Reviews of Terrace Bay
Wildlife sightings and reviews
38 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Terrace Bay and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Aug-2019, 2 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Terrace Bay.
Brown Hyena
50% success
Meerkat
0% success
Oryx
0% success
Mr R
Chicago, USA
"Completely Out of the Beaten Path"
1 night Arrived 19 Dec 2012
"The drive towards Terrace Bay feels like you are on the moon. It is a very unusual landscape with it's particular charms. Staff was friendly and the rooms have a lovely view of the ocean. Dinner was good although it was uncomfortable to have smokers in the same room.
Unfortunately, when we walked into the bathroom we noticed that the outside of the toilet was stained with stool. It was extremely unpleasant and disgusting! We informed the staff and they handled the matter efficiently switching to another room. They were very apologetic and seemed to have call many staff members who came to inspect the room." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 8n in South Africa
Unfortunately, when we walked into the bathroom we noticed that the outside of the toilet was stained with stool. It was extremely unpleasant and disgusting! We informed the staff and they handled the matter efficiently switching to another room. They were very apologetic and seemed to have call many staff members who came to inspect the room." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 8n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Dr D
Suffolk
"Terrace Bay is a genuine outpost"
1 night Arrived 26 Sep 2012
"Given that every serious visitor to Namibia should drive up the Skeleton Coast at least once, Terrace Bay is the only option for overnight stops. This is an interesting camp in an isolated, coastal location. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Whilst the chalets and dining room are not luxurious they are perfectly adequate- and a definite improvement from when we visited in 2003. The food was fine.
A word of caution- the last 50kms of the road to Terrace Bay are not very good with several stretches of soft sand; definitely not suitable for ordinary cars. We managed, just, in our 2x4 Nissan X-Trail but a 4x4 vehicle should be considered. However a great experience and not to be missed. The drive along the deserted road north from Cape Cross with the sea on one side and the dunes on the other feels like a real adventure." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
A word of caution- the last 50kms of the road to Terrace Bay are not very good with several stretches of soft sand; definitely not suitable for ordinary cars. We managed, just, in our 2x4 Nissan X-Trail but a 4x4 vehicle should be considered. However a great experience and not to be missed. The drive along the deserted road north from Cape Cross with the sea on one side and the dunes on the other feels like a real adventure." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Ms S & family
Stroud
"Terrace Bay review"
1 night Arrived 17 Jul 2011
"After a long drive from Swakopmunc, staff did everything they could to make our one stay comfortable at this remote camp. Mended our first puncture and enjoyed watching the local women fishing"
See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Rooms:
Poor
Mr S & Ms M
Dorking
"Terrace Bay review"
1 night Arrived 24 Mar 2011
"Although the staff were friendly & concerned at making one as comfortable as possible, the amenities were- I am sorry to say- very close to appalling. The rooms reminded me of an old Second World War Army Camp I spent ten days at in the Combined Cadet Force when at school. Indeed, if anythig, the Army Camp was more comfortable in that during the one night (thank God!) of our stay at Terrace Bay there developed a leak from the ceiling in the bathroom causing it to become awash & dangerously slippery.
This situation somewhat exascerbated a bout of D&V which Carol suffered during the night there when she seems to have had food poisoning although my having eaten the same food caused me no apparent harm!
Unless one is keen on fishing (which judging by reports declined) I can see no particular advantage in venturing this far up the Skeleton Coast." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
This situation somewhat exascerbated a bout of D&V which Carol suffered during the night there when she seems to have had food poisoning although my having eaten the same food caused me no apparent harm!
Unless one is keen on fishing (which judging by reports declined) I can see no particular advantage in venturing this far up the Skeleton Coast." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Poor
Location:
Average
Service:
Average
Facilities:
Poor
Rooms:
Terrible
Food:
Average
Mr & Mrs AS
Colorado
"Terrace Bay review"
1 night Arrived 1 Nov 2010
"If you want to drive the entire Skeleton Coast, Terrace Bay is the only place to stay aside from camping. The facilities are a bit dated, but adequate.
The receptionist was very pleasant and the service overall was fine." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
The receptionist was very pleasant and the service overall was fine." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Miss T & Mr B
London
"lovely place, terrible journey"
1 night Arrived 14 Oct 2010
"Under no circumstances should this trip (after the park entrance) be attempted in a car as even 4WD vehicles get in to difficulties frequently.
Make sure any future gusts are aware the the Ugab river checkpoint closes at 15.00. After that you will simply be turned away and we just made it in with minutes to spare as we were expecting the gate to be open until 17.00. This info is in the guidebook but as it is such an early closure it should be on the client information sent out by EA.
The lodge itself was great, very friendly and no need to worry about inventories or key deposits." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Make sure any future gusts are aware the the Ugab river checkpoint closes at 15.00. After that you will simply be turned away and we just made it in with minutes to spare as we were expecting the gate to be open until 17.00. This info is in the guidebook but as it is such an early closure it should be on the client information sent out by EA.
The lodge itself was great, very friendly and no need to worry about inventories or key deposits." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Feedback Response
The drive from Swakopmund to Terrace Bay is very long: about 340km. We advise that it’s a good six-hour drive. We usually advise a 4WD during the rainy season and like these travellers, some will prefer one during the dry season. We’ve driven this trip ourselves, several times in recent years, in 2WD saloon cars.
This comment on timings is a very pertinent one; we’d always advise our travellers to start off early in the morning, and reach the Ugab River well before the gate there closes at 15:00. This is included in the guide book, but from now on we’ll further highlight this in a letter that we send out before such a trip.
This comment on timings is a very pertinent one; we’d always advise our travellers to start off early in the morning, and reach the Ugab River well before the gate there closes at 15:00. This is included in the guide book, but from now on we’ll further highlight this in a letter that we send out before such a trip.
