Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1056 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
"Do we really have to go home?"
The advice provided was extremely helpful and the descriptions provided on the website and in the Brandt guide were almost universally accurate.
The marked-up route maps were particularly appreciated.
Suggestions for improvement:
Put the bit about plastic bags to protect the luggage from dust in block capitals! We did but some others were less well informed.
Where can you get adaptors which fit the 3 round pin plugs - not everywhere has a European standard alternative?" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"A memorable holiday in Namibia"
One point I would like to stress is that these lodges are mostly built to provide cool accommodation in summer, and therefore can be bitterly cold and draughty in winter. Visitors could perhaps be given more warning to pack winter clothing. Restaurant staff are wearing anoraks - ours were at home!
We did not appreciate open plan toilets or sharing a dinner table with people we had little in common with.
We found the guide book by Chris extremely helpful and appreciated all other documents." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia, Botswana and briefly Zambia"
Suggestions for improvement:
It would be useful to know the starting time for afternoon excursions at lodges/camps prior to arrival." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"One of the best holidays ever"
From the first enquiry to Expert Africa, Maruska was most helpful and efficient, modifying and adjusting the itinerary to meet our requirements." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"Zambia Botswana Namibia 2008"
One suggestion: we noticed that several people doing similar trips had been provided with a spiral bound booklet with more information about the itinerary, details about each camp, with photographs and maps. We would have appreciated something similar, which would not be expensive to produce and would have been a very nice touch. Given the cost of the trip, the excellence of your service and the quality of the camps and transfers this would be an appropriate part of the package you offer." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 12 on a Botswana safari
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The wildlife is also so impressive, partly because you see a lot by passing through the country, but Etosha was 'on show' for us, with magnificent congregations of elephants, zebra and antelope, plus abundant rhino, jackall, and hyena and vists from giraffe - more often seen away from the waterholes. Four female lions and an encounter with a black rhino at close quarters capped our experiences.
The Namibian people we met were friendly and always competent. Most of the guides we met were very knowledgeable and gave good value.
We ate well and no one suffered from upset stomachs or other travel bugs. I travel a lot and have been in something over 20 African countries over the years. Ivisited Ngorongoro in Tanzania many years ago and was so impressed by the wildlife. But in Namibia the wildlife was comparable and the entire country a marvellous scenic experience." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia a great African destination"
As a country I think it is probably the best in Southern Africa to visit as it has terrific game viewing, contrasts in scenery, friendly peoply, a feeling of safety and all at a reasonable price.
Suggestions for improvement:
Just keep doing what you are doing altthough it might be worth telling clients about the potential upgrade on Air Namibia as it is not necessarily offered, we found out about it through Trip Advisor or a similar site.
But overall thanks for a great holiday" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Highly Recommended"
The ExpertAfrica service was helpful, efficient and reassuring. The attention to detail in the documentation is impressive - as is the information available in Chris's book - which we took with us. Everyone at the lodges spoke warmly about the ExpertAfrica team - the work you do in visiting the lodges clearly pays dividends.
I normally plan and book all holiday arrangements myself, direct with hotels, airlines, car hire etc. It is a testament to Gwynneth that I booked this trip with ExpertAfrica, because I normally like to retain control. Her approach was supportive and in no way pushy. I felt that in trusting her to make the arrangements, she was definitely adding value.
She also called on her colleagues for more specific information about lodges she had not stayed at personally. Talking to someone about places they know well, and experiences they have had personally is a great feature of the service - even if you discover that you don't always want/like the same things. The level of interest in the trip is also an indication that EA are truly interested in their clients' experiences.
The only thing I would say is that I think it would be good if there were more details provided within the lodges about activities and facilities (generally speaking they tell you things verbally, but don't always have anything for you to refer to). I also felt that the guides could do more to tell people in advance what they are going to do, how long things might take etc. Normally this doesn't matter - you're on holiday! But sometimes it could be important, and coming back 1-2 hours after you were told you'd be back woulnd't be ideal! Maybe they could wear watches....that might help!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Great experience of remoter Namibia"
All the Lodge Managers were very helpful and we did not have to burden ourselves with the admin of this problem.
Suggestions for improvement:
Keep up the good work!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Where to stay in Windhoek
Our suggestions for places to stay in Windhoek
Olive Grove
In a quiet Windhoek suburb, Olive Grove is one of our favourite guesthouses: stylish, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and excellent food.
Galton House
A cool stylish sanctuary in a quiet suburb of Windhoek, Galton House boasts a pool and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Elegant Guesthouse
The Elegant Guesthouse is a friendly, comfortable establishment with a lovely, tranquil garden, and is a good choice for an overnight stay in Windhoek.
River Crossing
Secluded on a private game reserve between Windhoek and the international airport, River Crossing is a tranquil place to start or end a trip.
Villa Violet
Villa Violet is a friendly, owner-run guesthouse in a residential area of Windhoek, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and numerous restaurants.
Haus Sonneneck
Haus Sonneneck was one of Windhoek's best pensions just a few minutes' drive away from the city centre, however it has now closed.
Hilltop Guesthouse
A long-standing favourite, the small, owner-run Hilltop Guesthouse is comfortable, smart and good value.
Weinberg Hotel
In a quiet upmarket suburb of Klein Windhoek, the stylish Weinberg has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and luxury facilities.
GocheGanas
For somewhere to really pamper yourself, Gocheganas Lodge & Spa offers wildlife combined with extensive wellness treatments.
Heinitzburg Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in Windhoek, the Heinitzberg occupies a great hill-top location but can feel like a relic of a bygone era.
Olive Exclusive
The Olive Exclusive is perhaps Windhoek's most luxurious boutique hotel but remains a friendly and unpretentious place to stay.
Etango Ranch G. Farm
Etango offers simple, clean, comfortable accommodation and it’s the closest accommodation to Windhoek International Airport.
Immanuel Wilderness
Within easy reach of Windhoek, Immanuel Wilderness Lodge is a good overnight option for those who don't wish to stay in the city.
Rivendell Guesthouse
Rivendell Guesthouse offers great value, relaxed accommodation in a homely atmosphere with helpful and extremely friendly staff.
Sun Karros Daan Viljoen
Situated within the Daan Viljoen Nature reserve Sun Karros is a simple lodge with gentle game viewing and bird watching opportunities.
Avani Windhoek Hotel
The Avani Windhoek Hotel and Casino lack the personal touch of Windhoeks smaller guesthouses but is well located in the heart of the city.
Hotel Thule
Windhoek’s Hotel Pension Thule offers stunning views across the city and a reputable in-house restaurant, within easy reach of the international airport.
Omaanda
Omaanda offers luxury accommodation and wildlife viewing within easy reach of the international airport and Windhoek City.
Ti Melen
Overlooking Avis Dam, Ti Melen is on the outskirts of Windhoek, yet only 10-minutes from the city's amenities.
Desert Express
The Desert Express runs from Windhoek to Swakopmund on set departures. Recently this schedule has been somewhat erratic.
