tours, why nomad africa tours.

This article reviews Nomad Africa Tours’ 20-day trip from Victoria Falls to Cape Town. But why did I choose to join this tour? And how come I went on a group tour instead of independently in the first place?

I typically prefer independent travel, but there are times when joining a group makes more sense, because they can be more convenient, less time-consuming, or safer. Also, while solo travel is feasible in southern Africa, it can be quite expensive.

Moreover, arranging one-way travel, like from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, presents challenges. Car rentals typically don’t allow pick-up in Zimbabwe and drop-off in South Africa. Public transport isn’t very user-friendly either and can be time-consuming.

Participating in activities solo can also pose issues. If you’re the only person interested, then the activity might get canceled, or you’ll have to cover costs meant for multiple participants.

After weighing my options, I decided to join one of the overland trucks common on the Vic Falls to Cape Town route. But then came the challenge: Which one to choose?

Upon opting for an overland truck experience, a myriad of choices awaits you from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, with several tour operators available.

Some prominent options include G-Adventures, Intrepid Travel, Acacia Africa, and Nomad Africa Tours. Each offers distinct routes and varying inclusions or exclusions in their trip packages. Additionally, there’s the choice between camping or staying accommodated.

After extensively perusing websites, itineraries, and reviews, my selection was Nomad Africa Tours. For me the most determining factors were:

• Nomad Africa Tours is based in Africa
• More time in Chobe National Park (Khwai River & Savuti) at a mobile camping
• Competitive pricing with most activities you want to do included
• Innovative trucks that are constantly updated to meet customer preferences
• Food was supposed to be very good and plentiful
• I got Nomad Africa Tours recommended by friends
• On-the-spot upgrades from camping to accommodation when available

But now, after I’ve been on the road with Nomad Africa Tours, did the tour live up to the expectations? After the itinerary below I will tell you all about it, so keep on reading.

Also read : 18 Unmissable Things To Do in Namibia

The itinerary from Victoria Falls to Cape Town

I want to give you a good idea of what joining Nomad Africa Tours’ journey from Vic Fall to Cape Town actually looks like. I’ve segmented the 20-day tour into three distinct sections, each spanning a week. Explore the itinerary for each week below.

Your adventure starts in Victoria Falls

Your journey start in the Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls. After meeting up with the group on day 1 at Shearwater Explorers Village, most people are headed into a day of activities.

If you’re like me and want to have some extra time in Victoria Falls you can book an extra pre-departure night or maybe even two. Check availability right here .

Victoria Falls is famous for the falls and is one of the main reasons for going on this tour. There’s various ways to explore the falls, both in Zimbabwe as well as in Zambia. If you’re short on time, make sure to at least go on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and head to the falls.

Check out my article below that gives you a 3-day itinerary of things to do in Victoria Falls. The third day in that itinerary suggests you go to Chobe National Park in Botswana, but you can either do something else that day or skip it, because this 3-week tour will take you to Chobe next.

Victoria Falls Itinerary: 3 Days of Thrills, Culture & Natural Beauty

Continue your nomad africa tours adventure in botswana.

This 3-week tour takes you on a thrilling adventure across the highlights of southern Africa. As you embark on the overland truck, your journey starts by heading toward the Botswana border. Your first night’s stopover is in Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park.

Day 3 demands an early start for an amazing game drive through the park, timed to catch the most active phase of the animals, particularly the big cats, engaged in their morning pursuits. Chobe National Park’s fame rests on its abundant elephant population, but it’s a haven for various other wildlife: lions, leopards, various antelopes, hippos, giraffes, and more.

Following the morning drive, a sunset river cruise along the Chobe River awaits – a spectacle teeming with even more wildlife than you might have encountered in Victoria Falls.

Mobile safari camp at Khwai Conservation Area

Days 4 and 5 diverge from the Nomad truck, and lead deeper into Botswana’s national parks. The group splits to board smaller 4×4 vehicles for a full-day expedition into the Savuti Game Reserve. The subsequent nights are spent in a mobile camp inside the Khwai Conservation Area. Adjusting to this basic setup might take some effort – no running water or plugs for your devices. Ensure you have spare camera batteries and a fully charged power bank.

Despite its rudimentary nature, this camp stands out as the highlight of Botswana. You’ll witness elephants and antelope strolling nearby as you sip your tea. The pitch-black night skies are perfect for stargazing.

After another game drive in the Khwai Conservation Area and a beautiful trip in a mokoro through the Okavango Delta channels, day 6 reunites you with the Nomad Africa Tours truck in Maun. But before boarding, opt for a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. Brace for a bumpy ride though. Almost half our group fell ill, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Final night in Botswana and crossing the border into Namibia

The final night in Botswana is spent with the San people, offering performances and historical insights. On day 7, you’ll cross into Namibia, spending the night in Windhoek. If you’re camping on this trip, tonight is a treat, because you stay in a guesthouse. This allows you to wash away all the accumulated sand and dirt.

Week 2 you fully spend in Namibia. On the morning of day 8 the group will be taken to explore some of downtown Windhoek, Namibia’s capital. You will learn about Namibia’s history, language and politics.

Black and White Rhinos in Etosha National Park

You’ll spend the next two nights inside Etosha National Park, Namibia’s largest wildlife reserve. Etosha represents the African savannah, known for its dry landscapes. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot the black rhino, completing the Big 5. Just like in Botswana wildlife is most active during the early morning hours and late afternoon.

The campsites in Etosha are unique, located near watering holes. At night, find a strategic spot within the camp that provides a view of the watering hole. Get ready to witness elephants, black rhinos, lions, hyenas, and various other animals frequenting the area.

Meet the Himba in Kamanjab and visit Brandberg and Spitzkoppe

The Nomad Tours truck continues its way through Africa down into Namibia. On day 10 you start with a final game drive as you exit Etosha. It’s a long drive today, but tonight you stay in Kamanjab at the lively Oppikoppi campsite. But before you turn off the lights take the opportunity to visit a Himba tribal village. You have the possibility to interact with the Himba people and learn more about their traditions.

Next morning you drive to Brandberg White Lady where you can do an amazing hike through the gorge. At the end of the hike you can witness some rock paintings that are said to be over 2,000 years old. Spoiler alert: the famous painting of the white lady is actually the painting of a black man!

After waking up in Brandberg White Lady Lodge campsite you drive to the spectacular Spitzkoppe mountain. At this 700 metres granite rock formation you can explore and discover some more rock paintings. The most famous site here though is the arch which offer some great photo ops.

Desert adventures in Swakopmund

Your final days in week 2 of your Nomad Tours truck are taking place in the seaside town of Swakopmund. But don’t be fooled… usually the town is covered in clouds and mist. And the seaside is the Atlantic Ocean which is bitterly cold here in Namibia.

Instead of time under a parasol at the beach you can sip coffee and eat cakes in one of the many cafes in this German influenced town. Don’t forget to use your free day to head into the desert on a quad-bike adventure . You can race through the sand dunes or drive in a lower gear to try and find some cute little creatures like geckos or chameleons.

