Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
931 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"My Nov 2023 trip"
The places I stayed were well chosen and I enjoyed them all in different ways. I especially loved Fish River Lodge and the canyon there. I was lucky enough to meet the owners and to talk with them about their interesting plans to extend their conservation work in the area.
The only aspect of my journey that was different to what I expected and a bit more challenging was the driving. I did not have any problems, although I covered about 1,500 miles driving solo, but it is not easy driving on dirt roads (they are described as gravel roads but this is not really accurate). The car hire company and the Bradt guide recommend not driving above 70kph on dirt roads but that is not practicable over long distances and I think this advice should be revised. Nobody else was travelling at those speeds. If I had driven that slowly on certain days a 5-hour journey would have turned into an 8-hour journey, which presents a different kind of risk. I would recommend driving at the national speed limit, which is what I did, meaning that I was driving safely at 80-90 kph on those dirt roads. I think a frank discussion of what driving in Namibia realistically entails would have been useful, but this is a minor point!
Namibia is a beautiful country, for me part of its attraction is its remoteness and the opportunity to be alone in open spaces, but I also had encounters with Namibians of many different backgrounds, all of which were positive and interesting. I have brought home many happy memories and would love to return one day. Thank you, Tom, for making it happen." Read full review: 35 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
"My Nov 2023 trip"
The only problem was having a bat in our room while we were sleeping for 2 nights in Okakuajo and one night in Kalahari Red Dunes. But that isnt Expert Africa's fault!" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"My Nov 2023 trip"
"My Nov 2023 trip"
As regular safari goers, this trip did not disappoint. Tom was helpful and the itinerary that we put together was perfect for us.
A lot of driving, but worth every mile we drove.
One small (petty) thing, petrol can be hard to get in Etosha, so maybe a diesel vehicle would be better." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia November 2023"
"My Oct 2023 trip"
Namibia has three really world class sights - Etosha, Sossusvlei and Fish Canyon. Luderitz, Swakopmund and Tweifelfontein interesting. Food and accommodation generally very good.
Only disappointment was the Skeleton Coast - one of the most boring drives I have ever made.
The main drawback of Namibia as a whole is the amount of driving involved, especially since the car rental firm imposes (maybe sensibly) a limit of 70km/h on gravel.
We covered 5000km and after all this time in the car, the last long stretch from Fish Canyon to Windhoek seemed an eternity...
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Only suggestion would be to let people know about the time spent driving. We found that on gravel roads, with the car rental company's speed limits and our own stops, we took 50% longer than Google thought we should. This made for a couple of very long days.
Not sure we would have changed our itinerary but if we had been aware earlier it might have made the hours in the car less of a downer. You should also advise people to get a phone app like Spotify and download a LOT of music on it to be played over Bluetooth." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"My Oct 2023 trip"
It provided everything we wanted. The choice of accommodation for our budget was spot on, and some how we seemed on almost every occasion to be in one of the best rooms. Hard to believe that was by chance!
We experienced only two very minor 'hiccups' and both were resolved by the Namibian representative almost instantly - itself perhaps as good a recommendation as one can give.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Our experience of the availability of internet across Namibia was considerably better than the Notes to Travellers indicated we should expect.
We found every fuel station and lodge we visited expected us to pay by credit card, and in the end we were left with a large amount of SA currency which we were only able to use after a friendly SA lodge manager agreed to accept it in payment of our final account at the end of the trip." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"October Honeymoon 2023"
Although we have provided some comments that may be perceived as a negative, we both agreed that we were so spoilt for good service and locations that we were being picky about little things and really these elements were down to personal preference. We wouldn't have wanted to do much more driving than we did in the time frame - it was heavy going and the air con struggled to keep up with the 40 degree heat in the car.
The wildlife spotting was superb and the arrangements really clear and well designed to our requirements - especially where we had arranged the first week of travel ourselves - nothing was too much trouble to sort. By far the best aspect of the trip was Ongava for the stay as a whole. The accommodation, location, game drives, all inclusive service and wildlife activity at the watering hole as well as the private dinner for us on our tent terrace for our honeymoon. The only thing we didn't need there was the day trip to Etosha as we drove through ourselves the next day and that took 8 hours!
This is really a much higher "class" of holiday than we are used to and (other than the tipping at the end of each stay) was really lovely to experience without any hiccups or miscommunications. We had a little bit of everything thrown in but would have liked a little less sitting on tour vehicles and a little more opportunity to walk for the two weeks we were on the self -drive.
Okonjima was the first place that truly offered it but we weren't there long enough to take advantage (one night)." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"Our Oct 2023 trip"
The people we met were all enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable. Several went out of their way to help us. We did not meet anyone who was antagonistic.
The accommodation was better than we were expecting. We found all the small lodges to be exceptional and very well appointed. The individual accommodation was always superb. As a retired geologist I found Mowani's great granite boulders to be inspiring.
There was a lot of travelling and some of the roads were a bit rough but our Toyota dealt with them easily and never let us down. On one occasion when we got stuck in deep soft sand it's four wheel drive got us out with aplomb!
We had gone to Namibia to see the scenery and animals and neither let us down. I will never forget the elephants of Etosha and Damaraland. The sand dunes of the Namib are unforgettable.
This was the best holiday we have ever had. Thankyou!" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"My Sep 2023 trip"
If we were booking this trip again we would allow at least three extra days and limit driving to about 4 hours so that we arrived by the early afternoon to allow time time to relax and enjoy the lodges facilities..
One night half way between Eningy Clay House and Hoodia Desert Lodge to break the journey. It took 7 and a half hours for this journey using the scenic route.
An extra night in Swakophund
An additional night in Okonjima, probably in the bush camp.
Ideally we would book earlier to ensure accommodation availability." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
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.
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.
