Located just where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Namib Desert, Swakopmund isn’t just a pretty, coastal stopover; it also happens to be Namibia’s adventure hub. The town’s location amid enormous waves and sprawling sand dunes makes it ideal for getting your adrenaline kicks — both on and off the water. Read on for our guide on what to expect whilst enjoying activities in Swakopmund.
Catamaran cruise
Board a luxury catamaran to cruise the waters of Walvis Bay, taking in views of the famous lighthouse in the early morning light, and marveling at the 60,000-strong colony of Cape fur seals. Be on the lookout for dolphins, leatherback turtles, and sunfish, and in the right season (July to November), you’ll have the chance to see southern right, humpback, gray and pygmy right whales. And did we mention you’ll be dining on freshly-shucked oysters and sipping sparkling wine as you glide?
Living desert tour
On an epic day out, you’ll explore the 30-kilometre dune belt between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and discover the fascinating flora and fauna of the sand. As you travel through this corner of the world’s oldest desert, you’ll learn all about its history and geological make-up, as well as sneaking a glimpse into its specially-adapted wildlife – your guide will stop to examine tracks and seek out animals where possible. You’ll also travel alongside the protected gravel plains, home to endemic Damara terns.
Sandwich Harbour exploration
Hop into a 4×4 vehicle and set your compass for the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon, one of the richest and most unique wetlands in southern Africa. On the way, you’ll pass lagoons filled with rosy-pink flamingos and stretches of splendid coastline, as well as mighty sand dunes and fascinating Topnaar cultural sites. At the Kuiseb river delta, you’ll have the chance to search for smaller critters like the Palmato gecko and sidewinder snake, before arriving at the eerie Shawnee shipwreck for a lunch of fresh oysters, fish platters, and sparkling wine.
Scenic flight
Take to the skies for a bird’s eye view of the mesmerising dune-scapes and crashing shoreline around Swakopmund. Thrilling scenes of the Namib dunes, abandoned diamond camps, shimmering salt pans, and shipwrecks await, including the Eduard Bohlen, a German cargo ship that ran aground in 1909 – it’s one of the best-preserved wrecks on the Skeleton Coast.
Hot air balloon flight
Rise slowly through the air as the sun does the same, and watch as the looming dunes of the Namib Desert appear in the dawn. You’ll spend an hour in the air in your hot air balloon and, depending on the wind direction, float above striking tableaus of windswept dunes, gravel plains, and mountain scenery. Once you return to Earth, enjoy a continental brunch and toast the morning’s adventure.
City tour
Established in 1892, Swakopmund is chock-full of historic sites and a guided tour of the city is the best way to see them all. Take in the distinctly Germanic architecture and learn all about it at the largest museum in Namibia, see the giant gemstones at the Kristalle Galarie, and peruse the artwork at the Woermann House gallery. And there’ll definitely be time to enjoy some fabulous seafood too!
Tandem skydiving
Send your adrenaline levels soaring as you leap (tandem!) from an aircraft high above the Namib Desert, before free-falling for around 35 seconds. As the parachute is released, you’ll feel a sense of calm come over as you float gently over the magnificent desert. Seven minutes later, your feet will touch the ground, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Desert adventure
Feel the wind in your hair and the crunch beneath you on an adventure through the world’s oldest desert, cycling across cracking riverbeds and apricot dunes on a specially-modified fat bike, or threading between them on a quad bike. You can also get the ultimate, up-close experience on a sandboarding expedition, where you’ll slide down the faces of these shifting sand waves.
Marine kayaking
Depart from Swakopmund and make the scenic drive to Pelican Point to see the iconic lighthouse and flocks of flamingos. Your kayaking excursion will take place on the waters of Walvis Bay and you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for Cape fur seals, Heaviside’s and bottlenose dolphins, leatherback turtles, sunfish, and if you’re really lucky, whales. You’ll also be joined by a whole host of birdlife. Snacks and drinks will be served on the beach to top up your energy levels before returning to Swakopmund.
As you can see, Swakopmund isn’t known as Namibia’s adventure capital for nothing with plenty on the proverbial menu. From skydiving high above the dunes to exploring the coast by boat, there is no end to the activities on offer. If you’re feeling inspired, get in touch and start planning your own epic trip to Namibia.
