Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1100 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
Mr P.
Vienna
"My Jul 2022 trip"
I visited Namibia between 31 Jul 2022 and 21 Aug 2022
"This trip - which had been twice postponed because of the pandemic - in the end turned out one of the best we've ever been on (and we've been to close to a hundred countries!).
The driving was great fun – especially through the vast empty landscapes of southern Namibia. The stunning scenery of the Namib, Namibrand and the Sperrgebiet will stay in our memories forever. This wasn’t so much about wildlife, but we had a few nice add-ons in that department too. Plus the highly atmospheric ghost towns of the Sperrgebiet and the lonely barren Skeleton Coast. And on top of all that we stayed at some outstanding lodges, characterful hotels and guest farms and enjoyed lots of good food (too much so – we both put on a few kilos over the course of this trip!).
Everything worked fine, no major hiccups, and we really found we were leaving our stresses and worries far behind and thoroughly recharged our batteries. Thanks for putting this together for us!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Can't really think of anything. It was all fine. .... maybe add Angola to your portfolio. We'd love to go to that northern neighbour of Namibia too ..." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
The driving was great fun – especially through the vast empty landscapes of southern Namibia. The stunning scenery of the Namib, Namibrand and the Sperrgebiet will stay in our memories forever. This wasn’t so much about wildlife, but we had a few nice add-ons in that department too. Plus the highly atmospheric ghost towns of the Sperrgebiet and the lonely barren Skeleton Coast. And on top of all that we stayed at some outstanding lodges, characterful hotels and guest farms and enjoyed lots of good food (too much so – we both put on a few kilos over the course of this trip!).
Everything worked fine, no major hiccups, and we really found we were leaving our stresses and worries far behind and thoroughly recharged our batteries. Thanks for putting this together for us!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Can't really think of anything. It was all fine. .... maybe add Angola to your portfolio. We'd love to go to that northern neighbour of Namibia too ..." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Herne Bay
"My Jul 2022 trip"
I visited Namibia between 23 Jul 2022 and 11 Aug 2022
"Thank you Sabina for organizing an amazing trip to Namibia for us. It was definitely worth the wait!
The scenery was spectacular, the people were very friendly and welcoming and the accomodation and food was great.
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing a great variety of wild life particularly in Etosha.
Everywhere was well organised and our whole trip ran smoothly." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
The scenery was spectacular, the people were very friendly and welcoming and the accomodation and food was great.
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing a great variety of wild life particularly in Etosha.
Everywhere was well organised and our whole trip ran smoothly." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Jonathan
Newcastle
"My Jul 2022 trip"
I visited Namibia between 17 Jul 2022 and 30 Jul 2022
"The trip had to be postponed three times due to personal circumstances and covid so it wasn't the easiest to arrange. However, when it finally happened it was superb. We were originally looking to organise it ourselves but so glad we used Expert Africa for a number of reasons:
1. Their recommendations on hotels and advice on an itinerary. All the hotels were fantastic and without the advice, we'd have ended up driving in the dark which is not recommended
2. The price they charged for the hotels was no more expensive than booking direct and occasionally cheaper
3. When one of the hotels on the trip closed for refurbishment, they recommended and booked a replacement for us immediately, in line with the itenary.
4. For the first two trips we booked the Fish River Canyon ourselves which was a real hassle, sometime there were spaces available on a certain date, sometime not. Once we realised Expert Africa could do it for us, it was so much easier. They booked and changed it in-line with the itinarey.
5. The small things - being met at Windhoek airport by a representative who took us to the office in the airport so we could get organised, help us with car pick-up. The map we were given with our route marked on it along with the location of the hotels and time to drive between them (not obvious) plus the Namibia book, nice wallet to store all our paper work made it all feel very professional
6. Flexibility in changing our trip each year, rebooking the hotels plus advice given when we asked" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
1. Their recommendations on hotels and advice on an itinerary. All the hotels were fantastic and without the advice, we'd have ended up driving in the dark which is not recommended
2. The price they charged for the hotels was no more expensive than booking direct and occasionally cheaper
3. When one of the hotels on the trip closed for refurbishment, they recommended and booked a replacement for us immediately, in line with the itenary.
