Swakopmund
is a coastal oases
Welcome to Swakopmund
Sandwiched between Atlantic rollers and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund is one of those great traveller way stations along the African road. At once Namibia's adventure capital and a surreal colonial remnant, part destination in its own right and part launch pad for an exploration of the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert, this is a city with as much personality as it has sea frontage. Like Lüderitz on the south coast, with its half-timbered German architecture, seaside promenades and pervasive Gemütlichkeit (a distinctively German appreciation of comfort and hospitality), Swakopmund, especially out of season, can feel like a holiday town along Germany’s North Sea and Baltic coasts transplanted onto African soil. But the city is also thoroughly African and its multidimensional appeal means that most people end up staying longer than they planned.
Top experiences in Swakopmund
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
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Swakopmund activities
Namibia Walvis Bay Dolphin and Seal Wacthing Catamaran Cruise
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Catamaran Charters Check-in pointEnjoy Catamaran Cruise while seeing a Shipreck, an abundance of marine life and moreDuration: 3 hours
Welwitschia Tour from Swakopmund
This enlightening journey takes you through the ancient canyons of the Moon Valley, one of the most fascinating areas of the Namib Desert. Let us take you back millions of years to when these badlands were formed. Learn the intrinsic value of the desert flora to the indigenous people who once roamed Southern Africa. Discover the medicinal and nutritional use of desert adapted flora, and delve into the secrets of the Welwitschia mirabilis.We learn of the Desert adapted of flora and fauna in order to survive under these harsh conditions by unfolding many hidden secrets.This informative tour also looks into what we call “the future of the Central Namib”, as we inform our guests about planned future industrial activities as well as existing ones in the area, due to the growth of Uranium mining and other related industry.This spectacular area is also home to some wildlife, and we might just spot Springbok, Ostrich, Klipspringer, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Karoo Chat and others. Smaller creatures, such as chameleons and beetles call this their home too.
Namib Desert from Walvis Bay 3-Hour Quad Bike Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park, Khomas RegionEnjoy Quad biking though the Namib Desert. Duration: 3 hours
Swakopmund Tour (Half Day Trip)
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Dune 7, Walvis Bay, Erongo RegionWe stop at this picturesque dune to allow for photos and a bit of walking around. You can also climb the dune if you feel fit enough!Duration: 15 minutesStop At: SwakopmundWe visit several old buildings in this town, with plenty of time for photographsDuration: 45 minutesStop At: Kristall Galerie, Swakopmund, Erongo RegionWe take a short tour inside the gallery to view the world's largest quartz crystal, as well as a good selection of semi-precious stonesDuration: 30 minutesStop At: Swakopmund Jetty, Swakopmund, Erongo RegionWe stop for photographs, as well as a leisurely stroll along the Jetty as we tell you a little bit about the historyDuration: 20 minutesStop At: Swakopmund LighthouseWe view this historic and functional lighthouseDuration: 10 minutesStop At: SwakopmundWe view and photograph this historic monumentDuration: 10 minutes
Living Dunes Experience from Swakopmund
Your tour begins with a morning pick up from your hotel by your experienced guide. You will then be taken to see the many creatures that call the desert their home. This half-day option offers you the chance of seeing and experiencing the dunes in the morning, then having the afternoon free to explore Swakopmund on your own. Immediately at the edge of Swakopmund, you will enter a restricted area with special permission, and begin the search for all things living, most of which are nocturnal and hidden under the desert sand during the day. Without your guides, you probably wouldn't be able to spot a lot of them. However, they use their skills to locate and show these little creatures to you, offering you an experience you won't soon forget.
3-Hour Quad Biking and Sand-Boarding Combo from Swakopmund
Quad biking is all about experiencing the sheer thrill of riding a bike through the Namib Desert’s boundless shifting sand dunes and sandboarding is just fun. Depending on the time you would like to go, a local guide will make sure to pick everyone then give everyone a safety briefing as well as your very own safety gear. The guide will then lead you towards the dune belt and he will tell you about the famous plants in the Namib Desert, few stops on the way are made.After being on top of the Devils Dip for a while we ride the berms, spirals and slope as you cruise towards the table top for one hour once you reach the top you will the do the sandboarding for another hour and enjoy the best feeling going down the dune especially you’re an adrenaline junky. Quad tour on top of the dunes the guide will go much slower for pure enjoyment and you will be amazed of what the desert has to offer. The view over the ocean is stunning and offers amazing photo opportunities.