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Jetty, Swakopmund, Namibia

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Swakopmund

Swakopmund is the old German town on the Namib coast, between the dunes and the Skeleton Coast. People stop for the town, the cold sea, and a sandwich-harbour or living-desert day.

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Jetty, Swakopmund, Namibia
Jetty, Swakopmund, Namibia
Lighthouse, Swakopmund, Namibia
View of Swakopmund, Namibia
Close-up aerial photo of Swakopmund (Namibia)
Dunes in Sossusvlei region, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namib Desert, Namibia.
Camel Thorn Tree ( Acacia erioloba ) in Sossusvlei region, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namib Desert, Namibia, Africa.

Swakopmund Safari Stopovers

A Swakopmund safari can take in desert tours, adrenalin activities & ocean explorations, all wrapped up in a European-style environment - find out more.

View of Swakopmund, Namibia
  • Where German Charm meets the Desert

    ♀ Red-headed Finch , at Sossusvlei, Namib desert, Namibia

    Approaching Namibia’s Atlantic coast via the roads from Windhoek, Walvis Bay or the Skeleton Coast, you’ll be greeted by the incongruous sight of Bavarian church spires and palm trees rising into view through thick coastal fog (it is almost always misty in the morning and late afternoon) until friendly, bustling Swakopmund is revealed.

    Namibia’s second biggest town and traditional summer capital, Swakopmund is one of the most surreal and unique destinations in the country. Set on the Atlantic Ocean at the edge of the Namib Desert, this former colonial town is famous for its German-themed architecture and culture – many inhabitants speak German and there’s even an October beer festival.

    A popular stopover on many Namibia safari itineraries, it’s also the perfect place for those on a self-drive holiday to restock and get some rest between visiting the dunes of Sossusvlei and the attractions of northern Namibia – there are great places to stay and there’s plenty to do.

  • Exploring the Desert

    Dunes in Sossusvlei region, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namib Desert, Namibia.

    Just outside town, a number of towering sand dunes have been set aside for all sorts of adventure activities that include sand boarding and skiing, quad biking, camel rides and off-road driving. Other activities in the area include boat trips in search of dolphins and seals, scenic flights over the desert and rewarding bird watching tours. Photographers should take a Swakopmund safari to the extraordinary ‘Moon Landscape’, a seemingly never-ending range of bizarre, barren hills resembling the Lunar Sea of Tranquillity. It is best visited at sunrise or sunset.

    There aren’t many opportunities to do any game viewing in the area but botanists have long been lured to the Khan River and the oasis of Goanikontes in search of what have been called living fossils, the giant Welwitschia mirabilis. These extraordinary plants – the oldest living specimen is estimated to be 2 000 years old – never grow more than two metres above the ground, but the bigger plants have underground stems up to four metres wide. The plant has just two leaves, usually tattered and torn, which droop in opposite directions. If one of the leaves dies, so does the entire plant.

  • Ready to Explore Namibia?

    Camel Thorn Tree ( Acacia erioloba ) in Sossusvlei region, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namib Desert, Namibia, Africa.

    Let us help you plan your dream Namibia safari! Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. From the bustling streets of Swakopmund to the breathtaking dunes of Sossusvlei, we’ll craft an unforgettable journey tailored just for you.

  • What travellers most enjoyed about Swakopmund

    • Cultural interactions

    • Scenery

    • Self-drive

Where to go

When to go

  • Jetty, Swakopmund, Namibia

    Year round

    The coast is cool because of the Benguela current. Summer inland is hot, and the town is the relief. Winter mornings are grey with fog, then often clear.

Travel advice

  • Jetty, Swakopmund, Namibia

    Packing

    A windproof layer. The desert inland can be hot the same day the beach is cold.

  • Dunes in Sossusvlei region, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namib Desert, Namibia.

    Driving

    Salt roads and gravel are normal in Namibia. A car with high clearance is the comfortable choice. Drive on the left.

