Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
909 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"99% perfect"
We made great use of Chris McIntyre's book comments and found for example his recommendation concerning the Etosha Park waterholes particularly helpful.
We thank Sabina for her care and attention and for phoning us at Swakopmund apologising for the problem with the car" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
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I was most impressed with Expert Africa. Their professionalism and detailed knowledge was self evident. I would say that they have been the best agents I have dealt with for suggestions and putting a schedule in place very efficiently. I normally spend much time researching options, but I was comfortable in trusting EA which proved to be right decision.
I was very late in approaching EA to organise our trip. However, it was put together efficiently and we pretty much got what we wanted. Only when we were there did we fully appreciate how lucky we were to get what we wanted. Others had spent months organising their trip and EA put it together in a matter of days really.
The brochure and book was very good in laying out the options available and what could be achieved in the time available. The book is well written. Others we met who had read other guide books rated it the best.
I think you are doing a great job. Many thanks for your wonderful help." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Thank you for a memorable holiday"
Really appreciate your help in sorting out the itinerary and even getting the little details sorted such as marking up the map with where we were going to stay - thank you so much Judith & Stuart" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"namibia in 10 nights"
highlights were of course etosha damaraland and the desert , but we were happy to visit swakopmund along the way , despite watching the rugby world cup final with 200 springbok fans !!
we had only limited time available , and 10 days was possibly a bit short for the travelling involved , and also because much of the accomodation is so good that the odd day of doing nothing would work well in the midst of taking in the sights.
we enjoyed it and would definitely go again - and recommend it to friends.
we do think you need to look at the car hire advice . accepting that the car chosen did the job without any problems as such ( and we saw a lot of people using similar cars ) , it would improve the trip to be in a bigger car or possibly a 4x4- as long as it is driven no quicker or differently. there is clearly a cost implication , but relative to the overall cost , this would be good value. on reflection , should have spent more time discussing this issue with Tracy beforehand .
the issue is really one of comfort and relaxation. we are experienced travellers who have driven in south america for example , and where you are so far from the next garage / farm / person , there is a sense of vulnerability - even if this is a little misplaced in reality. a more substantial vehicle would reduce this. also , the roads are variable - mostly good , but then very rutted for say 10 / 20 km. this makes the ride uncomfortable and also makes timings a little difficult. we found C roads were better than D , but not consistently so.
your experience is of course greater than mine , but my advice to friends will be to go down the suv or 4x4 route where driving more than 3 hours per day.
not to end on a negative note , however , we loved namibia and received excellent service from everyone - including of course Tracy." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Second visit but not the last"
As our first trip had been with a small group from the UK travelling with CCAfrica, we had not realised that Brits are only 7% of the tourists, the great majority being German, tho we also met Italians and French. Everyone was excellent company and this was itself a significant part of the pleasure and success of the trip.
Driving entalied some long hot days but was not tiring compared with the M25, say. We helped one Damara family whose old car had died by taking them to the Uis township to find a man with a functioning battery and gave a lift to another lady going to visit her man in Reheboth hospital and, when I had to change a wheel, sure enough the next person along stopped to help. Again, nice parts of the experience.
One policeman at a roadblock tried to extort a small fine but waved us on when I produced pen and paper!
We would happily go back soon but the world is a big place, life is short and money is never enough. However, perhaps in a year or two....." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"A glorous month"
We were privileged to have been and seen, and, for the most part, in exceptional settings and charming cirumstances.
To avoid your feeling too complacent ... flight instructions for the return journey showed two times of departure - 1940 and 2040.
But, if that's all I can find to complain about - and it's hardly that - then I think you have every reason to feel pretty pleased with your organisation. Expert Africa is so much more apt and expressive than Sunvil; 'Expert' you deserve." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 25 on a Namibia trip
"self drive in namibia 2oo7"
thank you tracey" Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"Wonderful"
"Holiday of a lifetime"
Looking back it is still amazing to contemplate where we've been. what we saw and what we did. We are still on a real high and it really was a trip of a lifetime. We will be back. Many thanks for all the help and advice." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Experts in the Field"
Trip as a whole was as fantastic and rewarding as always and we are planning the 9th (and even the 10th!) already." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 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.
