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Swakopmund is a phenomenal city on the coast of Namibia, about 350 km west of Windhoek. There are a lot of superb issues to do in Swakopmund from observing unbelievable wildlife to skydiving over the desert and tasting native craft beer.
In our opinion, Swakopmund is probably the most lovely and fascinating city within the nation. It’s positively price together with it in your Namibia street journey itinerary. When you’re in search of a pleasant place the place you may keep for a few days Swakopmund is a good choice. We spent right here one week and had a extremely nice time. The city is an ideal place for solo vacationers and people who don’t need to lease a automotive. There are a lot of group and personal excursions that take vacationers to among the finest locations to go to in Namibia.
Journey insurance coverage on your Namibia journey
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World Nomads affords journey insurance coverage for impartial vacationers and intrepid households.
Nature and wildlife issues to do in Swakopmund
You’ll be shocked by the range of wildlife and panorama of the world. Inside just a few hours’ drive, you may see spectacular sand dunes, weird rock formations, abandoned coasts, and 1000’s of animals and birds.
Visiting the Namib Desert
Many vacationers affiliate Namibia with the desert so visiting the spectacular red-sand dunes within the Namib Desert is a must-do factor for anyone visiting Swakopmund. Dune 7 is located 35 km south of the city near the street you don’t want a 4×4 to get to it. There’s a car parking zone on the dune you may go away your automotive there. Sundown is the very best time for visiting the dune. You possibly can benefit from the solar taking place from the highest of the dune within the infinite Namib Desert.
Dune 7 just isn’t the one well-known dune within the Namib Desert. If you wish to see spectacular dunes and salt pans be sure to go to Sossusvlei. The distinctive surroundings and unreal great thing about the desert. It was positively one of many highlights of our Namibia journey.
Dune excursions from Swakopmund
Watching flamingos in Walvis Bay
Wildlife round Swakopmund is extremely numerous. The flamingo colony in Walvis Bay, a small city 40 km south of Swakopmund is likely one of the locations price visiting. You possibly can see birds from shut by from the promenade. A tidal pool at Pelican Level is the very best spot for watching these magnificent birds. The perfect time to see flamingos in Walvis Bay is between November and April. Throughout the peak season, December to March, there are millions of birds within the space.
Excursions to Walvis Bay from Swakopmund
Recognizing whales and dolphins from a ship
Watching flamingos just isn’t the one factor to do in Walvis Bay. When you do a ship or catamaran tour at Pelican Level it is possible for you to to see whales, dolphins, seals, sunfish, and leatherback turtles. The perfect season to see whales are the winter months from July to November. Throughout that point you may see Southern Proper Whales and Humpback Whales. Different marine animals could be seen year-round. You are able to do a catamaran tour to see the varied marine lifetime of the Namibian coast.
When you’re planning to go to southern Namibia take into account visiting Luderitz, a small coastal city within the south of the nation. There are some fascinating issues to do in Luderitz together with observing marine wildlife.
Marine wildlife excursions
Driving alongside the Skeleton Coast
The secluded Skeleton Coast of Namibia is an fascinating place to go to. A drive alongside the coast is an journey by itself. The identify comes from a number of shipwrecks that may be discovered alongside the coast. A number of the wrecks are price a cease. Zeila Wreck might be probably the most well-known right here. It’s a well-preserved wreck located near the shore, about 60 km north of Swakopmund.
Shore fishing is a well-liked exercise on the Skeleton Coast in case you’re a eager fisherman carry your rods with you.
You possibly can embody a drive alongside the Skeleton Coast into your Namibia Victoria Falls Highway journey.
Watching seals at Cape Cross
It is likely one of the not-to-miss locations in Namibia. Cape Cross is a nature reserve that’s residence to the most important land colony of Cape Fur seals. Within the peak season, you may see as much as species. The perfect time to go to Cape Cross Seal Reserve is the breeding season, between January and March, when you may see 1000’s of cute seal cubs crawling across the space. Guests stroll on boardwalks seals and their cubs aren’t disturbed by human presence. When you’re a nature images lover Cape Cross is a incredible place for taking close-by pictures of seals. The one draw back of the place is the scent in case you’re delicate carry a serviette or a masks with you.
You possibly can mix visiting this place with a drive alongside the Skeleton Coast. Cape Cross is 130 km north of Swakopmund.
- Working hours – day by day from 10 am to five pm
- Admission payment – NAD 200/US$13 per particular person, NAD 50/US$4 per automotive
Cape Cross excursions from Swakopmund
On the lookout for wildlife within the desert
The desert would possibly seem like an uninhabitable place for untrained eyes. In reality, many endemic species could be discovered within the sand dunes simply exterior Swakopmund. Don’t anticipate to see large mammals however quite small endemic species like lizards, snakes, beetles, and spiders. This exercise is likely one of the issues that I’d strongly advocate doing with a information. Throughout the tour, you’ll study lots in regards to the wildlife of the Namib Desert.
