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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 unimaginable wildlife to skydiving over the desert and tasting native craft beer.
In our opinion, Swakopmund is essentially the most lovely and fascinating city within the nation. It’s positively value together with it in your Namibia street journey itinerary. For those who’re searching for a pleasant place the place you possibly can keep for a few days Swakopmund is a superb choice. We spent right here one week and had a extremely nice time. The city is an ideal place for solo vacationers and those that don’t need to lease a automotive. There are a lot of group and personal excursions that take vacationers to a few of the greatest locations to go to in Namibia.
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Nature and wildlife issues to do in Swakopmund
You’ll be stunned by the range of wildlife and panorama of the world. Inside just a few hours’ drive, you possibly can see spectacular sand dunes, weird rock formations, abandoned coasts, and hundreds 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 possibly can go away your automotive there. Sundown is one of the best time for visiting the dune. You’ll be able to benefit from the solar happening from the highest of the dune within the limitless 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 ensure to go to Sossusvlei. The distinctive surroundings and unreal fantastic 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 various. The flamingo colony in Walvis Bay, a small city 40 km south of Swakopmund is without doubt one of the locations value visiting. You’ll be able to see birds from shut by from the promenade. A tidal pool at Pelican Level is one of the best spot for watching these magnificent birds. The perfect time to see flamingos in Walvis Bay is between November and April. Through 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. For those who 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 possibly can 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.
For those who’re planning to go to southern Namibia contemplate 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 title comes from a number of shipwrecks that may be discovered alongside the coast. A few of the wrecks are value a cease. Zeila Wreck might be essentially 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 if you happen to’re a eager fisherman carry your rods with you.
You’ll be able to embrace a drive alongside the Skeleton Coast into your Namibia Victoria Falls Street journey.
Watching seals at Cape Cross
It is without doubt one of the not-to-miss locations in Namibia. Cape Cross is a nature reserve that’s house to the most important land colony of Cape Fur seals. Within the peak season, you possibly can 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 possibly can see hundreds of cute seal cubs crawling across the space. Guests stroll on boardwalks seals and their cubs aren’t disturbed by human presence. For those who’re a nature images lover Cape Cross is a improbable place for taking close-by pictures of seals. The one draw back of the place is the scent if you happen to’re delicate carry a serviette or a masks with you.
You’ll be able to 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
Searching for wildlife within the desert
The desert may appear to be an uninhabitable place for untrained eyes. Actually, many endemic species could be discovered within the sand dunes simply outdoors Swakopmund. Don’t anticipate to see large mammals however slightly small endemic species like lizards, snakes, beetles, and spiders. This exercise is without doubt one of the issues that I’d strongly suggest doing with a information. Through the tour, you’ll be taught so much 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’ll be able to go to it as a day journey from the city or on the best way 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 possibly can 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 crops, World Battle I stays, mines, and weird rock formations. If you wish to go to all factors of curiosity (beacons) you’ll want 4-5 hours.
In addition to the surreal panorama, guests can see the Welwitschia mirabilis. These crops are distinctive to the Namib Desert. They’re referred to as residing fossils. The typical age of welwitschias is 400-500 years although a few of the crops attain 1500 years.
To go to the beacons you want a allow that may be obtained at Ritterburg Workplace in Swakopmund. You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to go to Spitzkoppe is a day journey from Swakopmund. For those who don’t need to do a self-drive journey you possibly can be a part of a small group tour to Spitkoppe from Swakopmund.
To essentially admire the fantastic thing about the place I’d suggest staying right here for the night time. Tenting beneath the celebrities on this unimaginable 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 may have loads of issues to do in Swakopmund to maintain them busy for just a few days. Swakopmund can simply be referred to as the adventurous capital of Namibia.
A 4×4 drive within the desert
Driving in a 4×4 automotive previous the large sand dunes is without doubt one of the not-to-miss issues in Swakopmund. For a desert drive, you possibly can head to Sandwich Bay, and drive alongside the Skeleton Coast, in direction of the Moon Panorama. Earlier than occurring a drive be sure 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 should lease a 4×4 car to benefit from the desert becoming a member of a day tour is a superb choice for experiencing the drive particularly if you happen to’re not very assured with driving on rugged roads and dunes.
Quad biking within the dunes
One other nice exercise in Swakopmund. Driving a quad bike is a enjoyable option to expertise the desert. To be sincere, I desire 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 kids) 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 finances 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 unimaginable 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 but it surely appears like a lifetime (imagine me I’ve achieved it as soon as).
