Swakopmund and surroundings

Swakopmund is a vibrant coastal town nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, and is considered Namibia's most important seaside resort. The town is known for its mild climate year-round, German colonial architecture, and a wide range of activities between the desert and the sea.

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Swakopmund – Facts & Figures

Swakopmund is the capital of the Erongo region and lies directly at the mouth of the Swakop River where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean. According to the 2023 census, the Swakopmund constituency has approximately 75,900 inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in Namibia. The climate is influenced by the cold Benguela Current: the air usually remains pleasantly cool, rain is rare, and fog and drizzle are common; water temperatures typically range between 12 and 16 °C throughout the year.

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Main sights in the city

• Swakopmund Museum at the pier: Namibia's largest private museum dedicated to natural history, history, and culture; admission approx. 40–50 NAD per adult; located directly at the pier, a short walk from the town center. info-namibia

• Pier, beach promenade & jetty: Sheltered bathing bay, walking path and historic landing stage with restaurants; freely accessible, centrally located. namibiaexperience

• Historic Old Town with Woermann House, Hohenzollern House & Lighthouse: Striking colonial buildings and landmarks of the city; freely viewable from the outside, all within walking distance of the city center. wikipedia

• Crystal Gallery & Craft Shops: Exhibition of large quartz crystals, as well as galleries and souvenir shops in the center; mostly free admission, some with small entrance or guided tour fees. info-namibia

• Local markets & cafes: Numerous restaurants, bakeries, and street stalls offering fish, seafood, and German-Namibian cuisine, concentrated in the city center. namibiaexperience

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Activities & Excursions from Swakopmund

• Living Desert / “Little 5” Tour: Guided desert tour to see geckos, chameleons, and other small animals of the Namib; typical prices around 900–1,100 NAD per adult, departure a few kilometers outside the city. tripadvisor

• Quad biking & sandboarding: Multi-hour trips into the dunes with optional sandboarding; prices vary considerably depending on duration and operator, often ranging from approximately 600–1,200 NAD per person; starting point usually 5–10 km outside the town. traveloptimizer

• Boat and kayak tours in Walvis Bay: Dolphins, seals, and often flamingos in the lagoon; most tours depart from Walvis Bay (approx. 30–35 km south), typical prices several hundred NAD per person depending on duration. wildfulstories

• City tours and guided walking tours: Overview of history, architecture, and townships; prices vary depending on the provider, usually reasonable per person, starting directly in the city center. info-namibia

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Sights in the surrounding area

• Moon Landscape & Welwitschia Drive: Moon-like erosion landscape along the Swakop Valley and centuries-old Welwitschia mirabilis trees; approximately 30–50 km east of Swakopmund, easily accessible by tour or rental car (park permit required, small fee). info-namibia

• Sandwich Harbour (Namib-Naukluft Park): A spectacular meeting point of high dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, with rich birdlife; tours in 4x4 vehicles from Walvis Bay or Swakopmund, typical prices well into the upper three- to low four-figure NAD range per person. info-namibia

• Cape Cross Seal Colony: One of the world's largest fur seal colonies, located in Dorob National Park; approximately 120 km north of Swakopmund on the C34. National park and entrance fees apply. info-namibia

• Dune 7 near Walvis Bay: A very high dune with views across the desert; approximately 30–35 km south, freely accessible, parking fees may apply depending on the area. wildfulstories

• Henties Bay & Shipwrecks (e.g., Zeila): Coastal town and photo opportunities with old shipwrecks north of Swakopmund; distances depending on the destination approximately 70–120 km along the coast. info-namibia