Swakopmund Travel Guide
Alongside its striking Lutheran architecture and charming seaside location, Swakopmund is established as Namibia’s adventure playground.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is home to the Naukluft mountain range and the Namib Desert, the world’s oldest desert.
Few travellers visit Namibia without a stop in ‘Swakop’ – as the locals call it – and although it began life as a humble harbour settlement, today it’s the Namib Desert sands pressing in that draws most travellers to this unusual town on the Atlantic Ocean.
Part of Swakopmund’s appeal is the town itself, a quirky outpost of Lutheran-style architecture sprouting from the sands of the Namib Desert.
But aside from being Namibia’s most popular destination for locals seeking a summer seaside escape, Swakopmund bills itself as the adventure capital of Namibia. And there is certainly no shortage of options for upping the adrenalin while getting to grips with the wild landscapes that surround the town.
On the outskirts of Swakopmund, a section of dunes have been set aside for desert adrenalin, with operators offering quad-bike adventures, sand-boarding, sand-skiing, thrilling off-road driving and even camel rides. Further afield you can skydive over the dunes, go zorbing down them in an over-sized plastic ball, or paraglide serenely above them.
If you’re not into adventure, never fear: there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
An excellent choice is the informative desert tours which unpack the sensitive ecosystem that thrives in this desert. Ever wanted to meet a beetle that survives from drinking fog? Now’s your chance.
Just a short drive south brings you to Walvis Bay, where entertaining marine safaris bring sightings of Heaviside’s dolphins, whales and elephant seals, along with plenty of bird life. Most cruises end off with a platter of fresh local oysters and a glass of sparkling wine.
The most popular tables in town are those with a sea view, and on that score Jetty 1905 is your best option. Situated at the end of the town’s jetty – built in 1905 – you’ll enjoy glorious sunset views with your generous seafood platters. If you can’t get a table there, The Tug – on dry land, but with equally good views – is almost as good.
In town, celebrate the town’s Germanic heritage with a meal at the Swakopmund Brauhaus. Here you’ll find local beers, Bavarian architecture and hearty portions of traditional German cuisine. For a more refined dining experience, the elegant Hansa Hotel offers white linen tablecloths and classic continental cuisine in a fine dining setting.
Swakopmund’s tourism industry is built around easy access to both desert and ocean adventure activities, so pack accordingly. A pair of sturdy outdoor shoes is ideal for most desert activities, while aqua-shoes – or shoes that can get wet – will be useful if you’re stepping aboard one of the ocean cruises out of Walvis Bay. A wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sunscreen, is also advisable.
Dress codes across Namibia lean to the informal; so don’t fill your suitcase with frocks or dinner jackets. Aim for comfort over couture.
Swakopmund may be on the coast, but don’t expect balmy beach weather: days here are defined by the thick fog that rolls in off the Atlantic Ocean (almost) every morning and evening, cooling temperatures considerably. Happily, by late-morning the skies are usually clear, offering perfect conditions for enjoying the region’s adventure activities.
Swakopmund is malaria-free, and no prophylactics or precautions are required.
Swakopmund is situated midway along the west coast of Namibia. Use our handy country maps to find out where you’ll be travelling…
Private charter flights land at Swakopmund’s small airport, and offer the fastest, most convenient, option for linking the town with key destinations across Namibia. Direct scheduled flights connect Walvis Bay Airport – 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of Swakopmund – with Windhoek, as well as Johannesburg and Cape Town in neighbouring South Africa.
Alternatively, Swakopmund is accessible by road from Windhoek, a four-hour journey.
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