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 & Mrs W
California
"The Stiltz review"
3 nights Arrived 6 Jun 2009
"When I was considering the various accomodation options in Swakopmund, I almost didn't choose the Stiltz because it was described as being rather far away from downtown. As it turned out it was probably less than one-half mile to the center of Swatkopmund and, rather than having the rather boring, Germanic look of the rest of the town, it was quite imaginatively designed.
Our “room” at the Stiltz turned out to be an individual, wooden bungalow, built on stilts (hence the name), overlooking the ocean and a picturesque lagoon with a number of water birds. The Stiltz also had a bird feeder which drew a number of other colorful birds. In addition, there was a neighborhood pelican who was always roosting on top of a light pole just down the block from the hotel.
I might add that the proprietress at The Stiltz was very helpful in booking our fabulous kayaking tour where we were literally surrounded with hundreds of cape fur seals. She also was able to get us reservations at the best restaurant in Swakopmund, called the Tug, not once but twice. The second time she was also able to get us seated at the best table in the house with views on three sides of the turbulent Atlantic Ocean.
One other thing -- the flight from Soussesvlei to Swakopmund was otherworldly. The photos I took look like mosaics. I have done a fair amount of flying in beautiful places in small planes and this was far and away the most beautiful flight I have ever been on. Obviously, you can't guarantee gorgeous weather in foggy Swakopmund but if you luck out like we did, you are in for a once in a lifetime treat!
We also arranged for this couple a day-trip along coast south of Swakopmund:
It was a great trip. Ernest, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and also an enjoyable person to spend the day with. He is an expert driver and took us to a very remote, almost inaccessible area, where we saw all kinds of incredible birds. He also lead us up the side of a huge sand dune to an incredible view over the multi-colored dunes and the ocean below. We then drove up and down the dunes which was great fun -- a little like being on a desert roller coaster.
He also amazed us by serving a delicious lunch, pulling china and a table and chairs out of the back of his truck. Finally, he showed us the flocks of flamingoes (and got them all to fly above us for a great photo) before returning to Swakopmund. A great day!!" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Our “room” at the Stiltz turned out to be an individual, wooden bungalow, built on stilts (hence the name), overlooking the ocean and a picturesque lagoon with a number of water birds. The Stiltz also had a bird feeder which drew a number of other colorful birds. In addition, there was a neighborhood pelican who was always roosting on top of a light pole just down the block from the hotel.
I might add that the proprietress at The Stiltz was very helpful in booking our fabulous kayaking tour where we were literally surrounded with hundreds of cape fur seals. She also was able to get us reservations at the best restaurant in Swakopmund, called the Tug, not once but twice. The second time she was also able to get us seated at the best table in the house with views on three sides of the turbulent Atlantic Ocean.
One other thing -- the flight from Soussesvlei to Swakopmund was otherworldly. The photos I took look like mosaics. I have done a fair amount of flying in beautiful places in small planes and this was far and away the most beautiful flight I have ever been on. Obviously, you can't guarantee gorgeous weather in foggy Swakopmund but if you luck out like we did, you are in for a once in a lifetime treat!
We also arranged for this couple a day-trip along coast south of Swakopmund:
It was a great trip. Ernest, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and also an enjoyable person to spend the day with. He is an expert driver and took us to a very remote, almost inaccessible area, where we saw all kinds of incredible birds. He also lead us up the side of a huge sand dune to an incredible view over the multi-colored dunes and the ocean below. We then drove up and down the dunes which was great fun -- a little like being on a desert roller coaster.
He also amazed us by serving a delicious lunch, pulling china and a table and chairs out of the back of his truck. Finally, he showed us the flocks of flamingoes (and got them all to fly above us for a great photo) before returning to Swakopmund. A great day!!" See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
D & S on Honeymoon
UK
"The Stiltz review"
2 nights Arrived 24 Feb 2009
"A lovely place in a lovely location.
The individual design of the rooms was really lovely, we had one of the view cabins (room 7) and the view from our balcony over the river mouth to the sea was great.
