Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1100 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
"Our best family holiday to date! "
Tom at Africa Expert was brilliant at helping me put together our itinerary - and making suggesting on things to do and see and at finding the best lodges for our budget - and they were all great.
There is such a variety of things to do and see in Namibia - and self driving gives you so much flexibility. (Tom had even given us a map which had the route highlighted in felt pen so we couldn't get lost!)
Our highlights were: the sand dunes at Sossusvlei, the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, Ongava Lodge and Etosha National Park.
If you are going at peak season it is worth thinking of booking certain activities in advance. We wanted to go kayaking with seals in Swakopmund but we tried 5 different companies and all were fully booked.
We will definitely return to Namibia!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Trip to Namibia and Vic Falls"
A couple of comments that hopefully help future guests:
- The distances are far and we felt that 2 nights max at any particular spot was not really enough. We wish we had stayed 3 nights at Hoodia and Onguma, both of which were fantastic.
- Bullsport was awful - see my review. We should have gone straight to Hoodia.
- Didn't like Etosha Safari Camp. I had really wanted to stay at Okakeujo but was told it was full. Was all accomodation really full there? Could more have been done to get a spot there?" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Fantastic Family holiday to Namibia"
"This was one of our best holidays ever"
Everywhere we went the people were really kind and helpful. We are particularly pleased that we made the time to visit the Caprivi Strip - it is so different to the rest of Namibia with people living a communal life in traditional African villages." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
"Memorable trip, great people, and itinerary "
Hospitality was wonderful, many warm people, animals and landscapes amazing.
Roads may be tough to take for some people. We have travelled to over 50 countries and our glad we did not miss Namibia!
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Incredibly accommodating in helping us schedule this last minute trip within our parameters. Would definitely recommend Maruska and the company in the future.
We have been traveling nearly full time the past four years and this process was one of our top experiences!" Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
"June 2019"
At times we found the impact of the drought challenging - particularly in Etosha. Namibia is a stunning place and a wonderful place to travel in. The standards of accommodation, food and service were far higher than we expected. At times we felt a little uncomfortable with the luxury ( in some places we had wonderful days with out with our guides but at dinner it was the white members of staff we had not really met who sat down and ate with us, for example ).
The driving was perhaps more time consuming that we had imagined and it would have helped to have an idea of the lengths of the drives at the outset with the itinerary. However, the roads were good and we had no problems. We would recommend people take lots of music and podcasts to pass the time." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Namibia road trip 2019"
All the locations were great but each had their own distinctive feel and character. The landscapes were more impressive than we had expected and it was a real thrill to get to see so many animals and birds up close.
The people throughout Namibia were very friendly and the staff in the lodges were all very welcoming and made us feel at home. Even things like car hire went very smoothly, with great service from the Bidvest staff.
We highly recommend Namibia as a fantastic destination and will definitely be using Expert Africa for any other African adventures which we may have.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The only thing I would change would be to hire a Toyota 4x4 or double cab next time.
The Nissan X Trail wasn't really robust enough for some of the rougher gravel roads." Read full review: 23 nights in Africa; 21 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2019 trip"
The arrangements made by Maruska, for the trip, were excellent. Lots of thought went into the itinerary, and everything worked well. All the transfers, all the lodges were super. We are so impressed by Maruska and will use her again in a heartbeat!!
The highlight must be the eles at Stanleys, just wonderful being so close to them.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Oops, never been to your website. Your name given to us by a friend who used you, and had an excellent trip. Will use you again, when the bank balance has recovered!!!
Many thanks, and especially to Maruska." Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 16 on a Namibia trip
"Outstanding trip full of highlights"
The arrangements by ExpertAfrica were made with knowledge and experience which made a solo trip rather easy and worry free. Despite the serious drought Namibia is a beautiful country with much to offer. Wildlife, varied scenery, ancient cultures and friendly people everywhere were the main highlights.
I wished I had allowed more time for the trip. I am thus thinking of coming back as soon as I can and visit other places not included in this trip." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
"Welcome to Africa Trip"
I was surprised by the beauty of the landscape in Namibia despite its dryness. It was easy to travel around, the people were so helpful at our accommodation places and the camping was a great experience. It worked well interspersing a couple of days camping between the lodges and everything that your company organised went to plan.
The planning was meticulous with lots of essential and background information provided to ensure we had a successful trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service: Adding the timing of the afternoon game drives/activities at the various lodges may be helpful as we missed some." Read full review: 27 nights in Africa; 9 on a Namibia trip
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.
GocheGanas
For somewhere to really pamper yourself, Gocheganas Lodge & Spa offers wildlife combined with extensive wellness treatments.
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.
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.
