Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1100 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
Mr & Mrs A
Norfolk
"Namibia touring Dec 2009"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 2 Dec 2009 and 21 Dec 2009
"Expert Africa were highly efficent with great advice prior to us booking out trip and were excellent when we left our documents in Windhoek and faxed a copy for us to continue our trip.Thank you we would recommend you to all our friends considering a trip to Africa.
The lodges we chose we fantastic with excellent and knowledgable staff and guides, as it was low season we often went out on our own and had personnal service which was a bonus.
We had a trip of a lifetime and look forward to another trip to Africa in 2011" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
The lodges we chose we fantastic with excellent and knowledgable staff and guides, as it was low season we often went out on our own and had personnal service which was a bonus.
We had a trip of a lifetime and look forward to another trip to Africa in 2011" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 8 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C
Cyprus
"Etosha Experience"
I visited Namibia between 24 Nov 2009 and 3 Dec 2009
"The book on Namibioa very useful.
Suggestions for improvements:
Need to include information that cautions people about speeding in Windhoek, other towns and within 15 kilometres of such towns.Penalties for speeding rise rapdily.
For example 130 kph in a 120 kph levies a fine of N$175. I inadvertently was travelling at 130 kph in a 120 kph and when stopped the Police expected me to travel back to the local police station to immediately pay the fine which would have delayed my check in at Etosha. The Police left me off with a warning.IT IS VERY EASY TO EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT ON A LONG STRAIGHT TAR ROAD WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions for improvements:
Need to include information that cautions people about speeding in Windhoek, other towns and within 15 kilometres of such towns.Penalties for speeding rise rapdily.
For example 130 kph in a 120 kph levies a fine of N$175. I inadvertently was travelling at 130 kph in a 120 kph and when stopped the Police expected me to travel back to the local police station to immediately pay the fine which would have delayed my check in at Etosha. The Police left me off with a warning.IT IS VERY EASY TO EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT ON A LONG STRAIGHT TAR ROAD WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr T & Ms M
W Molesey
""
I visited Namibia between 8 Nov 2009 and 24 Nov 2009
"Because of our fairly late booking some of our first choices were unavailable and thus we had to compromise and shorten our trip this year. Prices in some cases seem to have risen significantly. Some parts of Namibia are now becoming overdeveloped particularly just outside ETOSHA. That said there is still plenty of space to go round!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have always been very happy with the service all the staff at Expert Africa have provided to us over many years now and long may it continue." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We have always been very happy with the service all the staff at Expert Africa have provided to us over many years now and long may it continue." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Good
Mr G & Mrs S
Somerset
"So good we might have to go back!"
I visited Namibia between 25 Oct 2009 and 13 Nov 2009
"An amazing trip, certainly unforgettable. We thought it would be the trip of a lifetime, but now we are not sure. We may need to go back!
Next time I'd like to see some options so I get to choose what I am payng for. (type of vehicle, accommodation options, activities etc.) On this occasion we booked quite late so the options would have been limited, but having visited we know there are different camps
We were impressed with the itinerary that Sabina sorted for us, particularly booking the accommodations she did at such short notice. It was a pleasure to meet Chris at Ongava.
Thank you Sabina" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
Next time I'd like to see some options so I get to choose what I am payng for. (type of vehicle, accommodation options, activities etc.) On this occasion we booked quite late so the options would have been limited, but having visited we know there are different camps
We were impressed with the itinerary that Sabina sorted for us, particularly booking the accommodations she did at such short notice. It was a pleasure to meet Chris at Ongava.
Thank you Sabina" Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr K & Dr P
London
"Wonderful honeymoon in Namibia"
I visited Namibia between 19 Oct 2009 and 24 Oct 2009
"We had an absolutely fantastic time and loved it. We have fallen in love with Namibia and can't wait to come back!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As mentioned before it might be worth suggesting to people to pre-book treatments at places such as Olive Grove/Gochehanas - but this is a very small issue.
Can't otherwise see how things could have been better - thank you very much!!!" Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
As mentioned before it might be worth suggesting to people to pre-book treatments at places such as Olive Grove/Gochehanas - but this is a very small issue.