Surprisingly there were no mosquitos either which was a relief! breakfast was also very good." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
The individual design of the rooms was really lovely, we had one of the view cabins (room 7) and the view from our balcony over the river mouth to the sea was great.
Surprisingly there were no mosquitos either which was a relief! breakfast was also very good." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Feedback Response
Whilst staying here, we organised for these travellers to spend a morning 'Pelican Point kayaking'. They commented about this:
We really enjoyed this, it was a great half day activity, and we saw seals, dolphins and a sun fish up very close! Highly recommend this to anyone in the area.
We really enjoyed this, it was a great half day activity, and we saw seals, dolphins and a sun fish up very close! Highly recommend this to anyone in the area.
"Southern Africa Manager"
Mr G & Mrs M
Portugal
"Stiltz, wonderful location"
3 nights Arrived 16 Jan 2009
"Excellent location on the lagoon but still very close to town.
Room 6 was lovely with great view and lots of space in the room, verandah and bathroom.
Staff very helpful and attentive." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Room 6 was lovely with great view and lots of space in the room, verandah and bathroom.
Staff very helpful and attentive." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Feedback Response
Whilst staying here, Expert Africa organised two different day-trips for these travellers, about which they commented:
Fine lunch on the dunes with Turnstone Tours
Turnstone Tours have been in business for a long time and it is obvious why when you go out with Ernst. We went on our own with him and he tailored the tour according to our interests, mainly bird watching about which he is very knowledgeable and passionate. L
Lunch was a delicious and imaginative salad, patés, fresh home made bread and more. We ate it on top of the highest sand dune while watching dolphins playing in the sea below. It doesn't get much better than that.
Harbor boat cruise : Sitting with seals in Walvis Bay
Graham went on this trip alone as I get horribly seasick. He thoroughly enjoyed it and has a terrific photo of him sitting beside one of the seals that climb on board and fraternise with the passengers. Food and refreshments were excellent and it was a very worthwhile trip run by a very professional and "green" company, Mola Mola.
Fine lunch on the dunes with Turnstone Tours
Turnstone Tours have been in business for a long time and it is obvious why when you go out with Ernst. We went on our own with him and he tailored the tour according to our interests, mainly bird watching about which he is very knowledgeable and passionate. L
Lunch was a delicious and imaginative salad, patés, fresh home made bread and more. We ate it on top of the highest sand dune while watching dolphins playing in the sea below. It doesn't get much better than that.
Harbor boat cruise : Sitting with seals in Walvis Bay
Graham went on this trip alone as I get horribly seasick. He thoroughly enjoyed it and has a terrific photo of him sitting beside one of the seals that climb on board and fraternise with the passengers. Food and refreshments were excellent and it was a very worthwhile trip run by a very professional and "green" company, Mola Mola.
"Africa Specialist | Namibia"
Mr & Mrs S
Southsea
"Unusual setting for a town"
2 nights Arrived 9 Oct 2008
"It was a lot cooler and damper in Swakopmund and the room did not seem very warm and inviting. The buildings in the front had better views of the sea but we were further back and was disappointing.
The staff were very helpful in organising restaurants for us for the evening and activities such as the scenic flight." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
The staff were very helpful in organising restaurants for us for the evening and activities such as the scenic flight." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Poor
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Ms D & Mr C
Stockport
"The Stiltz review"
2 nights Arrived 18 Sep 2008
"The Stiltz accomodation was quirky and good
It was nice to have a break from the Safari run but really did not enjoy Swakopmund at all!
Why were we sent there?
Pleasant enough staff for a B and B and they were great in helping us book restaurants etc for the evening." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
It was nice to have a break from the Safari run but really did not enjoy Swakopmund at all!
Why were we sent there?
