Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
935 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"Finally my Apr 2022 trip twice deferred due to COVID"
From the beginning in Windhoek to end at Stanley's camp our trip exceeded expectation. The only hiccup was in Swakopmund due to the weather and a health issue that was efficiently dealt with at a local Medical Clinic. Neither of these were in any way related to the organization of the trip by Tracy our brilliant Expert Africa organizational wizard.
The highlights of the Namibian section of the trip were Andersson's camp in the Ongava Reserve beside Etosha National Park. It was a true privilege to be so close to wild White Rhino. All three of us are keen photographers so the hide beside the watering hole was fantastic for capturing closeups of the visiting wildlife, including numerous birds. The second was Sesriem and the visit to Sossusvlei in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. We stayed at the Hoodia camp, outside the gates to the park which meant we were unable to see the sunrise at the dunes, however watching the changing light on the dunes as the sun rose was still a fantastic experience. This location was also one of the best for astrophotography - no light pollution, no airplane light trails and clear Milky Way shots over the surrounding mountains.
Next was Victoria Falls, we experienced two evenings of torrential rain and thunderstorms, which was very unusual. We still took some great shots of rainbows in the mist of the Falls and went on an early morning river cruise - a fantastic experience. When visiting the falls make sure you have good rain gear (you can hire some from the local pedlars at the gates to the Falls) you will get soaked when the Falls are in full flood - we had 90% capacity and the viewing points above #8 were like being in a shower.
Botswana was all about wildlife and lived up to it's reputation we saw all of the big 5 several times and had fantastic sightings of leopard and at Stanley's watched a pride of lions prepare for an impala hunt. We missed the event as we had to leave for the airstrip - it's impossible to predict what wildlife will do but it was a great way to end our last day on safari.
In the circumstances of this trip I think Tracy did a brilliant job of juggling bookings that had initially been made in 2019 to work in 2022. The only glitches we had were due to the companies Expert Africa work with and most probably due to the speed with which travel ramped back up after the pandemic." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Mar 2022 trip"
It had rained in February, which made the desert bloom, but also meant some animals had anything options to drink and were not necessarly at the waterholes.
We saw more animals than listed linked to the lodges, since we visited Etosha and saw lions there e.g. Also saw animals along the road while driving outside parks. Saw many special birds. Everything was pleasant and beautiful. Very relaxing.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No everything was perfect. Staff with an open ear for questions and a lot of empathy.
Highly recommended." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
"My Mar 2022 trip to Namibia"
This was a huge amount of work - not just once but twice - with the complexity of the itinerary and changes that were needed and we really appreciated Sabina’s hard work, patience and sound advice throughout as well as Expert Africa’s commitment to their customers (and providers in Africa) ensuring our booking was honoured irrespective of time spent.
Due to Sabina’s expert knowledge and experience, our itinerary covered so many amazing aspects of Namibia yet was still relaxing and allowed time to take in each element and add activities if we wanted. The lodges were all amazing, food fantastic, people warm, friendly and welcoming, scenery beautiful and wildlife outstanding in spite of this being a ‘greener than normal’ green season.
We very much enjoyed our long awaited trip and would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone with a love for the natural world and a sense of adventure.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The personalised service you provide is amazing, so we have no suggestions for improvement, you are already doing a great job, thank you." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
"My Mar 2022 trip"
The landscapes are stunning and would highly recommend Namibia as a destination.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not applicable! I have recommended you already 😊" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Jan 2022 trip"
We couldn't recommend Expert Africa enough and will be booking again.
If you are reading this thinking either: should I go to Namibia, or should I travel during the final throes of Covid then without a doubt do it! We had hotels and experiences to ourselves, which money literally can't buy during normal times. This felt like an old, untraveled Africa, with 21st century luxury and conveniences." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"My Nov 2021 trip"
My other abiding memory will be how unbelievably windy it was and how the wind did not drop overnight. Swakopmund was probably the only place where it was not blowing a gale the whole time.
It was so bad that one or two of the lodges provided ear plugs so that you were not kept awake by the sound of your tent trying to fly off to the Kalahari." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Our Oct 2021 trip"
Despite airlines cancelling our flights (twice, without explanation), camps closing down and last minute unsure entry requirements, Expert Africa never backed down and delivered everything we hoped for. The camps were well chosen as were the proposed drives.
Contact with the office was equally good and our questions were always quickly answered. We have nothing but positive comments on Expert Africa, especially considering this must have been a very difficult period for everyone working in this line of business.
Thank you for all the work you've done. We're back next year." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Sep 2021 trip"
The Covid-19 restrictions were unpleasant but once we departed Airworld we were fine.
My one concern is the cost, which makes this hard to recommend to most of my relatives though I have friends who could afford it." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"My Sep 2021 trip"
I limited myself , and my agent , by saying I wanted to keep the cost down . Big mistake ! In hindsight I would have gladly spent a bit more money on this epic adventure !Especially with the long flight [ I live in Hawaii ] I want to give my heat felt thanks , to my excellent agent Sabina , and Expert Africa for the outstanding , highly detailed planning . When it came time to figure out the timing for my Covid test , and two back to back border crossings , to Botswana and Zimbabwe, my head started spinning . plus all the reservations , rental car, multiple transfers etc. I could not have done it without her . I know that with the 12 hour time change , when my arrival time drew near , Sabina had to work after hours , to make all the last minute arraignments - she did it all , and made it look easy ! I normally wouldn't have filled out a form like this , but I had to - just try my best to show my appreciation .
It was a pleasure doing business with Sabina and I can't thank her enough I highly recommend Expert Africa - I have zero complaints .
Aloha from Hawaii - R
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None at all" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"My Aug 2021 trip"
Sabina was very patient as we kept organizing and then reorganizing, including delaying a year because of Covid. Very knowledgeable and a lot of good advice.
I was a bit hesitant about driving alone (particularly after the rental car company's mandatory video), but the driving was easy and fun, and no problems.
Overall every lodge was great, the staff amazing and the country is stunning." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
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Inspire meWhere 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 Guesthouse
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.
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.
Oyster Box Guesthouse
Oyster Box Guesthouse is a small, modern and comfortable B&B, overlooking Walvis Bay Lagoon.
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.
