A few of the Viatu team members!
Viatu
- Office In:
-
Switzerland
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2020)
- Member Of:
- Regenerative Travel, Future of Tourism, UN Global Compact, 1% For the Planet & B-Corp
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $4,980 to $49,804 per person per day (MXN, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Lindsay | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Didn't meet expectations - we wish we booked it ourselves.
The itinerary planning and booking process was generally smooth. Communication during the planning phase was adequate, and it was easy to make adjustments to the itinerary both before and after booking. The platform and team made it relatively straightforward to build the trip.
Unfortunately, once the trip began, the level of service dropped significantly. We received no proactive communication from Viatu while we were traveling. Early in the trip we realized we needed to contact each hotel or safari lodge directly a few days prior to arrival in order to confirm check-in details. In multiple instances, the check-in times we received from the properties did not match the information provided by Viatu. For a service positioned as a curated travel experience, we expected more reliable coordination and support during the trip itself.
We booked this trip as our honeymoon, and candidly, we feel we likely would have had a better overall experience planning the trip ourselves. Over 16 nights we stayed in six different locations, primarily 4-star accommodations, ending with a 5-star luxury safari experience on a private reserve. In reality, only one accommodation truly stood out as exceptional (Tamodi Estates in Plettenberg Bay). We actually preferred our 4-star safari experience over the 5-star lodge, which cost roughly three times more. Additionally, one property in the Winelands was so poor that it was surprising to see it included in a professionally curated itinerary.
It was also uncomfortable that nearly every property asked the purpose of our visit and seemed unaware that we were on our honeymoon. In several cases, staff expressed surprise and said they wished they had known in advance so they could have done something special. This felt like a significant missed opportunity. One of the main reasons to use a travel advisor or agency is their ability to communicate key details to partner properties and help create memorable experiences for special occasions. That coordination did not appear to happen here.
Overall, while the trip itself was enjoyable, the level of curation, communication, and attention to detail did not meet the expectations we had for a professionally planned honeymoon experience. In hindsight, the value of booking through Viatu was not clear, and we believe we likely would have had a better and more tailored experience arranging the trip independently.
Reply from Viatu
Posted on Mar 17, 2026Hi Lindsay, thank you for the feedback. We’re genuinely sorry your experience fell short, particularly during such an important trip. We are investigating this internally as we speak, and someone from our team will reach out to you directly to resolve this. We appreciate your patience while we get to the bottom of it.
Email Gavin | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good overall experience, responsive and timeous to questions raised.
Namibia2Go impressed us from the outset. Service was smooth and efficient throughout, and the Toyota Fortuner proved both comfortable and reliable. One small frustration was the Garmin device repeatedly detaching on the bumpy roads. We appreciate the challenge of securing these units in such conditions, but perhaps a more robust solution could be considered.
Due to scheduling constraints, we completed the self-drive route in reverse order to the standard itinerary. Unfortunately, the travel directions had not been adjusted accordingly and still followed the sequence intended for travellers starting at Sossusvlei and ending at Etosha, whereas our route began at Okapuka, continued to Etosha, and concluded with Sossusvlei and Windhoek. While we were able to navigate successfully using our cellphone GPS, it would have been helpful had the route notes been reversed and tailored to our itinerary.
Our first overnight stay was at Okapuka, which made for an excellent introduction to Namibia. However, the GPS coordinates supplied for the lodge are incorrect, directing travellers past the correct turn-off, onto an incorrect road, and eventually towards a non-existent slip road. The coordinates appear to be off by approximately 10km. Staff at Okapuka confirmed that this is an ongoing issue caused by outdated mapping information. We would recommend either notifying Google so the correction can be made, or at the very least flagging the issue clearly within the Viato travel directions.
Okapuka itself was a wonderful first stop - lush, comfortable, and welcoming, with friendly staff, a quirky resident ostrich, a lovely pool area, and excellent food and service.
Safarihoek was our second destination and delivered an experience of truly epic proportions. It was easy to find, and we received a warm welcome from the moment we arrived, including from the friendly gate guard. Check-in was seamless, complete with welcome drinks and refreshing towels. Our room was quiet, beautifully appointed, and featured a spacious ensuite bathroom, outdoor shower, and spectacular views over the watering hole.
