Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1054 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
Bruce
Harrogate
"Remarkable and special"
I visited Namibia between 29 Sep 2016 and 26 Oct 2016
"Expert Africa and their team made this a hugely successful adventure. Their response when we had a significant problem with our car was timely and effective and they certainly saved our bacon.
Expert Africa pride themselves on knowing their territory and so it would be without hesitation that we would recommend them to anyone as the company to advise you on a similar trip.
Wilderness Safaris were excellent partners in Namibia and the reception team in Windhoek air worthy of special praise. IN this respect Nandula Malango was a star.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Driving in Namibia is not straightforward as we discovered.
Although the metaled roads are excellent, and similarly many of the dirt roads, a high wheel-base, 2WD is adequate,
But where it is known that the dirt roads are very difficult, varying from smooth to lengthy distances where the surfaces are dangerously rugged , a 4WD should be recommended.
This is especially so in some of the central areas (Sesfontein, Dora Nawas to Palmwag, to Swakpmond) where the roads have been graded directly onto the underlying rock and not built up with gravel or limestone.
In these domains a four wheel drive vehicle is really essential and an extra spare necessary too. Punctures are normal experiences here and the thin tyres for urban use are pathetically inadequate." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
Expert Africa pride themselves on knowing their territory and so it would be without hesitation that we would recommend them to anyone as the company to advise you on a similar trip.
Wilderness Safaris were excellent partners in Namibia and the reception team in Windhoek air worthy of special praise. IN this respect Nandula Malango was a star.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Driving in Namibia is not straightforward as we discovered.
Although the metaled roads are excellent, and similarly many of the dirt roads, a high wheel-base, 2WD is adequate,
But where it is known that the dirt roads are very difficult, varying from smooth to lengthy distances where the surfaces are dangerously rugged , a 4WD should be recommended.
This is especially so in some of the central areas (Sesfontein, Dora Nawas to Palmwag, to Swakpmond) where the roads have been graded directly onto the underlying rock and not built up with gravel or limestone.
In these domains a four wheel drive vehicle is really essential and an extra spare necessary too. Punctures are normal experiences here and the thin tyres for urban use are pathetically inadequate." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Kingsley
"My Sep 2016 trip"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 23 Sep 2016 and 13 Oct 2016
"We have been to Namibia before and it definitely did not disappoint this time, such a magical country.
It was our first time in Botswana and we loved it and would like to see more, as is always the case in Africa in my experience. The people were so friendly and the wildlife amazing.
Victoria Falls was also good and we were glad we took your advice about seeing the falls from the Zimbabwe side as there was plenty of water! It was also a nice little town to wander around with interesting history, a good end to our trip." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
It was our first time in Botswana and we loved it and would like to see more, as is always the case in Africa in my experience. The people were so friendly and the wildlife amazing.
Victoria Falls was also good and we were glad we took your advice about seeing the falls from the Zimbabwe side as there was plenty of water! It was also a nice little town to wander around with interesting history, a good end to our trip." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr J
Hants
"Overall feedback"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 23 Sep 2016 and 7 Oct 2016
"A very memorable trip. The Caprivi Strip is so different to the rest of Namibia. Delightful lodges. Expert Africa very good, as always.
Only two small comments:
1. there was a chap from Wilderness Safaris at Windhoek airport to meet & greet us. This has never happened before, so we walked straight past him. I hope he wasn't offended, but there was nothing from Expert Africa to say that we were being met at the airport. Bit of a surprise.
2. Wild Horizons transfers. Perfect and on-time for each occasion. The problem was communication. We we not given a pick-up time for the transfer to Livingstone Airport. Our previous driver said we would be contacted and informed 24 hours before pick-up. We were not contacted, and none of the telephone numbers given in Zimbabwe was contactable either from a mobile or the hotel's phones. I even tried sending a text, but there was no reply. In the end we had to ask the Avani concierge to phone Wild Horizons local office in Zambia. If Wild Horizons has a local office, why give travellers lots of numbers in Zimbabwe ? (none of which seem to work)." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
Only two small comments:
1. there was a chap from Wilderness Safaris at Windhoek airport to meet & greet us. This has never happened before, so we walked straight past him. I hope he wasn't offended, but there was nothing from Expert Africa to say that we were being met at the airport. Bit of a surprise.
2. Wild Horizons transfers. Perfect and on-time for each occasion. The problem was communication. We we not given a pick-up time for the transfer to Livingstone Airport. Our previous driver said we would be contacted and informed 24 hours before pick-up. We were not contacted, and none of the telephone numbers given in Zimbabwe was contactable either from a mobile or the hotel's phones. I even tried sending a text, but there was no reply. In the end we had to ask the Avani concierge to phone Wild Horizons local office in Zambia. If Wild Horizons has a local office, why give travellers lots of numbers in Zimbabwe ? (none of which seem to work)." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr R & Mrs N
NI
"A welcome return to Namibia's diversity"
I visited Namibia between 21 Sep 2016 and 6 Oct 2016
"The self-drive trip was very successful.
