Swakopmund is Namibia’s premier holiday resort.
It has the architecture and atmosphere of a small German town from an earlier era. Despite its coastal location, it isn’t the place for sunbathing – as the cold currents of the Atlantic meet the Namib Desert it creates a fog bank, and early mornings and evenings can be cold throughout the year.
Generally, the town enjoys a temperate climate, with temperatures of 15 - 25°C. Average annual rainfall is less than 15mm - you will notice the rarity of gutters and drainpipes on the buildings - and it is the sea mist that provides the moisture to sustain plant and animal life.
This coolness can be a relief from the heat of the rest of Namibia, and, even without sun-bathing, there are plenty ways to spend your time. Swakopmund is a centre for adventure activities: sandboarding, 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 is a boat to observe the seals in Walvis Bay, and restaurants, cafes, art galleries, museums, as well as an aquarium. You should allow at least a couple of hours to enjoy the colonial architecture along the seafront, in Post Street, Kaiser Wilhelm Street and Brucken Street.
Birding
Swakopmund is a birding hotspot. In the reed beds of the Swakop estuary, you can observe various waders and land birds. The Saltworks, 6 km north of town, with its resident population of waders (oyster catcher, Cape teal, Cape shoveller, Blackwinged stilts, pelicans) is best visited early in the morning, before work begins. Between September and April, many migrants can also be seen. Nonidas Castle, 10 km east of town, is another good birding spot.
Sam's Giardino
If you are comfortable around dogs, we recommend Sam's Giardino, a friendly, cheerful Swiss-run guesthouse in Swakopmund, with nine spacious rooms, including a honeymoon room on the top floor.Breakfasts here are legendary, as is the wine-tasting and guests regularly comment on the excellent service....
Stiltz
For an overnight stay in Skakopmund, we favour Stiltz, a short walk from the town centre, with nine bungalows on raised decking, looking out over the lagoon and Atlantic Ocean....
Swakopmund Hotel & Centre
Swakopmund Hotel & Centre has a great central location in this premier Namibian resort.It was originally the railway station but is now restored to its Victorian glory.This 4-star hotel with 92 air-conditioned rooms is not small, but neither is the range of facilities, which include two restaurants, a casino’, video arcade, cinema, hairdresser and gym....
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita is a relatively new guesthouse, centrally located in the heart of Swakopmund’s action, close to the restaurants and shops.Once a colonial house, the décor here is colourful and modern, with a choice of eight double rooms and spacious suites.Renowned for its attentive and personal service, the guesthouse has a comfortable lounge and dining area, and pleasant garden.In-...
Classic Namibia Self-Drive Holiday
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Cheetah conservation project at Okonjima
- Spectacular game viewing around the waterholes in Etosha
- Elusive Rhino and Elephant in the desert at Damaraland
- Climb the highest dunes in Sossusvlei at Sunrise
Discover Namibia Lodge-Based Small Group Tour
Itinerary Highlights
- Professional and knowledgeable guide throughout
- climb the towering dunes of Sossusvlei
- Track the elusive desert adapted elephant in Damaraland
- Big five game viewing in Ongava Private Game Reserve
Open Road Self-Drive Namibia safari
Itinerary Highlights
- Stay in prime locations within the national parks
- completely independent travel through Namibia
- See the wildlife at Etosha
- ascend the dunes at Sossusvlei
Namibia Self-Drive Roof-Top Camping Holiday
Itinerary Highlights
- Independent travel on the open roads of Namibia
- Superb game viewing in Etosha
- Climb the living dunes in Sossusvlei
- Scour the Skeleton Coast for Shipwrecks
Hansa Hotel
Hansa Hotel is centrally located and offers a wider range of rooms and suites, and its restaurant is one of the most popular in Swakopmund. The Hansa is a good choice for those who prefer the ambiance of a 4-star traditional hotel....
Pocket-size Northern Namibia Self-Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Cheetah rehabilitation project at Okonjima
- View some amazing scenery from Damaraland
- Go on a cruise to see the Dolphins and seals from Walvis bay
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Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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