Alternatively, head out of town on day trips to Cape Cross, or Sandwich Harbour in Walvisbaai . You could even go on a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast or head out onto the sea on a boat tour to spot seals or maybe even whales.

Also read : Desert Explorers Swakopmund – Quad Bike Tour Review

As you may have found out you will not have a lot of rest on this 3-week adventure with Nomad Tours through Africa. And as you enter your final week prepare for even more activities.

Enter the Namib Desert and visit Solitaire

Leaving behind Swakopmund it’s time to head into southern Namibia and the Namib Desert. This part of the country is very dry with lots of sand and rocks, and also gravel roads. After crossing the Tropic of Capricorn, local expert Boesman tells you all about this in a very animated way. You will also have your first encounter here with the enigmatic quiver tree.

Desolate Desert Landscape of Sossusvlei & Deadvlei

Another early rise and the Nomad Africa Tours truck is taking you to the most spectacular landscape in Namibia, or maybe even in Africa! It’s the Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. This place has captivated me ever since I saw that movie The Cell with Jennifer Lopez in the early 2000’s.

Hike up to the top of Dune 45 in Sossusvlei and take in the red sand dunes that surround you. Back down shake the sand out of your boots and take it to Deadvlei. Deadvlei, which translates to Death Valley, lives up to its name. Even the sand moved away here leaving just a bunch of blackened sunburnt trees. The views here are to die for, but don’t stay too long, or you will literally do that.

After lunch head back to camp, but first spend some time at Sesriem in the afternoon. The Sesriem Canyon is beautiful to walk through and explore. Try to imagine wetter times here, because water was what created this canyon. I found it hard to imagine, because it’s so dry in these parts of Namibia.

Continue to Fish River Canyon

The Nomad Africa Tours truck continues to Fish River Canyon, but stops at the Giant’s Playground and a Quiver Tree Forest.

The Giant’s Playground is basically a large area full of rocks that seems to have been stacked by giants. Of course no such thing as giants, because erosion did its work here. Next to the Giant’s Playground is a Quiver Tree Forest. These trees are actually plants and are almost hollow inside. Quiver trees don’t do well in wet weather, hence this is one of the few places they grow.

In the afternoon you finally arrive at Fish River Canyon, which is among the largest of its kind the world. The canyon is very deep and dangerous, so don’t fall or attempt to take the stairs down. If you want to hike the trail inside the canyon you need to qualify and register. The hike in the canyon takes about 4-5 days to complete and takes you to Ai-Ais Hot Springs. And that is also where the Nomad Africa Tours truck will take you after you finish walking along the rim to the viewpoint.

From Orange River to the finish in Cape Town

Your final day in Namibia is at the banks of the Orange River. Here you have the chance to go on a wonderful canoeing trip. Because of the proximity of the Orange River this region is also known as Namibia’s wine country.

From Orange River the Nomad Africa Tours truck takes you to your final border crossing where you enter South Africa. Most of day 19 you will spend driving through Namaqualand, famed for its wild flowers that enrich the landscape here from July to September. Your final night is spend at Marcuskraal in Citrusdal that offers pretty good opportunities for photographing the milky-way.

In the morning of your final day on the road to Cape Town you can partake in a wine tasting at Piekenierskloof winery. If a wine tasting at 9am is not your cup of tea, but a cup of tea is, then do a rooibos tea tasting here.

After a couple more hours on the road you see the beautiful Table Mountain in the distance! You’ve made it to Cape Town!! The truck stops for a bit at a Bloubergstrand Beach that overlooks Table Bay with some amazing views. Afterwards the tour heads to the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Woodstock, where it’s time to say goodbye to your new family.

Also read : Cape Town Itinerary – 5 Days in the Mother City

The Nomad Africa Tours Review

The tour’s route is a major factor in choosing it. This Victoria Falls to Cape Town journey almost followed the advertised route, meeting most of my expectations. I was aware that the truck wouldn’t venture into Namibia’s Caprivi Strip but would take the southern route instead, offering extended time in Botswana. This alignment with Nomad Africa Tours’ itinerary was precisely why I opted for this tour. The tour in 2024 is slightly adjusted, so check out Nomad Africa Tours’ website for the current route.

However, the one aspect that felt lacking was the absence of the visit to Walvisbaai and Sandwich Harbour, which was initially scheduled. Unfortunately, the group wasn’t informed about this change. This was disappointing, yet overall, the route largely fulfilled my expectations.

The whole crew on our trip was from Zimbabwe and they really knew how to create a fantastic atmosphere. Zanele was our Tour Leader and he was a real gem. Zanele is very knowledgable about the region and no question from the group remained unanswered. He always had an answer and gave some (local) perspective as well. Not unimportant he was a skilled driver navigating us safe and sound from Vic Falls to Cape Town. Together with the group and chefs Tracey and Artlyn he created a family out of our group.

The food was pretty delicious overall with dinner the best out of all the meals. Breakfast always consisted of fresh fruit, cereal and bread with different spreads. Usually there were also some eggs or pancakes available to spice it up. Lunch was pretty diverse that either consisted of some leftovers from the night before with some extra additions.

Dinner was very diverse and it was quite incredible what Tracey and Artlyn created with the equipment that they have available. We had everything from braai to curry, and from local dishes such as boboti to hamburgers. All of that sounds very meat based, but vegetarians were also catered for.

The truck serves as your base for nearly three weeks, and is stocked with most essentials for such a long journey. The seats were generally comfortable, equipped with pockets and personal power plugs. However, a few seats were a bit wonky or wobbly. Since we had a seat rotation plan in order, this wasn’t a huge issue, but worth noting.

The crew’s area of the truck was brand new, but the customer section was less updated during our tour. However, it was due for a complete renovation after our trip ended. Besides the seats, the truck was equipped with everything necessary for a 3-week African adventure.

One crucial point to remember about the truck: Nomad Africa Tours isn’t kidding about not bringing a suitcase. While there’s space for backpacks at the back, suitcases simply don’t fit. Before joining a tour, carefully check your bag’s dimensions to ensure it’s compatible!

When you stay accommodated then know that most of the accommodation that I saw was of very good quality. If you’re camping however, then know that there are beautiful campsites, but also some that had terrible sanitary facilities. Perhaps due to my limited camping experience, I found it challenging at times.

Really good tent, but bring your own sleeping bag and pillow

The camping equipment was perfectly fine, with the tents being spacious and quite new. I could even stand in them and I’m 1.83m (6’0″) tall. There were plenty of mattresses available so everyone camping had two each for some extra comfort.

Make sure to bring a sleeping bag suitable for the season. Winter nights can get very very cold. I joined at the beginning of spring and luckily it was only very cold one night. And don’t forget to bring a pillow.

