Swakopmund is popular as a beach resort which provides a comfortable contrast to the hot interior. It is sandwiched between Atlantic rollers and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund is one of those great traveller waystations along the African road. Namibia’s adventure capital and surreal colonial remnant, part destination and part launchpad for an exploration of the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert.
A historic German colonial era town of Swakopmund that is a beloved holiday destination for both locals and visitors. Located south west of Windhoek on the misty Atlantic coast in the Namib Desert, it is a somewhat strange and amiable small town positioned in the middle of the ocean and sand. With its palm-lined streets and seaside walkway, restaurants and cafes, galleries and museums, the town itself is laid-back and has its own specific charm. However, it has become an African escapade focal point owing to the broad diversity adrenalin and exploration activities presented by the surrounding desert.
Swakopmund, Namibia, was founded two years later than Windhoek, in 1892, by Captain Curt von Francois as the main harbour of German South West Africa. Increased traffic between Germany and its colony necessitated establishing of own port as Walvis Bay, located 33 kilometres south, was already in British possession. The choice fell on Swakopmund where water could be found and because other sites checked.
The variety of adventure pursuits that may be undertaken in Swakopmund are deep sea fishing and beach anglin, scenic desert hot air ballooning, quad-biking, sand-boarding, sand-skiing, parasailing, dune carting, parachuting and other guided adrenaline-inducing activities, Shopping, dining out and relaxing, tours to nearby Walvis Bay where visitors can enjoy marine cruises, kayacking and bird-watching, desert tours to see rare, ancient, desert-dwelling Welwitschia plants and to climb the high Namib sand dunes and Swakopmund Museum, National Marine Aquarium and various historic monuments.
The busiest month for tourism in Swakopmund is December. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during this month, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Swakopmund is a great destination at any time of year. It is best to visit this coastal town during the summer months when the breeze from the ocean make it cooler than inland destinations as it may be bit foggy in the winter months. The climate is mild, ranging between 15°C and 25°C.
Sand dunes run straight into the ocean
GETTING THERE
By Air
Guests to Swakopmund can travel to this town through a number of means. The simplest is to fly directly to Walvis Bay International Airport from Cape Town or Johannesburg, or alternatively, the Swakopmund airstrip via Windhoek. Visitors stopover at Swakopmund, however, commonly do so on an excursion through Namibia, and it may well not be the initial destination.
By Road
Swakopmund is located about 50km from Walvis Bay. The brief drive alongside the coast is a fabulous manner to learn both towns. Visitors travelling to Swakopmund from other destinations are able adore the beautiful landscapes of Namibia. Visitors are at all times conveyed in a private, air-conditioned vehicle by a proficient guide.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Swakopmund varies from hotels and luxury guest houses to inexpensive lodges, plenty to flatter all sense of taste, trip types and budgets. If you’re in search for a safari pause on the coast or a cultural retreat, our choice of Swakopmund accommodation is certain to enthuse you.
MEDICAL
Swakopmund is a very clean town and you do not need any “special” vaccinations or prophylaxis. Namibia is one of the cleanest countries in the world – a dry, desert landscape, with little rotting organic material. Swakopmund is well below the Malarial risk. If you are coming from a malaria zone be sure to continue the course as prescribed
SAFETY
Theft is not a major problem in Swakopmund, but in a country with very high unemployment rates and a great deal of financial inequality, tourists often make good targets. However by following some simple precautions and being aware of your surroundings you should easily be able to minimise your chances of being a victim. The risk of being a victim of crime increases at night. Travellers should avoid walking alone, particularly at night.
WILDLIFE
A number of Swakopmund wildlife species can be found across the town’s habitats. Some of the most common species include black-backed jackal, brown hyena and Cape fur seals. Springbok and gemsbok can also be found near the coastlines, while desert elephants can sometimes be spotted outside of the town in the surrounding desert.
A couple of hours’ drive north of Swakopmund you will find the seal colony at Cape Cross. It’s certainly worth a visit as it is home to between 100,000 to 240,000 Cape fur seals at any one time. South of Swakopmund, and equally worth a day’s visit, is the lagoon at Walvis Bay. Pelicans sweep over the dunes to the sea, whilst hundreds of flamingos, avocets and other waders are to be found in the lagoon.
When is Swakopmund the busiest?
Swakopmund swamped by visitors in December.
What sort of fishing is available in the area?
There is deep sea fishing, beach angling and shark fishing.
When visiting Swakopmund, what other nearby destination should I incorporate into my trip?
When visiting Swakopmund, it would be good adventure to undertake a tour of the Cape Cross and the Skeleton Coast National Park.
What is the most well-liked food in Swakopmund?
This area is known for its fish, the popular Swakopmund oysters and rock lobster.
What languages are spoken in Swakopmund?
English is broadly spoken, and German is also spoken in Swakopmund.
Is there internet connectivity?
Internet access is firmly established, and connection speeds are fairly stable. An increasing number of backpacker hostels, hotels, lodges and guesthouses also offer wi-fi internet access, although this rarely extends beyond the hotel reception area.
Abandoned house in Kolmanskop ghost village
Namibia’s quite modern public services makes it probable to revel in a exhilarating private overland safaris in this exceptional country. This Namibia safari offers the most far-reaching view of the country and its main attractions, …
Enjoy the best of Namibia on a nine-day jet-in escapade that covers Swakopmund, Windhoek, Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei. Your accommodation from end to end is sumptuous on this safari and typified by spectacular venues. …
Enjoy a five-day safari to Namibia that combines two of the nation’s most glaring and spectacular destinations; Swakopmund, where the sizzling desert meets the frosty Atlantic, and Sossusvlei, with its unparalleled night-time and star-gazing lofty …
Tel: +27 87 700 6315
Cell: +27-73-145-9910
Email: contact@tourafrika.africa
65 Casa Bella, 247 Sullivan Street, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa, 0157
Mon – Fri 08.00 – 17.00
Sat – Sun 08h00 – 12h30
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |