Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
908 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"fab time lots of work done will go back"
Namibia private guided safari section of trip - great guide [paulo] wonderful cook [rodney] they could not have been better.
they made my stay as comfortable as possible under the difficult rainy circumstances but the rains storms very unforgettable and for me a great visual experience. lots of painting under a special little tent that served as an outside studio.
paulo and Rodney were the best and of great help
paulo is very recommendable and he is now training for a national guide position.he deserves lots of attention. very knowledgeable and soft spoken, full of patience and attention to detail. he made my first 6 days extremely productive and creative
the dune world deserve more than a few days and all drives were spectacular at different times of day dawn and dusk" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Smiths Namibia trip : April 2008"
We felt that the suggested itinerary was very well planned and the information sent was superb. Daily driving distances were about right." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"Couldn't ask for more..."
It was very reassuring that Gwynneth has stayed in so many of the place, so advice was very accurate. In fact, we've already recommended expertafrica to a friend." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"A very enjoyable trip with a touch of luxury"
We were advised to rent a 4x4 but we took the risk in hiring a 2wd during one of the better rainy seasons that Namibia has experienced.... Things were a bit dodgy in places with relatively deep water to cross and many bits of slippery muddy patches and rocks to navigate around but we did it and that gave us a more adventurous edge to our holiday which lead to some good escape stories when we got back!!
The scenery was spectacular, the animals gorgeous and the vast open spaces a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of London. I loved every minute of my holiday and would highly recommend Expert Africa to anyone planning a trip to Namibia.
The pack that was sent out prior to the trip was excellent. The map all marked out with our route and places we were staying at was fantastic. All the added details like copies of brochures and print out of maps was fantastic too. I really felt confident in the hands of Expert Africa and everything went according to plan on a 3 week trip so it was a nice treat for me to put the organising of a holiday in the hands of someone else. I have never done this before and you did it brilliantly." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
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"Namibia Tour 2008"
This is a good time of year to see everything green (even in the desert) and the young animals in Etosha.
Very quiet in Etosha. We watched a rhino for 30 minutes and no other car came along.
With two spare tyres we had no punctures this time. We managed easily without a 4x4 - I would not have attempted to cross the Tsauchab in flood even with a 4x4 as the water was above my knees and flowing fast. No problems with the car and very helpful staff at Windhoek airport." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"A thoroughly enjoyable trip"
We found the Namibian people welcoming and friendly and hope that, in the places where we stayed, profits remain to benefit the local communities. We did see and hear some evidence of this but were not always sure. It was fun occasionally bumping into people we'd met before, as they tended to follow similar routes.." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"We will return to Namibia!"
When we return, we would want to explore whether there is some way of staying in less luxurious places (short of camping).
We would definitely use Expert Africa again - we have never had such excellent service from anyone in any sphere!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Thanks for our third excellent trip with you"
The driving distances were all fine to manage, the lodges and camps we stayed at were varied in style but all interesting, very comfortable, and with a very high standard of service and food.
You put us on to some ideas that we might not have pursued ourselves (e.g Sandwich Harbour), and put us off some which we were pleased that you did (e.g. driving the Skeleton Coast for any more than the run up to Cape Cross, advising us that it is not really an interesting drive, and that in the wet season we would be one of very few on the road further north in an area where flash floods could be a problem. Both right).
After 10 days on good gravel, we appreciated how much better a 4x4 sits on the road than a light saloon, but were beginning to wonder whether the extra expense was really necessary. Then the heavens opened, and on the road between Doro Nawas and Khorixas we soon understood why Sabina recommended a 4x4 so strongly.
We had a great time because it is a lovely country with great scenery and lovely people, but the fact that it went so smoothly has much to do with Expert Africa's knowledge, experience, and attention to detail in planning our trip.
Thanks again, very much. Funds permitting, we will be back in Isleworth some time in future …." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Main objectives achieved"
On occasions the distances for driving were rather long and tedious. Surfaced roads wre good with little fraffic. Graveled roads varied from good where recently graded to awful with rather more of the latter than former. Return journey was a nightmare." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 14 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.