Sanitary facilities

Most campsites have decent facilities, but some sanitary facilities were unacceptable. Not even that they were very dirty or anything, just broken shower heads for example. Or the available shower was taken over by a few too many caterpillars. Or all the lights were broken and the toilets didn’t have any toilet paper. One camp site didn’t have any running water at all, but was while inconvenient at the same time also the most unique place we stayed at.

Occasional break from camping available

The good thing is that at the end of each week you get a break from camping in a guesthouse with your own room and a comfortable bed. Upon arrival at each campsite you can also request an upgrade to a room for the night. Of course you have to pay extra, but the prices seemed very reasonable. And sometimes even cheap at just 8 USD.

In the Netherlands and across Europe, several tour operators offer trips to southern Africa, following similar routes. However, my preference was to join an internationally diverse group, which was precisely what our group turned out to be.

Group diversity

Our group comprised 20 individuals, with the most prominent nationalities being Singapore, the Netherlands, and the United States, each with three participants each. Nomad often brings together diverse groups like ours, a factor that influenced my decision positively. Besides nationality, the group consisted of people with a range of ages and genders. Throughout the three-week journey, we truly bonded and evolved into a family.

Participation in camp chores

There aren’t that many chores that have to be done at camp, but everyone pitched in. Some washed dishes, while others set up tables and chairs, or helped with tent setup.

Was it all sunshine and happiness? For the most part yes, but sometimes people get a little annoyed with each other. It happens in every family, but overall people share a passion in travel and that really brought us together.

Thanks for making it all the way to the end. Well almost anyway… you will find the review summary and the verdict just below. I hope to have given you a good idea what it’s like to join a Nomads Africa Tours trip. And that it helps you to decide if joining one of their tours is also for you.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to my newsletter to stay up-to-date of new publications on my website. Also follow me on the socials so you can join me on my stories as they happen.

Finally, let me know if you have any questions or want to leave a message. You can do so in the comment section below.

Nomad Africa Tours Review Summary and Verdict

• The Route 85 / 100 Amazing Different route compared to other overland trucks with more time in Botswana, but the tour skips the Caprivi Strip in Namibia.
• The Crew 95 / 100 The best Tour guide Zanele was knowledgeable and approachable. Together with chefs Tracey and Artlyn they created a family during our 3 weeks in southern Africa.
• The Food 90 / 100 Amazing The food was diverse, of excellent quality and plentiful. There were international dishes, but also African dishes like boboti, braai and kudu. Vegetarians were also catered for.
• The Truck 75 / 100 Very good The truck felt like it needed an update. Nomad Africa Tours does renew their trucks often and we were the last group on this truck.
• The Camping Equipment & Campgrounds 70 / 100 Good The camping equipment was sturdy and spacious (you could stand in the tent and I'm 1.83m (6'0")). The campgrounds were nice overall, but some of the sanitary facilities were pretty bad.
• The Group Dynamics 90 / 100 Amazing The group was very diverse, both in gender, age and nationality. By the end it felt like we were one family. Apparently its quite common to have a diverse group like this.
• Plenty of game drives in Botswana and Namibia
• A lot of time in Botswana's national parks
• Excellent food throughout the tour
• Very knowledgeable and experienced tour leader
• Diverse group of people based on age, gender and nationality
• Most activities are included in the price of the tour
• When you're not used to camping it will be quite challenging
• Sanitary facilities at some campgrounds were unacceptable
• The truck was old and tired (we were the last group in it though)

Part-time traveler. Full-time banker. Wine lover. Coffee aficionado. Comic book geek.

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Reviews 3.9.

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Amazing experience

I did a camping tour with them from Cape Town to Victoria Falls, was an amazing experience. I did some travelling already in my life, but Keith our driver from Zimbabwe was far the best guide I have met in my life. His knowledge was impressive about everything from geology, culture, wildlife. I am planning to do someday an East African tour with them again

Date of experience : January 03, 2020

Nomad Adventure Tours has lost it!

Nomad Adventure Tours has in theory very good products, and I will be fair to say that I have also had some of my best travel experiences with Nomad. But at my latest experience it appeared that Nomads effort to maximise revenue and profit has led them into the arms of sub-contractors that have very little resemblance to the product I have experienced before. So you don't know what you get!

Date of experience : September 17, 2017

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Nomad Africa review – overland camping safari.

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Nomad Africa Review (Overland Camping Safari)

A trip to Africa are what dreams are made of. No other place on earth has wildlife quite like it. It’s where the “Big 5” roam wild and free and I’m embarking on a three week adventure safari with Nomad to explore Africa’s wild side. 

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Trip details: Capetown to Victoria Falls

Our starting point is in the trendy coastal city of Capetown ,  South Africa.

We are heading north toward Namibia where much of the tour is based before crossing over into Botswana and finishing in the adventure capital of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Full trip details here.

While this is my second overland tour, it is my first with Nomad Adventure Tours. I’m here with my mother who is on her 25th tour with Nomad . She currently holds the record for most tours with this company, you go girl!

Though she has used other companies, this one is her personal favourite based on itineraries, cost and overall experience. If anyone can give me a recommendation, it’s her.

What is an overland camping safari

The overland safari takes you by road on an unforgettable experience.

While Nomad offers both accommodated and camping safari options, it surely has to  be the latter that really brings you closer to nature and all that this great continent has to offer.

You’ll be pitching your tent in some mind blowing locations , right on the edge of adventure. But don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe and thrilling to say the least. In fact, I truly believe there is no better way to see and do Africa.

It certainly means that taking a budget tour in Africa is not only cost effective but also a smart choice.

The following is a breakdown of what you can expect on your Nomad tour.

THE NOMAD AFRICA GUIDES

Our amazing guides for this trip are Laurine and Dingz.

Dingz is from Zimbabwe and he has the task of doing all the driving. He is as professional as they come and knows the route like the back of his hand. I’m sure he’s done it many times over.

Laurine is also from Zimbabwe and is our chief guide and cook.

She’s effortless at multi tasking and never misses a beat.  Her knowledge is second to none, not only about each destination but about the land and its occupants in general. Of all the tours I have done, I’ve never met a guide with all the answers – until now.

Each night Laurine gives a brief run down on the coming days and reminds us of those little things that keep the group running on schedule. For example, what time breakfast will be, will there be internet tomorrow, can I buy snacks and is there a bar at the next camp. All stuff that really matters!

NOMAD TRUCK SET UP

The Nomad Africa trucks are equipped to take up to around 24 people not including the driver and guide. The seating is arranged 2 either side and you have large enclosed windows for prime viewing along the way.

There is a compulsory seat rotation each day which everyone happily obliges.

The trucks are well decked out. All our gear gets accommodated inside the truck in personal lockers and everything else like tents and cooking equipment goes underneath.Every square inch of these vehicles has a compartment for something and it works very well.

There are overhead compartments for small back packs, jackets,pillows and anything else you need handy. Also your seat comes with a front pocket.

We had a cooler for our drinks and alcohol which we were able to restock every couple of days.