Pleasant enough staff for a B and B and they were great in helping us book restaurants etc for the evening." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Feedback Response
We’re very sorry that these travellers didn’t enjoy Swakopmund, which perhaps isn’t to everyone’s taste. All of our trips are tailor-made, and we try very hard to get our travellers to make the decisions about their trips – as they know what their priorities are. We simply aim to provide the best possible advice, and the backup to implement those decisions.
In this case, we’d normally have pointed out that the best and generally most logical route to drive from the dunes area, around Sesriem, to Damaraland … is through Swakopmund. Also that this is really too far to drive in one day, so we’d normally have recommended a break in the journey overnight in Swakpmund, or possibly Walvis Bay.
In this case, we’d normally have pointed out that the best and generally most logical route to drive from the dunes area, around Sesriem, to Damaraland … is through Swakopmund. Also that this is really too far to drive in one day, so we’d normally have recommended a break in the journey overnight in Swakpmund, or possibly Walvis Bay.
"Southern Africa Manager"
Mr & Mrs G
N London
"The Stiltz review"
2 nights Arrived 13 Sep 2008
"Good location, very pleasant and attractive room. Reception was closed when we arrived and not yet open when we set off for our activities, so we didn't see much of the staff. Breakfast was good."
See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Mr A & Mrs A
UK
"The Stiltz review"
2 nights Arrived 11 Sep 2008
"Well designed rooms and friendly staff, but no views.
The premium you pay to stay here does not seem worth it, especially given the number of B&B's in Swakopmund. It is also a little out-of-the-way. Not far from town as such, but further than most accomodation which may be an issue if you feel nervous walking around after dark.
Also there is no pool or bar on site. In short, a decent place to stay, but over-priced." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
The premium you pay to stay here does not seem worth it, especially given the number of B&B's in Swakopmund. It is also a little out-of-the-way. Not far from town as such, but further than most accomodation which may be an issue if you feel nervous walking around after dark.
Also there is no pool or bar on site. In short, a decent place to stay, but over-priced." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Feedback Response
We also organised a Turnstone Tours trip to Sandwich Harbour from here, about which they commented:
"One of the trip highlights. A great guide, knowledgeable on any subject and willing to change the tour to suit us. Topped by a superb lunch on top of the dunes I would reccommend this for anyone with any interest in natural history, or Namibia in general."
"One of the trip highlights. A great guide, knowledgeable on any subject and willing to change the tour to suit us. Topped by a superb lunch on top of the dunes I would reccommend this for anyone with any interest in natural history, or Namibia in general."
"Africa Specialist | Namibia"
Honeymooners
Aberdeen
"The Stiltz review"
3 nights Arrived 8 Sep 2008
"This has the best location in Swakopmund, great views over the ocean and only a few minutes walk into the town centre. The room was good but cold at night, but then the whole town was cold!!
We ate at the grapevine and the tug restaurants which were recommended, the food and wine in both were outstanding. We especially enjoyed the wine tasting at the grapevine. Booking is esential for both." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
We ate at the grapevine and the tug restaurants which were recommended, the food and wine in both were outstanding. We especially enjoyed the wine tasting at the grapevine. Booking is esential for both." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Meerkats party x 7
UK
"A good stopover between animal watching"
2 nights Arrived 19 Aug 2008
"Very good location, convenient for the town and the sea, and with interesting design features.
It was good to have a time at the sea and to see the architecture of a Namibian town.
The receptionist was very helpful in organising our evening meals, in booking our quadbiking/sandboarding and in trying to sort our problems with the car.
The morning we spent in the dunes quadbiking etc was brilliant fun for the whole family (13-60!)" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
It was good to have a time at the sea and to see the architecture of a Namibian town.
The receptionist was very helpful in organising our evening meals, in booking our quadbiking/sandboarding and in trying to sort our problems with the car.
The morning we spent in the dunes quadbiking etc was brilliant fun for the whole family (13-60!)" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Mr B & Mrs E
Surrey
"Where's the river?"
2 nights Arrived 17 Aug 2008
"Swapokmund and Walvis Bay together were another highlight.
