Swakopmund is a lovely city on the coast of Namibia, about 350 km west of Windhoek. There are a lot of superb issues to do in Swakopmund from observing unimaginable wildlife to skydiving over the desert and tasting native craft beer.
In our opinion, Swakopmund is probably the most lovely and attention-grabbing city within the nation. It’s undoubtedly value together with it in your Namibia street journey itinerary. If you happen to’re in search of a pleasant place the place you may keep for a few days Swakopmund is a good choice. We spent right here one week and had a very nice time. The city is an ideal place for solo vacationers and those that don’t need to hire a automobile. There are a lot of group and personal excursions that take vacationers to among the greatest locations to go to in Namibia.
Discover Namibia and Swakopmund with a gaggle tour from Windhoek
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Nature and wildlife issues to do in Swakopmund
You’ll be shocked by the range of wildlife and panorama of the realm. Inside just a few hours’ drive, you may see spectacular sand dunes, weird rock formations, abandoned coasts, and hundreds of animals and birds.
Visiting the Namib Desert
Many vacationers affiliate Namibia with the desert so visiting the spectacular red-sand dunes within the Namib Desert is a must-do factor for anyone visiting Swakopmund. Dune 7 is located 35 km south of the city near the street you don’t want a 4×4 to get to it. There’s a parking zone on the dune you may go away your automobile there. Sundown is one of the best time for visiting the dune. You possibly can benefit from the solar taking place from the highest of the dune within the countless Namib Desert.
Dune 7 shouldn’t be the one well-known dune within the Namib Desert. If you wish to see spectacular dunes and salt pans ensure to go to Sossusvlei. The distinctive surroundings and unreal fantastic thing about the desert. It was undoubtedly one of many highlights of our Namibia journey.
Dune excursions from Swakopmund
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Watching flamingos in Walvis Bay
Wildlife round Swakopmund is extremely various. The flamingo colony in Walvis Bay, a small city 40 km south of Swakopmund is without doubt one of the locations value visiting. You possibly can see birds from shut by from the promenade. A tidal pool at Pelican Level is one of the best spot for watching these magnificent birds. One of the best time to see flamingos in Walvis Bay is between November and April. In the course of the peak season, December to March, there are millions of birds within the space.
Excursions to Walvis Bay from Swakopmund
Recognizing whales and dolphins from a ship
Watching flamingos shouldn’t be the one factor to do in Walvis Bay. If you happen to do a ship or catamaran tour at Pelican Level it is possible for you to to see whales, dolphins, seals, sunfish, and leatherback turtles. One of the best season to see whales are the winter months from July to November. Throughout that point you may see Southern Proper Whales and Humpback Whales. Different marine animals may be seen year-round. You are able to do a catamaran tour to see the varied marine lifetime of the Namibian coast.
If you happen to’re planning to go to southern Namibia take into account visiting Luderitz, a small coastal city within the south of the nation. There are some attention-grabbing issues to do in Luderitz together with observing marine wildlife.
Marine wildlife excursions
Driving alongside the Skeleton Coast
The secluded Skeleton Coast of Namibia is an attention-grabbing place to go to. A drive alongside the coast is an journey by itself. The identify comes from a number of shipwrecks that may be discovered alongside the coast. A few of the wrecks are value a cease. Zeila Wreck might be probably the most well-known right here. It’s a well-preserved wreck located near the shore, about 60 km north of Swakopmund.
Shore fishing is a well-liked exercise on the Skeleton Coast if you happen to’re a eager fisherman convey your rods with you.
You possibly can embrace a drive alongside the Skeleton Coast into your Namibia Victoria Falls Street journey.
Watching seals at Cape Cross
It is without doubt one of the not-to-miss locations in Namibia. Cape Cross is a nature reserve that’s residence to the biggest land colony of Cape Fur seals. Within the peak season, you may see as much as species. One of the best time to go to Cape Cross Seal Reserve is the breeding season, between January and March, when you may see hundreds of cute seal cubs crawling across the space. Guests stroll on boardwalks seals and their cubs aren’t disturbed by human presence. If you happen to’re a nature images lover Cape Cross is a implausible place for taking close-by images of seals. The one draw back of the place is the scent if you happen to’re delicate convey a serviette or a masks with you.
You possibly can mix visiting this place with a drive alongside the Skeleton Coast. Cape Cross is 130 km north of Swakopmund.
Working hours – every day from 10 am to five pm
Admission price – NAD 200/US$13 per particular person, NAD 50/US$4 per automobile
Cape Cross excursions from Swakopmund
Searching for wildlife within the desert
The desert would possibly appear like an uninhabitable place for untrained eyes. In reality, many endemic species may be discovered within the sand dunes simply exterior Swakopmund. Don’t anticipate to see large mammals however moderately small endemic species like lizards, snakes, beetles, and spiders. This exercise is without doubt one of the issues that I’d strongly advocate doing with a information. In the course of the tour, you’ll study rather a lot in regards to the wildlife of the Namib Desert.
