Reviews of The Stiltz
Wildlife sightings and reviews
67 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited The Stiltz and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Mr O & Mrs R
Germany
"Ocean view from the Stiltz"
2 nights Arrived 8 Jul 2011
"Great location on the mouth of the Swakop river, which at this time of year was a dry river bed. A walk into the city center took us less than 10 minutes.
Our chalets, which were very spacious, looked out onto the sea. The staff at reception were very friendly and booked us into the restaurants we wanted to try, the Tug and Küki's pub, both excellent and reconfirmed pick-up time for our trip to Sandwich Harbour, which we felt was a highlight of our trip. I would recommend anyone to do it!
We also enjoyed the handmade wind glasses supplied with the mini bar. It all was very well organized and the place well tended.
Whilst here, Expert Africa organised a day-trip to Sandwich Harbour. These travellers commented:
We had great expectations and were not disappointed. Our driver and guide Ernst, was very knowledgeable and easy-going. We passes the guano islands and salt mines, saw masses of flamingoes and pelicans and decided to have lunch amid the dunes, as it seemed too windy at the ocean.
The picknick lunch privided by Ernst was delicious and the location superb. We then waited for low tide in order to continue our trip to sandwich harbour, left the car and continued barefoot on top of a dune in order to enjoy the view over the mounth of the Swakop river and enjoyed hearing the dunes "sing" as we run down again. On our return the fogs moved in, we could hardly see a thing, but enormous flocks of cormorans overtaking us. The day was one of our highlights and I would highly recommend it to anyone!" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Our chalets, which were very spacious, looked out onto the sea. The staff at reception were very friendly and booked us into the restaurants we wanted to try, the Tug and Küki's pub, both excellent and reconfirmed pick-up time for our trip to Sandwich Harbour, which we felt was a highlight of our trip. I would recommend anyone to do it!
We also enjoyed the handmade wind glasses supplied with the mini bar. It all was very well organized and the place well tended.
Whilst here, Expert Africa organised a day-trip to Sandwich Harbour. These travellers commented:
We had great expectations and were not disappointed. Our driver and guide Ernst, was very knowledgeable and easy-going. We passes the guano islands and salt mines, saw masses of flamingoes and pelicans and decided to have lunch amid the dunes, as it seemed too windy at the ocean.
The picknick lunch privided by Ernst was delicious and the location superb. We then waited for low tide in order to continue our trip to sandwich harbour, left the car and continued barefoot on top of a dune in order to enjoy the view over the mounth of the Swakop river and enjoyed hearing the dunes "sing" as we run down again. On our return the fogs moved in, we could hardly see a thing, but enormous flocks of cormorans overtaking us. The day was one of our highlights and I would highly recommend it to anyone!" See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mrs P, Miss H & P
UK
"The Stiltz review"
2 nights Arrived 14 Feb 2011
"We stayed in one of the bungalows overlooking the sea. The welcome was very friendly indeed. The location good - lovely and quiet.
The accommodation was first class, the breakfast was excellent, the decor was excellent, the beds really comfortable, spotlessly clean - absolutely no complaints and could not recommend highly enough" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
The accommodation was first class, the breakfast was excellent, the decor was excellent, the beds really comfortable, spotlessly clean - absolutely no complaints and could not recommend highly enough" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Leeds
"Up on stiltz"
2 nights Arrived 3 Nov 2010
"We thought we were booked in room 6, 7or 8, but ended up in one of the 2 villas. It had 2 levels and 3 bedrooms as well as loads of space to lounge around in. As a result, we were more than happy with the change.
We walked from here into town - it took about 10 minutes but seemed quite safe even in the dark. The breakfast was fairly standard but taken in very pleasant surroundings.
These travellers arranged a kayaking trip with Expert Africa, about which they commented:
Sea and seals - excellent
Despite the original vehicle breaking down, the experience overall was great. This was our first try at kayaking, you really do get in close amongst the wildlife.
The leader obviously knew her stuff and as it was a small group - 6 of us - was able to spend time with each couple explaining what was happening with regard to the colonies of animals we encountered.
This trip is excellent value for money and well worth undertaking." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
We walked from here into town - it took about 10 minutes but seemed quite safe even in the dark. The breakfast was fairly standard but taken in very pleasant surroundings.
These travellers arranged a kayaking trip with Expert Africa, about which they commented:
Sea and seals - excellent
Despite the original vehicle breaking down, the experience overall was great. This was our first try at kayaking, you really do get in close amongst the wildlife.