4. For the first two trips we booked the Fish River Canyon ourselves which was a real hassle, sometime there were spaces available on a certain date, sometime not. Once we realised Expert Africa could do it for us, it was so much easier. They booked and changed it in-line with the itinarey.
5. The small things - being met at Windhoek airport by a representative who took us to the office in the airport so we could get organised, help us with car pick-up. The map we were given with our route marked on it along with the location of the hotels and time to drive between them (not obvious) plus the Namibia book, nice wallet to store all our paper work made it all feel very professional
6. Flexibility in changing our trip each year, rebooking the hotels plus advice given when we asked" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Ms B and Mr C
Montana
"My Jul 2022 trip to Northwestern Namibia"
I visited Namibia between 13 Jul 2022 and 2 Aug 2022
"Maruska's patience in planning this trip with us was legendary and it worked out to be as perfect as possible. Overall transfers and some of the guiding was done by Ultimate Safaris. We were pleasantly surprised to be picked out of the long immigration queue by them and VIP'd through! Our guide was pleasant, interesting,and excellent. Transfers went well with only 1 hiccup with delivering our excess bags.
By our request this safari concentrated on the area around the Skeleton Coast. The constantly changing rocky, sand-duned and desert environment is fascinating to us. The tempest tossed coastline is so rich in marine life, with shoreline covered in hundreds of cormorants and seals in some areas. Flamingos, giraffe, elephants and ostrich all were spotted from our little Cessna on our Schoeman's Safari which was certainly a life changing highlight. We flew in the late afternoon during "golden hour" making the reds, pinks, ochres, greys of the desert shine. Surprisingly often there were areas of green. We were lucky as there had been abundant rain in March after 6 years of drought and so the normally bare desert was covered in soft golden grass. Also flowers blooming! so many varieties! It crossed my mind that at times it was like flying with Grand Canyons all around.
This is only our second visit to Namibia but we have found the staff members we have met particularly friendly and interesting. They come from a variety of tribes who until very recently would not have been interacting so closely. Many speak 3 or 4 languages or more which is humbling. The "click" language is especially magical to listen to. And remarkably hard to imitate!
The animal life is not so abundant as other parts of Africa but the adaption to the desert environment is special for the ones we did see. (Keep in mind we did not go to Etosha where animal life is more) As to flora the Welwitschia Mirablis , a plant which can grow for 2000 years was a wonder to see. It only has 2 leaves. There are male and female plants. We are told there are botanists who come to this area just to see this plant and now can see why..
We felt this visit to this area of Namibia to be one of our best of our dozen trips to Africa. Well planned, and very very special....
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: Our third trip planned by Maruska. She is an absolute gem. We feel in good hands with Expert Africa." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
By our request this safari concentrated on the area around the Skeleton Coast. The constantly changing rocky, sand-duned and desert environment is fascinating to us. The tempest tossed coastline is so rich in marine life, with shoreline covered in hundreds of cormorants and seals in some areas. Flamingos, giraffe, elephants and ostrich all were spotted from our little Cessna on our Schoeman's Safari which was certainly a life changing highlight. We flew in the late afternoon during "golden hour" making the reds, pinks, ochres, greys of the desert shine. Surprisingly often there were areas of green. We were lucky as there had been abundant rain in March after 6 years of drought and so the normally bare desert was covered in soft golden grass. Also flowers blooming! so many varieties! It crossed my mind that at times it was like flying with Grand Canyons all around.
This is only our second visit to Namibia but we have found the staff members we have met particularly friendly and interesting. They come from a variety of tribes who until very recently would not have been interacting so closely. Many speak 3 or 4 languages or more which is humbling. The "click" language is especially magical to listen to. And remarkably hard to imitate!
The animal life is not so abundant as other parts of Africa but the adaption to the desert environment is special for the ones we did see. (Keep in mind we did not go to Etosha where animal life is more) As to flora the Welwitschia Mirablis , a plant which can grow for 2000 years was a wonder to see. It only has 2 leaves. There are male and female plants. We are told there are botanists who come to this area just to see this plant and now can see why..
We felt this visit to this area of Namibia to be one of our best of our dozen trips to Africa. Well planned, and very very special....