The one thing you won’t get is air conditioning. You’ll have to rely on the good old fashioned windows down if needed.It really wasn’t a bother and it only helped us get acclimatized much easier.

WHAT TO TAKE ON AN OVERLAND SAFARA

What you feel you need to take on your tour is up to you but some things are necessary.when camping.

First and foremost, you’ll need your sleeping bag . Make sure you check the temperatures and what grading of bag you’ll need. Also don’t forget your pillow and a towel.

Be sure to bring a head torch as sometimes you’ll get into camp after dark. You’ll also use it for those middle of the night bathroom runs.

Nomad will give you a checklist so you don’t forget anything.

Tents are supplied. They are 2 person and pretty easy to set up. It takes under 5 minutes to get it up and back down once you have done it a couple of times.

You will also be given a decent mattress which I found reasonably comfortable. Hey, it’s camping.

Fold out chairs are also supplied .

Nomad Africa does a great job at providing many of the meals.

This all comes down to what locations you stop at, but if you are camping, expect to get nearly all your meals supplied. They will have all that information in their tour itineraries.

Laurine’s cooking abilities were absolutely brilliant. It was like being home.

Breakfast consisted of cereals, toast, fruit and yogurt each day. We also had eggs at least every second day and occasionally bacon, porridge, pancakes and french toast.

Lunch was generally something simply in order to keep moving on the road..

Many times we would just be pulling over on the side of the road or getting into camp before heading off again. We ate sandwiches and salad most of the time. I for one really appreciated the fresh ingredients over anything heavily processed.

Dinner was everyone’s favourite meal time. We ate like kings every night.

Our plates were loaded with whatever Laurine had lovingly cooked. Think fish, pork chops, hearty stews, BBQ and marinated chicken. This would usually be accompanied with rice, pasta or potato to keep us filled. Anything left over was usually turned into a delicious salad the next day

We had people with dietary requirements and they were well looked after also. No one ever went hungry.

THE CAMP SITES

We stayed in some pretty nice well equipped camp sites while others were much more basic.

Some had full facilities like restaurant, pool, bar and laundry. After pitching the tent we usually had time for a shower and then many headed down to the bar for a cold beer.

Others were simple bush camps which possibly meant no power. We had showers sometimes heated by fire. Don’t worry, it won’t be your job.

Occasionally we had the opportunity to “upgrade” to a basic cabin which generally only cost a few extra dollars. Just ask your guide before you arrive whether the camp has such facilities as there is usually only a couple us for grabs. Head straight to reception.

If you enjoy the camp experience then you’ll be happy either way but I understand sometimes we need something a little more like home.

The best part about camping is being as close to nature as possible. The pictures below shows the water holes only a few steps from our camp site. It was fully fenced so we had the opportunity to safely walk across at any time to see what wild life was out and about.

STAYING CONNECTED

Internet can be hard to come by on the road even though many of us bought data packs which were very cheap. If you can appreciate that we don’t need to have access to the outside world every minute of the day you’ll be fine.

Many of the camp sites had free WiFi but it could be sketchy at times.

In terms of charging your electronics, the trucks have USB ports on each seat so keeping your phone or camera charged was easy. We also had power each night in the truck so could recharge everything for the next day.

THINGS TO KNOW

If you haven’t heard of the term “bushy bushy” you soon will. Welcome to Africa.

Sooner or later you’ll have to use a bush to relieve yourself. It goes with the territory and really isn’t that bad. Sometimes we had to go behind the truck because the surrounds provided no camouflage.

The African massage is another thing you will definitely get to know. Referring to the road conditions, it was at times heavily corrugated or riddled with pot holes This rough and bumpy ride was simply life on the road for now.

NOMAD AFRICA IN A NUTSHELL

This a great way to see Africa for the budget traveller. As most of your meals are provided and many of the activities are part of your cost, it really is a cheap way to go on tour.

Nomad Africa provides the very best itineraries and really understands their clients needs.

Most of the tours are a combination of smaller tours so you can easily hook up on the next adventure if you want to extend your time in Africa. Even my three week trip saw some people leave us half way through and others join the group. Many went on to other destinations as well when it was all over.

As i mentioned, Nomad Africa has accommodated tours also if camping is a definite “no no”. Of course you’ll pay extra but it is still very reasonable.

I also had an opportunity to look on board one of their new small group l uxury tour trucks. I wished I hadn’t as it was extremely fancy. First class all the way.

My time in Africa was full of epic scenery, first time experiences and wonderful emotion. I really can’t thank Nomad Adventure Tours enough for taking good care of me.

For a range of tours Nomad Africa see here. 

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Cape of Good Hope day trip and other highlights.

Cape Town highlights – best free and paid attractions.

Visiting Etosha National Park, Namibia- a love of wildlife

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We operate both camping and accommodated tours in Southern and East Africa. Nomad Tours offers fantastic value for money adventure touring in Southern and East Africa. With the best trucks and dedicated guides, deciding to travel with Nomad is the best choice you can make. We’ve spent years refining our service, improving our vehicles, training our staff and maintaining our equipment.Traveling with Nomad means friendship, fun and adventure plus the security that group travel brings.

Safaris & Tours 0 – Offered by Nomad Africa Adventure Tours

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Reviews 4 – About Nomad Africa Adventure Tours

Latest user review, an amazing trip that makes you want more of beautiful africa.

I took a tour from Cape Town to Victoria Falls AMAAAAZZZZZZIIIING. The driver JoJo and cook Nash were fantastic. Knowledgable and friendly. I’m now planning my next trip to Africa as I have fallen in love with this stunning continent. I...

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Our Passion For Travel

A nomad tours review: exploring some of the best of namibia.

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I’m staring straight down at the red hot sand. As I concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other, Mama G, my tour leader, walks by my side.

I’d been looking forward to seeing the landscape of Deadvlei for a long time. The unique dead forest of trees was the reason we’d booked this Namibia group tour. But in this moment, I’m not sure if I’m going to make it.

The “short walk through the desert” I was promised was turning out to be harder than I had imagined. As soon as we had set off from the comfort of our 4WD, I was already at the back of the pack. With the Namibian sun blaring down upon me, I was really struggling with the heat.

Mama G must have noticed early on, and told Jeff not to worry. “You keep going, I’ll stay with Kristen”. What a relief. If I didn’t make it, at least I wasn’t holding back Jeff from the experience of a lifetime.

For the next 30 minutes, but what seemed like hours, Mama G stayed by my side. We talked about everything from our lives back home to funny stories on tour. Anything but the task at hand.

And then I saw it. As we made our way through the sand up a small hill, the clay pan of Deadvlei was laid out before me. The dead trees were surrounded by the dunes. It was one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen. We’ve gotten quite used to other worldly landscapes on our adventures, and the beauty of Deadvlei is truly like nowhere else.