Desert wildlife excursions from Swakopmund
Admiring Moon Panorama and Welwitschias
The Moon Panorama is located 40 km east of Swakopmund. You possibly can go to it as a day journey from the city or on the best way driving from Windhoek or Sossusvlei. The panorama in that a part of the Namib desert reminds the floor of the Moon. From the lookout level, you may see rocky hills carved within the desert by the Swakop River. The panorama was fashioned thousands and thousands of years in the past when the local weather within the area was extra humid. Within the background of the valley, guests can see the Rossin Mountain.
There are a number of factors of curiosity within the valley together with uncommon vegetation, World Struggle I stays, mines, and weird rock formations. If you wish to go to all factors of curiosity (beacons) you’ll want 4-5 hours.
Moreover the surreal panorama, guests can see the Welwitschia mirabilis. These vegetation are distinctive to the Namib Desert. They’re referred to as dwelling fossils. The typical age of welwitschias is 400-500 years although among the vegetation attain 1500 years.
To go to the beacons you want a allow that may be obtained at Ritterburg Workplace in Swakopmund. You possibly can go to the Moon Panorama and see Welwitschia with a guided tour from Swakopmund.
Visiting Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe means pointed dome in German. This lovely place is positioned 150 km northeast of Swakopmund. It’s well-known for its granite peaks and weird rock formations. The peaks dominate the plains of the Namib Desert. The best peak is 1728 m. You possibly can go to Spitzkoppe is a day journey from Swakopmund. If you happen to don’t need to do a self-drive journey you may be part of a small group tour to Spitkoppe from Swakopmund.
To essentially admire the fantastic thing about the place I’d advocate staying right here for the evening. Tenting beneath the celebrities on this unimaginable place is an incredible expertise. Spitzkoppe Camp is considered one of our favourite campsites in Namibia.
Journey issues to do in Swakopmund
Adrenalin junkies and outside lovers can have loads of issues to do in Swakopmund to maintain them busy for just a few days. Swakopmund can simply be referred to as the adventurous capital of Namibia.
A 4×4 drive within the desert
Driving in a 4×4 automobile previous the large sand dunes is without doubt one of the not-to-miss issues in Swakopmund. For a desert drive, you may head to Sandwich Bay, and drive alongside the Skeleton Coast, in direction of the Moon Panorama. Earlier than occurring a drive be sure you have sufficient petrol in your tank, test your wheels, pack a spare tire in your boot, and take sufficient water and snacks with you.
You don’t need to hire a 4×4 car to benefit from the desert becoming a member of a day tour is a good choice for experiencing the drive particularly if you happen to’re not very assured with driving on rugged roads and dunes.
Quad biking within the dunes
One other nice exercise in Swakopmund. Using a quad bike is a enjoyable technique to expertise the desert. To be sincere, I want it over 4×4 driving it’s extra thrilling and you may really go over fairly large sand dunes. No want to fret about getting caught or having a flat tire. Plus, everybody (even older kids) can get his/her portion of adrenaline and maneuver over the dunes.
Quadbike excursions from Swakopmund
Skydiving over the desert
Tandem skydiving is an exercise not for everyone. I have to admit we didn’t do it. Primarily as a result of it didn’t slot in our funds and we do remorse it. Fortunately Namibia shouldn’t be removed from South Africa I’m positive we’ll get an opportunity to do it on our subsequent journey.
Having fun with the unimaginable panorama of the Namib Desert whereas free-falling from 2000 m is certainly a lifetime expertise. Add to this the scenic flight over the wild Atlantic coast the place the desert meets the ocean. The free fall lasts between 30 and 40 seconds nevertheless it looks like a lifetime (imagine me I’ve completed it as soon as).
Kayaking
Kayaking round Chicken Rock Island is a implausible approach of observing the varied marine lifetime of the area. In the course of the tour, you’ll get to see dolphins, seals, flamingoes, pelicans, and different marine birds. Paddle in a kayak is a must-include in your Swakopmund itinerary particularly if you happen to’re a bit overwhelmed by sand dunes and the desert. As an choice, you may mix kayaking with a 4×4 desert drive. This manner you’ll get to see each the spectacular dunes of the Namib Desert and the varied marine lifetime of the area.
Using a motorbike within the desert
Exploring the Namib Desert on a motorbike is a very superb factor to do in Swakopmund. Biking over sand dunes offers you an opportunity to benefit from the distinctive atmosphere of the desert with out engine noises and air air pollution. For us, doing any outside bodily exercise after spending days sitting within the automobile was superb. Biking on sand is a bit tough and fairly difficult typically, particularly once you attempt to go up the hill be able to sweat from each the hassle and the warmth. When doing any outside exercise within the desert all the time placed on sunscreen and put on a cap.
Desert biking excursions from Swakopmund
Sandboarding
Sandboarding from the excessive dunes of the Namib Desert is a good and enjoyable exercise. Taking place a sand dune on a board standing is kind of tough. It’d take a few tries to pay money for it. It helps when you have some expertise in snowboarding although it’s not the identical.
If you’d like a neater various you are able to do a lie-down sandboarding. In my expertise, it’s sooner to go down mendacity down than standing. Whichever approach you select put together your self for a bodily difficult stroll up the dunes along with your board after each slide.
