Swakopmund

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.