Like a giddy child, I found my second wind and walked down to the white crusty surface. I’d made it. But there was no way I’d be there without Mama G. I was so very thankful that we’d booked this group tour with Nomad Adventure tours .

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Back to the beginning

Our decision to book a Nomad group tour wasn’t taken lightly. On our year long full time travels we’d gotten very used to being self-sufficient. In fact, we’ve travelled to over 70 countries and I can count the number of group tours we’ve done on one hand.

Yet, we’d found ourselves in a period of travel burnout. I hear my friends left in the office scoff at this, but I assure you it’s real. After more than 6 months on the road, the travel planning was getting a little tedious. We booked ourselves a one way ticket to Johannesburg. With just 3 days before our Africa trip, we hadn’t booked a single thing.

When we finally started researching self-drive options for Namibia, I realised that this was a place where pre-planning was vital for a successful trip. Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated countries on earth. In fact, ‘Namib’ means ‘vast place’. If something went wrong, it’s possible we’d be on our own for a long period of time. Discussions with our friends who’d driven through Namibia confirmed the same. So, with not much time to spare, I started looking into group tours.

The Desert Explorer tour via Nomad Adventure tours instantly appealed to us. The tour departed from Cape Town and spent a week making its way north. Importantly, it spent time in the Namibian desert, which was at the top of our bucket list. I read a few Nomad tour reviews and felt it served our needs perfectly. With just 2 spots left on the tour, we booked and hoped for the best!

So after spending a few weeks in South Africa, including a week in Cape Town , it was time for us to join our first group tour in 8 years. Read on for our Nomad tours review of the 7 day Desert Explorer.

Day 1: A warm welcome and saying farewell to Cape Town

Our first day of our Namibia tour starting bright and early. Meeting at a hotel in Cape Town at 6:30am, we covered all the formalities and said our hellos to fellow guests. We boarded our truck which was to be home for the next week and departed at 7am.

After about 30 minutes of driving we stopped to have one final look at Table Mountain. We then visited a supermarket for some supplies before continuing our trip north.

Today was one of the shortest driving days of the trip, just 2.5 hours, as we made our way to our accommodation at Maaskeral. After checking into our rooms we had our first meal from the truck. It brought back so many memories from a safari we’d done through Tanzania 10 years earlier.

Afterwards we set out for a 45 minute drive towards a Roobios farm. Roobios is a tea that is endemic in the southern part of Africa and something we became a little addicted to during our time in South Africa. So much so in fact, it is now our tea of choice! We were led around the property and learnt a lot about the tea making process. We weren’t left begging though, enjoying a tea tasting session at the end.

Our first dinner on the tour was made by the owners of our family-owned accommodation. A delicious meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and veggies. All washed down with some local South African wine.

Seated at a big table, we got to know everyone. This was aided by the fact that a microphone was put on the table as we each had to introduce ourselves. It was fantastic to see that we had such a diverse group of nationalities, gender and age groups. The tour was fully booked with the maximum of 20 people.

In addition to the guests, there were 3 Nomad guides on our tour. Mama G was the trip leader, our go-to for everything. With many years of experience leading tours through southern Africa, we were assured we were in good hands! Hamish was our camp assistant and helped out Mama G with the cooking, packing and keeping everyone in order. Finally, Jabu our driver, promised frequent African massages as we hit the bumpy Namibian roads. The trip was off to a great start! 

Day 2: an adventure day and crossing into Namibia

Mama G prepared us the night before about what was in store for this day. Called an “adventure day”, it basically means a bloody lot of driving. It was also the day we were crossing the border into Namibia. So we were warned to expect some delays. We set off at 7:30am to start the long drive north. 

Lunch that day was not included and we stopped off in the small town of Springbok. We were excited to see that we could get one final Nando’s fix. At home we will often have a “cheeky Nando’s”, and given South Africa is actually the home of Nando’s, it felt fitting that this was our final meal in the country. 

In the mid afternoon we hit the border. We were let on through and Jeff and I were excited to be in Namibia, our 70th country visited. 

The good news was that we didn’t have far to travel once crossing the border. In fact, our accommodation was located on the river which is the border crossing marking. We were stunned to find Felix Unite Provenance Camp to be such beautiful accommodation for our first night in Namibia.

Given we were on the ‘Desert Explorer’ Nomad tour we had prepared ourselves for the desert like conditions. Instead, we had a cabin right on the river with the most delightful views of the lush greenery. There was a gigantic pool which we used to cool off and enjoyed a drink as the sun went down. Dinner that night was from the truck at the campsite. It felt great to be outside enjoying the wonders of nature. 

Day 3: a lazy start to our Namibian adventures

Today was a rare treat! Due to leave the camp after lunch meant that we were given a choice of morning activities. We could either join a canoe trip along the river, or relax by the pool. The group was split about half/half. We chose the latter option and spent a lazy morning poolside.  

After another delicious meal by the truck, we had another short driving day. Our destination was Ai Ais, an area known for its natural hot springs. We stayed at the Ai Ais Hot Springs resort . For accommodation in the middle of nowhere, it was surprisingly nice. Although the rooms were basic, there was an indoor and outdoor pool. We booked ourselves in for a massage and then spent more time poolside. 

Another dinner by the truck under the beautiful stars was a real treat. 

Day 4: A canyon and quiver trees

On day four we left Ai Ais in the early morning and made our way to our next accommodation in Keetmanshoop. 

The first stop of the day was the Fish River Canyon. This canyon is the second largest canyon in the world. The largest of course is the Grand Canyon in the USA. We were lucky enough to see both these canyons within 2 months of each other. At the Grand Canyon we were freezing cold and trying to avoid slipping on ice, whereas at the Fish River Canyon it was stinking hot. 

We’re still not entirely sure where the “Fish River” part comes from, there wasn’t much in the way of either fish or river during our visit. However, the rocky expanse laid bare in front contrasted against the cloudy sky was a beautiful sight. We enjoyed a walk along the rim of the canyon before continuing on our way.

A quirky road side stop

Coming to Namibia we were well prepared for the long stretches of nothingness. What we didn’t know in advance is that there are a few amazing roadside stops as we made our way up to the Namib desert. Our stop today featured rusted old cars, peculiar trees (which we learnt is called a Quiver tree) and a bar with hundreds of number plates from around the world. We enjoyed spotting some Aussie plates. It was a welcome respite as we continued our journey north along the dusty road.

Lunch that day was going to be by the truck and Mama G told us that she needed to find a place to pull over. She wanted to try a backpackers she hadn’t visited in nearly 8 years. We pulled up and we were greeted by the most delightful lady. Sat inside in the air conditioning, we downed some ice cold drinks. In about 30 minutes we were called outside for lunch, and there was a massive batch of tuna pasta ready for us. I’ll never know how Mama G and Hamish could get everything ready so quickly!

After a quick check in to our hotel we headed out for some afternoon activities. 

