We spent four weeks driving around Namibia, a fascinating country that earned the number one rank as “Best Landscapes” on our 9-month Cairo to Cape Town journey.
In this article, we focus on where we spent most of our time in Namibia, and convince you why you must visit Swakopmund!
We have done all the work to answer any questions so you can focus all your energy on enjoying your Namibia holiday feeling knowledgeable and prepared.
What Should You Visit Swakopmund?
Without a doubt, Swakopmund is our favorite town in Namibia.
The name originates from the German language meaning “Mouth Of Swakop.” The Swakop is a nearby river, although there hasn’t been much water there in a long time!
A coastal town, Swakopmund is uniquely nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert providing the perfect mix of desert and sea activities.
Swakopmund was established in 1892 by German colonial authorities in Namibia. The German influence is unmistakable, clearly seen in its colonial-style buildings, original German names, and foods/beers!
Swakopmund is a great option if you need to rest up after all the long-distance driving you will be doing during your Namibia Holiday.
You can chill on the beach, wander along its palm-lined streets, and enjoy lots of good food, and yes, craft beer!
Getting To Swakopmund
Getting to Swakopmund, Namibia’s second-biggest city, is very easy, let’s look at the different options available:
Air Travel:
The closest airport is Walvis Bay Airport, which is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Swakopmund.
You can fly into Walvis Bay Airport from Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, or other major airports in the region.
From there, you can take a taxi, shuttle, or rent a car to reach Swakopmund.
Road Travel:
If you’re traveling within Namibia, you can drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund (approximately 4-5 hours) or other cities.
Alternatively, there are bus services that connect Windhoek to Swakopmund and other towns.
We used McClune’s Transport Services from Windhoek to Swakopmund on many occasions. The perks were that they pick you up at your accommodation and drop you off at your chosen destination. Booking was hassle-free and reliable.
Train:
The Desert Express train offers a scenic journey from Windhoek to Swakopmund, but schedules and services may vary so make sure you do your research beforehand.
Tours:
Some travel agencies or tour operators might offer guided tours or packages that include transportation to Swakopmund and activities in the area.
What are the Best Things to do in Swakopmund?
As mentioned above, Swakopmund is a great option to rest and chill after all the long driving days.
However, if you are still feeling energetic there’s still plenty to keep you entertained.
Let’s check out some of the best things to do in Swakopmund during your Namibia Holiday:
Adventurous Desert Activities: As you can imagine, the surrounding towering desert dunes provides the perfect place for thrilling adventures such as quad biking, sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and guided desert tours.
Marine Excursions: If you are more of a water-type then check out activities like the popular catamaran tour, kayaking, and fishing trips.
Cultural Experiences: Explore the town’s German colonial architecture, visit museums like the Swakopmund Museum to learn about Namibia’s history, or browse through local craft markets for souvenirs and handmade goods….and beer!
Seal Colony: Visit one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world. This can also be visited as part of a 7-day Namibia Safari Tour.
Sightseeing and Nature: Swakopmund is beautiful so wander and take in beauty of the coastal area by visiting spots like the Jetty and the beachfront promenade.
Skydiving: For the real adventurous, Swakopmund offers the chance to experience skydiving with incredible views of the desert and coastline.
Restaurants and Cafés: Enjoy a variety of dining options offering fresh seafood, German cuisine, and craft beer. We sure did!
Where Do I Stay in Swakopmund?
The accommodation recommendations provided were chosen based on value for money, location and reviews.
We have done all the research for you!
- Budget | Skeleton Beach Backpackers | Man Cave Suite |
- Middle price – Bay View Resort |Desert Sands Boutique B&B
- High-end – Swakopmund Sands |Swakopmund Luxury Suites.
Both of which boast a stunning beach front location.
When is the Best Time to Visit Swakopmund?
The best time to visit Swakopmund largely depends on the kind of experience you’re seeking, as the climate and activities can vary throughout the year.
Peak Season (November to March): This is Namibia’s summer and is the busiest time in Swakopmund. The weather is warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It’s an excellent time for beach activities, however, accommodation might be more crowded so make sure to book in advance.
Shoulder Season (April to June, September, and October): During these months the weather is generally mild to cool, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It’s a good time for a visit if you prefer fewer crowds and want to enjoy activities comfortably without the intense heat.
Low Season (July to August): This is Namibia’s winter and it has cool to cold temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings, ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F). This period experiences fewer tourists, it’s also a good time for budget travelers as accommodation costs will be lower.
Enjoy Swakopmund and Your Namibia Holiday!
We loved our visit to Swakopmund during our Namibia Holiday and we are certain you will love it just as much.
From the unique and stunning landscape where the desert meets the ocean, to the chill days relaxing and wandering around the picturesque town center.
Swakopmund is a picture-perfect town you see on a postcard and it is definitely worth a visit. You deserve some downtime after all!
Let us know how you get on by leaving a comment below or message us on our socials.
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