Cornerstone Apartments: Our full report

In the heart of Swakopmund, the owners of Cornerstone Guesthouse run three individual private apartments.

All are self-catering, with three double bedrooms, a balcony and sea views, but each has its own unique feel.

For many travellers, Swakopmund offers a chance to relax and unwind in the middle of a long road trip around Namibia. In establishing their three self-catering apartments, the welcoming owners of Cornerstone Guesthouse have recognised the need for a greater sense of privacy and freedom for families and groups holidaying together.

Although the Expert Africa team has not stayed in the apartments, we have worked for many years with the owners of Cornerstone, which is where apartment guests check in on arrival.

Each of the apartments is finished to a high specification, with three double bedrooms – one en suite, and the other two sharing a second bathroom. You’ll also find a lounge with satellite TV, a fully equipped kitchen and – to the appreciation of many travellers – your own laundry facilities. A garage is also standard (albeit a tight squeeze at Moringa Gardens), so your vehicle can be securely locked away.

Barely a stone’s throw from the main swimming beach, and just five minutes’ walk from the town centre, An Der Mole is fronted by the town’s promenade and public gardens. Set in a block that is constructed in tiers to maximise the sea views, it features a huge balcony complete with sunloungers and barbecue.
Inside, a palette of soft greys and shades of blue conveys a sense of calm and tranquillity, enhanced by light wooden floors topped with neutral rugs. Guests come together in a spacious, open-plan kitchen/living area.
Further south, the beachfront Atlantik Sicht is near to the aquarium and the popular Tug Restaurant, and just a short walk from the town. Polished wooden floors and chairs and bar stools of chrome and plastic convey a strong Scandinavian feel. The balcony here may be smaller but guests benefit from a small, sea-facing garden, also with a barbecue and sunloungers – a great spot to watch the sun setting over the Atlantic Ocean.
The rather traditional air of the deep-ochre building belies the interior of Moringa Gardens, a lofty penthouse apartment with cool tiled floors and high, wood-clad ceilings. Contemporary black and chrome furniture is offset by a sand-coloured décor, enlivened by pops of vibrant colour in cushions and floor rugs. The location is quiet yet close to the town centre, and about a ten-minute walk to the sea.

While self-catering is an option in each of the apartments, most visitors will seek out one of Swakopmund’s many restaurants for meals. And in the morning, apartment guests are welcome to indulge in breakfast at Cornerstone Guesthouse, just a short walk away. Staff at the guesthouse are also able to book activities on request.

Our view

Our in-depth knowledge of Swakopmund and familiarity with Cornerstone Guesthouse makes us confident that these three apartments are well placed for families and groups of friends.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: 2–3 nights
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Room Only
Food quality: Breakfast may be taken at Cornerstone Guesthouse by arrangement.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome in all three apartments
Generally recommended for children: These self-catering apartments are generally suitable for families.
Notes: Each apartment has a balcony, where younger children would need to be supervised.

Communications

Communications: Free Wi-Fi is available in each of the apartments.
TV & radio: All three apartments have satellite TV.
Water supply: Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: Swakopmund's private Cottage Hospital is only a short walk or drive from Cornerstone’s three apartments.

Quadbike warning: Quadbiking is sometimes available as an activity from Cornerstone Guesthouse. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quadbike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Fire safety

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Each apartment has a washing machine and tumble drier
Money: The Cornerstone team do not offer currency exchange. As you will have exclusive use f the apartments during your stay there are no safes.
Accepted payment on location: Cornerstone Guesthouse accepts Visa and MasterCard, but not Amex or travellers' cheques. Cash payments may be made in Namibian dollars or South African rand.