Reviews of trips to Windhoek
1100 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Windhoek.
Family Adventure
UK
"My Jul 2013 trip"
I visited Namibia between 10 Jul 2013 and 29 Jul 2013
"Amazing, yet again, and EA made it all very relaxing."
Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C & Mrs S
UK
"A journey that's worth the effort"
I visited Namibia between 8 Jul 2013 and 27 Jul 2013
"The only real problem was the COLD. The early mornings and evenings (nights) were perishing. We did not have enough warm clothes, nor were any of the lodges (except Cornerstone) equipped for their quite short winter.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Don't think there's any way round the Okaukuejo catering problem.
The cold (July) needs more emphasis. Double fuel tank well worth specifying. The C14 road to Swakopmund from Sesriem is known as the worst road in Namibia (and that's saying something) - there's no other way to cover that ground but you should maybe warn customers. The country lived up to expectations." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Don't think there's any way round the Okaukuejo catering problem.
The cold (July) needs more emphasis. Double fuel tank well worth specifying. The C14 road to Swakopmund from Sesriem is known as the worst road in Namibia (and that's saying something) - there's no other way to cover that ground but you should maybe warn customers. The country lived up to expectations." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr H & Mrs M
Dunedin
"Experiences which brought me tears of joy ..."
I visited Namibia between 7 Jul 2013 and 12 Jul 2013
"I think my experiences of this trip may be summed up as superb. I am 66 years of age and I have made it known that if I am fit and able when I turn 70 I want to bring my family (including grand children) on a similar trip."
Read full review: 5 nights in Africa; 5 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M & G
UK
"My Jun 2013 trip"
I visited Namibia between 29 Jun 2013 and 14 Jul 2013
"Angela made our trip very special. I had researched our itinerary in great detail, but she added the cherries on the top of the cake. MEGA THANKS ANGELA!
Our tour was first rate. Namibia sets very high standards for itself and mostly achieves them. As our group travelled in June and July we knew the nights would be cold, but this wasn't a problem except we didn't linger in the outdoor showers!!!
We were glad to have the extra spare-wheel and also pleased to have paid a little more to upgrade to a Nissan Xtrail. We saw people in ordinary saloon cars having some problems here & there. The Bradt Guide and marked map were in constant use. Thanks for providing these.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Only one small initial blip, on arrival at Daan Viljeon we had to pay 170 N$ for entry even though we had rooms booked there.
I knew it was included because Angela had written it in our very first quote, but the lady on the barrier would not let us in without first paying. We were tired after our flight and not knowing what to do. It would have helped if we had had a voucher to give her to satisfy her needs! Maybe you could include one next time in your very snazzy Expert Africa wallet?
All 4 of us voted this our best African holiday experience...so THANK YOU EXPERT AFRICA TEAM!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Our tour was first rate. Namibia sets very high standards for itself and mostly achieves them. As our group travelled in June and July we knew the nights would be cold, but this wasn't a problem except we didn't linger in the outdoor showers!!!
We were glad to have the extra spare-wheel and also pleased to have paid a little more to upgrade to a Nissan Xtrail. We saw people in ordinary saloon cars having some problems here & there. The Bradt Guide and marked map were in constant use. Thanks for providing these.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Only one small initial blip, on arrival at Daan Viljeon we had to pay 170 N$ for entry even though we had rooms booked there.
I knew it was included because Angela had written it in our very first quote, but the lady on the barrier would not let us in without first paying. We were tired after our flight and not knowing what to do. It would have helped if we had had a voucher to give her to satisfy her needs! Maybe you could include one next time in your very snazzy Expert Africa wallet?
All 4 of us voted this our best African holiday experience...so THANK YOU EXPERT AFRICA TEAM!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
B-C Family
USA
"My Jun 2013 trip"
I visited Namibia and 2 other countries between 28 Jun 2013 and 12 Jul 2013
"The trip was spectacular and worked out very well, perfect mix of places, good amount of time spent everywhere. Desert and rivers provided a good mix of wildlife and scenery, we were never bored looking for animals, always discovering new ones. We also enjoyed seeing the villages and a living museum. A bit more contact with locals would have been nice.
