Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
937 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
Mr S & Mrs G
Malaga
"Great trip"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 16 Jan 2016 and 14 Feb 2016
"We had a super 3 weeks driving ourselves around Namibia basically staying 2 nights in each location. We really liked the country, the people, the scenery and it has a very good infrastructure of roads and places to stay at.
Maruska really helped to organise the whole trip very efficiently. I also found the website to be very useful to prepare the trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. I was very happy with everything (except the Ford Ranger vehicle)." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
Maruska really helped to organise the whole trip very efficiently. I also found the website to be very useful to prepare the trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really. I was very happy with everything (except the Ford Ranger vehicle)." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs F
Ealing
"Everything went to plan!"
I visited Namibia and 3 other countries between 4 Jan 2016 and 5 Feb 2016
"We had a complicated itinerary lasting just over a month and taking in everything from mountain gorillas in Rwanda to desert rhinos in Namibia.
Expert Africa lived up to their name and advised on the best itinerary, booked everything including most of the more important treks and tours, the guide in Rwanda and the self-drive 4x4 in Namibia and of course flights. We started with a thick book of vouchers with a lot of scope for things not to work. In the event every single booking worked perfectly, the itinerary was reasonably easy to keep to and we had an absolutely wonderful and memorable trip staying without exception at interesting and comfortable hotels and lodges.
Thanks again Tracy for organising it for us!.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just keep up the good work! We will be back!
It would be good to have more transparency on the costs of the trip - i.e. a breakdown of how the trip was costed so we knew the relative costs of different hotels and lodges. When reporting on the different places we stayed we were uncertain as to how their costs compared and clearly it is not reasonable to expect as much from low cost places as from the most expensive ones.
Lastly a small criticism of this feedback form is that there is no obvious way to navigate back to the beginning other than to click """"back to previous page"""" over and over again. The tabs on the left side bar don't seem to do anything. When two people are filling this in, as in our case, we needed to go backwards and forewords a few times. Otherwise it is a nice form to fill in." Read full review: 32 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Expert Africa lived up to their name and advised on the best itinerary, booked everything including most of the more important treks and tours, the guide in Rwanda and the self-drive 4x4 in Namibia and of course flights. We started with a thick book of vouchers with a lot of scope for things not to work. In the event every single booking worked perfectly, the itinerary was reasonably easy to keep to and we had an absolutely wonderful and memorable trip staying without exception at interesting and comfortable hotels and lodges.
Thanks again Tracy for organising it for us!.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Just keep up the good work! We will be back!
It would be good to have more transparency on the costs of the trip - i.e. a breakdown of how the trip was costed so we knew the relative costs of different hotels and lodges. When reporting on the different places we stayed we were uncertain as to how their costs compared and clearly it is not reasonable to expect as much from low cost places as from the most expensive ones.
Lastly a small criticism of this feedback form is that there is no obvious way to navigate back to the beginning other than to click """"back to previous page"""" over and over again. The tabs on the left side bar don't seem to do anything. When two people are filling this in, as in our case, we needed to go backwards and forewords a few times. Otherwise it is a nice form to fill in." Read full review: 32 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Belgium
"Exceptional trip"
I visited Namibia between 26 Dec 2015 and 16 Jan 2016
"We had a truly amazing 3 week trip through Namibia. We were really happy to have chosen a self drive and felt perfectly safe and in control at all times. The views and vastness are indescribable and the places we stayed at were amazing and different each time. Our highlights were Hoanib in the Skeleton Coast, Fish River Lodge and watching the sun rise over Sossusvlei.
The weather in January was perfectly fine and we only had rain 1-2 at night. However as the rains had come, the animals in Etosha were less visible. Driving was also fairly straightforward.
Overall, very well organized by Tracy and we definitely hope to go back again!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
The weather in January was perfectly fine and we only had rain 1-2 at night. However as the rains had come, the animals in Etosha were less visible. Driving was also fairly straightforward.
