German colonial architecture lines the streets of this coastal Namibian town, where sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. A center for adventure sports and German-African culture.
Swakopmund sits where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean on Namibia's western coast. You'll walk past 19th-century German buildings like the Woermann House, climb Africa's highest sand dunes, watch dolphins play in the Atlantic waters, and spot Cape fur seals lounging on the beaches. The city's mild climate and location between desert and ocean make it a popular escape for both locals and visitors.
Getting to Swakopmund
Drive 4 hours west from Windhoek on the B2 road to reach Swakopmund. Fly into Walvis Bay Airport, 30 minutes south, with regular flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. The Trans-Namib Railway connects Swakopmund to Windhoek and Walvis Bay, letting you see the desert landscape from the train windows.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Temperatures stay mild throughout the year, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Visit between July and October for the most comfortable weather, with temperatures around 20°C and almost no rain. Many Namibians come here in December and January to escape the inland heat, making these months busier.
Desert Adventures
Dune 7, Africa's highest sand dune, rises 5km from the city. Go sandboarding down the slopes, take quad bike tours into the desert, or ride camels at nearby farms. The Swakopmund Skydiving Club has operated since 1972, taking advantage of the clear desert skies for jumps with views of both ocean and dunes.
Marine Life and Ocean Activities
Watch rays and sharks swim overhead in the National Marine Aquarium's underwater walkway, where you'll also see African penguins and Cape fur seals up close. Take boat trips from the harbor to spot dolphins and seals in their natural habitat. Deep-sea fishing trips target various species, from sharks to pilchards.
Architecture and City Center
The Woermann House, built in 1894, once guided ships with its distinctive tower. Climb up for views of the city center and coastline. The 1905 Hohenzollern building and surrounding streets preserve the city's 1890s German architecture, complete with German street names and colonial-era buildings.
Day Trips from Swakopmund
Visit Cape Cross to see one of the world's largest seal colonies. Drive the coastal road to Walvis Bay, where sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. The Khan River and Goanikontes oasis house the Welwitschia mirabilis, an ancient desert plant that can live for over 1,000 years. Play a round at the Rossmund Desert Golf Course, one of only five all-grass desert golf courses in the world.
