Discover Namibia Private Day Tours and Safaris
Discover Namibia Private Day Tours and Safaris
Discover Namibia Private Day Tours and Safaris
4.5
عرض كامل
4.5
148 تعليق
ممتاز
131
جيد جدًا
5
متوسط
2
سيئ
3
سيئ جدًا
7
Damai3
أنجولا6 مساهمات
يوليو 2022
We were due to go on a 15 day self drive trip through Namibia when COVID hit. We asked for a refund and was told by Gemma that the money had been paid to the various resorts so we couldn’t get it back. After contacting the resorts and the car company they informed us they had received no money even though our actual trip was only a week away from when things started to shut down. I tried contacting Gemma but no response. I found a contact number and rang it 2 days later I got a reply from my various emails saying she closed the business in 2021 no mention of returning the money.
If she ever starts another business beware.
If she ever starts another business beware.
كُتب بتاريخ 24 أغسطس 2022
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David S
مساهمتيْن
أغسطس 2021
We booked a stay at Waterberg Plateau Lodge in Feb. 2020 for November of that year. Due to Covid, our trip has been postponed multiple times, with new dates for April 2023. We recently contacted Waterberg and discovered they never received our payment in 2020 which we had remitted to Gemma Dry at Discover Namibia Tours and Safaris.
كُتب بتاريخ 30 يوليو 2022
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YB
مساهمة
نوفمبر 2021
We are suppose to fly to Namibia tomorrow and have reached out to the company multiple times yet no response. Did we just get scammed? Hopefully this will help get someone's attention.
كُتب بتاريخ 19 نوفمبر 2021
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ssgtravel
Bernardsville, نيو جيرسي564 مساهمة
أبريل 2021
One thing that sets travel agents apart is the level of personal service they provide. I can attest that Gemma really came through for us when we really needed the help.
We used Gemma and Discover Namibia to help us plan our month long trip, originally scheduled for April 2020. When Covid hit, Gemma rescheduled all of our arrangements to this year. In addition, when one lodge was not going to open on time, she found and recommended alternative arrangements. In addition, she found and recommended a different car rental agency where we got a significant discount, even though she lost the commission as we had to book directly. She was very knowledgeable about the lodges, driving conditions and timing --very important since you cannot trust the google maps drive times.
She provided us with detailed driving instructions, which were more accurate than google as well as where we could get gas, especially important as we were traveling to some remote areas.
She allowed us to pay using credit cards (some African travel agents require bank transfers) for which she had to pay card fees, so that we could use our travel and car insurance provided with the card, at considerable savings to ourselves.
However, the best thing I can say, is that she personally arranged for us to get our necessary Covid tests done, by having a nurse drive directly to our lodge on a Sunday, so that we could get our results by Monday ahead of our early departure on Tuesday. In addition she personally followed up with phone calls to make sure we received our results in time on Monday night so they could be printed out. We were required to have the PCR test administered no more than 72 hours ahead of our flight and needed the results back before flying. Since we were leaving early Tuesday morning, and were not in Windhoek until the night before, the logistics of getting the test done was daunting.
Gemma was very responsive to my questions and any concerns when we used WhatsApp; always getting back to me in a timely manner.
Knowing that there are many travel companies available to arrange trips, I can just say that by using Gemma, who was personally responsible for our trip and invested in its success, as well as being willing and able to intervene with issues, gave us great peace of mind and when we needed her, she was there for us.
We used Gemma and Discover Namibia to help us plan our month long trip, originally scheduled for April 2020. When Covid hit, Gemma rescheduled all of our arrangements to this year. In addition, when one lodge was not going to open on time, she found and recommended alternative arrangements. In addition, she found and recommended a different car rental agency where we got a significant discount, even though she lost the commission as we had to book directly. She was very knowledgeable about the lodges, driving conditions and timing --very important since you cannot trust the google maps drive times.
She provided us with detailed driving instructions, which were more accurate than google as well as where we could get gas, especially important as we were traveling to some remote areas.
She allowed us to pay using credit cards (some African travel agents require bank transfers) for which she had to pay card fees, so that we could use our travel and car insurance provided with the card, at considerable savings to ourselves.