Mrs J & daughters
UK
"Fishers heaven"
1 night Arrived 21 Sep 2010
"Terrace Bay is basic and has a time warp quality but that said the rooms were extremely comfortable and we had everything we needed.
Once again we were at the mercy of the wind and sand storms, made me so happy I had never got wrecked on the Skeleton Coast. But I would not have missed going to Terrace Bay, I think everyone should go there once at least." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
Once again we were at the mercy of the wind and sand storms, made me so happy I had never got wrecked on the Skeleton Coast. But I would not have missed going to Terrace Bay, I think everyone should go there once at least." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Mr & Mrs D
Worcester
"A classic road trip"
1 night Arrived 1 Aug 2010
"We were so glad to have done this drive, from the sights (and smells) of Cape Cross seal colony and the coastal wrecks to the subtly beautiful gravel plains of ever-changing colours further north.
Of course, the Terrace Bay chalets are dated and basic but everything worked and the duvets were lovely - we had the best night's sleep of the whole trip here. It was a shame there were so few other guests - only three other couples - so the restaurant lacked a bit of atmosphere. Food good though and a breakfast selection that would have fed ten times the number.
The following morning we did the short waterfall walk recommended by one of the staff - just park by the old generator shed as you cross the Uniab river and walk seawards for about 1 km . Very easy and we got a good sighting of a brown hyena at quite close quarters." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
Of course, the Terrace Bay chalets are dated and basic but everything worked and the duvets were lovely - we had the best night's sleep of the whole trip here. It was a shame there were so few other guests - only three other couples - so the restaurant lacked a bit of atmosphere. Food good though and a breakfast selection that would have fed ten times the number.
The following morning we did the short waterfall walk recommended by one of the staff - just park by the old generator shed as you cross the Uniab river and walk seawards for about 1 km . Very easy and we got a good sighting of a brown hyena at quite close quarters." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Mrs B
Edinburgh
"Terrace Bay review"
1 night Arrived 30 Jul 2010
"Loved it for what it is and where it is. You feel like you're at the end of the world and then you come across this old mining camp converted into a holiday 'resort'. We had refurbished rooms which had very comfortable beds - we especially liked the bathroom door - a stripy bit of material pegged onto a fishing line!! Fridge and coffee / tea in the rooms were very welcome.
The staff were great - happy, smiling and pleased to spend some time chatting to us about their lifestyles which involve weeks living at Terrace Bay away from families unless they bring them with them (there is a small school etc for children). Helensmith deserves a special thanks for her smiles. The manager was also very friendly and proud of what they have achieved in upgrading some of the rooms.
Don't expect any luxury but enjoy the whole experience - great fun! Annoyed at ourselves for forgetting to write on the dining room wall to leave our message amid the many that are there - lots to read over breakfast!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
The staff were great - happy, smiling and pleased to spend some time chatting to us about their lifestyles which involve weeks living at Terrace Bay away from families unless they bring them with them (there is a small school etc for children). Helensmith deserves a special thanks for her smiles. The manager was also very friendly and proud of what they have achieved in upgrading some of the rooms.
Don't expect any luxury but enjoy the whole experience - great fun! Annoyed at ourselves for forgetting to write on the dining room wall to leave our message amid the many that are there - lots to read over breakfast!" See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Mr M & Ms H
UK
"Comfortable down to earth place"
1 night Arrived 28 May 2010
"We arrived at Terrace Bay after driving through a sandstorm so it was a very welcome sight. Staff friendly and helpful. Nice to stay somewhere less touristy all other guests, were locals visiting for the fishing.
Rooms basic but comfortable, very good shower with plenty of hot water.
Had a good night there. Well worth the drive up the Coast." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Rooms basic but comfortable, very good shower with plenty of hot water.
Had a good night there. Well worth the drive up the Coast." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Cape Cross Lodge
Right on the Skeleton Coast, between Swakopmund and Damaraland, Cape Cross Lodge has easy access to Cape Cross Seal Reserve.
Hoanib Skeleton Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is actually situated 42km inland in Kaokoland, this said they offer a superb guided day trip to the coast.
Serra Cafema
The luxurious Serra Cafema is in the most remote corner of Namibia - at the north end of Hartmann's Valley, across the Kunene River from Angola.
Skeleton Coast Safaris
Skeleton Coast Safaris is a small, family-run operation that has organised inspirational trips to this remote area of Namibia for nearly 50 years.
Hoanib Valley Camp
The intimate and remote Hoanib Valley Camp offers a rare chance to explore this dramatic corner of Namibia and to search for its sparse desert-adapted wildlife.
Shipwreck Lodge
The only property on this desolate stretch of coastline, the extraordinary Shipwreck Lodge opens up a new section of the Skeleton Coast National Park
Opuwo Country Lodge
Opuwo Country Hotel provides comfortable accommodation is well situated for a night's stop before travelling into remote parts of Kaokoland.
Epupa Camp
Epupa Camp is a welcoming oasis set on the palm-fringed banks of the Kunene River in north-west Namibia and close to Epupa Falls.
Kunene River Camp
Used exclusively on the final night of a Skeleton Coast Safari, the simple Kunene River Camp occupies a dramatic riverside location with some excellent birding.
Okahirongo Ele. Lodge
Tucked away in Namibia's far northwest Okahirongo Elephant Lodge offers luxurious chalets, with stunning views and plenty of activities.
Leylandsdrift Camp
Used exclusively on the second night of a Skeleton Coast Safari, Leylandsdrift is in a beautiful location and is a good place to track desert-adapted elephants.
Kuidas Camp
Usually the first-night stop on a Schoeman Skeleton Coast safari, Kuidas is a very simple camp with stunning views of the Huab River valley.