Our safari guide, Richard, was excellent, and the game viewing exceeded all expectations. We also had the privilege of meeting co-owner Yörckel and his wife Monica, and joining them on a game drive. During that drive we encountered a herd of 36 elephants moving through the reserve so closely that it felt almost surreal. We also enjoyed multiple close lion sightings and even witnessed an attempted hunt at the watering hole. The only disappointment during our stay was the breakfast eggs, which were unfortunately consistently overcooked and poorly fried.
Ondjamba Hills was our next stop. We thoroughly enjoyed the accommodation, which was comfortable and offered beautiful views. We stayed close to the dining area, making access to coffee convenient. Given the remote nature of the property, we understand the limitations around in-room refrigeration and coffee facilities. Service throughout was attentive and friendly.
Our guide, Unity, went to great lengths to track down elephant sightings for us, despite the challenge posed by the lush post-rain vegetation. The riverbed lunch experience was superb, and we particularly enjoyed the pool and the stunning sunrises. Overall, it was a memorable stay with very good food.
Spitzkoppen was another highlight of the journey. The accommodation was excellent, the breakfast offering the best of our entire trip, and the sundowner views were exceptional. The quirky pool added to the charm. Staff made a special effort to accommodate my breakfast-for-dinner request, and we once again had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with the owner, Elsa/Elsabe. Poolside service (for drinks) is something they could include.
Our only disappointment was the experience at the famous Spitzkoppen rock arch. By late afternoon it became overcrowded with busloads of tourists competing for photographs, which detracted greatly from the experience. Some form of managed access or timed system would greatly improve this attraction.
In Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, our stay at Fancy Fritz was top-class. The guesthouse is beautifully curated, with warm and attentive personal service. David and the hostess went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. Our suite and en-suite bathroom were beautifully appointed.
Swakopmund itself was delightful, and we would strongly recommend that Viato include Guden Fang in Walvis Bay, Gabrielle’s Pizza Restaurant, and Slowtown Coffee as recommended dining/coffee stops. In contrast, we found The Tug rather overrated. The seafood was underwhelming, with overcooked fish, and the restaurant appeared to accommodate too many seatings per evening, resulting in a rushed and overcrowded atmosphere compounded by slow service. We did, however, appreciate the effort made with a birthday-themed dessert.
Our Sandwich Harbour excursion with Mola Mola Tours was superb.
The accommodation highlight of our trip was undoubtedly Hoodia Lodge near Sossusvlei. This is an exceptional property - beautifully curated, highly personal, and warm in its hospitality. The sunset picnic was unforgettable and provided the perfect setting for Gavin to propose. We suspect this may become a milestone anniversary destination for us in years to come.
Owner Thomas Becker is a true visionary who personally ensured every guest felt valued and welcome. The balloon flight over Sossusvlei and Deadvlei was impeccably organised, expertly piloted, and genuinely once-in-a-lifetime. The experience concluded with an outstanding al fresco breakfast that catered thoughtfully to vegans and guests with dietary requirements.
One broader recommendation for lodges and operators would be to consider the increasing number of travellers who either cannot or choose not to consume alcohol, and to expand the availability of quality non-alcoholic alternatives. Overall, however, the experience was exceptional.
Little Forest Garden Retreat was unfortunately the only accommodation during our Namibian adventure that disappointed us outright from the beginning. While Maria, the onsite hostess, was friendly and helpful throughout our stay, we would personally recommend either removing this property from the Viato portfolio or strongly encouraging the owners to significantly improve and elevate the offering. Perhaps a ‘mystery guest’ visit is required by yourselves in order to obtain an objective first-hand evaluation from a guest’s perspective?
Although the house itself has potential, it currently feels more like a large family home that has either been hastily vacated, gradually stripped back over time, or only half-heartedly converted into guest accommodation. At every other property on our journey, one could sense the care, oversight, and involvement of the owners or management. Here, unfortunately, the opposite was true.
First impressions are poor. Broken slate steps lead guests past a children’s play area with garish, brightly coloured plastic slides set against a barren patch of sand. Near the entrance, a persistent pool of water created by a leaking geyser overflow further detracts from the arrival experience.
The décor is sparse, and the absence of adequate carpeting means sound carries throughout the house, amplifying even normal staff activity and conversation. For a guesthouse located in an urban area, a small in-room fridge should be considered essential, particularly for self-drive travellers, rather than relying on a communal refrigerator.
There were positives: the in-room coffee machine was excellent, and the bed and bedding were among the best we experienced during the trip, resulting in a wonderfully restful night’s sleep. Introducing a similar quality coffee offering in the dining area (as found in the room) would immediately elevate the breakfast experience.