However, the best thing I can say, is that she personally arranged for us to get our necessary Covid tests done, by having a nurse drive directly to our lodge on a Sunday, so that we could get our results by Monday ahead of our early departure on Tuesday. In addition she personally followed up with phone calls to make sure we received our results in time on Monday night so they could be printed out. We were required to have the PCR test administered no more than 72 hours ahead of our flight and needed the results back before flying. Since we were leaving early Tuesday morning, and were not in Windhoek until the night before, the logistics of getting the test done was daunting.
Gemma was very responsive to my questions and any concerns when we used WhatsApp; always getting back to me in a timely manner.
Knowing that there are many travel companies available to arrange trips, I can just say that by using Gemma, who was personally responsible for our trip and invested in its success, as well as being willing and able to intervene with issues, gave us great peace of mind and when we needed her, she was there for us.
كُتب بتاريخ 22 مايو 2021
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Luis
5 مساهمات
زوجان • أبريل 2021
We did 17 days in Namibia organized by Ultimate Safari. It was excellent, great hotel, nice places. We did a private trip by car with a guide/driver, Peter Nuugonya, he was very knowledgeable. However, he only looked to my wife when we talked to him. We spent 14 days and he did only look almost like I didn’t exist, weird isn’t it. However, the trip was well planned and well executed.
كُتب بتاريخ 8 مايو 2021
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Hi, I think that you have reviewed the wrong company?
We have no guides called Peter Nuugonya!
كُتب بتاريخ 19 مايو 2021
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cedimanu
ميلان, إيطاليا6 مساهمات
أغسطس 2019
We planned our trip with Discover Namibia almost 2 years in advance. Initially it was Romy to help us planning the itinerary and accommodations. Few months after paying the deposit, not receiving any reply to our emails, we called by phone the office in SA and we discovered that Romy had left the company...we would have probably not known it otherwise! Gemma took on and despite delays in replying to our emails (of several days), she confirmed the itinerary and our trip for the summer 2019. The guide assigned to our group was extremely professional and very very good, but we had a couple of bad experiences with the accommodation which he was not able to fix (just impossible, absolutely not his fault). We reported immediately by email to Gemma about those couple of situations and she initially suggested this was due to bad information reported by Romy (not nice as Gemma should have been anyway responsible for her employee), but she confirmed she would have checked with the hotels and promised a prompt feedback. After two months we managed to get an apology.... but no mention of whatsoever refund. She mentioned that it is very difficult to claim anything from Etosha lodge being run by a public entity. The point is that the agency should refund us and then get in turn the refund from the lodge. This is called business risk and customer service, which unfortunately is not something Gemma is very good with. Very disappointed.
كُتب بتاريخ 25 نوفمبر 2019
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Thank you for taking the time to review Discover Namibia Safaris.
As you mention you did initially enquire in 2017, and then revisited that enquiry again mid 2018 with Romy.
Also as you are aware Romy departed with one days notice, and did not leave up to date itineraries for all her guests. As a result of that you and I had multiple correspondences to confirm that I had the correct itinerary and room choices for your entire trip. We also made several amendments to the trip throughout the next months at your request.
The issue you had at Etosha with them providing a mattress rather than a bed for the young child would have been simple for me to solve if NWR, the guide or anybody could have given me a Whatsapp, phone call or sms. Unfortunately I am not glued to my laptop 24/7 and so an e mail is not the most efficient or fastest method to raise an issue.
I had taken that issue up with NWR as I explained to you, but as you had already checked out there was nothing possible to fix that situation.
At NWR when booked in a bush chalet they add an additional mattress. This should have been explained to you at the initial time of booking by your consultant, and I had assumed that had occurred as that is our standard practice. Apparently that had not happened and I was unaware of this as you had accepted and already paid for the itinerary when I took over the booking.
NWR flat out refused a refund as technically you received what we had booked and paid for.
Please check your e mails, as several months back I did send you an e mail on 29th September requesting your banking details so that we could send you compensation from our side for the Etosha accommodation, but received no reply. I should have followed that up yes, but it has been a very busy few months and I hadn't noticed that you did not respond. If you could be so kind as to respond I shall expedite that payment for you.