Overall, very well organized by Tracy and we definitely hope to go back again!" Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs P
W Yorks
"Another excellent trip to Africa"
I visited Namibia between 13 Nov 2015 and 30 Nov 2015
"We found Namibia to be really fascinating and we believe, how the trip was balanced, fully enhanced our experience of the country.
The format of guided tour, flights to the remotest parts of our trip and then the self drive enabled us to visit and appreciate a wide range of areas.
The guided part helped us to relax on some of the longest drives of the trip and also to gain understanding of all aspects of Namibia. Vernon our guide was very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. In addition to explaining some of the historical and cultural aspects of the areas we were visiting also provided tips and information which helped our self drive element. this was appreciated especially given that the handover for the vehicle was very basic.
The flights, both from the balloon and the light aircraft provided a different perspective of the landscape that we could not appreciate from the ground. The plane flights also avoided the long drive up to Damaraland, which would of been tiring and maybe where the landscape is less changeable.
The self drive gave us an experience that we have always wanted to do within Africa but never really felt able to do so. Driving around Namibia eliminated some of the dangers found in other parts of Africa but still provided the adventure that we were looking for.
The trip was varied both in terms of the activities, landscapes and camps and more than exceeded our expectations..
Overall a very enjoyable experience." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
The format of guided tour, flights to the remotest parts of our trip and then the self drive enabled us to visit and appreciate a wide range of areas.
The guided part helped us to relax on some of the longest drives of the trip and also to gain understanding of all aspects of Namibia. Vernon our guide was very knowledgeable and easy to get along with. In addition to explaining some of the historical and cultural aspects of the areas we were visiting also provided tips and information which helped our self drive element. this was appreciated especially given that the handover for the vehicle was very basic.
The flights, both from the balloon and the light aircraft provided a different perspective of the landscape that we could not appreciate from the ground. The plane flights also avoided the long drive up to Damaraland, which would of been tiring and maybe where the landscape is less changeable.
The self drive gave us an experience that we have always wanted to do within Africa but never really felt able to do so. Driving around Namibia eliminated some of the dangers found in other parts of Africa but still provided the adventure that we were looking for.
The trip was varied both in terms of the activities, landscapes and camps and more than exceeded our expectations..
Overall a very enjoyable experience." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr O
Brugge
"Namibia supremacy"
I visited Namibia between 17 Oct 2015 and 27 Oct 2015
"Hoi Martha / Megan
whaw , what a nice ( perhaps little) trip into Namibia . We didn't realize that it should be so wonderful, but what you see in brochures you get really in 3 D !! All these moments are now burned on our ' iris '. Thanks to your whole team to help us to stick these trip together after the excellent information you give about , where to sleep, car rental what to see . And these in the budget that we could spend . We are happy to say that you said , do only a part off Namibia in these 10 days instead off driving every day . There is lots to do/ see there . Next time you can explore an other part ( what we shall do !!! )
We are used to travel by motorbike / car / bike and mostly without a tour operator . But working with you give us the feeling like we are part off the family , and not an number like by most companies . It is by coincidence that we find your address ( we looked to find motorbike rental in Namibia, but we couldn't rent one ) and saw ' dikdik self drive . We asked family ( who lives in South Africa ) and said to us " yes work with them , they now what there are talking about " . And really we were pleased to know you all !
About the trip : words to short : very nice nature ( Naukluftarea , Soususvlei , walfishbay , Erongoregion ) and what nice lodges ( especially Hoodia and Erongo ). friendly people , nice food , people have time to talk , no rush feeling , we feel us safe ( better than South Africa ( region Johannesbrg, Durban ) , North Africa ( marocco , tunesia , mauritania ))
So we can tell you now ( 2016 perhaps already ) that an other part of Namibian is to be explored by us ( region off Ethosa or / and Capravi ) Can you give us some lodges address there (like Hoodia / Erongo style , so not many people ( approx 10 lodges ) )where we have contact with nature . Is the period off august good there to spot wildlife , we could stay there shore for 14 days - 16 days . Can we do there also self drive . And have a guide / ranger into park . Do we need there a 4X4 do do the trip or is an normal car ( like we did last week , and was ok for us , even bumpy , was not a problem ).
