Swakopmund is Namibia playground, a holiday destination for tourists and locals alike looking to escape the heat of the interior and to have a little adventure. The city itself resembles a small German town and manages to create a feeling of timelessness with its palm-lined streets, seaside promenades, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and museums. And while there is plenty to do within city limits, the real action happens in the desert surrounding Swakopmund. Quad-biking, sand-boarding, sand-skiing, parasailing and dozens of other guided adrenaline inducing activities are available by reservation from many of the adventure companies operating in the area. At Walvis Bay, visitors can join a dolphin cruise or explore the lagoon on a kayak tour.
Even with all this excitement Swakopmund serves as a good break during a busy vacation. Relax and have fun in a place well suited for both. Palm-lined streets, seaside promenades, fine accommodation, a pleasant summer climate and decent beaches. Welcome to Swakopmund - Namibia's premier holiday resort! During the summer holidays and long weekends, thousands of Namibians flock to the coast, and this human migration happens for a number of reasons; Swakopmund has a real holiday feel to it and everyone wants to be there; during the December holidays, the cool Namibian coast offers relief from the intense heat of the interior; and more importantly as far as the tourist is concerned in these modern times, Swakop has changed, and has become the country’s leading adrenaline destination, with a wide range of activities to suit all ages and (most) egos.
Namib Desert
The area of Namib Desert around Swakopmund is named the West Coast Recreational Area. And recreation is the towns number one draw card. There are countless pursuits to help you spend your time, and money. For those interested in adventure activities Swakopmund offers sand boarding, quad biking, dune carting, parachuting, hot air ballooning, shark fishing, deep sea fishing and beach angling to name but a few. For the more sedentary there are restaurants, cafes, art galleries, museums, a snake park and aquarium.
If danger isn't your middle name, then the architecture and general feeling of Swakopmund might be more to your liking. This town has the ambiance associated with a small German village, and the town seems to be stuck in time. Although in recent times the new generation have woken up to the tourist potential of the area, Swakopmund still manages to create a feeling of timelessness.
History of Swakopmund, Namibia
The town’s history starts with the landing of the Portuguese sailor Bartholomew Diaz on Namibian soil at Cape Cross in the year 1487 where he erected a stone cross. Much later, in 1793, two Dutch sailors were anchoring shortly at the mouth of the Swakop River. In 1862 the crew of a German gunboat hoisted the German flag at the mouth of the Swakop River to signal the territories occupancy.
European explorers of the area, Dutchmen Sebastian van Reenen and Pieter Pienaar described the area in 1793 as one with lush vegetation and elephants and rhinos. Nowadays the area can be described as ocean on one side and desert on the other, with some shrubs as the only natural vegetation.
The town was founded in 1892 by Curt von François, the commissioner of Germany’s imperial colonial army. Von François (who also founded Windhoek two years previously) chose Swakopmund as the main harbor of German South West Africa on account of its abundant fresh water. Its name translates from the German for “Mouth of the Swakop.”
The town received municipal status in 1909 but saw a decline in 1915 when German South West Africa was taken over by the Union of South Africa, and harbor operations were moved south to Walvis Bay.
About a century after the Dutch exploration, the area was a colony of the German Empire, and was chosen as a second port for German Southwest Africa after Lüderitz. The architects decided that Swakopmund should resemble the German homeland as much as possible, wherefore the city now looks as it does.
The boom period of the city continued until the outbreak of World War I. This interrupted the construction of the massive pier, nowadays one of the city's main sights. After the war, the colony became a League of Nations mandate, later a de facto part of South Africa and Swakopmund mostly a city in decline.
Since the independence of Namibia in 1990, the city has established itself as a resort town. It's the fourth most populous city in the country. Swakopmund is popular among domestic and German vacationers.
How to Get to Swakopmund
Namibia is a popular self-drive destination, most visitors arrive in Swakopmund by road. It is 219 miles (352 kilometers) west of Windhoek on the B2, and 27 miles (43 kilometers) north of Walvis Bay on the same road.