We loved the self drive and the ability to explore things on our own. While expecting a bit more adventure, it was surprisingly comfortable and easy, which was fine.
Maruska was wonderful in putting this together for us, she knew the places well, was very helpful and patient.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Looking up locations on a google map was important to me (especially off the path campgrounds), would be nice to have a google map that showed all places of interest (with lat/longs that one can use to enter in one's own google map search)
As much as we wished to get away, Wifi is becoming important for many travelers, and it would be good to collect that info (uptime and speed) and pass it on to the lodges. Elegant guest house and Mushara had good wifi. Ngepi was slow, Muchenje pretty spotty with several outages. Victoria Safari camp had expensive one, Victoria Falls Hotel had good ones for guests.
For guest support on the road, calling is often hard, it might be useful to have email addresses to contact local agents." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
We loved the self drive and the ability to explore things on our own. While expecting a bit more adventure, it was surprisingly comfortable and easy, which was fine.
Maruska was wonderful in putting this together for us, she knew the places well, was very helpful and patient.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Looking up locations on a google map was important to me (especially off the path campgrounds), would be nice to have a google map that showed all places of interest (with lat/longs that one can use to enter in one's own google map search)
As much as we wished to get away, Wifi is becoming important for many travelers, and it would be good to collect that info (uptime and speed) and pass it on to the lodges. Elegant guest house and Mushara had good wifi. Ngepi was slow, Muchenje pretty spotty with several outages. Victoria Safari camp had expensive one, Victoria Falls Hotel had good ones for guests.
For guest support on the road, calling is often hard, it might be useful to have email addresses to contact local agents." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 6 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs D
Chester
"My Jun 2013 trip"
I visited Namibia between 27 Jun 2013 and 13 Jul 2013
"The whole experience was very enjoyable.
On reflection we wouldn't have done as much driving, some of it was tedious and although there isn't much traffic driving on the gravel roads was quite tiring. Having said this it was our choice and we wouldn't have seen as much as we did without the driving" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
On reflection we wouldn't have done as much driving, some of it was tedious and although there isn't much traffic driving on the gravel roads was quite tiring. Having said this it was our choice and we wouldn't have seen as much as we did without the driving" Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 12 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr G & Ms L
Scotland
"Our honeymoon in Namibia (June 2013)"
I visited Namibia between 24 Jun 2013 and 8 Jul 2013
"We had a fantastic trip to Namibia. We were very pleased with the help we received from Expert Africa in booking our car hire and accommodation (we booked our flights separately ourselves). Sabine was excellent in helping to advise us about our itinerary, with a detailed understanding of travel times etc.
Our favourite places to stay (in order) were Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Camp Kipwe and Hoodia Desert Lodge. We would also very much recommend visiting the western part of Etosha for some great safari in an area almost empty of tourists." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Our favourite places to stay (in order) were Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Camp Kipwe and Hoodia Desert Lodge. We would also very much recommend visiting the western part of Etosha for some great safari in an area almost empty of tourists." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs J
Coventry
"We want to go back soon !!"
I visited Namibia between 10 Jun 2013 and 26 Jun 2013
"What with Chris McIntyre's Bradt Guide, the Expert Africa website and traveller reviews, and Tracy Lederer's first hand knowledge and advice, we thought we knew what to expect on our first visit to Namibia. Certainly there were no unpleasant surprises, but nothing could prepare us for the direct experience of the wide clear blue skies, the open empty roads, the variety of spectacular scenery and wildlife, the consistently high standard of accommodation and cuisine, and the friendly welcome of the people.
Even the guys who hassled you at petrol stops to buy carved makalani palm nut key rings, or lumps of mineral, or a two-euro coin in exchange for Namibian dollars, did so with a smile. Incidentally, the cheapest makalani nuts we found on offer were 19N$ at Peter's Antiques in Swakopmund.
All the arrangements worked without a hitch, including the car hire. We have commented separately about how pleased we were with the choice of the Nissan X-Trail 2WD vehicle.
What to add ?
Namibia is in the same time zone as British Summer Time, but in June the sun rises at about 6:30 and sets at 5:30, so we certainly had to adjust our waking and sleeping times to make the most of the daylight.
