Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
908 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"Namibia 2016"
As ever with Namibia, there are new experiences, such as seeing the effect of extended drought, Rhino tracking, wild camping in Messum Crater - including experiencing the coastal fog in the dunes. We saw a good range of wildlife, often in stunning surroundings. Also amazing desert plantlife from Lichens to the most impressive Welwitchias in and around the Messum Crater. The camping trip was an excellent contrast to staying at the lodges." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"August 2016 trip to Namibia"
I would recommend to fly between some locations (specifically from Etosha to Windoek the road is nothing special, better to spend more time in the nature and fly back to the Capital).
Absolutely required a 4WD (even if the first suggestion by Expert Africa was dor a 2WD)" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Unforgettable!"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Both Chris and Tom put our trip to Namibia together at very short notice. They did an incredible job and our trip to Namibia has been our best family holiday so far.
Their knowledge of the country, and advice re where to stay (and ability to book amazing accommodation at short notice!) and what to do was invaluable. My husband and I are generally independent travellers, but in this case, the guidance and service we received from Chris and Tom was invaluable and our trip was all the better for it.
I cannot recommend Expert Africa highly enough.
Thank you both very much." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"My August 2016 trip"
Each of the 4 lodges we liked were totally unique and SO special.
If we did it again, we would probably do a flight or two to cut down the length of time we spent in the car. The boys found the length of the journeys a bit onerous. If it wasn't for the seals we would miss out Swakopmund. We would also miss out Dune 7 where we went quadbiking and sand-boarding too. A tourist trap, if ever there was one.
All in all it was an incredible holiday and I can't wait to return to Africa. When I do, I will definitely use Expert Africa. Liz Chapman was absolutely wonderful. I will also recommend them to anyone planning a trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Brilliant!"
Liz was extremely helpful, and went beyond the call of duty to answer inane questions so that our trip was as enjoyable as it possibly could have been. The car hire was seamless, as were the flights, and every single one of our accommodations was excellent. No surprises at all!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
All was outstanding - thank you Liz and the team for another memorable trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My August 2016 trip"
However the landscapes and the wildlife were stunning, the lodges generally very comfortable and it was certainly a truly memorable holiday." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic trip"
I have already recommended Expert Africa to friends.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. Everything was amazing! Only place I would skip is Halali and spend more time at Ungomo, which I think Maruska tried for but wasn't able to get for us.
I would have preferred to be told exactly what to tip and to prepare envelopes in advance. the tipping protocols were somewhat overwhelming.
Here's an example: the literature told us to tip at b and b places at the end of the trip, using the tip box. But when someone carried our bags, it was clear that they expected a tip. this left us awkwardly fumbling for change and trying to figure out local currency on the spot.
Don't know how to fix this." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2016 trip"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I was satisfied with all aspects of the trip and service.
I will recommend Expert Africa to my friends." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Honeymoon July 16"
After having so many concerns and worries, your knowledge and willingness to answer our questions made us feel much more at ease. We got one bad puncture with the car but an african person (tyre garage person!) stopped and changed it for us - so there was nothing to worry about. It was also amazing to learn about the guides lives both at the lodges - their training, their families back home - and the guides who work at government run attractions. We gave a lift to two people who had finished their shift (one at burn mountain, and one at petrified forest) and needed to get back home. Although dubious about this at first, they are genuine people who don't have a car and do hitch a lift - its amazing how much they know about English football (more than us!). The food was also amazing - eating at Joes beerhouse and the Tug in Swakopmund are both places we would go back to, and the wilderness lodges do an amazing job.
I think one highlight was the dunes and hot air balloon, and I really enjoyed seeing the animals, especially getting close to them in Damaraland and the Okonjima.
We now feel that we are ready to go on another African adventure, and with all our stories I think I have persuaded my parents to go on their first next year as well! At least for our next African holiday I won't have to do the initial research of who we go with - I will certainly be getting in touch with you again!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia, Botswana and Zambia July/Aug 2016"
We have learned so much about a part of the world unknown to us prior to this trip and it has certainly had an impact on the perspective that we now take about certain issues. We met some wonderful people, both inhabitants of the countries and fellow travellers, and the animals and birds that we encountered were magnificent.
