Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
939 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"My Sep 2015 trip"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Be aware that Wilderness often have big tours at their sites. Also Erongo brochure says 2 hours to airport it is 3.
Namibia as a country is friendly and non threatening. Never felt unsafe." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"A wonderful experience"
It was all a wonderful experience. Firstly I must put a word in for Mack Air as there didn't seem to be anywhere to put that. We were concerned and a bit anxious about the small flights but the service and professionalism from the pilots was excellent and made the whole experience fine.
All the places we booked were good, each different and interesting. Of course not having been to Africa before or been on a safari holiday before it is difficult to understand what it is going to be like even though we read all the information and listened to all the advice there is nothing like the experience of actually being there.
In no particular order we felt that the camps in Botswana seemed more geared up to 2 night stays and in fact 2 nights felt perfectly fine though before we went I thought 2 nights might feel a bit tight. In fact sometimes our 3 night stays felt as if the guides were looking for things to do. I loved Botswana, particularly the Okavanga Delta and would go back there.
Though we were a bit concerned about driving ourselves round Namibia as 2 women on our own in our late 50s and 60s, in fact it was very easy. We loved Cape Cross and Walvis Bay, both fine for 1 night stays. I would want to stay 2 nights in Okonjima in the Bush camp, a very pleasant place to stay. It was me who insisted on staying in Okaukeujo and it was fine though I think if I was advising someone else I would suggest somewhere smaller with better food.
I also would not go back to the Zambezi Sun, it was the only place we were disappointed with. Everyone is different but we both realised how important a breakfast and dinner view is for us and a view of the Zambezi rather than corporate hospitality is worth paying for.
We loved South Africa and will probably go back there sometime. All in all we loved it and love Africa, it is like no other place I've ever been to.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I cant think of anything. My sister and I did talk about how difficult it must be to advise people on where to stay and where to go. You did really well so thank you. The only thing that might have helped us not go to the Zambezi Sun was either us telling you the sort of hotel we usually stay in when we travel or you asking." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Aug 2015 trip"
The book on Namibia was invaluable, particularly, the guidance on local, en-route stops. Obviously written by people who knew their way around Namibia.
The level of support provided by Sabina was outstanding." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Highlights all the way"
We were extremely pleased with Expert Africa's knowledgable and professional advice in putting together our trip. They conscientiously ensured they understood our aims prior to giving clearly-justified, thoughtful, well-expressed options for us to consider. It was always a pleasure to receive Martha's mails or calls and all discussions were promptly and usefully followed up. As a result, we had a superb holiday in which all arrangements were executed flawlessly.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We appreciated all of the elements of Expert Africa's service that we used.
The website is extensive, free of failing links or outdated information and is well-written.
I especially appreciated that all communications were in impeccable and well-formulated English; such unambiguous and literate writing sadly being a rarity in commercial enterprises!
I can not offer much in the way of help regarding suggestions for improvements. I guess your standards of expertise, professionalism and communication have been built on solid foundations and planning which will keep the business on track for many years to come.
It would have been nice if you had been able to help with travel insurance for non-UK residents (because I am not especially happy with what I find on the Belgian market) but that is the only point I can think to raise." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Our 2015 visit to Nanibia"
The only down side was the car, not the one we ordered and not up to the gravel roads very hard and tiring to drive." Read full review: 30 nights in Africa; 27 on a Namibia trip
"Amazing trip!"
Most disappointing thing was cancelled balloon flight but that was out of anyone's control.
Thank you for arranging it and we would definitely recommend Namibia and Expert Africa to others. Didn't want to come home!" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2015 trip"
With one glitch, (the car being sent to the wrong guesthouse) all the arrangements worked extremely well and the information we were given in advance was very comprehensive and helpful. Nothing important was missing. This will always be one of our most memorable holidays." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"Jul 2015 trip to Namibia"
The standard of accommodation, the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides and lodge/camp staff was all fantastic. We had 2 older teenagers this us and there were no complaints about the lack of wifi as they were too enthralled.
What we all noticed was how peaceful it was. No planes, very few cars, not many people. Great scenery, lots of amazing animals and lots and lots of stars!" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia, July 2015"
Namibia is a varied and unspoilt country and being there was a privilege. Etosha totally lived up to it's billing as one of the best wildlife locations in Africa, we saw rhino repeatedly as well as lion, leopard and black faced impala.
The desert landscapes are remarkable and walking barefoot across the salt at Dead Vlei was a unique experience, as was climbing Dune 45. The wildlife (birds and mammals), the welcoming people, stunning landscape and starry southern skies will all live in our memories, we love still finding desert sand in our trainers." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Great country and holiday"
However - and this is a big however - we object to the advice that a normal 2WD car is sufficient for the route that we took. We were assured that this would be fine, so we hired a Toyata Corolla. This was of course fine on tarmac, and meant we had good fuel efficiency. However, the gravel roads and access routes to lodges were very difficult and stressful to travel on in this car. We are not inexperienced, and we drove very carefully - and slowly - which meant that we took significantly longer than most to travel a route. Despite our care, we could not avoid damage to our car undercarriage on the access road to one lodge. We managed to avoid other damage that we needed to repair (though we incurred several dents and knocks from stones thrown up from the road) - had our car had a higher ground clearance and a more robust undercarriage we could have avoided this.
The car was extremelyuncomfortable to sit in on the gravel roads if they were not freshly regraded, including in the centre of Etosha near Halali - neither we nor the car were built for all the vibrations that ensued. Given that this is was an expensive holiday, paying a little extra for a more robust and comfortable car would have been money well-spent. This doesn't necessarily have to be a 4WD but it would be the easiest way to ensure the car is up to the job, When the roads are long and empty and you have no mobile reception, you want confidence that the car is built for the job." 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.
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.