Kind Regards
Gemma Dry
كُتب بتاريخ 28 نوفمبر 2019
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sharpster08
Woking, UK408 مساهمات
أغسطس 2019
I just thought I'd write a few words regarding our experience of using Discover Namibia for our visit to Namibia in August. We contacted a few companies to help us organise but we settled on this company as they came back to us promptly with realistic options for us both in terms of cost and luxury. Our contact was Gemma Dry who was so helpful and professional throughout the whole process. We had a basic idea of what we wanted to see and Gemma sent us some accommodation options which we reviewed. We bounced these ideas back and forth a few times until we found a good fit. We were happy to mix lodges with some fixed tents and this turned out to be a superb experience. All the places we stayed at were excellent in terms of location, accommodation and food (we opted for dinner, bed and breakfast). We hired our vehicle through them as well and although we opted for an older Toyota Hilux to save money this was an excellent choice. I will be reviewing the places we stayed at individually but here is a list...
Barchan Dunes Retreat
NWR Namib Naukluft Chalets
Agama River Camp
Desert Quiver Camp
Meikes Place
Madisa Camp
Hoada Camp
Okaukuejo Resort
Ogama Bush Camp
Waterberg Valley Lodge
In summary, I would highly recommend using Discover Namibia. They helped give us a trip of a lifetime...all at a reasonable cost as well!!
Thanks Gemma
Barchan Dunes Retreat
NWR Namib Naukluft Chalets
Agama River Camp
Desert Quiver Camp
Meikes Place
Madisa Camp
Hoada Camp
Okaukuejo Resort
Ogama Bush Camp
Waterberg Valley Lodge
In summary, I would highly recommend using Discover Namibia. They helped give us a trip of a lifetime...all at a reasonable cost as well!!
Thanks Gemma
كُتب بتاريخ 4 أكتوبر 2019
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Casper W
كوبنهاجن, الدنمارك44 مساهمة
زوجان • مارس 2019
We usually plan everything ourselves when going on a trip, but as we were advised of the benefits of using a travel agency in Namibia, we decided to give it a try. After some investigation of different companies and reviews on various places incl. here, we decided to write to some different tour operators with a more or less pre-defined itinerary Windhoek area (late arrival) --> Etosha --> Damaraland --> Swakopmund --> Windhoek
Based on our general feeling on the responses we got as well as the suggested pricing, there was no doubt that we felt most comfortable using Discover Namibia. From the moment Gemma responded to our request, we felt in very good solid hands.
Gemma were very responsive and accommodating to our needs. She provided very good recommendations for changes to our trip, which could optimise our route and the time spent in each location. Moreover, the suggestions of accommodation we wanted to be different was no problem to accommodate from their side.
The problem, which in the end was my responsibility, first arose on arrival in Namibia as there had been some confusion on which day we arrived. There was therefore no one to pick us up in the airport. I quickly got hold of Gemma and she delivered some of the best service I have ever seen in such a short notice. We had to reschedule the place to stay in the first night, otherwise everything ran as planned. Gemma could be in her good right to not do so, however she went more than the extra mile to ensure that we had a fantastic trip.
On the following day we were picked up and taken to Advance Car facilities a little bit out of the center of Windhoek. I must admit I am always a bit concerned about using local providers of car rentals, however again we were very positively surprised. Chris and the team are very thorough and detailed with the check of the car as well as explaining the functions, do's and dont's. We did not had any issue during our trip, but nonetheless it was great to know that you can call them 24/7. The return of the car was also very smoothly handled and the same with the trip back to the airport. Again positive experience.
So all in all I would definitely recommend anyone to book a trip with Gemma and Discover Namibia as you will be in safe hands. There was absolute no issues in any of the places we went to. My wife and I had a fantastic experience in Namibia, probaly one of the best so far. Thank you again Gemma.
Based on our general feeling on the responses we got as well as the suggested pricing, there was no doubt that we felt most comfortable using Discover Namibia. From the moment Gemma responded to our request, we felt in very good solid hands.
Gemma were very responsive and accommodating to our needs. She provided very good recommendations for changes to our trip, which could optimise our route and the time spent in each location. Moreover, the suggestions of accommodation we wanted to be different was no problem to accommodate from their side.
