Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
908 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"Wonderful family experience in SW Africa"
Although more expensive than other trips we had done, we can confidently say that it was excellent value for money. Simply put, Maruska made everything easy for us - things worked like clockwork!
Namibia is an easy country to do a self drive. The flexibility this gave us was refreshing. Given the long distances, everyone shared the driving. The pacing of the trip was spot on!
We were also pleasantly surprised with how much we loved the Okavango panhandle. It really was the 'Delta' experience we were looking for.
Thank you once again Mush for a great holiday!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Our first visit to Namibia"
Some memorable experiences and excursions with knowledgeable, professional guides at sensible prices.
All the Expert Africa arrangements worked perfectly, and your descriptions of lodges, activities etc were accurate and realistic. We were particularly impressed by the Wilderness Safari lodges and their people. No anxieties or disappointments whatsoever. Sabina was helpful and knowledgeable, but never 'pushy' - which was one factor which swung us towards you and away from another operator.
Would certainly recommend you, just as you were recommended to us by a friend." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"An awesome adventure"
Everything was well organised and well planned - a very thorough and professional service by Expert Africa.
Our special thanks must go to Maruska for her individual attention. We will highly recommend this service to our friends." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"A Marvellous Trip to Namibia"
We cannot thank Elizabeth Chapman of Expert Arica enough. Her professionalism and kindness were key elements in making our holiday so special." Read full review: 6 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
"My May 2016 trip"
Tourism in Namibia will boom." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Days to Remember in Namibia"
The trip was very well planned and organised, and offered a really in-depth insight into Namibia and its wildlife and stunning scenery.
We covered a lot of ground in our in Namibia, and whilst distance itself is not a problem, the state of the roads can make road travel very demanding. If we are able to return again I would seriously consider flying in and out to the lodges.
Our thanks go to Elizabeth for producing a very detailed travel plan and itinerary" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
"Another wonderful holiday"
If you've noticed a 2 week gap in our accommodations it's because we spent that time after Upington in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park which we booked ourselves.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Spell check on the feedback form does not work.
When proof reading reviews I discovered that if I made changes then clicked ""Back to previous page"" to proof another review, the changes were not saved. Could this be fixed?
Everything else is great! We love getting the brochure and the information on the website is very good." Read full review: 43 nights in Africa; 27 on a Namibia trip
"The Quintessential Namibia Trip"
Two things come to mind: I wish I had been given a bit of warning about the heat and about the problems with electronica.
Fly-in is the best way to do it (or on the Desert Express, which was my initial plan).
Great Job!!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia April 2016"
Beautiful country, lovely people
Overall - amazing!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"Incredibly satisfying Namibia tour"
The car was terrific - perfect choice for us: 4/4 but automatic drive. We loved the driving tho it is challenging in parts - some long stretches of "washboard" road. But we and the car held up fine - and the drives are all worth it for the wonderful experience of being immersed in a beautiful and complicated country with endlessly interesting landscapes - and people.
The accommodations were also varied; most were just delightful - a few exceptional and unique experiences. We were especially surprised by the delicious and fresh (and healthy!) meals we had in some very remote areas. Two of the accommodations were not quite as perfect a match for our style but that was completely because of our late scheduling and trying to match our other preferences re: access and route with what was available.
All in all a great experience; we'd highly recommend Expert Africa and would be happy to use them again.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Would be really hard to say as all aspects were so well managed. Perhaps one thing that might be useful is a bit more detail on how to get to a few of the accommodations. The map was great - and well used - but while the GPS, which we used to supplement the maps, was most often excellent - when it was wrong, it was dramatically wrong - sending us on a road that didn't exist, for example. Some more detailed instructions about the last portion of the route to any particular accommodation could help.
Maruska was terrific to work with and planned a great trip; she was also very responsive while we were there, although little contact was needed fortunately. She was particularly tenacious about us getting a refund for a minor expense related to a flat tire that just got a little complicated because of credit card issues. [The folks from Wilderness Safaris in the Windhoek airport were amazingly helpful also.]" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 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.
Oyster Box Guesthouse
Oyster Box Guesthouse is a small, modern and comfortable B&B, overlooking Walvis Bay Lagoon.
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.
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.