Quiver Tree Forest

Our first stop was to the Quiver Tree forest. As a group we made our way through these uniquely shaped trees, trying to avoid stepping on a snake. We learnt that you mostly find quiver trees in dry and hot areas like the Namib desert. They got their name by the fact that in the past, huntsman used the trees for the quiver on their bows and arrows. All these trees grow naturally in these parts and flower in June and July.

From the forest, we made our way to the Giants Playground. This area is filled with massive rocks or boulders. It is aptly named given it looks like a giant person was picking up rocks and putting them on top of one another. It was thought to have formed around 160 million years ago. 

A lucky near miss

Back at camp, we spent another night by the truck sharing all our stories from that day. And whilst stories were shared, we were unaware that this evening would be a story unto itself.

On a tour like this, whilst there are guides and staff, everyone tends to pitch in and help with cleaning up. Jeff was drying some plates with Hamish. Chatting away, Hamish’s face turned serious very quickly. Putting an arm around Jeff’s waist, he may have thought the relationship had been taken to a new level.

“Don’t move suddenly Jeff, but just take a couple of steps forward” Hamish explained. Upon moving and turning around Jeff couldn’t have been more than a foot from stepping on a Cape Cobra snake. Only a baby it turns out, but it’s bite could prove fatal nonetheless. Importantly, we all kept an eye on the snake in the dark as it headed off. That led us to another question. If there is a baby, where is the mother?

Our walk back to our room was the longest 50 metres in history. In the dark with only the light of our torch to guide us, we legged it as fast as we could. There was no sign of the mother, and both of our hearts were in our mouth before we cracked up laughing. It’s the sort of story you can only expect in Africa. And Jeff’s gratitude for Hamish’s quick thinking will be forever remembered.

When the adrenalin stopped flowing, we hit the sack with another early start awaiting us.

Day 5: on the road again

Today was another adventure day. However, we were all excited as we were reaching the Namib desert. Our next 2 nights were also going to be in the same place, so there was less moving about.

Our first stop of the day was to the little town of Solitaire. Now, I am calling it a town, but that’s being generous. It was literally a stop with a petrol station, motel, a general store and a small café. However, what it lacked in amenities it made up with in cuteness. Old, rusted up cars were scattered across the land, making great photo props. The signs around the property were vintage and we were in typography heaven. After some time wandering around the property and grabbing some supplies, it was time to leave. Apparently the café had some delicious cake, but we didn’t have enough time to try it!

Soft Adventure Camp

From Solitaire we made our way to our accommodation for the next 2 nights, the Soft Adventure Camp . This spot was the accommodation highlight of the trip. The camp is located on a private reserve at the base of a rocky hill. Each pair had their own tented chalet, with an incredible view out across the landscape. There was an undercover dining area for our meals. The bonus was a small pool to help cool off under the Namibian sun.

After a complimentary afternoon tea (which more than made up for the lack of cake in Solitaire!), we literally rotated between the pool and the bar. By this stage we were looking forward to our afternoon Savannah Dry cider. The only thing that topped this off was watching the sunset. As the sky lighted up in a pink glow, we were content and happy.

Dinner in the evening was a real treat. It was especially a treat for Mama G and Hamish, as the local camp cooks were on duty tonight.  We dined on a smorgasbord of local meat dishes and vegetables. Afterwards the cooks broke into an impromptu traditional dance performance.

After dinner Mama G provided the next day’s briefing. Day 6 was the day we were due to explore the Namib desert, so I was super excited. That was dampened just a tad when we were given our instructions. A 5am bus boarding time for a 5:10am departure. Wonderful!

Day 6: Dune 45 and Deadvlei

Bleary eyed from our 4:30am wake up call, we stepped outside our cabin to make our way to the bus when we saw it. The cloudy sky from the night before had cleared. Never before had I seen the stars in the sky shine so bright. It felt like a million torchlights beamed down upon us as we made our way to the bus. It was simply mesmerising and I didn’t want to tear myself away from it.

Yet, we boarded the bus and arrived at the national park gates right on opening at sunrise. We started the drive through the park passing by the sand dunes coming out from the shadows.

Iconic Dune 45

Our first stop in the Namib desert was Dune 45. This dune is the most popular dune in the desert to hike. We decided to give it a go. At this time in the morning, the sand was lovely and cool. However, standing at about 170 metres tall, the hike isn’t for the faint of heart. It felt like for every two steps upwards we took one step back. There were more than a few moments where we were a little off balance.

To be honest, we only made it around three quarters of the way up, before the sun started to hit hard. Still, it was an amazing experience. By the time we got down at around 8am, the heat was starting to set in and there was no one starting the trek upwards.

Getting back to the truck, we were delighted to see that our amazing Nomad tour guides were preparing breakfast for us. Enjoying eggs on toast whilst staring back at Dune 45 was a blissful way to enjoy our morning. 

The beauty of Deadvlei

After finishing up at Dune 45, our next stop was to Deadvlei.

Arriving mid morning, in the middle of summer, meant that “hot” does not describe the temperatures reached. In order to reach the clay plan of Deadvlei, you need to take a short walk through the desert. It really isn’t too far, but with the scorching heat and all that sand, well, it can be a little tough. With Mama G’s help, I got there. The pain was all forgotten once I’d reached the destination.

Deadvlei is stunning. Its unique dead forest of trees, set against iron rich red sand and a sparkling blue sky is unique and breathtakingly beautiful. The trees themselves are dead, and have been for a long time, some 600-700 years. There once was water underneath the table these trees sit upon, but that dried up long ago. The trees remain as skeletons almost, with no water and an unrelenting sun.

We spent some time exploring the clay pan, and taking so many photos. I reluctantly started the walk back when the heat got too much. Those moments at Deadvlei will remain etched in my mind forever.

4WD experience through Sossusvlei

Back at the car park, we boarded a 4WD for an epic driving experience through Sossusvlei. There were lots of bumps and tons of laughter as the driver went at speed through the sandy surrounds. There’s a unique way of driving in the sand where the driver turns the wheel quickly back and forth to ensure we don’t bog. Equal parts practical as it is exhilarating!

Heading back to camp, we made a pit stop at Sesriem Canyon. A gorge of around 1km in length, it looked beautiful from above. In truth, I skipped this additional walk as I was way too worn out from the morning adventures!

We enjoyed a late lunch at a nearby restaurant. Heading back to camp in the afternoon meant there was a lot more pool time. A delicious braii (barbeque) tonight was cooked by Hamish and Mama G.

Day 7: Heading to Swakopmund and the official end of our tour

Today was a sad day for Jeff and I as it was the official end of our Nomad Adventure tour. It turned out that we were the only people ending our tour with Nomad today. The majority of our group were going on for another week to explore Etosha National Park. Some were even on the tour for 55 days, heading into East Africa. We still had more adventures in store, unfortunately it wasn’t with our newest group of friends.

On this drive, we were even treated to a somewhat unexpected sight. We had a tower of giraffes on the road. One of the most wonderful things about Africa is you just never know what you might see, at any time.

