Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
909 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"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
"The first of many?"
Great country - just the right mix of driving (1500 miles in two weeks) and walking. Sights, sounds and smells all fantastic, deserts, mountains, animals.
Fabulously warm and welcoming a real joy in lots of the people we met (thinking locals rather than tourists - though the tourists all looked pretty happy too).
Long may it continue." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"We had a most wonderful time."
Sabina from Expert Africa designed a customized African adventure for us and went out of her way to help us during one difficult episode. She was an incredible resource for us as this is the type of trip one cannot embark on successfully without a travel agent.
Prior to our trip, there were many many exchanges both by phone and email in which she was always ready, willing and able to answer any and all questions. Thank you Sabina and Expert Africa!
We will be sure to turn to you again for our next Africa trip!" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"A truly marvellous holiday"
We had some trepidation about driving in Namibia but this proved unfounded and was a joy. We are glad however that we decided on a 4 x 4 rather than a standard car.
Our subsequent visit to South Africa for a family wedding also went off without a hitch.
We would heartily recommend Namibia as a destination and were surprised how few people from the UK were visiting it.
Thank you Expert Africa and Elizabeth, in particular, for organising such a wonderful memorable trip." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Mar / Apr 2016 Trip"
- the ability to travel unescorted
- the diversity of activities (desert, seashore, animals, etc)
- the ability to get some exercise.
The only negative we have to say is that the Corolla wasn't really up to the southern desert roads. We were down to 40 kph frequently, which made for some long drives. I dont think we needed 4 wheel drive or a big truck, but we did need better clearance. We were constantly scraping the undercarriage on the "middle hump" of the road and fighting the steering wheel. Sesriem to Solitaire (C19) and Solitaire to the Kuiseb Pass (C14) were simply bad, especially the latter.
We met some outbound travellers on our first night in Windhoek who'd been advised that the C14 was often in bad shape and been recommended a detour using the D1998 etc to C26. We took their advice, and, while we can't say what condition the C14 was like after that, the detour was certainly better than what we'd experienced to that point." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Our 2016 Namibian Trip"
We fell in love more deeply with the country with every place we went to. The guidance from Expert Africa was invaluable! I gave them a task of helping me to plan my trip to Namibia on relatively short notice and they made it happen for me. All the lodges were unique, fun experiences and truly wonderful.
Even though we moved around a lot on our trip, we felt we were lucky to have visited so many places and got to experience each of them for their uniqueness.
Definitely one of the best African vacations we've taken! Thank you for everything." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia Feb 16"
Great views great scenery. Beautiful game-but its not like the Mara or some where like that-because its very different climate." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"3 weeks in Namibia"
Amazing holiday, we will be back.
Holiday exceeded our expectations in almost every aspect. Stunning varied country. Charming people. Self driving much easier than expected regardless of the 3000km covered. Felt safe and secure at all times, Friendly well stocked garages. The exchange with GDP made this an extremely reasonable holiday.
Highlights.Nice Restaurant, Windhoek. Wolwedans Lodge. Anchors Restaurant, Walvis Bay. Doro Nawas. 3hr old baby elephant.
Lion kill, Hobatere. For comfort we recommend, Ongava, Musharraf & Okonjima Lodges. Grootberg was a disappointment and Oyster Box let down by it's staff." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"My Feb 2016 trip"
Recomend our tour orginiser as arrangements were spot on and hassle free." Read full review: 38 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Jan 2016 trip"
The staff at Expert Africa was very helpful and made a great to arrange a very nice vacation for us. Thanks." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 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.