Desert wildlife excursions from Swakopmund
Admiring Moon Panorama and Welwitschias
The Moon Panorama is located 40 km east of Swakopmund. You possibly can go to it as a day journey from the city or on the way in which driving from Windhoek or Sossusvlei. The panorama in that a part of the Namib desert reminds the floor of the Moon. From the lookout level, you may see rocky hills carved within the desert by the Swakop River. The panorama was shaped hundreds of thousands of years in the past when the local weather within the area was extra humid. Within the background of the valley, guests can see the Rossin Mountain.
There are a number of factors of curiosity within the valley together with uncommon vegetation, World Conflict I stays, mines, and weird rock formations. If you wish to go to all factors of curiosity (beacons) you’ll want 4-5 hours.
Moreover the surreal panorama, guests can see the Welwitschia mirabilis. These vegetation are distinctive to the Namib Desert. They’re known as residing fossils. The common age of welwitschias is 400-500 years although among the vegetation attain 1500 years.
To go to the beacons you want a allow that may be obtained at Ritterburg Workplace in Swakopmund. You possibly can go to the Moon Panorama and see Welwitschia with a guided tour from Swakopmund.
Visiting Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe means pointed dome in German. This lovely place is situated 150 km northeast of Swakopmund. It’s well-known for its granite peaks and weird rock formations. The peaks dominate the plains of the Namib Desert. The best peak is 1728 m. You possibly can go to Spitzkoppe is a day journey from Swakopmund. When you don’t need to do a self-drive journey you may be part of a small group tour to Spitkoppe from Swakopmund.
To actually recognize the great thing about the place I’d advocate staying right here for the evening. Tenting below the celebs on this unbelievable place is a tremendous expertise. Spitzkoppe Camp is considered one of our favourite campsites in Namibia.
Journey issues to do in Swakopmund
Adrenalin junkies and out of doors lovers could have loads of issues to do in Swakopmund to maintain them busy for just a few days. Swakopmund can simply be known as the adventurous capital of Namibia.
A 4×4 drive within the desert
Driving in a 4×4 automotive previous the enormous sand dunes is likely one of the not-to-miss issues in Swakopmund. For a desert drive, you may head to Sandwich Bay, and drive alongside the Skeleton Coast, in direction of the Moon Panorama. Earlier than occurring a drive ensure you have sufficient petrol in your tank, examine your wheels, pack a spare tire in your boot, and take sufficient water and snacks with you.
You don’t must lease a 4×4 car to benefit from the desert becoming a member of a day tour is a good choice for experiencing the drive particularly in case you’re not very assured with driving on rugged roads and dunes.
Quad biking within the dunes
One other nice exercise in Swakopmund. Using a quad bike is a enjoyable strategy to expertise the desert. To be sincere, I choose it over 4×4 driving it’s extra thrilling and you may really go over fairly large sand dunes. No want to fret about getting caught or having a flat tire. Plus, everybody (even older youngsters) can get his/her portion of adrenaline and maneuver over the dunes.
Quadbike excursions from Swakopmund
Skydiving over the desert
Tandem skydiving is an exercise not for everyone. I have to admit we didn’t do it. Primarily as a result of it didn’t slot in our funds and we do remorse it. Fortunately Namibia just isn’t removed from South Africa I’m certain we’ll get an opportunity to do it on our subsequent journey.
Having fun with the unbelievable panorama of the Namib Desert whereas free-falling from 2000 m is unquestionably a lifetime expertise. Add to this the scenic flight over the wild Atlantic coast the place the desert meets the ocean. The free fall lasts between 30 and 40 seconds nevertheless it appears like a lifetime (imagine me I’ve carried out it as soon as).
Kayaking
Kayaking round Chicken Rock Island is a incredible approach of observing the varied marine lifetime of the area. Throughout the tour, you’ll get to see dolphins, seals, flamingoes, pelicans, and different marine birds. Paddle in a kayak is a must-include in your Swakopmund itinerary particularly in case you’re a bit overwhelmed by sand dunes and the desert. As an choice, you may mix kayaking with a 4×4 desert drive. This fashion you’ll get to see each the spectacular dunes of the Namib Desert and the varied marine lifetime of the area.
Using a motorcycle within the desert
Exploring the Namib Desert on a motorcycle is a very superb factor to do in Swakopmund. Biking over sand dunes provides you an opportunity to benefit from the distinctive atmosphere of the desert with out engine noises and air air pollution. For us, doing any out of doors bodily exercise after spending days sitting within the automotive was superb. Biking on sand is a bit difficult and fairly difficult typically, particularly if you attempt to go up the hill be able to sweat from each the trouble and the warmth. When doing any out of doors exercise within the desert at all times placed on sunscreen and put on a cap.
Desert biking excursions from Swakopmund
Sandboarding
Sandboarding from the excessive dunes of the Namib Desert is a good and enjoyable exercise. Taking place a sand dune on a board standing is kind of difficult. It’d take a few tries to pay money for it. It helps you probably have some expertise in snowboarding although it’s not the identical.
If you’d like a better different you are able to do a lie-down sandboarding. In my expertise, it’s sooner to go down mendacity down than standing. Whichever approach you select put together your self for a bodily difficult stroll up the dunes together with your board after each slide.