Can't otherwise see how things could have been better - thank you very much!!!" Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Bucks
"Wonderful trip, scenery and unique lodges"
I visited Namibia between 18 Oct 2009 and 31 Oct 2009
"Wonderful trip - what a varied and beautiful country Namibia is. Just wish we could have gone for longer - could happily stay for several days at each of the lodges. Each was unique and of high quality. The hosts were friendly and helpful, everywhere clean, and the food excellent.
We were so glad that Gwynneth persuaded us to stay at Barchan Dune Retreat (rather than our own choice). Her local knowledge on this and the road journeys (eg how difficult the Spreegshoote Pass would be) was invaluable. She answered our queries quickly and efficiently and was always courteous and good-humoured.
We usually do our own booking when we travel but appreciated having Gwynneth doing this for us and fitting the jigsaw of the accommodation together. It was helpful to be able to read other people's comments on your website." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
We were so glad that Gwynneth persuaded us to stay at Barchan Dune Retreat (rather than our own choice). Her local knowledge on this and the road journeys (eg how difficult the Spreegshoote Pass would be) was invaluable. She answered our queries quickly and efficiently and was always courteous and good-humoured.
We usually do our own booking when we travel but appreciated having Gwynneth doing this for us and fitting the jigsaw of the accommodation together. It was helpful to be able to read other people's comments on your website." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms J & Dr S
London
"A & a in Namibia"
I visited Namibia between 3 Oct 2009 and 17 Oct 2009
"We had sought to cover more than most in a 16 day trip, and the combination of road & flights worked really well, so thank you Maruska for putting together such a workable itinerary. It helped that A loves driving and so was more than happy to cover 450km in a day when needed - and the roads were quite okay. Worst bit was a patch on the C12 to Fish River canyon (very bumpy) but other than that we had some fantastic drives, particularly the C13 from Fish River canyon up to Aus - stunning!
Our route was Windhoek-Bagatelle-Fish River Canyon-Aus-Luderitz-Wolwedans-Little Kulala (by car) and then Doro Nawas-Ongava Lodge-Windhoek by plane. It was a throughly enjoyable mixture of hikes, wildlife, dunes, scenic drives and flights. We consider ourselves immensely privileged to have seen Namibia's nature when it wished to reveal itself - be it lion cub, hyena, scorpion, desert elephant, rainbow, lightening... fabulous!
Suggestions for improvements:
Only thing I would have appreciated was a simple guide to birds & wildlife - just a basic booklet of the most likely suspects. I picked up a check-list (no pictures) at Little Kulala, and bought the Etosha guide booklet - but that was our last stop so it was tricky remembering what we'd seen. Couldn't find anything suitable in any of the lodge shops en route and didn't want or need individual books on birds, mammals, reptiles etc" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Our route was Windhoek-Bagatelle-Fish River Canyon-Aus-Luderitz-Wolwedans-Little Kulala (by car) and then Doro Nawas-Ongava Lodge-Windhoek by plane. It was a throughly enjoyable mixture of hikes, wildlife, dunes, scenic drives and flights. We consider ourselves immensely privileged to have seen Namibia's nature when it wished to reveal itself - be it lion cub, hyena, scorpion, desert elephant, rainbow, lightening... fabulous!
Suggestions for improvements:
Only thing I would have appreciated was a simple guide to birds & wildlife - just a basic booklet of the most likely suspects. I picked up a check-list (no pictures) at Little Kulala, and bought the Etosha guide booklet - but that was our last stop so it was tricky remembering what we'd seen. Couldn't find anything suitable in any of the lodge shops en route and didn't want or need individual books on birds, mammals, reptiles etc" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Kensington
""
I visited Namibia between 3 Oct 2009 and 19 Oct 2009
"Great holiday overall and we were awe struck by the landscape. There are a few things we would do differently such as:
Skip Windhoek
Stay closer to Etosha
Do Twyfelfontein from a different lodge
Do half day tour at Swakopmund
But these are details; it was a great great holiday and we hope to do Fish River Canyon and The Caprivi Strip on our next visit." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Skip Windhoek
Stay closer to Etosha
Do Twyfelfontein from a different lodge
Do half day tour at Swakopmund
But these are details; it was a great great holiday and we hope to do Fish River Canyon and The Caprivi Strip on our next visit." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms JL
W London
"Our best holiday in 5 years"
I visited Namibia between 26 Sep 2009 and 13 Oct 2009
"We had a fabulous time on our trip to Namibia, it was truly one of the best holidays we've ever had. The planning was perfect, and there really wasn't a part of the holiday that we didn't have an amazing time at.