Overall, however, the property falls far short of what its brochure and online profile suggest. The experience feels misleading. While we understand that dinners and spa treatments may need to be pre-arranged, there is certainly no functioning “à la carte restaurant” on site, and the spa or massage offering appears to be outsourced or in different location. The rooms also bear little resemblance to the images used in promotional material, lacking the styling, décor, and curation presented in the photography. In addition, stacked furniture and pool loungers remain visible in front of what appeared to be a non-operational bar and pool entertainment area, further diminishing the overall impression.
Reply from Viatu
Posted on May 21, 2026Dear Loudina & Gavin,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such detailed feedback about your landmark journey with Viatu. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that the vast majority of your trip was nothing short of epic!
It means the world to us that you experienced those surreal elephant sightings with Richard at Safarihoek, enjoyed the warm hospitality at Ondjamba Hills, and appreciated David’s top-class curation at Fancy Fritz. Hearing that the balloon flight over Sossusvlei was a true once-in-a-lifetime memory, and that Thomas Becker at Hoodia Lodge made you feel so valued, is exactly what we strive for. We also love your dining recommendations for Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, and we are already adding those spots to our travel guides!
With so many incredible highlights, we want to ensure that every single detail of our service matches that high standard. We deeply appreciate you bringing your constructive feedback to our attention, and we have already taken action on the points you raised:
Our Route Navigation: You are entirely right that when an itinerary is reversed, our route notes must match perfectly. Relying on cellphone GPS because of a paperwork mismatch is not our standard. We are already updating our document customization process for reversed routes. We have also flagged the 10km Okapuka mapping glitch and are contacting Namibia2Go regarding sturdier GPS mounts for bumpy roads.
Partner Lodge Standards: We have taken your notes regarding the breakfast service at Safarihoek and the poolside service at Spitzkoppen straight to their management teams. We also think your recommendation for better non-alcoholic drink alternatives across the board is excellent, and we are actively advocating for this with our partners.
Little Forest Garden Retreat: What you described is deeply concerning. A property we recommend should never feel misleading or mismatched with its promotional material. We take quality control very seriously and are currently arranging a firsthand evaluation of this property to review its place in our collection.
Thank you again, Gavin, for your invaluable insights, your kind words about our responsive team, and for trusting Viatu with your travels. We wish you both the very best in your next chapter, and we hope to welcome you back for an anniversary trip in the future!
Warmest regards,
The Viatu Team
Email Amit | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
they were very approachable, could have done better with more information when planning.
good selection of places to stay. vehicle of Namibia2Go was very nice and did not let us down anywhere. great trip overall.
Upbeat
Overall great and seamless. Only issue was our shuttle service/accommodation had an earlier departure than our actual (6am vs 11am) so we had to clear that up.
DE
Email Natascha | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Good support and outstanding holidays
Its the second time that I planned a trip with Viatu and I can still recommend the agency.
Last year I went to Bali and the experience was excellent.
Due to the great support of our Bali Expert (Alisha) I had high expectations this time and was looking forward.
Last year the experience was brilliant, this year it was good. Reasons:
- I had a very nice call for the initial planning with the local expert and she promised to make a further appointment 6 weeks before the journey starts for talking about the detailed agenda. This unfortunately never happened and I missed a bit the effort and personal component in the end
- There were some things that could have been planned better (e.g immediately after the arrival and 11 hours flight, the recommendation of starting the journey with a hike is not the best idea imo.)
- In Bali we got a surprise by our local expert: a romantic sunset massage and have several times been asked, how our days have been. this time there was no surprise and until today I have never heard again from our contact person. A bit sad actually…
BUT- the service via what’s app was great and the Viatu team answered very quickly to our questions and supported us very well (e.g in booking a table in restaurants or in reserving a rental car spontaneously)
Overall it was a beautiful trip with great accommodations and activities and I will plan trips again with Viatu.
South Africa is beautiful, with super good food, clean water, amazing beaches, nature and animals. We will definitely come back to this outstanding country.
Super friendly people and a great value for money.
Reply from Viatu
Posted on Jan 27, 2025Thank you for sharing your detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that you had another overall positive experience planning your holidays with Viatu, and we appreciate your continued trust in us.
It’s wonderful to know that our team’s support through WhatsApp and assistance with last-minute bookings added to your trip, and that you enjoyed the accommodations, activities, and all that South Africa has to offer.
That said, we truly value your feedback regarding areas for improvement. We’re sorry to hear that some elements of personal attention and planning did not meet the high expectations set by your previous trip. We understand how important these details are in creating a special travel experience, and we’ll ensure to address this for future trips.