Sandboarding excursions from Swakopmund
Cultural and foody issues to do in Swakopmund
Nature and journey actions aren’t the one issues to do in Swakopmund. The city affords nice cultural and gastronomical experiences.
Exploring the city on foot
Swakopmund is our favourite “strolling city” in Namibia. It has all the pieces to take pleasure in a pleasant stroll: lengthy sandy seashores, small squares, lovely structure, cozy espresso outlets, and nice vistas from the pier. We stayed in Swakopmund for nearly per week and had been very completely satisfied simply to stroll round after many lengthy days of driving. All the primary points of interest, eating places, outlets, and the seaside are shut to one another you actually don’t want a automotive to maneuver round.
The architectural highlights of Swakopmund are the Prinzessin Rupprecht Heim constructing, the Outdated Jail, the State Home, Woermannhaus, the Lighthouse, Hohenzollern Constructing, and extra. Most of those exceptional buildings had been constructed in the beginning of the XX century.
Swakopmund metropolis excursions
Assembly locals
A township tour simply exterior Swakopmund is an effective way of assembly locals and studying about completely different tribes residing within the space. Visiting the townships provides you an opportunity to see Swakopmund from a distinct perspective. You’ll meet the Damara, Nama, and the Herrero folks. Throughout the tour, you get to go to an area college, strive some conventional selfmade meals, take heed to the choir, and extra. It’s a enjoyable, informative, and interesting approach of experiencing native tradition.
Swakopmund township excursions
When you’re within the Namibian tribes you’ll take pleasure in visiting the Himba Individuals in Northern Namibia.
Enjoyable on the seaside
What could be higher than stress-free on the seaside after lengthy days of driving via the desert?! We actually loved lengthy sundown walks and morning runs on the lengthy sandy seaside in Swakopmund. Like in all places in Namibia the ocean is fairly chilly and probably not appropriate for swimming. Temperatures vary between 18°C in summer season and 14°C in winter.
Visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium
It may not be the primary selection particularly you probably have restricted time to spend in Swakopmund. The wonderful thing about the aquarium is that you would be able to study in regards to the marine lifetime of the area. There are solely native species that reside within the Atlantic’s chilly Benguela Present. You possibly can see right here sharks, rays, lobsters, and completely different sorts of fish. The aquarium is kind of small you’ll want an hour or two to go to it. It’s an fascinating place to go to with youngsters they’ll take pleasure in watching rays feeding and operating via the glass tunnel.
- Working hours – Tue – Solar, from 10am to 4pm, feeding day by day at 3pm
- Admission payment – NAD 30/US$2
Studying historical past on the Swakopmund Museum
The museum was established in 1951 by Dr. Alfons Weber. These days it’s the most important personal museum in Namibia. Right here you may study just about all the pieces in regards to the area from indigenous vegetation and animals to the standard residing types of native tribes and outdated motorized automobiles. It’s an incredible place to go to particularly if Swakopmund is a place to begin of your Namibia journey.
- Working hours – Mon – Solar, fom 10am to 5pm
- Admission payment – NAD 30/US$2
Tasting craft beer
When you’re a beer lover you’ll positively take pleasure in Swakopmund. To get a first-hand beer tasting expertise go to the Namib Dunes Craft Brewery. They’ve an incredible number of beers and ales.
If you wish to have an incredible meal e.g. a steak, a burger, and so forth. together with your beer be sure to go to Joe’s Beerhouse or SKW Brathause and Beergarden. Each locations have scrumptious meals, good beers, and an incredible vibe.
Having fun with contemporary seafood
Contemporary seafood and fish are one thing to not miss in Swakopmund. Right here you may take pleasure in freshly caught native specialties resembling lobsters, oysters, and fish. There are a number of nice eating places the place you may strive among the finest sushi and seafood in Namibia. Ocean Cellar and Jetty 1905 serve contemporary seafood, wonderful sushi, in addition to meat and vegetarian dishes. From each eating places, you may watch the sundown having fun with a scrumptious meal.
Attending to and round Swakopmund
One of the simplest ways of shifting round Namibia is by automotive. When you’re coming from abroad you’ll most likely fly to Windhoek the simplest will probably be to lease a automotive on the airport. Touring round Namibia by automotive means that you can be versatile and make spontaneous adjustments to your journey itinerary.
Swakopmund is 300 km west of Windhoek, the drive takes about 4 hours. Many vacationers choose visiting Sossusvlei first and from there go to Swakopmund. Sossusvlei is 400 km south of Swakopmund. The street is generally gravel, it takes about 5 hours to drive.
When you don’t need to lease a automotive you may get to Swakopmund with a shuttle bus. There are a number of firms working on this route. The perfect is to ask your lodge to rearrange it for you.
You possibly can be part of a gaggle tour from Windhoek that can take you to the primary points of interest in Namibia. On this case, you don’t have to fret or plan something your self.
Finest locations to remain in Swakopmund
There are many lodging choices in Swakopmund for various budgets from backpackers’ hostels to luxurious inns.
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The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, liable for all our land adventures (mountaineering, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack quite than to do a ten 000 km street journey (really any street journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
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