If you’re traveling southwards from Hentiesbaai, you’ll drive on the C34 for 47 miles (75 kilometers). For those that don’t have their own vehicle, private shuttle bus service Town Hoppers offers a daily route in between Windhoek and Swakopmund. You can opt for door-to-door or bus stop-to-bus stop service, with rates starting from 230 Namibian dollars ($15) per person.
Swakopmund Airport (SWP) is used exclusively for charter flights and is not serviced by the national carrier, Air Namibia. Instead, it’s usually cheaper to catch the daily scheduled flight to Walvis Bay from Windhoek and then travel on to Swakopmund by bus or taxi. The Desert Express train service offers luxury overnight journeys from Windhoek, with meals and excursions en route included.
Weather and Climate in Swakopmund
Although Swakopmund has a desert climate with very little rain (less than .78 inches per annum), its proximity to the frigid Atlantic means that temperatures are consistently mild all year round. Average air temperatures range from 59 degrees F (15 degrees C) in winter to 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in summer, and the sea is always cold.
Fog is a defining feature of Swakopmund’s weather and can be present for more than 180 days of the year. It reaches many miles inland and is one of the main reasons for the shipwrecks that litter the Skeleton Coast. Although the town is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the Namibian summer (November to February) when the weather is warmest.
Top Things to Do in Swakopmund
Swakopmund has earned itself a reputation as Namibia’s adventure capital, and as such, visitors are spoiled for choice in terms of things to do. Options range from relaxing or fishing on the beach, to riding camels at the Swakopmund Camel Farm or admiring the world’s largest cluster of quartz crystals at the downtown Kristall Galerie. The most popular pastimes are listed below.
Swakopmund Museum
Located near the beach in the center of town, Swakopmund Museum is the largest privately run museum in Namibia. Its displays include examples of indigenous plants, taxidermied desert animals, and artifacts relating to the region’s native and colonial inhabitants. Of particular interest is the People of Namibia exhibit, which offers an insight into the traditional heritage of Namibia’s many different ethnic groups, from the Herero to the Himba. The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets cost 30 Namibian dollars (around $2) for adults and 10 Namibian dollars (around 68 cents) for children.
National Marine Aquarium
Namibia’s only aquarium showcases the fascinating marine life of the cold Benguela Current. Wander through an underwater walkway that affords close-up views of rays and sharks, or find yourself enchanted by the playful antics of the aquarium’s African penguins and Cape fur seals. Keen fishermen can also get an idea of the species that can be caught off Swakopmund’s beaches, including spotted grunter, silver cob, and west coast steenbras. The aquarium is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Desert Tours
Most visitors will want to make a trip into the surrounding Namib Desert, and there are many different ways to do so. Companies like Living Desert Adventures offer 4x4 Land Rover and Landcruiser safaris, which take you through the spectacular dunes in search of rare desert fauna, including the transparent Namib dune gecko desert chameleons, and sidewinder snakes. You can also explore by bicycle, courtesy of Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours, go sandboarding or head out on an adrenalin-fuelled quad-bike tour with Desert Explorers.
Skydiving
For an aerial view of the collision between sand and sea, you could sign up for a scenic flight. Alternatively, you could opt to throw yourself out of a perfectly functional aircraft with the Swakopmund Skydiving Club. Based at Swakopmund Airport, the company offers tandem skydives from 10,000 feet, with a 35-second free fall and a five-minute canopy ride. If you’re feeling courageous, you can even opt for a full day of training followed by a solo static line or free fall jump! Tandem skydives cost 2,500 Namibian dollars ($169) per person, with added costs for film footage.