Thank you again for your recommendation, and we look forward to helping you plan your next unforgettable adventure! Safe travels until then!
Email NN | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Very easy to work with.
Very easy to communicate with. Fast responses and quick to trouble shoot any issues. Great visuals on website and app for a clear description of the itinerary. Over all the trip ran very smoothly and lived up to expectations. Excellent value for money. The only downside is that most of the accomodation was booked a bit far from the national parks/ game reserves. Would have been better to be given an option between cheaper accoms vs convenience of location. I am more inclined to pay more and stay closer. However this was only an issue in Namibia with long driving distances and petrol stations being 30-60 mins away. All accomodations were otherwise great places to stay!
Reply from Viatu
Posted on Nov 25, 2024Thank you for your detailed feedback! 🌟
We’re delighted to hear that communication was smooth and that you appreciated the quick support and clear visuals on our website and app. It’s great to know the trip lived up to your expectations and was excellent value for money.
We appreciate your insight about accommodation locations in Namibia—it’s a valuable point, especially with the country’s long distances and limited fuel stops. Offering options for closer lodging vs. more affordable options is something we’ll consider for future itineraries. We're glad you still enjoyed the accommodations despite this challenge.
Thank you for traveling with us, and we hope to assist you with another memorable adventure soon!
AT
Email Heinrich | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
perfect tour preparation and support during the tour
A perfect consultation and ultimately selection of the safari accommodation exactly tailored to our needs and according to our budget. Everything met our expectations. Many thanks to the team
Email Patty | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unique life experience
Viatu facilitated a unique life experience for us. The accommodations and activities provided were excellent and tailored to our request. We communicated on details before and throughout the trip. Namibia will always be remembered as a top adventure and treasured memory. We saw the big five, met wonderful people, and were pampered by staff. Special thanks to Mardi for her knowledge and professionalism!
Email Adam Reagan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Want a flawless travel experience? Viatu is the ONLY choice for your African itinerary.
Viatu offers a top-notch travel planning service that truly stands out. Present their team with your preferred travel dates, destination, and budget, and they will craft an itinerary that exceeds expectations. Through video consultations, their travel coordinators take the time to understand your preferences for experiences, transportation, food, and accommodations, and before long you’ll have a fully developed itinerary complete with thoughtfully curated activities and dining recommendations.
As your trip approaches, Viatu not only reconfirms all accommodations and activities, but also monitors changes in the region along with updated reviews for lodgings and excursions to help ensure a premium experience from start to finish. Their planning process includes ongoing video consultations and even a comprehensive pre-travel review within the final 30 days before departure.
During the trip itself, Viatu provides access to a 24/7 concierge service that can assist with any issues or needs that arise along the way. The level of service, attention to detail, and overall professionalism is exceptional. It’s difficult to imagine a better travel planning experience.
Reply from Viatu
Posted on May 21, 2026Hi Adam,
Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and detailed feedback. We are absolutely delighted to hear that your experience with Viatu lived up to expectations and that you felt supported throughout every stage of your journey.
Our team is passionate about creating seamless, personalised travel experiences, so it truly means a great deal to know that the itinerary planning process, ongoing communication, and concierge support made such a positive impression on you.
Thank you as well for taking the time to highlight the effort our coordinators and concierge teams put into ensuring every detail is taken care of. Feedback like yours is deeply appreciated and will certainly be shared with the wider team.
It was a pleasure being part of your African adventure, and we sincerely hope to welcome you back for another journey in the future.
Warm regards,
The Viatu Team
FR
Email Fabienne | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We can't do better!
Clément de Viatu assisted me from start to finish to find a vehicle, a hotel, with an à la carte service on top! Everything was perfectly well organized, well chosen. I wouldn't have imagined so many.
The performances were of great quality and everything went smoothly.
Reply from Viatu
Posted on May 21, 2026Hi Fabienne,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and kind words.
We are delighted to hear that Clément was able to assist you throughout your journey and create a personalised experience that met your expectations. It means a great deal to know that every aspect of your trip — from the vehicle and accommodation selection to the overall organisation — felt seamless and thoughtfully curated.
We are especially pleased that the quality of the services and experiences stood out and that everything went smoothly during your travels.
Your feedback will certainly be shared with Clément and the wider team. Thank you again for choosing Viatu, and we hope to help you plan another memorable adventure in the future.
Warm regards,
The Viatu Team