So in short terms : Nambia = Unforgettable = Place to have been seen = with Expertafrica
Greetings Nancy & Otto from Brugge Belgium
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Ehhh , no, I can really say that all your efforts are efficient to solve problems questions etc . So keep on in these direction !" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
whaw , what a nice ( perhaps little) trip into Namibia . We didn't realize that it should be so wonderful, but what you see in brochures you get really in 3 D !! All these moments are now burned on our ' iris '. Thanks to your whole team to help us to stick these trip together after the excellent information you give about , where to sleep, car rental what to see . And these in the budget that we could spend . We are happy to say that you said , do only a part off Namibia in these 10 days instead off driving every day . There is lots to do/ see there . Next time you can explore an other part ( what we shall do !!! )
We are used to travel by motorbike / car / bike and mostly without a tour operator . But working with you give us the feeling like we are part off the family , and not an number like by most companies . It is by coincidence that we find your address ( we looked to find motorbike rental in Namibia, but we couldn't rent one ) and saw ' dikdik self drive . We asked family ( who lives in South Africa ) and said to us " yes work with them , they now what there are talking about " . And really we were pleased to know you all !
About the trip : words to short : very nice nature ( Naukluftarea , Soususvlei , walfishbay , Erongoregion ) and what nice lodges ( especially Hoodia and Erongo ). friendly people , nice food , people have time to talk , no rush feeling , we feel us safe ( better than South Africa ( region Johannesbrg, Durban ) , North Africa ( marocco , tunesia , mauritania ))
So we can tell you now ( 2016 perhaps already ) that an other part of Namibian is to be explored by us ( region off Ethosa or / and Capravi ) Can you give us some lodges address there (like Hoodia / Erongo style , so not many people ( approx 10 lodges ) )where we have contact with nature . Is the period off august good there to spot wildlife , we could stay there shore for 14 days - 16 days . Can we do there also self drive . And have a guide / ranger into park . Do we need there a 4X4 do do the trip or is an normal car ( like we did last week , and was ok for us , even bumpy , was not a problem ).
So in short terms : Nambia = Unforgettable = Place to have been seen = with Expertafrica
Greetings Nancy & Otto from Brugge Belgium
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Ehhh , no, I can really say that all your efforts are efficient to solve problems questions etc . So keep on in these direction !" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
I&C
UK
"My Oct 2015 trip"
I visited Namibia between 16 Oct 2015 and 30 Oct 2015
"Excellent holiday. Lots of interesting things to see and Namibian people very welcoming."
Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs Y
Cricklewoo
"My Sep 2015 trip"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 28 Sep 2015 and 21 Oct 2015
"All the arrangements worked, as we expected them to.
I asked Tracy to upgrade our car from a group C to a group K shortly before we traveled, based on my own research, and friends' comments. I'm very glad I did, because we drove over 3000km, and a standard saloon would have been too small, our luggage would not all have fitted in the boot, and it would have required extremely careful driving on some of the gravel roads. I think it should have been suggested to us in the first place, given the amount of time we spent in the car. (In fact we were supplied with a Nissan X-trail 2/4WD, which I think is a group O car).
We were a little concerned that staying for one night in 3 lodges in a row (around the Etosha area) would be difficult, with no time to rest, but in fact it suited us. We were able to cross Etosha in a leisurely fashion, knowing we wouldn't have to retrace our steps at the end of the day." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
I asked Tracy to upgrade our car from a group C to a group K shortly before we traveled, based on my own research, and friends' comments. I'm very glad I did, because we drove over 3000km, and a standard saloon would have been too small, our luggage would not all have fitted in the boot, and it would have required extremely careful driving on some of the gravel roads. I think it should have been suggested to us in the first place, given the amount of time we spent in the car. (In fact we were supplied with a Nissan X-trail 2/4WD, which I think is a group O car).