Sandboarding excursions from Swakopmund
Cultural and foody issues to do in Swakopmund
Nature and journey actions are usually not the one issues to do in Swakopmund. The city provides nice cultural and gastronomical experiences.
Exploring the city on foot
Swakopmund is our favourite “strolling city” in Namibia. It has every part to get pleasure from a pleasant stroll: lengthy sandy seashores, small squares, lovely structure, cozy espresso outlets, and nice vistas from the pier. We stayed in Swakopmund for nearly every week and had been very pleased simply to stroll round after many lengthy days of driving. All the principle sights, eating places, outlets, and the seaside are shut to one another you actually don’t want a automobile to maneuver round.
The architectural highlights of Swakopmund are the Prinzessin Rupprecht Heim constructing, the Outdated Jail, the State Home, Woermannhaus, the Lighthouse, Hohenzollern Constructing, and extra. Most of those outstanding buildings had been constructed firstly of the XX century.
Swakopmund metropolis excursions
Assembly locals
A township tour simply exterior Swakopmund is a good way of assembly locals and studying about totally different tribes dwelling within the space. Visiting the townships offers you an opportunity to see Swakopmund from a special perspective. You’ll meet the Damara, Nama, and the Herrero individuals. In the course of the tour, you get to go to an area college, strive some conventional selfmade meals, hearken to the choir, and extra. It’s a enjoyable, informative, and fascinating approach of experiencing native tradition.
Swakopmund township excursions
If you happen to’re within the Namibian tribes you’ll get pleasure from visiting the Himba Individuals in Northern Namibia.
Stress-free on the seaside
What may be higher than stress-free on the seaside after lengthy days of driving by the desert?! We actually loved lengthy sundown walks and morning runs on the lengthy sandy seaside in Swakopmund. Like in all places in Namibia the ocean is fairly chilly and not likely appropriate for swimming. Temperatures vary between 18°C in summer season and 14°C in winter.
Visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium
It may not be the primary selection particularly when you have restricted time to spend in Swakopmund. The beauty of the aquarium is you can study in regards to the marine lifetime of the area. There are solely native species that dwell within the Atlantic’s chilly Benguela Present. You possibly can see right here sharks, rays, lobsters, and totally different sorts of fish. The aquarium is kind of small you’ll want an hour or two to go to it. It’s an attention-grabbing place to go to with kids they’ll get pleasure from watching rays feeding and operating by the glass tunnel.
Working hours – Tue – Solar, from 10am to 4pm, feeding every day at 3pm
Admission price – NAD 30/US$2
Studying historical past on the Swakopmund Museum
The museum was established in 1951 by Dr. Alfons Weber. These days it’s the largest non-public museum in Namibia. Right here you may study just about every part in regards to the area from indigenous vegetation and animals to the standard dwelling kinds of native tribes and outdated motorized autos. It’s an excellent place to go to particularly if Swakopmund is a place to begin of your Namibia journey.
Working hours – Mon – Solar, fom 10am to 5pm
Admission price – NAD 30/US$2
Tasting craft beer
If you happen to’re a beer lover you’ll undoubtedly get pleasure from Swakopmund. To get a first-hand beer tasting expertise go to the Namib Dunes Craft Brewery. They’ve an excellent number of beers and ales.
If you wish to have an excellent meal e.g. a steak, a burger, and so on. along with your beer ensure to go to Joe’s Beerhouse or SKW Brathause and Beergarden. Each locations have scrumptious meals, good beers, and an excellent vibe.
Having fun with contemporary seafood
Recent seafood and fish are one thing to not miss in Swakopmund. Right here you may get pleasure from freshly caught native specialties equivalent to lobsters, oysters, and fish. There are a number of nice eating places the place you may strive among the greatest sushi and seafood in Namibia. Ocean Cellar and Jetty 1905 serve contemporary seafood, glorious sushi, in addition to meat and vegetarian dishes. From each eating places, you may watch the sundown having fun with a scrumptious meal.
Attending to and round Swakopmund
One of the best ways of shifting round Namibia is by automobile. If you happen to’re coming from abroad you’ll in all probability fly to Windhoek the simplest shall be to hire a automobile on the airport. Touring round Namibia by automobile permits you to be versatile and make spontaneous modifications to your journey itinerary.
Swakopmund is 300 km west of Windhoek, the drive takes about 4 hours. Many vacationers want visiting Sossusvlei first and from there go to Swakopmund. Sossusvlei is 400 km south of Swakopmund. The street is generally gravel, it takes about 5 hours to drive.
If you happen to don’t need to hire a automobile you may get to Swakopmund with a shuttle bus. There are a number of corporations working on this route. One of the best is to ask your resort to rearrange it for you.
You possibly can be part of a gaggle tour from Windhoek that can take you to the principle sights in Namibia. On this case, you don’t have to fret or plan something your self.
Greatest locations to remain in Swakopmund
There are many lodging choices in Swakopmund for various budgets from backpackers’ hostels to luxurious lodges.
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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, answerable for all our land adventures (mountaineering, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack moderately than to do a ten 000 km street journey (really any street journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
