Swakopmund, Namibia: German-era town between dunes and sea
Swakopmund is a cool Atlantic town where the Namib Desert meets the sea. Go from November to March for mild, dry days, or any time for desert and ocean trips.
Why go
Swakopmund has a German colonial look, with a historic jetty, palm-lined streets and old buildings near the beach. The town works as Namibia's adventure base. Visitors go sandboarding and quad biking on the dunes, skydive over the desert or take a Namib Desert tour.
Boats from nearby Walvis Bay go out to see Cape fur seals, dolphins and flamingos in the lagoon. Dune 7 and the Namib coast lie a short drive away. Back in town, the Hawker's Market and the seafront cafes suit slow afternoons.
Plan it
- Best time
- November to March has warm, dry days. Coastal fog and cool air are common all year, so pack a jacket.
- From SA
- Fly Johannesburg to Walvis Bay with Airlink, about 2 hours 15 minutes, then drive about 40 minutes. Or fly to Windhoek and drive about 3 hours 20 minutes. Check flights before you book.
- Visa
- None for South African passports for short tourist stays. The passport needs at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Stay
- Guesthouses and small hotels, roughly R1,500 to R3,000 a night for two. Prices are an estimate, so check before you book.
- Budget
- $$, Flights and activities add up
- Good for
- Adventure seekers, desert and coast lovers, couples on a long weekend
Visa rules and prices change: check them before you book.