It's hard to pick 'favorites' but we both loved Nhoma Camp for the culture, amazing people and proper 'wild'life, Onguma Tented Camp for a secluded taste of luxury, driving ourselves around Etosha and seeing lionesses and cubs cross the road in front of us, and staying at Okakeujo and seeing black rhino at the waterhole at night.
Namibia is a wonderful, safe and special country. We would love to return and will definitely use Expert Africa again.
Suggestions for improvements:
The only thing I would suggest is perhaps giving visitors some guidance on how far in advance they need to be in touch with Expert Africa to book things at peak season. We left our booking until May (for a Sept/Oct) holiday, and because of this the stays at the restcamps were a little fiddly and we had to switch rooms.
Perhaps recommend when to get in touch to book for peak season on your website?" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
It's hard to pick 'favorites' but we both loved Nhoma Camp for the culture, amazing people and proper 'wild'life, Onguma Tented Camp for a secluded taste of luxury, driving ourselves around Etosha and seeing lionesses and cubs cross the road in front of us, and staying at Okakeujo and seeing black rhino at the waterhole at night.
Namibia is a wonderful, safe and special country. We would love to return and will definitely use Expert Africa again.
Suggestions for improvements:
The only thing I would suggest is perhaps giving visitors some guidance on how far in advance they need to be in touch with Expert Africa to book things at peak season. We left our booking until May (for a Sept/Oct) holiday, and because of this the stays at the restcamps were a little fiddly and we had to switch rooms.
Perhaps recommend when to get in touch to book for peak season on your website?" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs S
Inverness
"Absolutely excellent trip to Namibia!"
I visited Namibia between 21 Sep 2009 and 8 Oct 2009
"We had a wonderful trip in a really attractive country with so many different types of scenery and a good mix of observing and physical activity.
The accommodation was of a uniformly high standard while allowing for a variety of styles. Food varied from the excellent, through the generally very good, to the indifferent, although this latter was unusual. The outings were well organised and enjoyable.
With the exception of some initial problems with car hire, all arrangements made by Expert Africa were faultless and the local knowledge they have and their advice on how to structure the trip were invaluable. We were very impressed with all aspects of the arrangements and have already recommended Expert Africa to others. We all hope to return to this fascinating country at some point.
In retrospect, there are a few changes which we would have made to the itinerary. While it appeared to be a good idea to have two nights in Swakopmund as we had a long drive on either side of our stay there, the driving conditions were less arduous than anticipated, and the charms of the town such that one night would have sufficed. The Tug restaurant is a must while in the town, though.
Although the Olive Grove guest house is perfectly reasonable, the change to spending a night in a town/small city after weeks out in the country was a bit of an anti-climax at the end of the trip. Windhoek seemed altogether more enclosed and oppressive than the smaller Swakopmund. The time to reach the airport from the excellent Erongo Wilderness Lodge was such that it would not have been problematic to go directly there from the lodge and miss out Windhoek. Alternatively, a night at one of the rural lodges to the south west of the town might be a more pleasant option.
Finally, the choice of a clock-wise route round the country was well chosen. To face days of travel on the gravel roads of the west after their relative absence in the east might have been a bit of a surprise and the varying landscapes of the country somehow seem to lend themselves to this direction.
Well done, Expert Africa! Oh, and Chris McIntyre's guide book was one of the best we have come across!
Suggestions for improvements:
Keep doing what you do now!!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
The accommodation was of a uniformly high standard while allowing for a variety of styles. Food varied from the excellent, through the generally very good, to the indifferent, although this latter was unusual. The outings were well organised and enjoyable.