Day Tours
Many companies offer exciting day tours from Swakopmund. Head south to Walvis Bay and embark upon a harbor cruise for the chance to see Cape fur seals, African penguins, and three species of dolphin (including the endemic Heaviside’s dolphin) up close. Birding trips take you to the Walvis Bay Lagoon, where thousands of lesser and greater flamingoes congregate, and coastal rarities like the Damara tern may be spotted. North of Swakopmund lies the Cape Cross seal colony, one of the largest in the world. En route, you’ll stop to see Skeleton Coast shipwreck, the Zeila.
Namibia Accommodation in Swakopmund
Whether you're a backpacker on a budget or a luxury traveler with cash to spare, there’s accommodation for everyone in Swakopmund. The most upscale option is probably Strand Hotel Swakopmund, which offers a scenic location on the Mole, Swakopmund’s historic sea wall. It’s surrounded by water on three sides and offers immaculately decorated rooms and suites in addition to a spa and three of the town’s best restaurants. Beach Lodge Swakopmund is an excellent midscale choice, with a beachfront location and a boutique feel. It has just 19 rooms (including two specifically for families) and a fantastic second-floor seafood restaurant.
Cornerstone Guesthouse is the top-ranked B&B choice on TripAdvisor and also offers beautiful self-catering apartments. It’s located in the old town within walking distance of the beach and top tourist attractions. For budget travelers, it’s hard to go wrong at Swakopmund Backpackers. Here, you’ll find affordable dormitories and private rooms, a self-catering kitchen and a garden complete with a barbecue area—perfect for braaing and swapping stories with your fellow travelers.
Sports & nature
Swakopmund has a wide range of activities to choose from, We have listed some activities not to missed below:
Balloon Safaris - Experience the Desert and ocean view from a balloon in the sky includes Champagne Breakfast
Seal and Dolphin Cruises - Tour includes a trip to see some Dolphins, Namibia's famed Seal Colony and if you're lucky few wales
Sand Boarding and Quad Biking - Looking for something bit more extreme? How about taking a 5 Min training and surfing the dunes or taking a Quad bike with the group and riding in the oldest desert in the world
Sky Diving - Africa's premier Drop zone
Town and Cultural Tours - Take a tour through the History of Swakopmund and the Rural Areas
The Kristall Gallerie - Larges Crystals in the world
The Swakopmund Museum - Holds a lot of Swakopmund history and the story behind Swakop
The Woermann Haus Tower - In the heart of Swakopmund lays the Woermann Haus Tower with Internet café, information centre, Library and Art Gallery
National Marine Aquarium of Namibia - Experience Southern African Sea Life
Living Desert Snake Park - Many of Namibia's native snake species and other reptiles can be viewed
Buildings and monuments of note in Swakopmund include the Hohenzollern Building, the Marine memorial, the War memorial in memory of those killed in World War 2, Princess Rupprecht House originally a military hospital now a private guest house.The Kaserne buildings originally served as a barracks and is of a similar design to the Alte Feste in Windhoek and Fort Namutoni in Etosha. The old Swakopmund Prison is still fully operational and provides budget accommodation for the criminal fraternity of the Namibian coast.
The Swakopmund Railway station was completed in 1901 and now houses the Swakopmund Hotel, while the bells of the Deutsche Evangelical Church were imported from Germany. Standing close to the State House (Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht) is the Swakop Lighthouse at just over 20 meters it has been functional since 1902.
For day trippers a visit to the Cape Cross Seal Colony is worth a visit as it offers a taste of the Skeleton Coast and the seals are worth a visit. The Welwitschia drive is an interesting way to spend a few hours and introduces you to some of the fauna and flora of the Namib Desert. Bird lovers can pay a visit to the Swakopmund Salt Works or the Walvis Bay Lagoon, which in season is frequented by thousands of flamingos.
The main beach area is called the Mole, and is the result of a largely unsuccessful attempt to construct the artificial harbour (as South Africa owned the only natural harbor in the area at Walvis Bay). The towns most iconic symbol is the Swakopmund jetty, initially used as mooring for ships it later became a popular are for anglers and walkers, it has fallen into disrepair on numerous occasions and has been subject to several attempts to rescue it from complete dereliction. Recently large scale work has been completed on the jetty which now proudly boasts a small restaurant and bar area.