The problem, which in the end was my responsibility, first arose on arrival in Namibia as there had been some confusion on which day we arrived. There was therefore no one to pick us up in the airport. I quickly got hold of Gemma and she delivered some of the best service I have ever seen in such a short notice. We had to reschedule the place to stay in the first night, otherwise everything ran as planned. Gemma could be in her good right to not do so, however she went more than the extra mile to ensure that we had a fantastic trip.
On the following day we were picked up and taken to Advance Car facilities a little bit out of the center of Windhoek. I must admit I am always a bit concerned about using local providers of car rentals, however again we were very positively surprised. Chris and the team are very thorough and detailed with the check of the car as well as explaining the functions, do's and dont's. We did not had any issue during our trip, but nonetheless it was great to know that you can call them 24/7. The return of the car was also very smoothly handled and the same with the trip back to the airport. Again positive experience.
So all in all I would definitely recommend anyone to book a trip with Gemma and Discover Namibia as you will be in safe hands. There was absolute no issues in any of the places we went to. My wife and I had a fantastic experience in Namibia, probaly one of the best so far. Thank you again Gemma.
كُتب بتاريخ 12 مارس 2019
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Stefan O
هوي آن, فيتنام9 مساهمات
زوجان • نوفمبر 2018
We made a rough plan where to go in Namibia and then asked Gemma Dry to complete the plan with all accommodations and car rental, incl. all bookings. This got realized very quickly and professionally, our wishes got implemented as we had wished. Furthermore we received additional recommendations without any request in context to our tour plan, like sight seeing spots at the road, where to find petrol stations and ATMs (very important information for self-drivers in Namibia) and other helpful tipps. Everything worked out perfectly. Even a problem with the car got solved by Advanced Car Rental, also mediated by Gemma, as quick as it could be in Namibia. Many thanks to you to make this trip so comfortable for us!
كُتب بتاريخ 27 يناير 2019
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errisjudwood
سيدني, أستراليا15 مساهمة
زوجان • أبريل 2018
We needed accommodation in Etosha National Park and from reading the reviews we were put in touch with Gemma from Discover Namibia Private Day Tours and Safaris. The website to try and book accommodation is really unhelpful and they are slow to get back to your requests. Gemma made the whole process easy and responded promptly to my emails. I would highly recommend.
كُتب بتاريخ 14 مايو 2018
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David S
مساهمتيْن
We booked a stay at Waterberg Plateau Lodge in Feb. 2020 for November of that year. Due to Covid, our trip has been postponed multiple times, with new dates for April 2023. We recently contacted Waterberg and discovered they never received our payment in 2020 which we had remitted to Gemma Dry at Discover Namibia Tours and Safaris. I am hoping Gemma will read this review and reach out to us to correct this issue.
Hoysing
مدينة نيويورك, نيويورك222 مساهمة
Hi, I had sent you two emails on March 27th and another message on March 31st, but I haven't get a response from you yet. Looks like you're active on Tripadvisor, please get back to me when you can..
Stefan O
هوي آن, فيتنام9 مساهمات
Holding,
Could you please be so kind to resend your question.
Looks like I have missed it.
Sorry & thanks a lot Stefan
travel_addict_at
Klosterneuburg, النمسا97 مساهمة
I have the same problem as some other people before. I tried to reach discover Namibia several times over email. but no respons. I was also wondering if it is still in business.
zaratoga
19 مساهمة
Dear Gemma,
I wrote you a long itinerary question for christmas time today.
I am very upset to tell you the flight i found is not available anymore and therefore i do not want you to waste your time on me. I really hope this message reaches you in time.
beat regards and until i plan my trip to namibia i will contact you again !!
apologies.
Alejandra
HanneloreVWB
Vorderweissenbach, النمسا93 مساهمة
Was habt ihr alles gesehen? (Reservate, Nationalparks, Städte, ...?)
Wie seid ihr unterwegs gewesen? (Jeep, Bus, ....?)
Wo habt ihr geschlafen? (Hotels, Lodges, Zelt, ....?)
taida1
تورونتو, كندا
We are sailing on the Queen Victoria and will be docking for the day, in Wavis Bay on April 24th, 2016 .What are our options for a private day tour, approximately 6 hours, more or less and what would be the cost for 2 people? We are interested in the sand dunes, the abandoned German mining town reclaimed by the desert south of Wavis Bay, quality craft markets (not touristy), and wild life.
