Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1100 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
"Our first Namibia trip July 2024"
Claire's suggested accommodation throughout our trip, ticked all the right boxes with the right level of luxury being applied where most appropriate.
We would highly recommend the Hot Air Balloon safari with Namib Sky. Whilst not a cheap undertaking we felt it actually provided very good value for money from a hugely professional company. For what was a bit of an impulse addition to our holiday with at least one of us being very unsure about the whole Hot air balloon thing, it turned out to be pretty much the highlight of the whole trip, an incredibly serene experience (once the balloons are inflated) with some outstanding views and delicious breakfast in the desert. What's not to love!! We'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Having previously done several lodge safaris in South Africa mainly in the private reserves near Kruger we found Etosha to be a little too barren for our liking for any great length of time but the larger herds and excellent game sightings, particularly at Etosha Mountain Lodge definitely compensated for the less picturesque nature of the terrain." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2024 trip"
"Jul 2024 trip"
Incredible desert scenery, beautiful Namib/Naukluft mountains, stunning sand dunes and wonderful wildlife viewing.
The rock art at Twyfelfontein was fascinating. Excellent accommodation with friendly people throughout" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
"My Jul 2024 trip"
"Our Namibia trip"
"My Jul 2024 trip"
No problems or hiccups and we have memories for life that can’t be explained in any word other than INCREDIBLE!
This was one of the best trips we ever took!
Only sad it had to eventually come to an end!
Time to plan the next one
Everything was amazing and we would use you guys again!
Thanks for an amazing trip!" Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2024 trip"
An additional benefit was having, in Sabina, a local who also had worked in the UK. We found her personal experience with and knowledge of the various lodges in Expert Africa's portfolio assisted her in recommending which lodges would suit us best. She was very helpful in route planning and timings - these were invaluable when we planned our daily travels and ensured we were never caught out by the time it takes to travel various distances. We liked how our route took us to various of types of lodges and also how our travel was along the back routes to ensure we could enjoy the fabulous and ever changing scenery, which when speaking with others staying in the same lodges seem to make our trip somewhat unique.
Sabina was also fantastic in communicating my dietary requirements to the lodges and ensuring that they were accommodated, even on bush lunches and braais. We also appreciated how she was available immediately for the two problems we encountered while traveling and was able to advise and in one case, sort one problem out with the lodge on our behalf. Finally, she kindly provided us with a cool box and ice blocks which she personally dropped off at the Olive Grove Guesthouse.
All of these small touches along with her expertise and attention to detail made our trip stress-free, highly enjoyable and a very positive experience.
We would definitely recommend Expert Africa to friends and family who desire a similar experience at a similar price point." Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 20 on a Namibia trip
"My Jun 2024 trip"
"Unforgettable July 2024 trip"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Converting NZD to USD to pay for the trip was daunting - felt hugely expensive. Yes, we requested and planned a high end experience and were aware of the costs, but we definitely felt a big hit to the wallet. When you factor in that we were also giving healthy tips (as suggested, and we felt like with the great service we should do at least the "minimum") on top of the high room rate at each camp ... we felt it even more. Next time we might consider a mix of high vs medium range camps to save some money. Again, not to take away from an incredible trip planned together with Maruska ... thanks" Read full review: 33 nights in Africa; 6 on a Botswana safari
"My Jun 2024 trip"
The time at Sosussvlei/Deadvlei was truly memorable, the desert landscapes and climbing the dunes [even Dune 45] were exhilarating and such special moments. The waterholes of Etosha continuously amaze as groups of animals arrive and share the same space, evoking a Peaceable Kingdom living mural.
The gravel roads can be challenging -- unfortunately they are the worst in Etosha, something the government could correct. But our vehicle was the right choice and we managed without problems other than discomfort." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 14 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.
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.