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: Our third trip planned by Maruska. She is an absolute gem. We feel in good hands with Expert Africa." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs & Mr P
Essex
"My Jul 2022 trip to Namibia and Botswana"
I visited Botswana and 1 other country between 10 Jul 2022 and 30 Jul 2022
"Wonderful as ever. It was our 8th trip to Botswana and 5th to Namibia but we still saw lots of things we hadn't seen before, had great experiences and made lots of great memories.
Expert Africa / Megan, as efficient and helpful as ever in ensuring it all went smoothly and that we had a great time.
Our special requests, eg, for vehicles with canopies wherever possible, were passed on and acted on.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
How can you improve on perfection!
Perhaps the 'sighting list' could be a bit more broadly based to cover the ever present animals (for those new to Africa) and some of the rarer sightings for those with more experience." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
Expert Africa / Megan, as efficient and helpful as ever in ensuring it all went smoothly and that we had a great time.
Our special requests, eg, for vehicles with canopies wherever possible, were passed on and acted on.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
How can you improve on perfection!
Perhaps the 'sighting list' could be a bit more broadly based to cover the ever present animals (for those new to Africa) and some of the rarer sightings for those with more experience." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 11 on a Botswana safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D.
Cheshire
"My Jul 2022 trip"
I visited Namibia between 8 Jul 2022 and 26 Jul 2022
"We spend 2 1/2 weeks in Namibia, travelling about 2000 miles by road. We stayed in 9 different locations and experienced multiple different aspects of the country. Throughout the trip, we felt safe, welcomed and that the people we met were happy that tourism was returning post-pandemic.
Our trip had been postponed several times, re-organised and altered. However, everything went 100% according to plan. Tracy at Expert Africa proved to be a knowledgeable and informative guide and travel planner. All the lodges were expecting us as predicted and all lived up to their descriptions. Highlights were Hoodia Desert Lodge and the excursion from there, Doro Nawas and Okonjima (where we were upgraded to the Villa). The driving was straightforward and we did not encounter any problems, all roads were well-signposted and fuel stops were plentiful (all took VISA cards in our experience).
This was truly the trip of a lifetime, expertly coordinated by Expert Africa. Thank you so much for your patience throughout the pandemic, reorganising everything so well and your excellent recommendations. Next time it will be Botswana..... we will be back!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
A minor issue but initially payment glitched through the website, but that was 2 years ago and we didn't have problems with the final payment.
The service and information we have received has been fantastic. We have recommended you to multiple friends already, as we have been boring them with our photographs! If and when we come back to Africa, we will definitely be contacting you again.
Thank you so much." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Our trip had been postponed several times, re-organised and altered. However, everything went 100% according to plan. Tracy at Expert Africa proved to be a knowledgeable and informative guide and travel planner. All the lodges were expecting us as predicted and all lived up to their descriptions. Highlights were Hoodia Desert Lodge and the excursion from there, Doro Nawas and Okonjima (where we were upgraded to the Villa). The driving was straightforward and we did not encounter any problems, all roads were well-signposted and fuel stops were plentiful (all took VISA cards in our experience).
This was truly the trip of a lifetime, expertly coordinated by Expert Africa. Thank you so much for your patience throughout the pandemic, reorganising everything so well and your excellent recommendations. Next time it will be Botswana..... we will be back!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
A minor issue but initially payment glitched through the website, but that was 2 years ago and we didn't have problems with the final payment.
The service and information we have received has been fantastic. We have recommended you to multiple friends already, as we have been boring them with our photographs! If and when we come back to Africa, we will definitely be contacting you again.
Thank you so much." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs J.
Newton Abbot
"My Namibia Jul 2022 trip"
I visited Namibia between 1 Jul 2022 and 25 Jul 2022
"Amazing trip. Fantastic scenery. Great locations and accommodations.
Be prepared for driving time as dirt roads limit speed able to drive. However minimal traffic.
Excellent trip." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Be prepared for driving time as dirt roads limit speed able to drive. However minimal traffic.
