Reviews of Sam's Giardino
(88%) From 110 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Sam's Giardino review
We found this guest house to be 'different'.
We had a perfectly comfortable stay and it was a good base to discover this region. Sam was very hospitable but the same couldnt be said for the female member of staff behind the counter.
Im sure the food was lovely but as we didnt feel like a 5 course meal every night we were forced to go into swap to eat in local restaraunts.
Sam's Giardino review
As we had read a couple of mixed reviews prior to our departure Sam's was one accommodation which we had concerns about.
We should not have worried. Sam's was a real home from home and in the short time we were there (2 nights) were made to feel extremely welcome - we were sad to leave!
Sam goes out of his way to make you feel welcome and nothing was too much trouble for him to organise - restaurants,taxi's, confirmation of activities etc
It was great to join Sam both before and after dinner for a glass of wine - tapping into his excellent knowledge of the subject.
As for Sam's 'best friend' - his dog Ornella, if only she was small enough to smuggle into our luggage!
We could not recommend this place highly enough and for a couple who love to travel we have seen the good and bad of a lot of places! Breakfast was excellent by the way.
Kayaking excursion to Pelican Point - Whatever you do - do not miss this unbelievable experience of being so close to nature via this excellent activity. The chance to be so close to dolphins and baby seals is one that will live for us for the rest of our lives.
The best activity we did on the whole holiday.
The whole activity was superbly run by Jeanne whose relaxed laid back approach added to the whole experience.
Expert Africa comments
Whilst in Swakopmund, we organised a morning's kayaking for these travelllers. They commented:
"Whatever you do - do not miss this unbelievable experience of being so close to nature via this excellent activity.
The chance to be so close to dolphins and baby seals is one that will live for us for the rest of our lives.
The best activity we did on the whole holiday.
The whole activity was superbly run by Jeanne whose relaxed laid back approach added to the whole experience."
Sam's Giardino Swakopmund
Sam is a wonderful host. He is helpful, entertaining and informative .
The accommodation is very comfortable but when we were there it was cold so people need to be aware they may need warm clothing.
The food served here is excellent and if you are the only residents eating that evening Sam keeps the conversation flowing. He is also very knowledgable about wine.
He appears to treat his staff very well and that ensures their loyalty.
An ideal stopover in Swakop
A very comfortable hotel, slightly out of the centre of town, which can be walked to but more feasibly needs a car.
Rooms very comfortable and food good. The wine list is very extensive and is not overpriced.
Sam is a real character and loves to talk.
Sam's Giardino review
Was a bit concerned on arriving when we learned we'd been moved from 2 rooms we'd reserved to one large family room for the three of us (one couple and our young adult daughter) but was very happy when Sam arranged for us to have his large air conditioned family room plus another smaller one for our daughter.
Expert Africa comments
Whilst in Swakopmund, we arranged for a day-trip to Sandwich Harbour for these travellers. They commented:
"The day trip with Ernest of Turnstone tours to Sandwich Harbour was unforgettable - riding and hiking over miles of untouched beach with high dunes and unspoiled coast with waves crashing and no sign of other humans all day was fabulous.
Ernest, a third generation German Namibian really knows the flora and fauna and has a passion for showing it to others. I feel if we'd driven through those conditions with anyone less expert, we'd still be there - perhaps adding our skeletons to the skeleton coast.
A great day of exercise and adventure particularly appreciated during a week of seeing wonderful sites yet with limitations in exploring on foot."
A great chef
Sam's 5 course dinner was a gourmet's delight. It is a pity that one is not allowed to eat it in peace. I am afraid that neither of us enjoy having to eat while a "stranger", who is not eating, sits at your table, talking non-stop.
The location is an easy walk into town, if you are reasonably fit.
Sam's Giardino review
This was a homley place to stay, a nice break from hotels, the staff made you feel at home and part of the'family'. Excellent home cooked food.
Read more about the whole tripTime to take a break from driving
A warm relaxing atmosphere at Sam's.
Sam turned out to be a very friendly and interesting person. He is very proud of his establishment and rightly so. We were able to relax in his lovely garden and we enjoyed the breakfasts and the evening meals - we only bothered to eat out once at 'Erics'.
Whilst in Swakopmund we enjoyed two trips that we had organised through Expert Africa - a day out with Ernst (Turnstone Tours) and a morning kayaking with Jeanne Maientjes (Eco Marine Kayak Tours). We were extremely lucky to have Ernst to ourselves and it was a very memorable day.
Sam's Giardino review
Although Sam's welcome was very low key we found Sam very helpful. We needed a dentist, managed to get to the very modern medical centre at 5.00 pm on a Friday and the tooth was "patched up" so we could enjoy the rest of the holiday.
Sam went out of his way to organise some excursions for us. The trip to Moon Valley was excellent thanks to another very experienced and accommodating guide.
Sam's hotel is extremely comfortable and we found the food absolutely delicious.
A great place to stay and, if the weather is good, there is a beautiful landscaped garden to relax in.
Swiss Sam
Sam's Giardino is a bit of Switzerland in Swakopmund, which is a very german town. Sam is very helpful, showing us where to find all the places we wanted to go.
The rooms are large and comfortable, and the food is very good.
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.
