Galton House: Our full report

Galton House, named after the early explorer Sir Francis Galton, is just ten minutes' drive from central Windhoek.

A modern yet homely guesthouse, with a backdrop of rolling hills, it was opened in the residential suburb of Eros in 2011. There's a mix of comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces in which to relax and the convenience of an in-house restaurant that caters for all meals.

From the outside, Galton House blends in with its suburban neighbours. Entered through a remote-controlled gate is a cobbled parking area in front of a relatively plain façade. Wide steps lead into the main building where the smart cream interior and cool slate floors are brightened by feature walls, colourful accents and striking photographic artwork of Namibia. There's a foyer with curio shop and reception, opening out to a spacious lounge area. The décor is fresh and uncluttered with contemporary furnishings and a selection of coffee-table books. Off the lounge is an open-plan indoor dining room, which is open to residence for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and where you’ll also find a marble-topped kitchen space with a tea/coffee station.

Large glass doors provide plenty of natural light and lead out to a sheltered al-fresco dining space to one side, and a small courtyard with water feature on the other. Ceiling fans help keep these areas cool during summer.

Steps access the upper terrace where a small swimming pool, sunloungers and shade umbrellas provide a peaceful place to unwind. There's also a changing room and shower facility here, where guests may freshen up if they're arriving on an early-morning flight, or departing in the late afternoon.

Galton house was a wonderful start to our trip around Namibia in April 2024. After a long flight, the spacious rooms and comfortable beds were a perfect welcome.
The nine en-suite guest rooms at are located off the upper terrace, lower courtyard and parking area. They vary in size, with four double (king-size beds) rooms, three twins and two-family rooms. All have air conditioning, satellite television, a desk, complimentary WiFi, telephone, hairdryer, safe and international power sockets, as well as an en-suite bathroom with shower. The décor matches the rest of the guesthouse with cream walls, photographic artwork and a different colour theme for each room.

The two family rooms are quite different. The larger of the two, also referred to as the pool suite, has one double bed and one single, perfect for a younger family. It is also the only room to have a bath. The second family room, which is perhaps better suited for a family with older children, is found off the parking area. It can be used as separate double and twin rooms, or the interleading door can be unlocked to turn it into a family unit.

Our view

We were impressed by the simple and friendly yet stylish ambience on our most recent visit to Galton House. Its location is within easy driving distance of the city centre, shops and restaurants, whilst also offering a secluded feel on the outskirts of suburbia. We'd recommend Galton House as a comfortable and well-run overnight stop in Windhoek before or after your Namibia safari.

Karen Sharpe

Namibia expert

Geographics

Location: Windhoek, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: For pre- or post-safari accommodation in Windhoek, we’d recommend one night at Galton House.
Directions: Galton House is located about ten minutes’ drive from the city centre, 20 minutes from the domestic Eros Airport or 45 minutes from Windhoek International Airport.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: Galton House’s in-house restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with both indoor and outdoor dining areas to choose from. When we visited in April 2024, the food was absolutely delicious.

Breakfast combines a continental buffet with a variety of cooked options made to order.

An à la carte lunch is offered on request.

The set Dinner menu is updated daily. In April 2024 I enjoyed a delicious three-course meal, accompanied by homemade bread. After a refreshing grilled peach salad served with a honey-citrus vinaigrette, the main course was a perfectly cooked game steak with butternut squash and pumpkin seeds, risotto with green beans and pesto with parmesan shavings. For dessert we had Amarula pannacotta with candied popcorn
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: On request
Drinks included: Drinks are available at extra cost, including a good selection of wines as well as bottled water, soft drinks, beer and spirits. These can be ordered throughout the day from the guesthouse waiting staff.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome at Galton House.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions here.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: Galton House has two en-suite family rooms. One sleeps a family of four with twin beds, two single beds; the other sleeps a family of three with a twin/double and one single bed. A cot, highchair and baby bath can be provided on request.
Generally recommended for children: Yes, Galton House is well equipped for children and has two family rooms.
Notes: Children should be under parental supervision at all times, especially by the pool.

Communications

Power supply notes: There are international power sockets in all the rooms.
Communications: There is a central telephone (landline) and excellent cellphone coverage. Complimentary WiFi is available in the main area and in the guest rooms – a voucher with an internet access number is available from reception.
TV & radio: There’s a satellite television in each room.
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: The showers are plumbed, the toilets are flush and there is plenty of hot water.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: No
Medical care: The guesthouse manager is trained in first aid and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept on site. Good medical centres and hospitals are located very close by.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Galton House is fenced with secure off-street parking and a remote-controlled entrance gate. A security guard is on site over night.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are kept in the common areas of the guesthouse.

Activities

Cultural excursion

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A laundry service is available at extra cost, with items returned within 24 hours.
Money: There’s a safe provided in each room.
Accepted payment on location: Payments may be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, Diners and American Express) and in cash (Namibian dollars and South African rand).