In the morning we visited a local camp and went on another desert tour. The sandy landscape around us was beautiful. Our local guide had us in awe as he told us stories of how he has walked for weeks on end from the desert to the sea. In the same way I might nonchalantly share a story about driving down the coast at home. We also learnt so much about the history and geography of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

Back on the road, Jeff and I sat up front in the truck with Jabu. Jabu and Jeff hit it off and still keep in contact months later. It was fantastic to see the dusty roads from this perspective. The vast expanse of nothingness was plain for us to see, as we travelled for hours barely passing another car.

Passing the Tropic of Capricorn

The vast expanse ended of course when we came across the famous sign at the Tropic of Capricorn. We had to wait our turn for a photo, because surprisingly, there were 2 other cars. Busy by Namibian standards!

The Tropic of Capricorn is the southernmost latitude where the sun can be directly overhead. In these parts though, it’s probably most well known for the very cool roadside sign that marks this spot. Here travellers like to leave a mark on the sign with where they’re from. There are literally hundreds of stickers plastered over the sign. Given the vastness of Namibia, it’s easily spotted on the drive up from Sossusvlei to Walvis Bay.

A quick stop in Walvis Bay

Our next stop was the town of Walvis Bay. We were shocked to find quite a large, new shopping mall on the outskirts of town. We had to grab our own lunch today, so tried a local burger joint. After spending time in the bright lights of the mall, I found myself longing for the vastness of the desert. It really felt like we were on our way home now, and our desert adventure was over.

We visited the waterfront of Walvis Bay, which is famous for the pink flamingos that call this place home. Unfortunately for us, the flamingos decided to stay well out to sea. So far away that the guy with the best zoom lens on the tour couldn’t capture a good photo. If you make it to Walvis Bay, hopefully you’ll have some better luck than us!

Arriving into Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a large coastal town that was colonised by the Germans in the late 1800s. There were a few things that surprised us the most about this town.

Firstly, it was quite cold! Coming from 40 degrees+ in the desert a day earlier, we reached Swakopmund and had to put on a jacket. The change in temperature was remarkable, yet very much welcomed.

In addition, the signs of German colonisation were everywhere. If I was to have been transported to this town and had to guess where I was, I would definitely have guessed Germany.

Finally, our accommodation had all the creature comforts of home. We decided to stay at Stay at Swakopmund with the rest of the group that night. With good WiFi, our few days off the grid has us catching up on stories from family and friends back home (including the arrival of my baby nephew!).

Final group dinner

That evening, our grouped dressed up and went out for a lovely dinner at a seafood restaurant in town, The Tug. It was a wonderful way to end our trip and bid farewell to our new friends. We finished with hugs and high fives. It’s amazing how close you can become to people you’ve known for only a week!

We had an amazing adventure with Nomad tours in Namibia. It was a true highlight of our year-long full time travels. I’m so happy we made the decision to go on this group tour and to see the beauty of Namibia.

Based on our experience, I would 100% recommend a tour of Namibia with Nomad Adventure tours. In addition to this Nomad tours review, I’ve included a Q&A section below which may help you decide whether this tour is for you. Also, if you’ve already booked a tour, some pointers below may help you with your preparation.

If you’ve got any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.

Nomad tours review: What was the truck like? What facilities were on board?

I was pleasantly surprised to find how well-equipped and comfortable the Nomad truck was.

The seats were in a 2×2 formation and everyone sat with their travel companion. For the singles on board, they either got their own 2 seater (lucky them!) or shared with another person. Whilst you could sit next to your buddy each day, we rotated seats so that everyone moved around the truck and you weren’t stuck up the back for the whole tour for instance.

Each seat had a pocket you could put a few items in, like a water bottle. There was an overhead section for small bags, and lockers up the back for your large luggage and any valuables.

A large esky was provided and filled with ice each day to keep drinks cold. The tour leader had access to a freezer for the food supplies.

The windows were nice and large. Whilst there is no air conditioning, smaller ventilation points up the top made sure that there was good air flow.

Our truck even had a USB charging point for every seat, which meant that we could keep our phones and electronics charged up all day. Although our phones were only good for taking photos or playing games on those long driving days.

Nomad tours review: Does your bag really need to fit in the locker?

Yes! And yes. Let me think about it further – yes! Possibly the most important part of any Nomad tours review is this very question. This is not a place to bring along a hard-shell wheelie suitcase.

Take good note of the size requirements Nomad tours will provide you with prior to the tour and make sure your bag will fit. There is no room for error here. Most people on the tour, including us, used a duffle bag. I found a sturdy bag by High Sierra that came with wheels and straps to use it as a backpack. Most of the time I could get away with rolling it along on wheels. However, there were times I had to use it as backpack or carry it via the straps. For instance, when moving from the truck to our rooms over sand/rocky surfaces.

Make sure you can lift your own bag or carry it on your back.

Nomad tours review: What was the food like on the tour?

We didn’t know what to expect when it came to eating in Namibia, but it turns out the food was excellent. We’d been travelling full time for over 6 months by the time we went on this tour, and it’s fair to say that eating out can be somewhat of a chore. Our week on tour in Namibia was such a nice break, with cooked meals prepared each day.

There were some people on the tour that had some specific food requests (not just allergies either). Mama G and Hamish worked around these requests. These often included making separate batches of food too.

Don’t expect a buffet where you can choose from a variety of options at each meal. For instance, one night we had Spaghetti Bolognese. For lunch, it was sandwiches one day and tuna pasta salad the next. If you really don’t like some particular foods, it would be best to talk to your tour leader on departure (as they buy the ingredients on the road). You can always take your own snacks too.

Whilst food is included, drinks were always required to be purchased and brought along yourself. Our tour leader advised us of the best places to stock up on drinks along the way.

Was there WiFi at the accommodation?

In this day and age, a Nomad tours review needs to address connectivity. We had access to WiFi at about half of our accommodation options in Namibia. At most, we went 2 days without any WiFi. When we did have WiFi, at roadside stops for instance, it was generally slow and good to use only for messaging. At some places we needed to pay a small fee for access too.

I’m addicted to my phone at the best of times, but found the lack of connection to be a non-issue. It was really nice to unplug for a few days and enjoy the experience. I made sure my family knew how to contact Nomad tours in the case of an emergency, so that gave me some peace of mind.

Is it better to do a group tour or do a self-drive option in Namibia?

This was one of the first questions we asked ourselves when planning our trip to Namibia.

We can’t compare the two, as we didn’t do the self-drive option. What I can do is tell you the benefits and disadvantages of a group tour:

Benefits of a group tour of Namibia

• No need to worry about detailed route planning.
• All accommodation is booked in advance.
• The tour leaders are knowledgeable about the places you are visiting. We learnt so much on the road.
• No need to worry about not having mobile service. The guide had a Namibian SIM card which could have been used in the event of an emergency.
• The ability to meet people from all over the world.