The leader obviously knew her stuff and as it was a small group - 6 of us - was able to spend time with each couple explaining what was happening with regard to the colonies of animals we encountered.
This trip is excellent value for money and well worth undertaking." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Mr & Mrs C
Woking
"A cold night by the sea"
2 nights Arrived 10 Oct 2010
"We were in room 7 - the last and therefore only one with uninterrupted views although the wind was so strong that we couldn't use the balcony to enjoy them.
The wonderful Margaret was friendly, welcoming, helpful and efficient - she gave advice on where to eat and had reservations made at both our choices within half an hour of our arrival - including the last table at the Tug. Worth booking that one before you get to Swapkomund as the food is excellent.
The Stiltz was lovely despite our discovering what an electric blanket is for but the highlight of the stay was the kayaking trip with Jeanne. I had one of those 'ohmigod what have I let myself in for' moments but Jeanne was so professional and reassuring (as well as just plain nice) that we had a wonderful morning. She provides everything you need, takes great pictures and emails them to you (we didn't realise we could have taken cameras) and provides coffee and sandwiches - and a very practical bush toilet for the ladies - on the sand once you come out of the water.
Swakopmund was an interesting town to spend time in and very different to anywhere else we stayed. A good mid point of our trip." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
The wonderful Margaret was friendly, welcoming, helpful and efficient - she gave advice on where to eat and had reservations made at both our choices within half an hour of our arrival - including the last table at the Tug. Worth booking that one before you get to Swapkomund as the food is excellent.
The Stiltz was lovely despite our discovering what an electric blanket is for but the highlight of the stay was the kayaking trip with Jeanne. I had one of those 'ohmigod what have I let myself in for' moments but Jeanne was so professional and reassuring (as well as just plain nice) that we had a wonderful morning. She provides everything you need, takes great pictures and emails them to you (we didn't realise we could have taken cameras) and provides coffee and sandwiches - and a very practical bush toilet for the ladies - on the sand once you come out of the water.
Swakopmund was an interesting town to spend time in and very different to anywhere else we stayed. A good mid point of our trip." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr D & Ms S
UK
"The Stiltz review"
2 nights Arrived 3 Oct 2010
"Lovely location and room. One thing for the new guide, Chris: The Tug is open on Sundays!
Kayaking was fun." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Kayaking was fun." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs A & family
UK
"Hiatus in Swakopmund"
3 nights Arrived 26 Jul 2010
"We booked to stay 3 nights at the Stiltz, to rest before our journey up the Skeleton Coast. The Stiltz is well located and easy to find, within walking distance of the centre of town.
It is certainly an eye-catching place to stay, we treated ourselves to the Villa which was a stunningly impressive space with large open plan fireside/dining area with adjoining terrace overlooking the beach. The main bed was on a mezzanine floor, also with a rather disconcertaingly open plan bedroom/bathroom arrangement which might not be to everyones taste.
The whole villa was boldy decorated in brightly coloured soft furnishings with the liberal use of wood, cane, stainless steel, leather, silk and organza curtains and faux-fur throws on the beds, and many wooden artefacts which might have been Namibian, but equally could have been Tiawanese or Polynesian!? That said it was certianly very comfortable and there was acres of space for 6.
The staff were especially friendly, especially in the office helping with restaurant booking and general advice about local amenities. We had a great boat trip from Pelican Point in the company of Pelican seals and dolphin.
Swakupmond itself was not particularly inspiring, and with the sea mist we actually felt quite cold, and were pleased to be back on the road again when the time came to leave.
These travellers commented about their boat trip:
Having booked the kayaking, due to a hiccup we ended up on the boat trip, which arguable was a better option.
We were taken out well into the lagoon, in an effort to see whale (there were none) but we had an excellent trip with lots of chat and enteratinment in the form of pelican feeding and fly-bys, seals coming onto the boat for petting, feeding and photos, and a look at the flamingos on the shore.
We were treated to a picnic of sparkling wine, oysters and other canapes before return home 3 hours later.
A good fun trip." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
It is certainly an eye-catching place to stay, we treated ourselves to the Villa which was a stunningly impressive space with large open plan fireside/dining area with adjoining terrace overlooking the beach. The main bed was on a mezzanine floor, also with a rather disconcertaingly open plan bedroom/bathroom arrangement which might not be to everyones taste.
The whole villa was boldy decorated in brightly coloured soft furnishings with the liberal use of wood, cane, stainless steel, leather, silk and organza curtains and faux-fur throws on the beds, and many wooden artefacts which might have been Namibian, but equally could have been Tiawanese or Polynesian!? That said it was certianly very comfortable and there was acres of space for 6.
