Reviews of The Stiltz
Wildlife sightings and reviews
68 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
"The Stiltz review"
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
"The Stiltz review"
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
"The Stiltz review"
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
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.
"Stiltz, wonderful location"
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
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.
"Unusual setting for a town"
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 Stiltz review"
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
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.
"The Stiltz review"
"The Stiltz review"
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
"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."
"The Stiltz review"
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
"A good stopover between animal watching"
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
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Alternative places to stay in this same area.