It was humbling and impressive and I wish that everyone could be lucky enough to have such a fantastic opportunity.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
At the point of booking there were times when Tracy was clearly very busy and we had to wait for responses to our questions. Her passion for Namibia and Botswana always came through and we felt fortunate to have the benefit of this.
We had need to contact her a couple of times while we were away and her response on these occasions was extremely prompt, thorough, helpful and reassuring - we were very appreciative of her care and attention we received." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Where to stay in Swakop' & Walvis Bay
Our suggestions for places to stay in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Cornerstone Guesthouse
Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small friendly B&B in a peaceful residential area. It's just a short walk from Swkopmund's waterfront & amenities.
Sam's Giardino
Welcoming, professionally run, and mildly eccentric, Sam’s Giardino lifts the level of hospitality in Swakopmund to unusual heights.
Strand Hotel
One of the larger hotels in Swakopmund, the Strand is well-placed on the seafront with good access to restaurants and the centre of town.
The Stiltz
Not your typical guesthouse, The Stiltz occupies a glorious location over the Swakop River on the edge of Swakopmund.
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita is a beautifully renovated B&B in the heart of Swakopmund, with comfortable, well-appointed rooms, and friendly and attentive staff.
Beach Lodge
Right on the sea front, Beach Lodge offers good standard accommodation and its own restaurant, 15 minutes’ drive from Swakopmund.
Lagoon Lodge
Lagoon Lodge is a quirky little guesthouse located right on the edge of Walvis Bay Lagoon, a good spot for watching the flamingoes that frequent the area.
The Delight
Colourful and contemporary in style, The Delight is a relatively large hotel within a short walk of Swakopmund's waterfront, restaurants and main attractions.
Swakopmund G'house
Swakopmund Guesthouse is a family-run B&B, boasting comfortable and high-quality rooms with a maritime touch.
Brigadoon
In a quiet residential location, Brigadoon is conveniently located for the Swakopmund waterfront and amenities.
Sandfields Guesthouse
Friendly Sandfields guesthouse is a cosy and inviting place to stay just north of Swakopmund town centre, and is particularly suitable for families with children.
Hansa Hotel
With a very central location in Swakopmund, the traditional Hansa Hotel is reliably good, though it is quite formal.
Secret Garden
Secret Garden Guesthouse is well located in the centre of Swakopmund not far from the sea. With a seaside feel, it has its own small restaurant and bar.
Sea Breeze
Just north of Swakopmund, the delightful Sea Breeze Guesthouse is bright and well-looked after with welcoming and helpful owners.
Organic Square
Organic Square is a modern guesthouse across two properties in the centre of Swakopmund.
Desert Breeze
Not your typical Swakopmund guesthouse, Desert Breeze occupies a glorious location overlooking the Swakop River and the desert beyond.
Cornerstone Apartments
Cornerstone Guesthouse’s three self-catering apartments, each in its own unique location, work well for families or groups of travellers seeking space & privacy within a comfortable, contemporary setting.
Pelican Point Lodge
Pelican Point Lodge sits on a remote peninsula offering panoramic views of the ocean and is only accessible by 4WD or boat.
Intermezzo
In a quiet residential area just north of the town centre, Intermezzo Guesthouse is a comfortable and bright place to stay while in Swakopmund.
Zum Kaiser Hotel
Hotel Zum Kaiser (formerly Swakopmund Boutique Hotel) is fairly large by Swakopmund standards, but has a good location in the centre of town, near to the beach.
Oyster Box Guesthouse
Oyster Box Guesthouse is a small, modern and comfortable B&B, overlooking Walvis Bay Lagoon.
Namib Guesthouse
The Namib Guesthouse is a small, modern B&B, set in Swakopmund's peaceful Kramersdorf area. It's just a short walk from the coast and many amenities.
Pearls Beach Pods
With a beachfront location, superb sea views and easy access to the amenities of Swakopmund, The Pearls Beach Pods combine privacy with a high standard of luxury.
