Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
909 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"One of the best holiday experiences we've had"
Although she advised against driving up the skeleton coast due to the risks involved, this was something we particularly wanted to do, and we were able to achieve this because local conditions were fine on the day.
It was a defiunite advantage that Expert Africa staff knew the country so well and had visited the various lodges they recommended. I am sure our upgrade at Okonjima was due to the special relationship they have with the Africa Project.
All in all, the 10 day trip was one of our best holidays ever (and we have visited 63 countries). Although we had done our own research for several months before booking the holiday, we definitely benefited from the guidance and advice we received from Expert AFrica. I will definitely use the company again." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"A memorable trip"
"Maybe even better than the Galapagos?"
Maybe to see some of Namibia that we didn't get to see this time - the Caprivi strip perhaps - and possibly combine it with a visit to Botswana. Car hire arrangements were very good - pick-up and drop-off very efficient.
Just one small point: wish I'd known that we could have saved our 'tax invoices' to reclaim VAT at the airport! It wouldn't have been a significant amount, but it would have given me something to do instead of hanging around, and would have given me a few extra dollars for last-minute frittering!
The Bradt guide was very good - a tiny bit out of date as regards prices." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"Wonderful wildlife on a memorable trip"
In hindsight (and ignorance of the quality of some of the roads) we could have allowed either for a longer trip or less travelling on a daily basis - but, of course, funding also comes into the equation!
The people are friendly and welcoming, made easier for us because English is widely spoken. Even better for holiday makers from the UK is the fact that you also drive on the left!
We felt comfortable travelling with our daughter (12) and the maps provided were fine for enabling us to travel easily between stops. A nice touch was the marking of our route by Maruska.
Although it is clear, through speaking to a variety of people, that Namibia has come a long way since independence, there is still a marked contrast between rich and poor which served as a salutory lesson.
All in all, this has been a trip we will remember (aided by hundreds of photos) for a very long time." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"A memorable and fascinating fortnight."
The wildlife was more abundant than we expected and varied hugely from place to place.
Each lodge had different character and environment. Overall , in retrospect, we wouldn't have changed a thing apart from the vehicle, and maybe 2 nights at Grootberg instead of going to Palmwag." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic fortnight"
There was something different every day, and we never quite knew what was coming next, but we were never disappointed." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia Trip"
It was an experience that I would not have missed." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"A wonderful trip"
"Family Holiday of a lifetime"
"Wonderful holiday"
We would like to add here some comments about our activities in Swakomund as they were independant from Sam's Giardino and deserve a mention.
The Sandwich Harbour trip was great - run by Turnstone Tours - we paddled in the pools on the beach amongst the flamingoes, pelicans and damarland terns etc the birdlife was stunning, the drive through the dunes was exillerating and the lunch delicious - Namibians are very good at picnics.
The "Little 5" trip was equally good it was amazing to see so much wildlife in the desert - Chris our guide was very entertaining and probably mad! Namibia also seems to bred some eccentrics!
We had a lovely meal at The Tug three courses and wine for thirty pounds!!
However, there has to be a few buts !
We didn't feel that the Toyota Corolla was really man enough for Namibian roads, the exhaust sounded pretty dodgy on occasions and part of the bumper fell out - a vehicle that was higher would be better.
Although we survived to tell the tale, we felt on hindsight that we should have had a satellite phone, our mobiles didn't work every where. A german couple we came across with a damaged sump would have been in trouble if an Italian family with a satelite phone hadn't turned up and helped them - we think it may be something you should recommend.
Fish River Canyon was pleasant, but it could have been missed out of the trip and another day in Swakopmund would have meant we could have done the boat trip from Walvis Bay too - fellow travellers raved about it. We also suspect the flights too and from the canyon added quite a lot to the price of the trip. Despite these little grips it was still great." Read full review: 16 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.
