Swakopmund

From elegant art nouveau German architecture to sandy beaches, from interesting museums to excellent restaurants, you certainly will not run out of things to see and try in Swakopmund. Whether you find yourself amongst the high dunes of the Namib Desert, or on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund offers something memorable for everyone.

Swakopmund was founded in 1892 by Captain Curt von François to be the main harbour for Germany’s newly acquired colony. The already existing nearby harbour at Walvis Bay belonged to the British and was therefore not as accessible to the Germans. Hence Swakopmund, only approximately 35 km north of Walvis Bay, was chosen for its availability of fresh water and relatively straightforward passageway to the inland, notably to Otjimbingwe and Windhoek. The town gradually grew, not only in size but also in importance both from an administrative and trade perspective. However, after the end of World War I, what is now Namibia was placed under South African administration and the barriers between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay were dissolved. This meant that the Swakopmund harbour became redundant, in favour of the better suited deep-sea harbour in Walvis Bay. So, Swakopmund started transforming itself, gradually becoming Namibia’s favourite holiday town.

Now Swakopmund offers a wide range of activities to all its visitors: exciting desert tours take you into the Namib and introduce you to different plants and animals which have adapted to survive these arid conditions. On quad bike tours you can ride up and down enormous dunes to get your adrenaline pumping. You could go sandboarding and even skiing down the dunes and for those in the mood for something more relaxed, camel rides in this beautiful desert landscape is also possible.

There are plenty of activities on the water too: catamaran tours will take you onto the Walvis Bay lagoon and show you some of the marine life nearby. Cheeky seals regularly jump onto the boats, hoping to score an easy, fishy meal. Dolphins, sun fish, leatherback turtles and whales can also be encountered on these boat trips. Maybe you would like to try some of the fresh local oysters whilst onboard, with a glass of sparkling wine or a couple of beers, as drinks and snacks are provided for during the excursion.

But Swakopmund offers more than just adventure activities. It has beautifully, brightly coloured buildings, many of which have an interesting story to tell.  You can go on a guided city tour of Swakopmund if you would like to learn more about the town and hear some of its many stories. The museums are fun too and give you a greater background not only to the town, but to the whole of Namibia. And then there are the cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. This is where the town’s German heritage can really shine and you can indulge in delicious German-style cakes. Due to the fact that Swakopmund is on the coast, its many restaurants often serve delicious fish and seafood dishes, all fresh from the ocean. Enjoying a delightful seafood platter, with a chilled glass of white wine and a view of the ocean after having spent the past few days deep in the desert is always a wonderful change of scenery.

As is usually the case with holiday towns, there is a wide variety of accommodation possibilities available. These range from Swakopmund camping options to large luxurious hotels. Our personal favourites, however, are the small intimate guesthouses and bed and breakfasts which are either located directly on the beach or alternatively, are only a short walk away. These welcoming accommodations are often owner-managed and will let you feel the charm of the town which the locals affectionally simply call ‘Swakop’.

You can explore Swakopmund either on a self-drive trip or a guided tour.

Swakopmund is always worth a visit. It offers more activities than you could possibly do on a single stay, so whether you are going to Namibia for the first time, or you are a returner, there is always a reason to visit this delightfully attractive and exciting little town.