Swakopmund Holiday

Sandwiched between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund is a city which straddles two of Namibia’s great extremes. It’s a favorite seaside destination for locals as well as the country’s hub for all things adventure. Swakopmund is also the main launchpad into the Skeleton Coast. Take your pick of adventure: sandboarding, skydiving or paragliding. How about horseback riding across the moon-like landscapes which surround Swakopmund? Strong Atlantic waves at Walvis Bay, south of the city, make it popular for surfing, kiteboarding and sports fishing. While the wind-carved rock formations of the surrounding Namib Desert are great for climbing.  

For wildlife enthusiasts, a holiday in Swakopmund does not disappoint. The bay’s Bird Island is an artificial nesting area where resident seabirds such as flamingos and Cape cormorants can be spotted, while inland, the red dunes, granite mountains and desert-adapted wildlife of Namib-Naukluft National Park await eager game watchers.  

Let’s not forget the history buffs and culture vultures on a holiday tour in Swakopmund. From the Lighthouse and the Mole (an old sea wall) to the sidewalk cafés, art nouveau buildings and trendy bistros, Swakopmund still retains the charm of its 1892 beginnings as a German colonial town. The leisurely pace and laid-back locals of Swakopmund will make you want to hang around for a while. Here, there’s no rush. Swakopmund invites you to take your time.

Best Time to Visit Swakopmund:

Swakopmund is a year-round destination, but the drier months between May and October are ideal to combine with safaris in greater Namibia. This is because winter offers the best wildlife sightings.