Kayaking
Kayaking round Chook Rock Island is a improbable manner of observing the varied marine lifetime of the area. Through 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 if you happen to’re a bit overwhelmed by sand dunes and the desert. As an choice, you possibly can mix kayaking with a 4×4 desert drive. This manner you’ll get to see each the spectacular dunes of the Namib Desert and the varied marine lifetime of the area.
Driving a motorbike within the desert
Exploring the Namib Desert on a motorbike is a really superb factor to do in Swakopmund. Biking over sand dunes offers you an opportunity to benefit from the distinctive surroundings 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 tough and fairly difficult generally, particularly while you attempt to go up the hill be able to sweat from each the hassle and the warmth. When doing any out of doors exercise within the desert all the time 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 superb and enjoyable exercise. Happening a sand dune on a board standing is sort of tough. It would 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 need a neater various you are able to do a lie-down sandboarding. In my expertise, it’s quicker to go down mendacity down than standing. Whichever manner you select put together your self for a bodily difficult stroll up the dunes along with your board after each slide.
Sandboarding excursions from Swakopmund
Cultural and foody issues to do in Swakopmund
Nature and journey actions usually are not the one issues to do in Swakopmund. The city presents nice cultural and gastronomical experiences.
Exploring the city on foot
Swakopmund is our favourite “strolling city” in Namibia. It has every thing 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 have been very pleased simply to stroll round after many lengthy days of driving. All the principle sights, 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 Previous Jail, the State Home, Woermannhaus, the Lighthouse, Hohenzollern Constructing, and extra. Most of those exceptional buildings have been constructed originally of the XX century.
Swakopmund metropolis excursions
Assembly locals
A township tour simply outdoors Swakopmund is a good way of assembly locals and studying about completely different tribes residing within the space. Visiting the townships offers you an opportunity to see Swakopmund from a special perspective. You’ll meet the Damara, Nama, and the Herrero individuals. Through the tour, you get to go to a neighborhood faculty, attempt some conventional home made meals, take heed to the choir, and extra. It’s a enjoyable, informative, and fascinating manner of experiencing native tradition.
Swakopmund township excursions
For those who’re within the Namibian tribes you’ll take pleasure in visiting the Himba Folks in Northern Namibia.
Stress-free 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 every single place in Namibia the ocean is fairly chilly and not likely appropriate for swimming. Temperatures vary between 18°C in summer season and 14°C in winter.
Visiting the Nationwide Marine Aquarium
It won’t be the primary alternative particularly you probably have restricted time to spend in Swakopmund. The beauty of the aquarium is you can be taught in regards to the marine lifetime of the area. There are solely native species that stay within the Atlantic’s chilly Benguela Present. You’ll be able to see right here sharks, rays, lobsters, and completely different sorts of fish. The aquarium is sort of small you’ll want an hour or two to go to it. It’s an fascinating place to go to with kids 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 largest personal museum in Namibia. Right here you possibly can be taught just about every thing in regards to the area from indigenous crops and animals to the standard residing kinds of native tribes and outdated motorized automobiles. It’s an important 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
For those who’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 important number of beers and ales.
If you wish to have an important meal e.g. a steak, a burger, and so on. along with your beer ensure to go to Joe’s Beerhouse or SKW Brathause and Beergarden. Each locations have scrumptious meals, good beers, and an important vibe.
Having fun with recent seafood
Recent seafood and fish are one thing to not miss in Swakopmund. Right here you possibly can take pleasure in freshly caught native specialties reminiscent of lobsters, oysters, and fish. There are a number of nice eating places the place you possibly can attempt a few of the greatest sushi and seafood in Namibia. Ocean Cellar and Jetty 1905 serve recent seafood, glorious sushi, in addition to meat and vegetarian dishes. From each eating places, you possibly can watch the sundown having fun with a scrumptious meal.
Attending to and round Swakopmund
The easiest way of shifting round Namibia is by automotive. For those who’re coming from abroad you’ll in all probability fly to Windhoek the best shall be to lease a automotive on the airport. Touring round Namibia by automotive lets you be versatile and make spontaneous modifications to your journey itinerary.
Swakopmund is 300 km west of Windhoek, the drive takes about 4 hours. Many vacationers desire 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.
For those who don’t need to lease a automotive you will get to Swakopmund with a shuttle bus. There are a number of corporations working on this route. The perfect is to ask your resort to rearrange it for you.
You’ll be able to be a part of a gaggle tour from Windhoek that can take you to the principle sights 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 accommodations.
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The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, 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 slightly 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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