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
"Quirky host at Sam's Giardino"
Room was a little dark and could use a bit of updating.
Breakfast was plentiful - eggs excellent!
Entrance to car park incredibly tight for a wide car/minivan. Had to be very careful as not much turning space for parking either.
Not that close to waterfront - have to drive to restaurants as roads are very dark at night.
During their time in Swakopmund, these travellers enjoyed a kayaking excursion to Pelican Point seal colony. Here's what they said about it:
We never imagined how playful the seals would be and how close they would come to your kayak. What a fun experience! They nibble on your paddle and even your hand! The time simply flew by!
Jeanne is a wonderful lady - very friendly and energetic! She reassured all guests on how to respond to the seals behaviour, especially those who had never kayaked before.
Kayaks all good quality.
The photos and videos she took are a great way to remember our experience. All provided for free! We wish her the best with her business!
Breakfast was simple but tasty (sandwiches and hot drinks)!
Unfortunately Jeanne's truck broke down on our journey home but a friendly competitor came to our rescue!" See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana
"Good coastal location"
While the breakfasts were adequate we felt the choices were restricted. However, as this is only a small establishment one perhaps can not expect the variety offered by a larger concern.
Our garden room was very comfortable with all facilities provided." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Comfortable. Friendly host. Great breakfast."
Breakfast was excellent. We opted to eat in town but found the location just a tad far too far to walk into town on a cold night. Fine during the day for walks around the town.
Sam's quaint and easy to recommend as convenient accommodation in Swakop.
These travellers enjoyed a morning kayaking excursion to Pelican Point seal colony during their stay. Here's what they said about it:
Jeanne Meintjes was the perfect hostess for this activity with her infectious good humour and obvious enjoyment of the whole experience. We had expected to just go kayaking, but instead spent a couple of delicious hours sitting on the water and playing with (mainly young) seals which surrounded us on every quarter. The seals were not shy in interacting with us and the whole experience (despite the mist and fog) was delightful. Definitely to be recommended. Jeanne even fed us rolls and coffee afterwards. The drive around the lagoon with its wonderful bird life and route past the large saltworks was, in itself, special." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Sam's Giardino review"
This is an understated haven !
He was very helpful in providing us with a map and instructions on how to reach the two garages to purchase a new tyre.
Excellent food and superb wine !" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
"An interesting stay in an offbeat place!"
The inn itself is fine - the fairly standard rooms off a rather bland hallway addition don't really do justice to the overall setting - the garden is beautifully laid out and the main house is lovely.
Definitely worthwhile for dinner - food is fresh and quite good and the ambience is quite charming. In general, a stop in Swakopmund provides an important piece of the puzzle to understanding Namibia past and present - and a stay at Sam's fits in well with that whole experience." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
"An urban oasis"
There is also Beethoven, Sam's huge friendly Bernese Mountain Dog - a species not normally found in Namibia - who wonders around in the Giardino. Sam's is about ten to fifteen minutes walk from the centre of Swakopmund with secure parking, which in an urban area is good.
There is much to see and do in and around Swakopmund. We went on two organised tours in 4x4 vehicles, one to Sandwich Bay and to explore the remote lagoon full of flamingoes and other interesting bird-life and also the giant sand dunes of the Namib coast with Turnstone Tours (pre booked with Expert Africa) and another Sam booked for us with "Living Desert Excursions" where we focussed more on interesting "minutiae" of the desert nearer to Swakopmund - creatures and plants adapted to the dunes.
Both trips were very well organised and of great interest with many photo opportunities." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia; 10n in Rwanda; 1n in Kenya; 1n in South Africa
"Sam's Giardino review"
We enjoyed the food and the wine tasting experience which Sam offered.
The room was spacious and comfortable." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"Enjoy"
Once we enter , there was nice little garden where to rest . Owner was very friendly and helpfull. ( looked for some stuff for us for instance SD -Card etc, Help by looking for replace our hired car ) So we didn't have to waste time to shop and could do our 2 trips . Room a bit older , but (as there it is only to sleep ) very clean.
And now the best : we are suprised ; he cook very WELL and have nice assortment off wine ! We loved to stay there in the evening , sitting with the owner at table to talk about ….. everything . He gave us some advice what to see for our next trip to the other lodge ( for ex Spitskopfe ). Thanks" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
"Sam's Giardino review"
Sam is helpful, and has an excellent whisky selection. Food was very good.
Whilst in Swakopmund these travellers went kayaking and commented
Jeanne was very knowledgeable and helpful. The birds and seals were magnificent. Really special.
A highlight for Leah." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Sam's Giardino review"
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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.