From Expert Africa's staff to those in the various lodges ... and to those in petrol stations, cafes and restaurants, thanks for your friendly, helpful approach." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
From Expert Africa's staff to those in the various lodges ... and to those in petrol stations, cafes and restaurants, thanks for your friendly, helpful approach." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mark & Kat
UK
"Best holiday ever. The perfect honeymoon."
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 20 Sep 2016 and 2 Oct 2016
"The trip was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. It really could not have been any better, and was without doubt the best holiday I have ever been on. Everything from the lodges, through to the scenery, wildlife, service and organisation was just fantastic. I don't think I could fault a single bit (apart from Immigration at Johannesburg airport). And the food, everywhere, was just brilliant.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not much to say here apart from the service we received from you was flawless, and very much the reason the trip was such a success was down to both your recommendations and hard work. So I really could not thank you enough. It was the trip of a lifetime!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not much to say here apart from the service we received from you was flawless, and very much the reason the trip was such a success was down to both your recommendations and hard work. So I really could not thank you enough. It was the trip of a lifetime!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
E Sussex
"Return to Namibia and Etosha"
I visited Namibia between 20 Sep 2016 and 19 Oct 2016
"This was our second trip to Namibia and Etosha, this time we included the Caprivi Strip. We arrived in Windhoek and awaiting in arrivals was a representative from Wilderness Safaris who took control of our luggage and escorted us to their private lounge. He then proceeded to help us purchase that all important SIM card and sort our car hire. Once done he collected our luggage and took us over to collect our car hire. Thank you Wilderness Safaris. We were soon on our way to our first overnight stop in Windhoek. Next morning our journey was to Swakopmund, then onto the skeleton coast and the Cape Cross seal colony where we spent a whole afternoon photographing these small creatures.
Early next day we set off for Damaraland, then into Etosha NP. Having left temperatures of the mid 50 degree we were soon enduring the 40 degree heat of Etosha, it was extremely dusty giving us pictures of what the UK is like having had a severe overnight frost, everything looked magical. Animal sightings did not disappoint us. When we sat at Heathrow we discussed what it would be good to see and we though a good sighting of a Rhino would be good. We ended up and had 20 good sightings in Etosha, we were even lucky enough to witness courtship and almost mating of two at Okaukuejo Camp waterhole. Lions however avoided us on this trip. Elephants were in abundance, with lots of babies and juveniles which gave us lots of amusement.
The Caprivi Strip was a little disappointing with a clear lack of wildlife but we were told that due to it being so dry the animals had gone deep into the bush. Although disappointing did it spoil the last days of our holiday? Not at all, we were in Africa and at anytime any animal could come into view, that's what it is all about and this will always bring us back.
Thank you Expert Africa for all your help in planning this trip and making it another memorable holiday. We will be back!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just keep on doing what you are doing. Always such a friendly, knowledgeable and helpful team of experts.
We will keep on recommending you." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 27 on a Namibia trip
Early next day we set off for Damaraland, then into Etosha NP. Having left temperatures of the mid 50 degree we were soon enduring the 40 degree heat of Etosha, it was extremely dusty giving us pictures of what the UK is like having had a severe overnight frost, everything looked magical. Animal sightings did not disappoint us. When we sat at Heathrow we discussed what it would be good to see and we though a good sighting of a Rhino would be good. We ended up and had 20 good sightings in Etosha, we were even lucky enough to witness courtship and almost mating of two at Okaukuejo Camp waterhole. Lions however avoided us on this trip. Elephants were in abundance, with lots of babies and juveniles which gave us lots of amusement.
The Caprivi Strip was a little disappointing with a clear lack of wildlife but we were told that due to it being so dry the animals had gone deep into the bush. Although disappointing did it spoil the last days of our holiday? Not at all, we were in Africa and at anytime any animal could come into view, that's what it is all about and this will always bring us back.
Thank you Expert Africa for all your help in planning this trip and making it another memorable holiday. We will be back!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just keep on doing what you are doing. Always such a friendly, knowledgeable and helpful team of experts.
We will keep on recommending you." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 27 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr S.
Clontarf
"Another great holiday in wonderful Namibia"
I visited Namibia between 19 Sep 2016 and 7 Oct 2016
"Thanks to Maruska who organised a great trip for us at very short notice. We had previously visitied Namibia 9 years earlier so chose to visits areas we hadn't been to before, going down to the Fish River Canyon and up to Bushmanland.
The whole range and variety of scenery across the country continues to be massively impressive, with many places to relax in remote areas looking across vast expanses of land.