We were a little concerned that staying for one night in 3 lodges in a row (around the Etosha area) would be difficult, with no time to rest, but in fact it suited us. We were able to cross Etosha in a leisurely fashion, knowing we wouldn't have to retrace our steps at the end of the day." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C & Mrs L
UK
"Our October 2015 three week trip to Namibia"
I visited Namibia between 23 Sep 2015 and 14 Oct 2015
"Overall it was an excellent trip. Namibia is one of the safest and friendliest countries in Africa and better value than most Safari destinations.
Some long distances to drive but easy traffic free roads and interesting scenery. A variety of scenery with coast, canyons, massive sand dunes and game parks. Lots of animals to be seen in Etosha which while not a beautiful African Safari Park it is excellent for game viewing round the waterholes where everything gathers. Some interesting Lodges in excellent locations to stay at who make you very welcome.
Expert Africa were very helpful in our planning for the trip with no pressure to book anything - just good patient advice. All the logistics they arranged worked perfectly. So thank you Sabina Hekandjo and Expert Africa who I would thoroughly recommend.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The service was excellent and I can think of little that Expert Africa could have done to improve anything so please keep up the good work and I hope your company continues to be successful." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
Some long distances to drive but easy traffic free roads and interesting scenery. A variety of scenery with coast, canyons, massive sand dunes and game parks. Lots of animals to be seen in Etosha which while not a beautiful African Safari Park it is excellent for game viewing round the waterholes where everything gathers. Some interesting Lodges in excellent locations to stay at who make you very welcome.
Expert Africa were very helpful in our planning for the trip with no pressure to book anything - just good patient advice. All the logistics they arranged worked perfectly. So thank you Sabina Hekandjo and Expert Africa who I would thoroughly recommend.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The service was excellent and I can think of little that Expert Africa could have done to improve anything so please keep up the good work and I hope your company continues to be successful." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs K
Hereford
"My Sep 2015 trip"
I visited Namibia between 21 Sep 2015 and 8 Oct 2015
"A great trip to Namibia thanks to Expert Africa !
Highlights were the variety of landscapes, the wildlife in Etosha, the desert-elephant, cheetah and leopard tracking and the friendliness of the local people.
We did a self drive tour based on the Caracal trip with an extra night at Central Highlands. The 2 night stops worked well with one day of driving and one day of activities. Our hire car was a 2WD SUV which was fine on the gravel roads.
We had one puncture half way between Solitaire and Swakopmund, so would recommend carrying a second spare tyre.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - you've got it just right." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Highlights were the variety of landscapes, the wildlife in Etosha, the desert-elephant, cheetah and leopard tracking and the friendliness of the local people.
We did a self drive tour based on the Caracal trip with an extra night at Central Highlands. The 2 night stops worked well with one day of driving and one day of activities. Our hire car was a 2WD SUV which was fine on the gravel roads.
We had one puncture half way between Solitaire and Swakopmund, so would recommend carrying a second spare tyre.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - you've got it just right." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Derbyshire
"My Sep 2015 trip"
I visited Namibia between 18 Sep 2015 and 8 Oct 2015
"I would recommend Namibia to anyone. Probably one of the best holidays we have ever had.
The itinerary worked very well. Note our comments about Swakop and Doro Nawas.
The car was a worry and really not good enough.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
All round a great service resulting in an exceptional holiday experience. Many thanks." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
The itinerary worked very well. Note our comments about Swakop and Doro Nawas.
The car was a worry and really not good enough.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
All round a great service resulting in an exceptional holiday experience. Many thanks." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
937
reviews of Swakop' & Walvis Bay by travellers since August 2007
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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.
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.
Desert Breeze
Not your typical Swakopmund guesthouse, Desert Breeze occupies a glorious location overlooking the Swakop River and the desert beyond.
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.
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.
Oyster Box Guesthouse
Oyster Box Guesthouse is a small, modern and comfortable B&B, overlooking Walvis Bay Lagoon.
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.
Swakopmund Sands
The relatively substantial Swakopmund Sands Hotel lies in a quiet area of the town, close to the beach yet within walking distance of tourist amenities.
