Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1055 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
"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
"My Jun 2016 trip"
The Wilderness staff at the airport, both on arrival and departure were very welcoming and helpful,
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We really enjoyed the trip. Thank you." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"Once in a lifetime!"
It strarted with Sabina Hekandjo. She is the one who made it happen. I am very gratefull that she has patience with me and with her knowlegde. Because of that I had a splendid time. Thank you!!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, because the way your company is acting is something I never have witnessed before." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Our June trip to Africa 2016"
"Wonderful Trip"
Sabina dealt with the final days prior to our trip, but it was Martha who made all the arrangements so we cannot really comment about Sabina." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"The Cowcill's comments on June 2016 trip"
"Our first trip to Namibia - superb"
Early June seemed to be a good time to go, with plenty of wildlife to be seen and the weather cooling down.
We would love to go back." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"Kgalagadi to Etosha roadtrip"
Kgalagadi is a magical park which generates a feeling of camaraderie among the visitors. Drivers still wave to each other like they are sharing some closely guarded secret. It would be possible to spend two weeks there, with at least three days at each camp. This would make the trip more relaxed and give more time to appreciate each area. Put in the hours in this park and you will get some fantastic sightings. There's no elephant, buffalo or rhino but it's great for birds, predators and the smaller critters. Tiny creatures can get in the chalets, although gratefully for us these were mainly the friendly, cuter end of the spectrum. Shouldn't bother most but might not be for everyone.
If you can book into a Kgalagadi widerness camp you can leave the modern world behind. Forget smartphones and the internet, at present there is no network coverage, apart from in Twee Rivieren.
If possible hire a 4x4. You don't have to but it will enhance the trip enormously. The road can be rough and the elevated driving position is great for spotting. If you can, get a double cab so you can easily stow your drinks, cool box, camera etc. For photography it's doubtful you can can beat Kgalagadi and Etosha.
The weather in late May to early June was fantastic for us, warm in the day and cool at night. It getting dry at this time of year so the waterholes in both parks are populated with small and large herds of animals. In Etosha the numbers seem astounding at times.
The timing was tricky and when our heathrow flight was delayed we could easily have missed our connection from Joburg to Upington. Luckily we traveled with hand luggage only and made it with a half hour to spare. Likewise, you probably need to stop over in Upington as we did, especially if you need to stock up before heading to Kgalagadi.
No fault of Expert Africa but it may have included just a bit too much driving. It was our choice to include Kgalagadi and Etosha. Not particularly the driving in the parks but between the two. However, this is a balancing act between time and resources and we don't regret it all." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
"Our trip 25/05/16 to 14/06/16"
The staff at Wilderness Safari's were really helpful at the beginning when we had a problem." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 on a Namibia trip
"A Wonderful Trip"
Friendliness of the people, and the high levels of service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
A lot of companies are perfect when everything is running smoothly and one only finds out their failings when things go wrong.
Expert Africa and your team were compassionate and caring when because of my husbands death I wasn't sure if I would be able to or wanted to take the trip. When we had problems in Windhoek constructive help was offered quickly from Chris and enabled us to rationalize the event and not allow it to either colour our view of the country or it's people.
On that note it is hard for me to see how you could improve." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 18 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.
