Sam's Giardino
Swakopmund - Namibia
Sam's Giardino is a Swiss run guest house in Swakopmund It is owner-run by Sam, who claims to derive inspiration and advice from his dog (and PR man) Ornella.
Sam's philosophy is: 'We would like visitors to our coastal resort hotel, to experience their holidays as a happy and meaningful adventure. By providing a casually-relaxed ambiance of a high standard, we hope they will not only be satisfied, but enthusiastic'.
Ornella claims that: 'We enjoy hospitality, and know that most modern thinking people of today are looking for a friendly, cheerful, unconventional hotel for the holidays.' Just what you need after a hard day's drive, an argumentative, talking dog, booking you in at reception!
The Enoteca Restaurant serves Bistro-style catering for breakfast, coffee and dinner in the enchanting Grotto, where a 5 course gourmet dinner is served daily, alternating days of fish and meat. Guests can enjoy a superb selection of South African wines with their evening meal. (Or at breakfast if they're still at the wine tasting from the night before!)
There is a bar, with a cozy fire-place, and the Gallery lounge, where Sam's guests can catch up on all the latest world news via the CNN satellite news channel. There is plenty of information about Swakopmund and Namibia in general, not to mention other interesting reading and video material. The cozy couches, under a wooden canopy, make it a perfect retreat for reading and having a quiet chat. Guests can mingle and catch up on all of their travel stories, and not just because there is free tea and coffee available here. This is an ideal place to find out something more original to ask other than, 'What's your name? Where are you from? Where have you been and where are going?
There are 9 double rooms at this guest house. (and 1 dog basket?) They all have en-suite bathrooms, a telephone, an in-room safe and a hair-dryer. Room service is available on request.
Why not relax in their tranquil Gardens? It is a marvelous alternative to activities in and around Swakopmund. (And of course it's free!!!)
After a healthy walk along the promenade, why not fill your lungs with one of Sam's cigar's or a glass of South African wine? There are regular wine tasting nights (on request) and you can learn all about the wine industry, as you smell and taste your way through a selection of 5 white and 2 red wines.
There is secure parking at Sam's and the friendly service team (except for the dog) are waiting at reception to attend to their guests requirements. Languages spoken here are include German, English, French, Afrikaans and various local languages.
Sam's Giardino - definitely one of the most original guest houses in Swakopmund!!!
- Activities from Swakopmund
- Activities from Walvis Bay
- Cape Cross Tour
- A half day tour (with morning and afternoon departures) to the seal colony at Cape Cross
- Cape Cross & Messum Crater Tour
- Visits the seal colony at Cape Cross and the Messum Crater which is best known for it's desert adapted plants such as the Welwitschia Mirabilis
- Fishing
- Everything from sharks to pilchards
- Living Desert Tour
- A half day tour into the Namib Desert
- Minerals Half Day
- Learn about the minerals found in this part of the Namib
- Namib Desert Day Trip
- A day trip from Swakopmund into the Namib Desert
- Quad Biking
- 2 hour guided trip into the dune belt near Swakopmund (50km) - you enter an area where you cannot get to by car or foot. No experience necessary...
- Sandboarding
- Skitter down the slip faces of a tall star dune near Swakopmund at 80km/h on a lie-down board, or enjoy the style and grace of a stand-up board. No experience necessary.
- Sandwich Harbour Tour
- A day trip from Swakopmund down the Skeleton Coast to Sandwich Harbour
- Skydiving
- Leave the safety of the aircraft and join a tandem skydive. No experience required!
- Spitzkoppe Day Tour
- Full day tour to the Spitzkoppe Mountains - you will meet the Damara people and be introduced to the Bushman rock art of the area.
- Swakopmund & Walvis Bay Sightseeing
- A half day your of these two coastal towns includes visits to historical buildings & monuments as well as the teeming birdlife of the Walvis Bay Lagoon
- Catamaran Cruise
- view the lagoon from the comfort of a catamaran
- Dolphin Cruise
- A dolphin cruise around the Walvis Bay Lagoon
- Sea Kayaking
- Kayaking on the Walvis Bay Lagoon
Directions:
Sam's Giardino is at 89 Anton Lubowski Street, Swakopmund
Alternative Space
An art gallery turned guest house - the Space is truly alternative and worth a visit if you are interested in philosophical conversation, innovative thinking and staying somewhere out of the norm.
Beach Lodge
Top location, right on the beach. This is a very popular accommodation choice - and rightly so.
Brigadoon Cottages
Very centrally located, includes traditional guest house accommodation as well as two separate self catering flats
Sams Giardino
Perennial popular choice, good quality accommodation with occasional wine tasting nights
Sea Breeze Guest House
Another very popular choice, offers excellent rooms at extremely reasonable prices. Possibly best value for money in Swakopmund
The Stiltz
Absolutely unique! Built on stilts into the Swakop River - many units offer great views. Feels more like a traditional country lodge rather than an establishment in a busy tourist town.
Villa Margherita
A newer addition, situated in an old historic building near the town center. Expect attention to detail and Italian flair.