Self driving is very easy (provided you don't forget your driving licence as I did, needing to courier it out!). We took a 4x4 this time which realistically we only needed (but then certainly did) in 3 or 4 locations.
Tourism has clearly grown a lot in the last few years - we saw many more tourists driving on the roads compared to 9 years ago. The country still feels very safe (albeit there are now warnings in some major towns with regard to petty theft).
The Namibian people continue to be warm and friendly but we did notice a significant reduction in the interest of guides to ensure we had a great experience - many seemed to have lost some interest in the job. This may have been because we were in less visited areas or a dfference between the South and North of the country.
Still a fabulous country to visit.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No improvements - Maruska was fabulous (again)" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
The whole range and variety of scenery across the country continues to be massively impressive, with many places to relax in remote areas looking across vast expanses of land.
Self driving is very easy (provided you don't forget your driving licence as I did, needing to courier it out!). We took a 4x4 this time which realistically we only needed (but then certainly did) in 3 or 4 locations.
Tourism has clearly grown a lot in the last few years - we saw many more tourists driving on the roads compared to 9 years ago. The country still feels very safe (albeit there are now warnings in some major towns with regard to petty theft).
The Namibian people continue to be warm and friendly but we did notice a significant reduction in the interest of guides to ensure we had a great experience - many seemed to have lost some interest in the job. This may have been because we were in less visited areas or a dfference between the South and North of the country.
Still a fabulous country to visit.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No improvements - Maruska was fabulous (again)" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr K
Tonbridge
"Namibia adventure"
I visited Namibia between 17 Sep 2016 and 6 Oct 2016
"This was a great trip.
The first two weeks were sightseeing rather than a traditional safari, but the photo opportunities were fabulous, Wilderness is a bit corporate for us, but extremely well organised, with great guiding. You cant fault Wilderness, but for us not a traditional safari experience. For a traditional safari that challenges mind and body mundulea is a must on the list. Where you can fly between camps, fly, the distances are huge
This is our 10th safari. In total we saw 34 mammals, 13 new species. if you are going for animals you need to be more patient in Namibia than other African countries. But every fabulous, iconic grumpy black rhino you see makes the wait worth while.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
When you are paying so much money for a trip, you want to make sure everything is 100%, occasionally we felt that we were being a bother as we were having to repeat questions. however Tracy was always a pleasure to deal with" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
The first two weeks were sightseeing rather than a traditional safari, but the photo opportunities were fabulous, Wilderness is a bit corporate for us, but extremely well organised, with great guiding. You cant fault Wilderness, but for us not a traditional safari experience. For a traditional safari that challenges mind and body mundulea is a must on the list. Where you can fly between camps, fly, the distances are huge
This is our 10th safari. In total we saw 34 mammals, 13 new species. if you are going for animals you need to be more patient in Namibia than other African countries. But every fabulous, iconic grumpy black rhino you see makes the wait worth while.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
When you are paying so much money for a trip, you want to make sure everything is 100%, occasionally we felt that we were being a bother as we were having to repeat questions. however Tracy was always a pleasure to deal with" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr R M
Illinois
"My Sep 2016 trip"
I visited Namibia between 16 Sep 2016 and 3 Oct 2016
"This trip was very well developed and all arrangement worked perfectly.
Should I want to travel to Africa again, I will definitely use your services." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Should I want to travel to Africa again, I will definitely use your services." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms M
dublin 22
"An amazing experience"
I visited Namibia between 10 Sep 2016 and 25 Sep 2016
"This was a fantastic trip- thanks to Meghan and Tom who put it together for us. We are really glad we stayed 2 nights in Okonjima and would recommend this to others. Okuakuejo didn't fit with the feel of the rest of the trip. The draft trip had 2 nights in Okuakuejo and we only stated in Hobatere as there weren't 2 nights available in Okaukuejo - Hobatere was much nicer. It also had the advantage which we didn't appreciate until we got there of allowing us to drive through Etosha from west to east- this was an amazing experience.
Chish McIntyre's book was really useful for advice on tips etc but his best advice was to just drive from waterhole to waterhole through Etosha. We did this and the experience was almost indescribable.
I was worried about the roads and getting petrol along the way. The roads were scary to begin with but once we drove at a reasonable speed and were sensible they were fine. I really got into driving on them and was almost disappointed when we hit tar around Etosha!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Chish McIntyre's book was really useful for advice on tips etc but his best advice was to just drive from waterhole to waterhole through Etosha. We did this and the experience was almost indescribable.
I was worried about the roads and getting petrol along the way. The roads were scary to begin with but once we drove at a reasonable speed and were sensible they were fine. I really got into driving on them and was almost disappointed when we hit tar around Etosha!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
1054
reviews of Windhoek by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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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.
