Reviews of Sam's Giardino
Wildlife sightings and reviews
173 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sam's Giardino and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
"Sam's Giardino review"
Also a great location to walk into central Swakopmund for dinner etc. And he has the biggest dog I've ever seen..." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Sam's Giardino review"
The location is not great - a long walk or a taxi drive to restaurants/sea. the staff were very nice and the garden is lovely, but overall the place seems rather old fashioned and cold. We had one really nice meal and one not so good - not great for the price." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Sam's is comfortable"
We had a lovely dinner at The Tug (pre-booked by email) with a view of the Atlantic.
However, we did not particularly like Swakopmund and after our trip to Walvis Bay, we felt we would have preferred to have stayed there." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Ideal for a few days in Swakopmund"
Breakfast was great and the free Wifi after days without was welcome.
We really enjoyed our stay here." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Friendly stay in Swakopmund"
The rooms are comfortable and clean if a little dated decor-wise.
We booked in for dinner - making sure we did not sign-up for all 5 courses - the food and wine was very good... as was breakfast the following morning.
We walked into town, taking about 15 minutes to reach the historic centre. If you are wanting to be close to the seafront or centre of town for other dining options then this may not be for you.
Overall we enjoyed our brief stay." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia; 6n in Zambia; 3n in Botswana
"Tranquil haven in the heart of Swakopmund"
Sam was a great host, regularly checking up on us as well as introducing us to his (massive) dog Beethoven. This was without doubt one of the best breakfast sets we had in Namibia - particularly the game salami and cheese selection. Staff were attentive and professional, while our room was big and specious. The wifi was a bonus too - something you don't always get in your Namibian accommodation.
Though we only really discovered it on our last morning, Sam's garden is beautiful - sun loungers, a nice pond and a really relaxed feel. Another bonus is they don't cater for groups, something any independent traveller in Namibia will appreciate and understand!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
"Sam's"
We were not crazy about the dinner, but breakfast was wonderful!
Whilst in Swakopmund this traveller did a sea kayaking excursion, here's what she said about it:
Jeanne was an absolutely spectacular guide! She even sent us videos of our kayaking experience that evening. It is clear that she loves the seals and she knows so much about them. Her stories were engrossing and very informative. This excursion was one of the highlights of our whole trip!
She also tried sandboarding:
So much fun!
And a day trip into the coastal desert and Sandwich Harbour:
Our guide was very experienced and new so much of the history and nature in the region. He was a masterful driver, careening around and over the dunes! We loved this tour!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Rwanda; 1n in South Africa
"Sam's Giardino review"
Whilst in Swakopmund this traveller did a sea kayaking excursion. Here's what she said about it:
Fantastic!
And sandboarding:
Great fun
And a day trip into the coastal desert and Sandwich Harbour:
Great day trip!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 2n in Rwanda; 1n in South Africa
"Sam's Giardino review"
The garden looked lovely although we only walked through it once. Unfortunately the room could do with updating. We would have appreciated two glasses/cups in the room, and also a label or some information informing us what product it was in the shower (shampoo/shower gel). In shutting the curtains on the day we arrived the pole fell down and hit me as there was no stopper on the end of it. We also had the end room which did not get wifi signal - but then you are on holiday and who needs the internet! However this was meant to be the honeymoon/kingsize room and it did not feel like one.
However, Sam was very willing to do us breakfast early which I understand not all the B&Bs will. Breakfast was ok. It did however enable us to get to Jeanne Pelican Point Kayaking on time.
The kayaking was absolutely amazing. There were so many seals - it is hard to describe how many there are and what it is like without doing it. But as keen kayakers it was nice to get so close to nature. We managed to touch the seals and play with them with the paddles, and they loved us paddling fast and sideways. Something we won't forget! The buns Jeanne provided where great too, and so was the knowledge she passed on about the birds etc on the drive to and from the kayaking point.
We also did Quad Biking with dare devil adventures. My husband enjoyed this, and it was nice to get right into the dunes and to see them. However, I have previously (not here may I add) suffered a quad biking accident and when I got stuck because I wasn't going fast enough up a dune at the start, the instructor got annoyed with me or got annoyed with the fact he had to come back. We felt the instructors needed to show a bit more compassion - and reminding us to tip them at the end, not something we liked... However he did do a good thing with the black sand and magnet, which made a good photo, and it was nice to get into the dunes. But by the end of 30 minutes my husband felt we were just driving around to fill the time." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"Nice and quiet at Sam's Giardino"
The only thing that would have been nicer is if we were about 5 minutes closer, walking distance, from the heart of town." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 3n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa
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Other lodges in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
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.