The staff were especially friendly, especially in the office helping with restaurant booking and general advice about local amenities. We had a great boat trip from Pelican Point in the company of Pelican seals and dolphin.
Swakupmond itself was not particularly inspiring, and with the sea mist we actually felt quite cold, and were pleased to be back on the road again when the time came to leave.
These travellers commented about their boat trip:
Having booked the kayaking, due to a hiccup we ended up on the boat trip, which arguable was a better option.
We were taken out well into the lagoon, in an effort to see whale (there were none) but we had an excellent trip with lots of chat and enteratinment in the form of pelican feeding and fly-bys, seals coming onto the boat for petting, feeding and photos, and a look at the flamingos on the shore.
We were treated to a picnic of sparkling wine, oysters and other canapes before return home 3 hours later.
A good fun trip." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr I & Mrs A
France
"The Stiltz review"
2 nights Arrived 20 Apr 2010
"We were welcomed by an exuberant friendly team of staff who helped us with directions to restaurants, were to go and what to do.
The rooms were very comfortable with excellent facilities including internet access, a mini bar and a great shower!
The location was spectacular but unfortunately the weather was overcast and cold so we didn't really enjoy the surrounding scenery.
The breakfast was excellent but it would have been nice to have a communal area for a drink in the evening." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
The rooms were very comfortable with excellent facilities including internet access, a mini bar and a great shower!
The location was spectacular but unfortunately the weather was overcast and cold so we didn't really enjoy the surrounding scenery.
The breakfast was excellent but it would have been nice to have a communal area for a drink in the evening." See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Mrs & Mr R
Hampshire
"The Stiltz review"
2 nights Arrived 18 Sep 2009
"This was a great hotel in a great location.
The individual rooms on stilts were very roomy and contained everything needed for a relaxing stay including wine and coffee - our room was on the end with a great view of the river and the ocean. Breakfast was good in another great location, and we ate at The Tug each night which was a great fish restaurant.
We went quad biking in the dunes which was a fantastic experience as the weather was warm and sunny - great place - really helpful staff - a really great 2 days." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
The individual rooms on stilts were very roomy and contained everything needed for a relaxing stay including wine and coffee - our room was on the end with a great view of the river and the ocean. Breakfast was good in another great location, and we ate at The Tug each night which was a great fish restaurant.
We went quad biking in the dunes which was a fantastic experience as the weather was warm and sunny - great place - really helpful staff - a really great 2 days." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs F
Harrow
"Sea Kayaking base"
3 nights Arrived 28 Aug 2009
"When we arrived we had been allocated one of the rooms over looking the river and the sea which we hadn't expected - so we were well pleased. The receptionist was very efficient and friendly. She confirmed both of our day trips and booked us the Tug for Sunday evening.
The room was very good with plenty of space, a nice balcony (although it was a bit too cold to really enjoy it!!!!) and the beds had electric blankets!!!!!
The breakfasts were excellent with the hot food being cooked to order.
We did 2 trips while here - one was the Turnstone tour to Sandwich Bay which involved sand dunes, a wonderful lunch on the beach right at the sea line and a walk along the lagoons. The second was Sea Kayaking with Jeanne (a lovely lady who was so interested in all that she did and in what we saw) - this we really did enjoy the whole experience and a must for anyone to do!!!!!.
Day trip to Sandwich Harbour
We were picked up on time and headed off for the dunes. Driving in the dunes was a real experience and a lot of information given to us by the guide.
We stopped for a wonderful lunch right on the beach with the sea lapping at out feet. When we arrived at Sandwich Bay we were very disappointed by the lack of birds. We had read that this was one of the best sites for bird life in Namibia but there were only about 7 species in all. We had a young Jackal follow us on our walk but this was really the only highlight (apart from 1 Damara Tern that we spotted). The guide tended to speak german as the other 4 people were from germany and we felt a little left out at times.
Really glad we did the trip but nothing overly outstanding.
Kayaking to Pelican Point
Excellent excellent excellent - a great experience we wouldn't have missed. Jeanne is very well organised and knowledgeable. On the way to the point, driving through the salt pans she spent time pointing out all the birds. On arrival at pelican point we were quickly kitted out and were told about the workings of the canoe. We went out to sea to find the dolphins and then returned to Jeannes seal colony where we spent the most wonderful hour with the young fur seals which came up to the canoe, played with the paddles and some even let you touch them. The sound and smell was unbelievable!!!!!!
When we landed sandwiches and hot coffee were provided and we drove back via the salt pans and more bird watching.