Culture and history info
Before 1990, Namibia had been known as “South West Africa”. The first European passage past this region was by the Portuguese sailor Diogo Cão, who erected a cross at Cape Cross in 1485. European interest in the region was minimal. Namibia seemed to be a dry desert wasteland. Gradually though, whalers, quano collectors, missionaries and hunters took an interest in this region. On the 7th August, 1884 (about the time the Americans were putting up the Statue of Liberty), the Germans declared South West Africa a German Protectorate.
Of course, once they declared the protectorate, the German Reich wanted to make the most of their land. They knew that much of Europe was getting fat on their colonies, and the Germans intended to get their share. Being long before the days of aviation, the most important consideration for the Germans was to establish a harbor. But there was a problem. There was only one natural harbor on this rugged, sandy coastline, and that was Walvis Bay. And Walvis Bay was held already… by the British!
The Germans set about exploring the coastline for a suitable spot to establish their harbor. The biggest consideration aside from a natural harbor was to find a spot from which they could get in to the interior. These days we take this for granted, but the desert is so dry that in the days of ox wagons, crossing an inhospitable desert was a tough thing to do. You needed water and feed for your cattle. The Swakop River, which, despite being an ephemeral river did hold some fresh water, springs even fairly close to the coast. So, within a few years it had been chosen as the site.
On August 4, 1892 the gunboat “Hyena” marked the spot with some beacons and soon the development of Swakopmund started. A year later, in August 1893, the first ship of settlers arrived in Swakopmund. They were mainly German colonial troops (or Schutztruppe), but there were about 40 settlers as well.
Settlement had started, and it was tough. There was raiding on the ox wagons heading into the interior and there was nowhere to stay. In the beginning the settlers build caves into the ground while they were still preparing houses. There was no harbor in the area, and so the ships would be anchored off shore, and small boats were used to offload the ships and bring the goods ashore.
The first attempt to build a harbor started in 1898. They were attempting to create a harbor basin, known as the Mole. The Mole was completed in 1903 and soon they started using it. But there was a problem. There is a natural northward movement of a huge amount of silt along the coastline and soon the Mole started to silt up. By 1906 they couldn't use it anymore as a harbor.
So, a basin wouldn't work, so they focussed on Jetties. They started work on a jetty in 1905 This initial jetty was a wooden structure which was used for nearly a decade. In 1912 they began building a more substantial iron jetty. This jetty is still standing. At first ships bringing supplies were all returning empty, but by 1907 mining had started in the interior, and or was being exported.
The plans for the iron jetty were never totally completed. In 1914 world events took place that would change everything for South West Africa. The First World War had broken out. It didn't take too long before the South Africans (then as the Union of South Africa) had beaten the Germans.
Since South Africa was then totally under the Union of South Africa this separate harbor didn't make sense. It stayed in use for a few years longer, but in the mid 1920s all operations to Swakopmund ceased. Walvis Bay was now the harbor for the whole country. Swakopmund was already an established town. Many of the towns buildings of the time can still be seen if you visit Swakopmund.
Soon Swakopmund town changed roles. The interior of the country gets extremely hot in summer, and so Swakopmund was an ideal escape. It had cool foggy weather and fantastic fishing. So, for a long time Swakopmund was mainly a holiday town. But this wasn't the end of the story for Swakopmund. It had long been known that there was uranium in the interior of the desert from Swakopmund. In 1976 the Rössing Uranium Mine had opened and started production.
Swakopmund soon became a hub for this mining. And a new bunch of people moved in. Swakopmund remains Namibia's main tourist town, with lots of interesting things to see and do both in the town and out in the surrounding desert. If you're visiting the town, there is a very nice museum which is worth a visit.
