Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
908 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"Amazing, fabulous, wonderful!"
Such a variety of experiences and a real sense of freedom from self driving.
The Namibians we met were nearly all friendly and smiley, and the views simply stunning." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"The Best Trip Ever! "
Our trip was incredible, Namibia is truly a beautiful country and we can't wait to explore more of Africa with the help of Expert Africa!
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Everything was wonderful!" Read full review: 7 nights in Africa; 7 on a Namibia trip
"Our trip to Namibia December 2016"
We thoroughly enjoyed all of the accommodation especially Kulala Desert Lodge and Doro Nawas Camp. On our first day at Kulala, we took a sundowner tour from the lodge and were also lucky to see the full moon over the dunes. On our second day, we took an early morning guided drive to Sossusvlei. The guide was excellent. He found a shovel-snouted lizard and a white lady spider for us. At Doro Nawas, we also had an excellent guide. We saw about 25 desert-adapted elephants; at night, the same guide showed us scorpions.
We also liked Swakopmund and the Sandfields Guesthouse. The two-hour flight from Swakopmund was a unique way to see the dunes, the desert, the flamingoes, the seals and the skeleton coast. We also enjoyed kayaking with the seals.
There was a bit of a glitch on our day tour to Sandwich Harbour. There were two vehicles on the tour, and our family had a junior guide who was a good driver but was not knowledgeable and could not provide us with any information. However, this problem was later resolved by talking to Bruno, who offered us a free three-hour tour the next day to a magnificent area located about 10 km from Swakopmund. Bruno also included sandboarding as part of the tour. His tour was definitely one of the many highlights of our stay in Swakopmund.
We found Etosha National Park to be a very special place. It was raining before we arrived in Etosha, and as a result the animals found different sources of water and were not attracted to the waterholes. We sometimes had to drive for a few hours before spotting animals. We did, however, see many animals in the end, including three lionesses, a sleeping lion, a black rhino and a group of about 15 hyenas. As far as accommodation goes, we liked Mushara Bush Camp better than Andersson's Camp.
Franz Indongo Lodge was also a fine place to stay and well located to visit the CCF. The cheetahs were quite active when we visited, and both the tour and the museum were very informative.
In conclusion, our trip was a great success. Although we drove a lot, we found the roads well maintained and the car very comfortable. We would like to thank you for organizing this trip for us. We are already thinking about other destinations in Africa and we will be in touch.
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Keep up the good work" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"My Dec 2016 trip"
If Planet Earth II has not convinced you to visit then you should go anyway as it has much more to offer than what was shown in the short time that the BBC allotted to the Namib desert.
If you are looking for something totally different look no further." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"Our South Africa & Namibia travels"
Hotel, Lodges and Guesthouses were on the whole excellent. Meals were of a good standard.
Some of the driving was not for the fainthearted! Road surfaces varied from excellent tar roads to poor dirt roads, none impassable! As expected!
We had a wonderful time for our second visit to Namibia, very friendly people. South Africa is equally friendly." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"honeymoon of our dreams"
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The one thing I wished for over and over on the trip was a bit more slack in the plans. There were towns I would have liked to explore, and people I'd have loved to get to know, but we really did not have time. I don't remember it being an option to add in extra time in places, but this would have made the trip more enjoyable for me.
Also, an ATM map and a tip guide would be helpful. But overall, we were very pleased, so thank you." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"November trip to Namibia and Botswana"
Namibia and Botswana are beautiful countries.
We hope to go again and would certainly use Expert Africa." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Nov 2016 trip"
Despite the lengths of the drives, we found time disappeared due to the changing landscapes. We felt particularly proud to have made the journey around, but the joy of discovering each are and learning so much from the tour guides, enriched the experience.
It will be a holiday to remember for a long time to come." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"November self-drive trip 2016"
We found the people there so friendly and the level of accommodation was very good, comfortable beds always help! Although it was very hot - 35 deg on average, the dryness means it is not debilitating.
