Swakopmund
Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund is a must-visit destination for all visitors to Namibia. With a laidback charm, historical sights, German colonial architecture, excellent restaurants and beer houses, as well as fantastic guesthouses and hotels, Swakopmund will charm you to the point where you wish you had booked longer to stay.
Without question or doubt, Swakopmund is up there in the top 5 towns to experience in the whole of Africa.
Swakopmund Facts
- Size: Approximately 120km²
- When to visit the park: Year-round
- Rainfall: Less than 15mm per annum, fog occurs and can reach as far as 140km inland
- Altitude: Sea level
- Location: Central West coast of Namibia
- Accommodation: Swakopmund Hotels
Information On Swakopmund
Swakopmund, Namibia's second-largest city (town) and is the premier holiday destination of Namibia. During the December holiday season, the cool Namibian coast offers relief from the interior's intense heat, and thousands of Namibians flock to the coast.
The beautiful historical buildings in Swakopmund are a must-see, and these include the Old Provincial Court, the lighthouse, the museum and many beautiful townhouses. Walking the streets with a camera in hand can offer up excellent urban photography opportunities.
The Atlantic Ocean is usually too cold for swimming, although the water temperatures do become a bit more tolerable in summer.
For the adventure activity lovers, Swakopmund offers sandboarding, quad biking, dune carting, parachuting, hot air ballooning, shark fishing, deep-sea fishing and beach angling, to name but a few. The locals have an exciting mix of backgrounds, and there is no shortage of nightlife.
Where is Swakopmund located?
Just metres away from the Atlantic Ocean on the central west coast of Namibia is the town of Swakopmund, Namibia's most popular holiday destination by far.
- Swakopmund to Windhoek = 352km
- Swakopmund to Walvisbay = 43km
- Swakopmund to the Spitzkoppe = 152km
- Swakopmund to Etosha National Park = 492km
For a Google Map with Swakopmund street views, click on this link: Google Maps - Swakopmund
Best Time to Visit Swakopmund?
Swakopmund is a year-round destination; even in summer, the cold Atlantic Ocean keeps the town nice and cool. So even if the surrounding inland desert is well over 40 degrees celsius, Swakopmund is still nice a cool. In winter, a jersey or jacket is definitely needed.
For those wanting to spend a few hours sun tanning on the beaches, we would have to recommend summer for that, but otherwise, it does not matter what time of the year when you visit is heat is a concern.
If you are looking for a quiet time in Swakopmund, try to avoid the busy seasons of June and December, Namibian school holidays.
Main Attractions Of Swakopmund
- Prime holiday destination
- Excellent base from which to explore other parts of Namibia
- Spectacular German Architecture
- Excellent restaurants and bars
- Beach fishing
- Day tours into the Namib
- Cape Cross
- Walvisbay is excellent for birding
- Avani Windhoek Hotel
The Avani Windhoek Hotel is a tribute to these metaphors and is a stepping stone to Namibia and the gateway to Etosha National Park and the Namib Desert.
The Avani Windhoek Hotel Casino, 173 rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, sky lounge and all this located in the city centre of Windhoek, Namibia.
- Wolwedans Dune Camp
While Wolwedans Dune Camp aims to accommodate those guests in need of relaxed comfort and space, the camp is a more down-to-earth and close-to-nature experience. The camp sleeps a maximum of 12 guests in a perfect setting.
The spectacular NamibRand Nature Reserve awaits with game drives and scenic wonders in every direction.
- Mushara Outpost
The Mushara Outpost lodge accommodates 16 guests in custom-made tent-like structures; each tent is set on a wooden deck, a metre and a half above the ground, giving us a different perspective of the surrounding Namibian bush.
Mushara, one of the best Etosha lodge options for romantics and honeymooners alike.
- Zambezi Mubala Lodge
Zambezi Mubala Lodge is one of Namibia's best-kept secrets with a Zambezi Riverfront setting, 450 species of bird and good fishing all on the doorstep.
The perfect base from which to explore all that surrounds or simply sit back and relax in the lap of luxury.
- Olive Grove Guesthouse
The Olive Grove Guesthouse and boutique hotel in Windhoek is a small, upmarket accommodation establishment situated close to the Windhoek city centre in a quiet and peaceful suburb.
Olive Grove offers guests; free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool and is within an easy walk of Joe's Beer Garden
- Wolwedans Private Camp
Wolwedans Private Camp offers two spacious en-suite bedrooms, a 'Sala' where one can laze away siestas, various decks, and the central lounge, combining a study, living room, a dining area, and a fully equipped kitchen.