With the exception of some initial problems with car hire, all arrangements made by Expert Africa were faultless and the local knowledge they have and their advice on how to structure the trip were invaluable. We were very impressed with all aspects of the arrangements and have already recommended Expert Africa to others. We all hope to return to this fascinating country at some point.
In retrospect, there are a few changes which we would have made to the itinerary. While it appeared to be a good idea to have two nights in Swakopmund as we had a long drive on either side of our stay there, the driving conditions were less arduous than anticipated, and the charms of the town such that one night would have sufficed. The Tug restaurant is a must while in the town, though.
Although the Olive Grove guest house is perfectly reasonable, the change to spending a night in a town/small city after weeks out in the country was a bit of an anti-climax at the end of the trip. Windhoek seemed altogether more enclosed and oppressive than the smaller Swakopmund. The time to reach the airport from the excellent Erongo Wilderness Lodge was such that it would not have been problematic to go directly there from the lodge and miss out Windhoek. Alternatively, a night at one of the rural lodges to the south west of the town might be a more pleasant option.
Finally, the choice of a clock-wise route round the country was well chosen. To face days of travel on the gravel roads of the west after their relative absence in the east might have been a bit of a surprise and the varying landscapes of the country somehow seem to lend themselves to this direction.
Well done, Expert Africa! Oh, and Chris McIntyre's guide book was one of the best we have come across!
Suggestions for improvements:
Keep doing what you do now!!" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
1100
reviews of Windhoek by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in Windhoek
Our suggestions for places to stay in Windhoek
Olive Grove
In a quiet Windhoek suburb, Olive Grove is one of our favourite guesthouses: stylish, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and excellent food.
Galton House
A cool stylish sanctuary in a quiet suburb of Windhoek, Galton House boasts a pool and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Elegant Guesthouse
The Elegant Guesthouse is a friendly, comfortable establishment with a lovely, tranquil garden, and is a good choice for an overnight stay in Windhoek.
River Crossing
Secluded on a private game reserve between Windhoek and the international airport, River Crossing is a tranquil place to start or end a trip.
Villa Violet
Villa Violet is a friendly, owner-run guesthouse in a residential area of Windhoek, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and numerous restaurants.
Haus Sonneneck
Haus Sonneneck was one of Windhoek's best pensions just a few minutes' drive away from the city centre, however it has now closed.
Weinberg Hotel
In a quiet upmarket suburb of Klein Windhoek, the stylish Weinberg has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and luxury facilities.
Olive Exclusive
The Olive Exclusive is perhaps Windhoek's most luxurious boutique hotel but remains a friendly and unpretentious place to stay.
Heinitzburg Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in Windhoek, the Heinitzberg occupies a great hill-top location but can feel like a relic of a bygone era.
GocheGanas
For somewhere to really pamper yourself, Gocheganas Lodge & Spa offers wildlife combined with extensive wellness treatments.
Etango Ranch G. Farm
Etango offers simple, clean, comfortable accommodation and it’s the closest accommodation to Windhoek International Airport.
Immanuel Wilderness
Within easy reach of Windhoek, Immanuel Wilderness Lodge is a good overnight option for those who don't wish to stay in the city.
Sun Karros Daan Viljoen
Situated within the Daan Viljoen Nature reserve Sun Karros is a simple lodge with gentle game viewing and bird watching opportunities.
Omaanda
Omaanda offers luxury accommodation and wildlife viewing within easy reach of the international airport and Windhoek City.
Avani Windhoek Hotel
The Avani Windhoek Hotel and Casino lack the personal touch of Windhoeks smaller guesthouses but is well located in the heart of the city.
Hotel Thule
Windhoek’s Hotel Pension Thule offers stunning views across the city and a reputable in-house restaurant, within easy reach of the international airport.
Ti Melen
Overlooking Avis Dam, Ti Melen is on the outskirts of Windhoek, yet only 10-minutes from the city's amenities.
Desert Express
The Desert Express runs from Windhoek to Swakopmund on set departures. Recently this schedule has been somewhat erratic.
