Reviews of Sam's Giardino
(88%) From 111 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Sam's Giardino review
Sam is a lovely individual. His recommendation of Sandboarding was a highlight of the trip. We definitely recommend sandboarding. One other thing to note, is that Swakop was a ghost town during our stay. We arrived on a Saturday and left on Monday morning. The town was very very quiet. A summer visit might be more fun. The TUG restaurant was a highlight.
Read more about the whole tripSam's Giardino review
Sam is a great host.
Being slightly further from the centre of town means that it may be necessary to drive for an evening meal out.
The 5-course dinner is worth it.
Internet access very helpful.
It would be useful to have a safe in the room.
The garden is a delight and we could sit around when ever not busy doing other things.
They were very helpful organising sand-boarding, though unfortunately high winds meant it was cancelled
Sam's Giardino review
Sam's b & b was very nice and he was an attentive and helpful host. We had evening meal and wine at the property for two nights and enjoyed it very much. It was a pity more guests didn't choose to dine in.
Rooms were pleasant and overlooked the garden which was lovely for relaxation with water features and nice planting. Short walk into town and its attractions and Sam provided us with a map.
Friendly atmosphere at Sams
Sams Giardino is in a handy location just outside of town in a quiet area of Swakopmund. Sam is ready to help with any excursion ideas on the local area, with lots of reference books being available.
We didn't eat there but he was happy to suggest places to eat and book us a table. Beethoven, a huge Bernise mountain dog, was very friendly and barked a welcome as you came into the tranquil garden via the outside gate. Breakfast was a casual affair with a good choice and Sam on hand to discuss your plans for the day. The rooms were adequate and functional.
Expert Africa organised for these travellers a day-trip to Sandwich Harbor; they commented:
Ernst our driver and tour guide for the day trip was great he was very knowledgeable and passionate about the environment and wildlife and a very experienced 4x4 driver. The trip was a full day and included a lovely two course lunch at a great location on the edge of the dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The time in Sandwich Harbour is governed by the tide and unfortunately we didn't get much time there to explore however there was lots else to see.
Welcome return to Sam's Giardino
We were so pleased to return to Sam's. He is a great character and charming host. We were the only guests and he really put himself out to make us welcome and to spend time with us.
We enjoyed his wine-tasting, he is so well-informed and enthusiastic. His dog, of course, was on form as co-host, and the beautiful garden was a haven of rest after a hard day's shopping.
Sams Garden oif Eden.
Superb garden to relax in after a busy day. Sam very useful advising and booking tours. We ate in his 'wine cellar' each night and food and wine excellent. Accomodation good.
A high-light of our stay was the catamaran trip in Walvis Bay. Seals on the boat, large dolphins chasing the boat and further out of the bay there were hundreds of small dusky dolphins which apparently only appear two or three times a year. How lucky were we! We even saw several huge sun fish. All this and sparkling wine and fresh oysters.
Sam's Giardino review
This was our second stay at Sam's and we enjoyed a comfortable stay in a familiar environment. Sam looked after us well, confirming our tour bookings and making a dinner reservation for us at The Wreck. On our last day, Sam suggested that make up a lunch to take with us from the breakfast bar - a suggestion that we appreciated all the more as the food options on the way to Damarland weren't that great.
We felt like a more casual meal one evening and had great pizza at the 3 N'amigos Pizzeria on Daniel Tjongarero Street (next Hansa Bakerei and near Nathaniel Maxuilili Street).
During our stay, we went cross-country sand skiing with Henrik May from Ski Namibia. We'd picked up a flyer at Sam's on our previous visit and organised the tour independently with Henrik via email from the UK. Using conventional cross-country ski equipment (but shorter poles), we followed a route that took us over the tops of the dunes behind Swakopmund. It is amazing how much easier it is to traverse the dunes on skis than on foot and we soon reached the top with a view of the sea. Henrik also offers downhill sand skiing and telemark. If you are keen skier and want to try something different, this excursion is well worth booking. He also sells Ski Namibia t-shirts, a very novel souvenir from a trip to a country renowned for its desert landscape!
Whilst here, we organised a Day trip to Sandwich Harbour for these travellers. They commented:
This was a lovely day out and it was refreshing to spend a day by the sea after a week in the desert. Our guide gave us an interesting tour of the coast, Sandwich Harbour and the nearby dunes. Lunch was very nice. We also enjoyed the chance to meet other Expert Africa customers on the tour and the hear about their experiences in Namibia.
Only one issue: our feet were badly sunburnt at the end of the day, as we didn't think to put suncreen on them when we took our shoes off to walk around Sandwich Harbour! It might be a good idea for Turnstone to warn people about this before they head off on their walk around the harbour.
Sam's Giardino review
Sam and his staff made sure we knew what to do in the town including telling us what we didn't know we didn't know. Good recommendation for restaurant the first night (that they booked for us) and we had a great meal at Sam's the second night.
He also gave us filled rolls for our journey when we left. I am confident he would have been able to answer any question we had asked and arrange anything we wanted. We did the sea kayaking while here which was fantastic. I suspect Sam enjoys more time with german speakers!!
Sam's Giardino review
Within easy walking distance of Swakopmund centre, the house has a tranquil and relaxing feel to it.
Our room was very comfortable with tea and coffee making facilities outside in the upstairs lounge area where guests also have free use of a computer with internet access. There is secure parking on site.
Can't comment on dinner as we ate in town but cooked breakfast was excellent. There was a very wide choice at breakfast including fresh fruit.
Whilst here, Expert Africa organised a day Kayaking at Pelican Point for these travellers.
They rated this as "Excellent" and commented:
Jeanne organises this trip and is very friendly and welcoming. The drive to Pelican Point becomes part of the trip and is enhanced by her knowledge and enthusiasm.
We are complete novices at kayaking but any worries were quickly dispelled by Jeanne who is also organised, very reassuring and clearly loves both the kayaking and the seals. When you are in the water Jeanne is always nearby to help if required and provides sandwiches and drinks as refreshments on the beach once the kayaking is finished.
It is also a nice touch that Jeanne takes a photo of you on the water and emails it to you as a reminder of your trip.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