You can also see animals at the waterholes all day long, as well as in the conservancies , not just the morning and evening, making for a day long game viewing everywhere you went. Very pleased with all the help we received - it was nice to have a contact at the airport in Windhoek as well.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not that we can think of at the moment." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Impressed by Namibia!"
Guides respects the rules of driving, respects the animals, very well educated in their habitat and great guest awareness. I hope to be back for the next winter, but then for a camping tour!
Expert Africa could not have chosen a better representative then Maruska Adye to sort this out for us." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Where to stay in Swakop' & Walvis Bay
Our suggestions for places to stay in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Cornerstone Guesthouse
Cornerstone Guesthouse is a small friendly B&B in a peaceful residential area. It's just a short walk from Swkopmund's waterfront & amenities.
Sam's Giardino
Welcoming, professionally run, and mildly eccentric, Sam’s Giardino lifts the level of hospitality in Swakopmund to unusual heights.
Strand Hotel
One of the larger hotels in Swakopmund, the Strand is well-placed on the seafront with good access to restaurants and the centre of town.
The Stiltz
Not your typical guesthouse, The Stiltz occupies a glorious location over the Swakop River on the edge of Swakopmund.
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita is a beautifully renovated B&B in the heart of Swakopmund, with comfortable, well-appointed rooms, and friendly and attentive staff.
Beach Lodge
Right on the sea front, Beach Lodge offers good standard accommodation and its own restaurant, 15 minutes’ drive from Swakopmund.
Lagoon Lodge
Lagoon Lodge is a quirky little guesthouse located right on the edge of Walvis Bay Lagoon, a good spot for watching the flamingoes that frequent the area.
The Delight
Colourful and contemporary in style, The Delight is a relatively large hotel within a short walk of Swakopmund's waterfront, restaurants and main attractions.
Swakopmund G'house
Swakopmund Guesthouse is a family-run B&B, boasting comfortable and high-quality rooms with a maritime touch.
Brigadoon
In a quiet residential location, Brigadoon is conveniently located for the Swakopmund waterfront and amenities.
Sandfields Guesthouse
Friendly Sandfields guesthouse is a cosy and inviting place to stay just north of Swakopmund town centre, and is particularly suitable for families with children.
Hansa Hotel
With a very central location in Swakopmund, the traditional Hansa Hotel is reliably good, though it is quite formal.
Secret Garden
Secret Garden Guesthouse is well located in the centre of Swakopmund not far from the sea. With a seaside feel, it has its own small restaurant and bar.
Sea Breeze
Just north of Swakopmund, the delightful Sea Breeze Guesthouse is bright and well-looked after with welcoming and helpful owners.
Organic Square
Organic Square is a modern guesthouse across two properties in the centre of Swakopmund.
Desert Breeze
Not your typical Swakopmund guesthouse, Desert Breeze occupies a glorious location overlooking the Swakop River and the desert beyond.
Cornerstone Apartments
Cornerstone Guesthouse’s three self-catering apartments, each in its own unique location, work well for families or groups of travellers seeking space & privacy within a comfortable, contemporary setting.
Pelican Point Lodge
Pelican Point Lodge sits on a remote peninsula offering panoramic views of the ocean and is only accessible by 4WD or boat.
Intermezzo
In a quiet residential area just north of the town centre, Intermezzo Guesthouse is a comfortable and bright place to stay while in Swakopmund.
Oyster Box Guesthouse
Oyster Box Guesthouse is a small, modern and comfortable B&B, overlooking Walvis Bay Lagoon.
Zum Kaiser Hotel
Hotel Zum Kaiser (formerly Swakopmund Boutique Hotel) is fairly large by Swakopmund standards, but has a good location in the centre of town, near to the beach.
Namib Guesthouse
The Namib Guesthouse is a small, modern B&B, set in Swakopmund's peaceful Kramersdorf area. It's just a short walk from the coast and many amenities.
Pearls Beach Pods
With a beachfront location, superb sea views and easy access to the amenities of Swakopmund, The Pearls Beach Pods combine privacy with a high standard of luxury.
