Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1054 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
"Fantastic trip"
I have already recommended Expert Africa to friends.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. Everything was amazing! Only place I would skip is Halali and spend more time at Ungomo, which I think Maruska tried for but wasn't able to get for us.
I would have preferred to be told exactly what to tip and to prepare envelopes in advance. the tipping protocols were somewhat overwhelming.
Here's an example: the literature told us to tip at b and b places at the end of the trip, using the tip box. But when someone carried our bags, it was clear that they expected a tip. this left us awkwardly fumbling for change and trying to figure out local currency on the spot.
Don't know how to fix this." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia, Botswana and Zambia July/Aug 2016"
We have learned so much about a part of the world unknown to us prior to this trip and it has certainly had an impact on the perspective that we now take about certain issues. We met some wonderful people, both inhabitants of the countries and fellow travellers, and the animals and birds that we encountered were magnificent.
It was humbling and impressive and I wish that everyone could be lucky enough to have such a fantastic opportunity.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
At the point of booking there were times when Tracy was clearly very busy and we had to wait for responses to our questions. Her passion for Namibia and Botswana always came through and we felt fortunate to have the benefit of this.
We had need to contact her a couple of times while we were away and her response on these occasions was extremely prompt, thorough, helpful and reassuring - we were very appreciative of her care and attention we received." Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Honeymoon July 16"
After having so many concerns and worries, your knowledge and willingness to answer our questions made us feel much more at ease. We got one bad puncture with the car but an african person (tyre garage person!) stopped and changed it for us - so there was nothing to worry about. It was also amazing to learn about the guides lives both at the lodges - their training, their families back home - and the guides who work at government run attractions. We gave a lift to two people who had finished their shift (one at burn mountain, and one at petrified forest) and needed to get back home. Although dubious about this at first, they are genuine people who don't have a car and do hitch a lift - its amazing how much they know about English football (more than us!). The food was also amazing - eating at Joes beerhouse and the Tug in Swakopmund are both places we would go back to, and the wilderness lodges do an amazing job.
I think one highlight was the dunes and hot air balloon, and I really enjoyed seeing the animals, especially getting close to them in Damaraland and the Okonjima.
We now feel that we are ready to go on another African adventure, and with all our stories I think I have persuaded my parents to go on their first next year as well! At least for our next African holiday I won't have to do the initial research of who we go with - I will certainly be getting in touch with you again!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic Holiday - highly recommended"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just one - on your guide book it states the closest fuel station to refuel the hire car is Windhoek. Well the good news is a new one has opened right near the airport and its 24 hour service." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
"5-Jul-2016 to 4-Aug-2016"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only suggestion would be to have people drive out the east gate of Etosha (which we did) and south through Otavi on the way to Mundulea Reserve, rather than you suggested departure through the south date of Etosha. Although more gravel road, you see more game." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2016 trip"
We were very impressed with Wilderness Safaris. As I mentioned they came with us to the car hire place and out to the vehicle and helped us sort both the paperwork and the vehicle checks.
At the end they then took us through the express check in desk thus avoiding a lengthy queue. Excellent service.
All in all a very good trip, even if a little tiring and stressful at times with the driving (but we didn't get a puncture). Frankly I am amazed that you even recommend a standard two wheel drive car over those roads. We saw virtually no other cars like that.
Its an interesting point but you don't actually need the 4WD facility but you do need the ground clearance and chunky wheels/tyres.
Finally thank you for organising the trip, everything worked fine." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"Our trip was eveything we hoped for"
Her advice was invaluable, particularly for journey lengths and camp/lodge choices. This is the second trip she has arranged for us and was as enjoyable as the first.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We cannot think of anything that could have been done better - all arrangements worked perfectly" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2016 trip"
"Epic Namibia"
Namibia has been on our "to do" list for a couple of years. We've travelled in Africa quite extensively - this trip to Namibia has DEFINITELY been the best! It is magical, majestic, dramatic and unspoilt - there aren't enough adjectives to describe it and photo's can't capture it - it is truly "Epic"..." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2016 trip"
Although we never imagined we would need to contact Maruska or Expert African on our trip, a surprise, unfortunate medical emergency caused Maruska to be contacted by our private guide Andrew Harkness. She immediately emailed me, expressing her sincere concerns and willingness to help in any way possible. She expediently helped me with the documentation of the cancelled portion of our trip, and all of her follow up communication has demonstrated her exceptional professionalism and her personal touch. We highly recommend her services and would use her again in a heartbeat!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We think you have a sterling operation, which we will recommend to everyone we know who is considering a trip to Africa. Thank you Chris McIntyre for your guide books and for heading this superlative travel service!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 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.