Disadvantages of a group tour of Namibia

• Not as much flexibility as a self-drive option. You need to go where the tour goes!
• You can’t choose your group. Whilst we were blessed with an amazing bunch of people, I have heard stories of people who have had disagreements with others on tour.
• You can’t see out the truck as well as you would if you were driving your own vehicle. We spent one day at the front of the truck, and it was incredible to see the road from this perspective.

If we went to Namibia again, I honestly don’t know if we’d choose to do a group tour or self-drive. We’d probably weigh up on the pros and cons of both methods and choose what serves us best at that point in time.

Where did you go from Swakopmund?

As the tour was progressing further north to Etosha National Park, we had to make our own way from Swakopmund. We booked a local transfer service that did a door-to-door drop off from Swakopmund to the capital, Windhoek. Mama G actually phoned the company and booked for us directly.

The bus seated around 10 people. Given the rest of the passengers were all locals, it was an interesting drive through the local townships.

From Windhoek we were flying out to Qatar . The key reason we chose Qatar was that it was one of the only non-African destinations with a direct flight out of Windhoek. The bonus was that it was on Qatar Airways, the plane was at 25% capacity and we got to visit another country we’ve never been to.

Why didn’t you go to Etosha National Park?

We absolutely love going on safari. We’ve been on safari previously through Tanzania and Kenya. However, we were travelling in January which is the wet season. We know that wet season is generally the worst time to undertake a safari, as you’re less likely to spot animals in the wild. Because there is so much water around, the animals don’t need to visit the watering holes as often.

However, if this is your once in a lifetime safari experience, I’d definitely recommend a visit to a national park such as Etosha.

We hope this review helped paint a picture of what a Namibia group tour is like with Nomad. Have you been on a trip yourself? What did you enjoy?

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Namibia Nomad

• Overland Truck
• Fully Guided
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Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1-2 ZIMBABWE - BOTSWANA
• Day 3-6 BOTSWANA
• Day 7-10 NAMIBIA
• Day 11-12 NAMIBIA
• Day 13-15 NAMIBIA
• Day 16-19 NAMIBIA - SOUTH AFRICA
• Day 20-23 SOUTH AFRICA

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What's Included

• Accommodation
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Where You'll Stay

Accommodation details are subject to availability and may change

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Operated by Absolute Africa

With over thirty years of experience running safaris from London to Cape Town and living and working on the Continent, enjoy the thrills, laughs, smiles and challenges of Africa with us, knowing that our crew, staff and management are doing all possible to make your safari memorable. In 1979 we crossed the Sahara Desert in a London taxi from Britain to Kenya. The company has grown from there and now operates 10 overland trucks in East and Southern Africa. Our choice of vehicle has changed whilst we retain the core idea of enabling passengers to experience Africa at an affordable price.

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• Overall Rating Excellent 4.6
• Guide Excellent 4.9
• Transport Excellent 4.1
• Accommodation Excellent 4.3
• Food Excellent 5.0
• Tour Operator Absolute Africa 4.5
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Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
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• January 2025
• Friday 14 Jun, 2024 Saturday 6 Jul, 2024 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 17 Jul, 2024 Thursday 8 Aug, 2024 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment Confirm Dates
• Friday 16 Aug, 2024 Saturday 7 Sep, 2024 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 18 Sep, 2024 Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Friday 18 Oct, 2024 Saturday 9 Nov, 2024 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 13 Nov, 2024 Thursday 5 Dec, 2024 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Saturday 7 Dec, 2024 Sunday 29 Dec, 2024 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Monday 27 Jan, 2025 Tuesday 18 Feb, 2025 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Friday 14 Mar, 2025 Saturday 5 Apr, 2025 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Saturday 19 Apr, 2025 Sunday 11 May, 2025 English €2,032 + €339 Local Payment 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We don't have an age limit at all. Just note that the age range on our tours tends to be between mid twenties through to late thirties, whilst trip to trip the window is regularly very much wider and on every other trip there are travellers in their fifties on the trucks, and at times sixties, as well as the occasional teenager. So you should be fine travelling in your fifties. Age usually isn’t an issue as long as all travelling are quite clear as to the style of travel, that you appreciate the trips are group participation camping tours. Typically we find as long as everyone is happy with and "up for" the day to day routines and activities, and you are at ease travelling with different ages and happy to get involved with the day to day arrangements usually there is no issue at all with travellers travelling in their fifties. Most older clients have a ball and really enjoy it all. The groups tend to be quite like minded regardless of age with the prime objective

Included in the tour price are: • Etosha National Park • Namib Naukluft National Park • The Cheetah Sanctuary • Cape Cross Seal Colony • Sossusvlei Dunes • Spitzkoppe or similar • Fish River Canyon • Brkfast & dinner whilst travelling on the truck • Contribution to final group meal • Camping when on the truck • 3 nights lodge stay, Swakopmund • 1 night Ashanti Lodge, Cape Town

Inclusions for this tour are: - Accommodation such as camping when on the truck, 3 nights lodge stay, Swakopmund and 1 night Ashanti Lodge, Cape Town - Meals such as breakfast & dinner whilst travelling on the truck - Transportation ...in addition to these, it includes entry into a number of parks and road tolls and taxes. There are currently two departure dates available in March, which is a great time to visit in terms of greener scenery, migratory birds and newborn animals.

This tour does include safaris in Etosha National Park where we spend two days looking for Africa's iconic wildlife in this beautiful park. There are also the options for game drives and cruise in Chobe National park in Botswana. Also included is a visit to Namibia's famous giant sand dunes and the second largest canyon in the world, Fish River. We travel through the stunning Namibian desert with visits to Spitzkoppe and a Cheetah sanctuary as well.

The minimum age for this tour is 18 if travelling without parents, if children are accompanied by their parents then we can also take teenagers. There is no maximum age.

The main age range of travellers on this tour is between 20-40.

The costs to consider when travelling overland are: Safari price & Local payment, Optional excursions, Personal spending money, Visas. We are always very transparent about what a tour will cost and are happy to go through personal, tailored budgets to give you a very realistic idea of what you will spend on your tour - whether you are an adrenaline junkie, souvenir-shopaholic or travelling on a shoestring…

The local payment is a separate payment from the initial price you pay before you leave. If a local payment is required it will be shown with the trip price. This second payment is made in Africa at the start of your trip. It is payable in USD. The local payment provides us with the means for expenses that need to be paid in cash to local businesses en route to be arranged in the most cost effective manner possible, a saving we can then pass on to you. It also means we can operate in a way that directly supports local businesses and wildlife authorities as we travel. Local Payment will not be changed once you have booked your travel arrangements.

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Good to Know

• Currencies $ US Dollar P Pula Botswana $ Namibia Dollar Namibia R Rand South Africa

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types D, M. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 2nd August 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 2nd August 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Absolute Africa. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Absolute Africa will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Absolute Africa" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Absolute Africa. Please familiarise yourself with the Absolute Africa payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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