Thank you,
Taida Supronas,
Toronto Canada.
Erik B
فيكتوريا, كندا315 مساهمة
Hi Taida
Look up this company I reviewed in Swakopmund--Living Desert Adventures--Chris is owner (two companies similar name but you want Chris--)
Gemma is a whiz for tours but more of the multi day expeditions like we did (fantastic 25 day self drive safari). Swakopmund is an hour south of Wavis Bay (we didn't spend time in Wavis) and we had the best 3-4 hour informative--hilarious and adventurous tour in the desert there with Living Desert Adventures. Contact Chris (who is the best--and this is after years of travel) and see if he will do something for you for that 6 hours you have. His vehicles can take 8-10 each and I bet he knows the Wavis Bay area well and can do exactly what you want with a twist!!!
If he can't--maybe he knows of a clone in that area you can contact.
good luck
Erik B
Victoria BC
ps I was not allowed by the website to send you a link. Look it up on TripAdvisor
Stuart C
هراري, زيمبابوي41 مساهمة
Hi I have sent an email to Discover Namibia twice now, on the 11th and 17th of this month, but so far have not had any reply. While we can sympathise with the power outages (we are from Zimbabwe!!) it is not difficult to install a generator or inverter to ensure that your server remains functioning, as I am sure your whole business depends on reliable communication with clients. It would be a worrying trend if we were to book a trip to Namibia through Discover Namibia and then not be able to reach anyone at the company should there be a problem! Please kindly respond.
Discover_Namibia
Hermanus, جنوب أفريقيا2,306 مساهمات
I have been on leave, this is the time of year (slow period) when myself and the consultants take a well deserved break after the craziness of the Xmas and New Year holiday season which we work straight through. I apologise if your e mail has been missed. Until this week we have been on a Skeleton staff. Now everyone is back and we are working through the backlog.
We do have a generator, it was an essential purchase following the insanity of the loadshedding crisis in SA during 2015. We haven't had any instances of guests not being able to contact us on tour? Guests are provided with an emergency number, which is much preferable than trying to gain internet reception in the middle of nowhere if you are in need of instant assistance. Either myself or one of my consultants has that phone with them at all times.
119liselle
كيب تاون المركزية, جنوب أفريقيا
Hi Gemma
Well - -defnitely the person to talk too - We are booked from the 25th to 30th @ Swakopmund Beach Hotel - however on the 27th it is my life partner's birthday (62nd) and I would like to arrange something special - a adventure trip over the dunes and a picnic in the middle of nowhere and then a trip back along the sea side coast - lasting from about 9-00 to 17:00 - at this stage it is only us 2 but party may extend before abovementioned date to 4 otherwise it will only be us - can you please make any suggestions in this regard? Thanks
Discover_Namibia
Hermanus, جنوب أفريقيا2,306 مساهمات
A day trip to Sandwich Harbour would be a good option. Quite a few companies offer a full day option. You can book this privately if you do not want other guests joining. Of course that would be a more expensive option, but more exclusive for a special day as well. If it is this month you are talking about I am afraid my guides are already out on longer trips. I can highly recommend Batis Birding and Turnstone Tours though. They could also put together a memorable day for you.
Hello, I have similar problem to the one described above. I have been emailing Discover Namibia Safaris for a week to both email addresses provided on the website and have not received any reply...
Please let me know to which email shall I write to get in contact with you.
Thank you in advance!
Discover_Namibia
Hermanus, جنوب أفريقيا2,306 مساهمات
Loadshedding in South Africa has been causing intermittent havoc with our server, so it is quite likely we have not received your request.
Posting guidelines don't allow me to put our e mail addresses on here strangely, however the website is correct.
Both have rather high spam filters as we get a lot of junk mail, and I do try and check through the spam folders as often as possible in case genuine enquiries have ended up in there. Sometimes some slip through the net though.
Please can you resend your enquiry.
We apologise for the delayed response.
Gemma Dry - Director - Discover Namibia Safaris