Excellent trip." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Family P
Spain
"Family of 5: June/July 2022"
I visited Namibia between 25 Jun 2022 and 19 Jul 2022
"Like many others, our trip to Namibia was originally booked in 2019 for June 2020, and was then postponed twice. After years of waiting and anticipating, it seemed unlikely that Namibia could live up to our expectations, but how wrong we were! We have run out of superlatives. It was mind-blowing & breath-taking & we have all come home bigger and better versions of ourselves than we were when we left.
If you are a family wondering whether your children will enjoy Namibia, whether the expense and the long drives and activities available will be worth it, don't hesitate a moment longer. For all of us, this was the most amazing experience of our lives. Our kids (aged 15, 12 and 8) have already asked if we can come back next year. They learned and grew so much, with incredible opportunities for learning each day and they met such warm, generous and interesting people who shared their knowledge with them and helped them fall in love with a country wildly different from their own.
Sabina was the most incredible help in organising, and reorganising our trip, with huge patience and kindness during such challenging times. Her resourcefulness made her something of a magician: pulling the right vehicle out of the hat when it seemed impossible; rearranging accommodation when I added a last minute stop; ready with last minute changes to the Covid regulations which we hadn't yet heard of. Thanks to her, we are now huge fans of Expert Africa and we wouldn't think of going anywhere else when we book our next trip.
Thank you Sabina, and thank you Namibia. You have won our hearts and our loyalty and we are deeply grateful to have met you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
There's not a single thing we can think of....please just keep doing what you do, with our gratitude for helping us fall in love with Africa, and with travel as a family." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
If you are a family wondering whether your children will enjoy Namibia, whether the expense and the long drives and activities available will be worth it, don't hesitate a moment longer. For all of us, this was the most amazing experience of our lives. Our kids (aged 15, 12 and 8) have already asked if we can come back next year. They learned and grew so much, with incredible opportunities for learning each day and they met such warm, generous and interesting people who shared their knowledge with them and helped them fall in love with a country wildly different from their own.
Sabina was the most incredible help in organising, and reorganising our trip, with huge patience and kindness during such challenging times. Her resourcefulness made her something of a magician: pulling the right vehicle out of the hat when it seemed impossible; rearranging accommodation when I added a last minute stop; ready with last minute changes to the Covid regulations which we hadn't yet heard of. Thanks to her, we are now huge fans of Expert Africa and we wouldn't think of going anywhere else when we book our next trip.
Thank you Sabina, and thank you Namibia. You have won our hearts and our loyalty and we are deeply grateful to have met you.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
There's not a single thing we can think of....please just keep doing what you do, with our gratitude for helping us fall in love with Africa, and with travel as a family." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 22 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
T&M
Queensland
"Jun/Jul 2022 trip Namibia/Zambia/Rwanda"
I visited Namibia and 3 other countries between 8 Jun 2022 and 7 Jul 2022
"Our holiday was outstanding.
We weren't sure what to expect travelling to Africa so soon after international borders started to open again, but we were delighted with how quickly tourism has found its feet again in Namibia, Zambia and Rwanda. Our self drive in Namibia felt perfectly safe, and our first time to Zambia now won't be our last.
Claire did a great job with our covid delayed trip. Fantastic support on the trip with CV 19 testing issues for Rwanda as a result of delayed airlines. Accommodation particularly in Zambia was outstanding." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
We weren't sure what to expect travelling to Africa so soon after international borders started to open again, but we were delighted with how quickly tourism has found its feet again in Namibia, Zambia and Rwanda. Our self drive in Namibia felt perfectly safe, and our first time to Zambia now won't be our last.
Claire did a great job with our covid delayed trip. Fantastic support on the trip with CV 19 testing issues for Rwanda as a result of delayed airlines. Accommodation particularly in Zambia was outstanding." Read full review: 29 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Good
Mr and Mrs O.
Indiana
"My May 2022 trip"
I visited Namibia between 28 May 2022 and 11 Jun 2022
"Expert Africa was a great agency with which to plan our vacation.
Sabina was quick to communicate information and make adjustments to our itinerary. Our trip went smoothly and we felt like the information provided about accommodations and activities was representative of our experience." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Sabina was quick to communicate information and make adjustments to our itinerary. Our trip went smoothly and we felt like the information provided about accommodations and activities was representative of our experience." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
1100
reviews of Windhoek by travellers since August 2007
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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.