We bought some souvenirs in Swakopmund and obtained a VAT receipt with the intention of reclaiming a modest amount in Windhoek, only to find that it would be paid by bank transfer and to make out the claim we needed our bank sort code and account number, which of course we didn't have with us.
We'll know about that next time, and we are determined there will be a next time. In fact, as we watched the sun sink below the horizon at Cape Cross we mused if we could ask Expert Africa for season tickets.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, just keep doing what you do so well." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Even the guys who hassled you at petrol stops to buy carved makalani palm nut key rings, or lumps of mineral, or a two-euro coin in exchange for Namibian dollars, did so with a smile. Incidentally, the cheapest makalani nuts we found on offer were 19N$ at Peter's Antiques in Swakopmund.
All the arrangements worked without a hitch, including the car hire. We have commented separately about how pleased we were with the choice of the Nissan X-Trail 2WD vehicle.
What to add ?
Namibia is in the same time zone as British Summer Time, but in June the sun rises at about 6:30 and sets at 5:30, so we certainly had to adjust our waking and sleeping times to make the most of the daylight.
We bought some souvenirs in Swakopmund and obtained a VAT receipt with the intention of reclaiming a modest amount in Windhoek, only to find that it would be paid by bank transfer and to make out the claim we needed our bank sort code and account number, which of course we didn't have with us.
We'll know about that next time, and we are determined there will be a next time. In fact, as we watched the sun sink below the horizon at Cape Cross we mused if we could ask Expert Africa for season tickets.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No, just keep doing what you do so well." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
JBB
Surrey
"Our Trip as a whole."
I visited Namibia between 3 Jun 2013 and 24 Jun 2013
"We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Namibia. It all worked very well although we did feel that perhaps for the chosen itinerary it would have benefited from an extra two days. For instance - in the Keetmanstoop area your website suggests visiting the Quiver Tree Forest & Giant's Playground - but there simply was not enough time to do this as we arrived late afternoon and had to leave early the following morning.
Despite this we both felt that the trip had been very well thought out and superbly organised., Most importantly we felt well protected under the umbrella of Expert Africa. It was good to hear at our first stay in Windhoek what a reliable firm you are!!!!
We would most certainly recommend Expert Africa to anyone wanting to visit Namibia.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps some written information about what is 'doable' in the time around the various camps/hotels.
I asked for approximate journey times between destinations which was invaluable.........maybe include those as part of your service. It is hard to work those out when you are used to travelling on paved roads!!!!
Maybe it would be worth offering two standards of accommodation in locations where that would be possible." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Despite this we both felt that the trip had been very well thought out and superbly organised., Most importantly we felt well protected under the umbrella of Expert Africa. It was good to hear at our first stay in Windhoek what a reliable firm you are!!!!
We would most certainly recommend Expert Africa to anyone wanting to visit Namibia.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps some written information about what is 'doable' in the time around the various camps/hotels.
I asked for approximate journey times between destinations which was invaluable.........maybe include those as part of your service. It is hard to work those out when you are used to travelling on paved roads!!!!
Maybe it would be worth offering two standards of accommodation in locations where that would be possible." Read full review: 21 nights in Africa; 19 on a Namibia trip
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Australia
"A trip to remember"
I visited Namibia and 1 other country between 24 May 2013 and 8 Jun 2013
"We were impressed with the selection of accommodation and help and organisation from Expert Africa. Have highly recommended them to other potential traveller as a knowledgeable and most helpful travel agent with a sound knowledge of recommendations in visiting the area.
Suggested additional tours were excellent
Thank you very much.
We thoroughly enjoyed working with your professional service
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Would further suggest that you recommend your clients take the flight over Sossusvlei and the morning drive arranged by the Lodge to Sossusvlei itself. Both these activities were excellent and most enjoyable." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Namibia trip
Suggested additional tours were excellent
Thank you very much.
We thoroughly enjoyed working with your professional service
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Would further suggest that you recommend your clients take the flight over Sossusvlei and the morning drive arranged by the Lodge to Sossusvlei itself. Both these activities were excellent and most enjoyable." Read full review: 15 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.
