Swakopmund

German architecture in African desert winds.

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.

4.4
out of 5

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.

Average temperatures during the day in Swakopmund.
December
34°
Jan
34°
Feb
32°
Mar
34°
Apr
32°
May
29°
Jun
27°
Jul
26°
Aug
29°
Sep
32°
Oct
33°
Nov
34°

What people say about Swakopmund

4.4
People
4
Food
5
Spaces
4
Value
4
Safety
3

Best places to visit in🇳🇦Namibia

A map of your visited countries

Share where you have been with your own interactive map of the world.

Your travel bucket list

Keep track of where you want to go with an interactive travel bucket list.

Articles about Namibia

Image of The most beautiful national parks in the world
Image of The most beautiful national parks in the world

The most beautiful national parks in the world

November 2024,
National parks are unique in several ways, about 15% of all land and 8% of all water in the world is protected. National parks are protected pockets of nature that offers a unique opportunity for bot
Image of Best national Parks in Africa - Safari Dreams
Image of Best national Parks in Africa - Safari Dreams

Best national Parks in Africa - Safari Dreams

January 2024,
Africa, a continent teeming with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, offers some of the most spectacular national parks in the world. From the vast savannas of the Serengeti to the unique waterw
Popular on Humbo right now
Humboâ„¢AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms