Reviews of trips to Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
935 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Swakop' & Walvis Bay.
"Magnificient"
Namibia has surpassed our best expectations in many ways. Once again its our trust that smaller camps are always preferable to large scale operations.
Wilderness Safaris have completely disappointed us as we were expecting a higher service level. Guests are treated as numbers and not as individuals. While perusing their operational brochures we became aprehensive of their magnitude and the size they have attained on these last 5 years of operation. I am afraid that they will loose all the African flair we "guests" look when going to Africa.
Their lodges are good but possibly due to immediate success they are relaxing on quality of service.
Thank you for a wonderfull experience/ holiday." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
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However I do disagree that the gravel roads can be used by normal car. We had a 2x4 and struggled at points, I personally could not drive on some of it. I would advise people paid the extra for 4x4.
Dora Nowas & soussi Dunne Lodge said that only 'brave' people do not use 4x4. If I were advising simeone else I would advise they flew to the main attraction & did the activities or hired a driver.
African people are wonderful.
Suggestions for improvement:
I would suggest you promote the flying to destinations & not using ordinary cars" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"A memorable holiday"
Namibia is a very interesting and diverse country and we would like to think that we will have the opportunity to return and visit the parts we didn't have time to do this trip.
We drove over 2500 miles and were glad that we had been advised to have 2x all terrain vehicle. The gravel roads we drove for the majority of the time were not as good as we had been led to believe by the guide books. People we met who had "normal" saloon cars all said they were struggling.
A 4x4 is not necessary but the extra ground clearance of our Hyundi Tuscan was an advantage.
In our exprience the service of Expert Africa helped us plan just the holiday we wanted." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia & Botswana 2008"
After that Botswana was a slight anti-climax and appeared very over-priced by comparison with what we had experienced in Namibia. With the benefit of hindsight we also felt that 9 days of game drives was too repetitive.
Our poor experience at Kwara we feel was entirely due to the poor manager and housekeeper and could not have been foreseen by Expert Africa." Read full review: 25 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
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One big plus was that we stopped off on the way in order to meet some local people, who gave us a real insight into the pleasures and problems of living in Namibia.
The one hiccup came at Cape Town airport when the car failed to materialise. We therefore had to take a taxi to the vineyard.
Can I send you the receipt for reimbursement?" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Namibian safari trip"
Suggestions for improvement:
The feedback on the web site is very helpful in choosing the right place to stay.
Gwynneth was great for suggesting Mushara outpost rather than staying in Namutoni rest Camp, 3 nights at Namutoni would be a lot less pleasant than 3 nights at Mushara! Mushara was a very comfortable lodge.
I would strongly suggest though that you reccommend 4 wheel drive cars for 4 guests travelling together in future. The cost is a lot more, but we would gladly have paid it for the peace of mind. As you know, areas in Damaraland etc are extremely remote, and I dreaded breaking down there, and it was a real concern for us. At Etendeka we met a couple, also with a Toyota yarris, who were also having a lot of trouble driving on the gravel roads." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"Geoff & Lena's Holiday"
Many thanks to Gwynneth for her advice and assistance in organising our itinary." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
"A most memorable experience"
Each location was small enough to feel the isolation and give us the freedom. We were able to feel the vastness and stillness of it all. All the accommodation was of a very high standard and comfortable but still gave us the feeling of being out in the wild.
It is a wonderful country with wonderful people and we were encouraged by the amount of conservation taking place and the help given to orphaned and under priviledged children in the Wilderness Safari camps." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"A wonderful holiday"
Maruska was a great help when I was struggling to organise the trip on my own.
I will certainly use Expert Africa again
Suggestions for improvement:
I was very impressed with the guidebiook which became our bible. The only shortcoming was the comment on Swartfontein in the guidebook. The italians left four years ago and the new owners, although perfectly nice, are very much concentrating on hunting and those of a mild disposition may find it uncomfortable if there are hunters amongs their fellow guests.
Thanks Maruska for your care and attention." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"Very good"
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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.
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.