The Stiltz is super, but we couldn't find the river - yes, we know, there's no water in it just now. The rooms were huge (although the space outside on Bungalows 1 & 2 was very limited and exposed to passersby), so we partied indoors. The explanation being that it was my birthday on the day we arrived so a few drinks were in order - Brian!
The Tug was our venue for dinner both nights (yes it was that good - they have even listened to Chris' criticism of the wine, which is now excellent - and very reasonably priced), although a bit cramped in the no smoking area, with tables crammed in, it was very cosy.
We went kayaking on the first day - see below - the rest of our time there was spent visiting the town for some retail therapy for the ladies and siteseeing a very pretty little town. Some very attractive buildings and a comfortable feel." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
The Stiltz is super, but we couldn't find the river - yes, we know, there's no water in it just now. The rooms were huge (although the space outside on Bungalows 1 & 2 was very limited and exposed to passersby), so we partied indoors. The explanation being that it was my birthday on the day we arrived so a few drinks were in order - Brian!
The Tug was our venue for dinner both nights (yes it was that good - they have even listened to Chris' criticism of the wine, which is now excellent - and very reasonably priced), although a bit cramped in the no smoking area, with tables crammed in, it was very cosy.
We went kayaking on the first day - see below - the rest of our time there was spent visiting the town for some retail therapy for the ladies and siteseeing a very pretty little town. Some very attractive buildings and a comfortable feel." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Feedback Response
These travellers commented about the kayaking:
"Great thrill. One of the things to do before you die .................
Jeanne is a first rate operator. We really, really, really enjoyed the morning in Walvis Bay. We got absolutely soaked despite all the wet weather gear because of our incompetence, but we laughed so much that we soon dried off. We didn't stop talking about it for days after.
The trip was superb, well organised, very safe (despite several members of our party being very apprehensive rght up to launch time) and great fun. The fact that Hazel, one of Jeanne's team, bought her 2 year old with her gave some confidence to the doubters. The seals were a delight, the small dolphins (Benguelas?) came almost on board and we saw bottle-nosed dolphins and whales from a respectful distance - just as well for some of our number, given their size and the speed they were travelling at! The dolphins and whales I mean, not our team - they were appallingly slow most of the time and absolutely lacking in sea skills, unlike the bay's natural inhabitants.
The kayaks were very easy to drive (?) despite our total absence of experience - we did plan to take lessons before we went, just in case, but you know how time flies when you don't really want to do something ................... Glad we didn't bother with training, it was much better to go out on the water without a clue what we were doing. We would have forgotten anything we learned anyway in all the excitement.
Don't let any of your clients pass up the opportunity to try the experience, they wouldn't know what they had missed."
"Great thrill. One of the things to do before you die .................
Jeanne is a first rate operator. We really, really, really enjoyed the morning in Walvis Bay. We got absolutely soaked despite all the wet weather gear because of our incompetence, but we laughed so much that we soon dried off. We didn't stop talking about it for days after.
The trip was superb, well organised, very safe (despite several members of our party being very apprehensive rght up to launch time) and great fun. The fact that Hazel, one of Jeanne's team, bought her 2 year old with her gave some confidence to the doubters. The seals were a delight, the small dolphins (Benguelas?) came almost on board and we saw bottle-nosed dolphins and whales from a respectful distance - just as well for some of our number, given their size and the speed they were travelling at! The dolphins and whales I mean, not our team - they were appallingly slow most of the time and absolutely lacking in sea skills, unlike the bay's natural inhabitants.
The kayaks were very easy to drive (?) despite our total absence of experience - we did plan to take lessons before we went, just in case, but you know how time flies when you don't really want to do something ................... Glad we didn't bother with training, it was much better to go out on the water without a clue what we were doing. We would have forgotten anything we learned anyway in all the excitement.
Don't let any of your clients pass up the opportunity to try the experience, they wouldn't know what they had missed."
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Strand Hotel
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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
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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
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Cornerstone Apartments
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Desert Breeze
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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
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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.