Jeanne gives everyone a great experience and a very full morning. This trip should not be missed." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
The room was very good with plenty of space, a nice balcony (although it was a bit too cold to really enjoy it!!!!) and the beds had electric blankets!!!!!
The breakfasts were excellent with the hot food being cooked to order.
We did 2 trips while here - one was the Turnstone tour to Sandwich Bay which involved sand dunes, a wonderful lunch on the beach right at the sea line and a walk along the lagoons. The second was Sea Kayaking with Jeanne (a lovely lady who was so interested in all that she did and in what we saw) - this we really did enjoy the whole experience and a must for anyone to do!!!!!.
Day trip to Sandwich Harbour
We were picked up on time and headed off for the dunes. Driving in the dunes was a real experience and a lot of information given to us by the guide.
We stopped for a wonderful lunch right on the beach with the sea lapping at out feet. When we arrived at Sandwich Bay we were very disappointed by the lack of birds. We had read that this was one of the best sites for bird life in Namibia but there were only about 7 species in all. We had a young Jackal follow us on our walk but this was really the only highlight (apart from 1 Damara Tern that we spotted). The guide tended to speak german as the other 4 people were from germany and we felt a little left out at times.
Really glad we did the trip but nothing overly outstanding.
Kayaking to Pelican Point
Excellent excellent excellent - a great experience we wouldn't have missed. Jeanne is very well organised and knowledgeable. On the way to the point, driving through the salt pans she spent time pointing out all the birds. On arrival at pelican point we were quickly kitted out and were told about the workings of the canoe. We went out to sea to find the dolphins and then returned to Jeannes seal colony where we spent the most wonderful hour with the young fur seals which came up to the canoe, played with the paddles and some even let you touch them. The sound and smell was unbelievable!!!!!!
When we landed sandwiches and hot coffee were provided and we drove back via the salt pans and more bird watching.
Jeanne gives everyone a great experience and a very full morning. This trip should not be missed." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs H
Newark
"The Stiltz review"
3 nights Arrived 21 Jul 2009
"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Stiltz. From the time we arrived until the moment we left, the staff were very friendly and extremely helpful. In particular, the staff on the reception desk went out of their way to confirm our trips and try to book us on a scenic flight. Catharina was especially helpful.
Our room (number 6) was very spacious with a great bathroom, seating area and balcony. It was also very tastefully furnished and had a very reasonably priced mini-bar.
Breakfast was very good with freshly baked muffins and croissants as well as all the usual cereals, fruits, yoghurts, etc.
We would also recommend The Tug restaurant which is in the same ownership - our meal here was superb. Reception will make a reservation for you there or anywhere else in Swakopmund. We also recommend one of the half day 'Little 5' desert tours - your expert guide will find snakes, chameleons, lizards, etc which you haven't a hope of finding on your own. The Stiltz can arrange this too and you will be picked up from and returned to reception.
Expert Africa also organised a day trip to Sandwich Harbour for these travellers. They commented:
"Although we were unlucky with the tides, meaning we only had a limited time at Sandwich Harbour itself, we had a fantastic day. Wayne, our guide, was really knowledgeable and interesting.
Turnstone Tours seem to be a very professional outfit, who take their responsibilities to the delicate environment they are working in very seriously. We would thoroughly recommend this trip."" See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
Our room (number 6) was very spacious with a great bathroom, seating area and balcony. It was also very tastefully furnished and had a very reasonably priced mini-bar.
Breakfast was very good with freshly baked muffins and croissants as well as all the usual cereals, fruits, yoghurts, etc.
We would also recommend The Tug restaurant which is in the same ownership - our meal here was superb. Reception will make a reservation for you there or anywhere else in Swakopmund. We also recommend one of the half day 'Little 5' desert tours - your expert guide will find snakes, chameleons, lizards, etc which you haven't a hope of finding on your own. The Stiltz can arrange this too and you will be picked up from and returned to reception.
Expert Africa also organised a day trip to Sandwich Harbour for these travellers. They commented:
"Although we were unlucky with the tides, meaning we only had a limited time at Sandwich Harbour itself, we had a fantastic day. Wayne, our guide, was really knowledgeable and interesting.
Turnstone Tours seem to be a very professional outfit, who take their responsibilities to the delicate environment they are working in very seriously. We would thoroughly recommend this trip."" See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
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Other lodges in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Cornerstone Guesthouse
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Strand Hotel
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Villa Margherita
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Beach Lodge
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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
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Swakopmund G'house
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Brigadoon
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Hansa Hotel
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Secret Garden
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Sea Breeze
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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.