Swakopmund Tours & Safaris

Lighthouse, Swakopmund, Namibia

If you’re looking to include Swakopmund in your Namibia holiday, look no further than our selection of popular Namibian itineraries. Swakopmund embraces a part of Namibia that has long enjoyed its German heritage and now offers many desert adventures, ocean tours and wildlife trips. A wide variety of accommodation options completes the deal. Get in touch for help planning your Namibia safari:

  • Recommended Swakopmund Tours & Safari Holidays

    Jetty, Swakopmund, Namibia
    From KSh865,900 to KSh927,565 pps
    Highlights

    Go on a big game safari in Etosha Park. Climb the world's highest sand dunes.

    Destinations visited
    From KSh1,556,540 to KSh2,030,385 pps
    Highlights

    Experience the excitement of Victoria Falls. Drift along the Okavango in a mokoro.

    Destinations visited
    From KSh483,580 to KSh636,765 pps
    Highlights

    Self-drive Namibia at your own pace. Marvel at millions of stars in Damaraland.

    Destinations visited
    From KSh778,920 to KSh864,600 pps
    Highlights

    Experience Namibia at your own pace. Explore the dunes of Sossusvlei.

    Destinations visited
    From KSh445,930 to KSh484,880 pps
    Highlights

    Family-friendly accommodation. Visit the salt pans & game in Etosha.

    Destinations visited
    • From KSh865,900 to KSh927,565 pps
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Namibia's Road Trip & Fly-In Sossusvlei

      12 days
      Highlights

      Go on a big game safari in Etosha Park. Climb the world's highest sand dunes.

      Destinations visited
      Damaraland Etosha Namibia Swakopmund
    From KSh865,900 to KSh927,565 pps
    Highlights

    Go on a big game safari in Etosha Park. Climb the world's highest sand dunes.

    Destinations visited
    • From KSh1,556,540 to KSh2,030,385 pps
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Botswana, Zimbabwe & Namibia

      17 days This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiative This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to an Ecosystem initiative
      Highlights

      Experience the excitement of Victoria Falls. Drift along the Okavango in a mokoro.

      Destinations visited
      Botswana Damaraland Etosha Namibia Okavango Delta
    From KSh1,556,540 to KSh2,030,385 pps
    Highlights

    Experience the excitement of Victoria Falls. Drift along the Okavango in a mokoro.

    Destinations visited
    • From KSh483,580 to KSh636,765 pps
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Namibia Family Self-Drive

      10 days
      Highlights

      Self-drive Namibia at your own pace. Marvel at millions of stars in Damaraland.

      Destinations visited
      Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei Swakopmund
    From KSh483,580 to KSh636,765 pps
    Highlights

    Self-drive Namibia at your own pace. Marvel at millions of stars in Damaraland.

    Destinations visited
    • From KSh778,920 to KSh864,600 pps
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Namibia Sossusvlei, Damaraland & Etosha Self-Drive

      15 days
      Highlights

      Experience Namibia at your own pace. Explore the dunes of Sossusvlei.

      Destinations visited
      Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei Swakopmund
    From KSh778,920 to KSh864,600 pps
    Highlights

    Experience Namibia at your own pace. Explore the dunes of Sossusvlei.

    Destinations visited
    • From KSh445,930 to KSh484,880 pps
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Namibia, Etosha and Damaraland Self Drive

      11 days
      Highlights

      Family-friendly accommodation. Visit the salt pans & game in Etosha.

      Destinations visited
      Damaraland Etosha Namibia Swakopmund Windhoek
    From KSh445,930 to KSh484,880 pps
    Highlights

    Family-friendly accommodation. Visit the salt pans & game in Etosha.

    Destinations visited

Popular tours and safaris in Swakopmund

Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.

Browse all tours
  • 13Kwessi Dunes Bedroom exteriors and oryx7 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Namib Desert | Namibia | Skeleton Coast

  • 13Safarihoek Accommodation Swimming Pool 17 days

    Highlights

    A rhino outing where this itinerary includes one. Morning and afternoon game drives.

    Destinations visited

    Etosha | Kaokoveld | Namibia | Skeleton Coast

  • From KSh1,213,355 to KSh1,872,942 pps

    Namibia's Sossusvlei, Damaraland & Kunene Fly-In
    Little Kulala 27 days

    Highlights

    Time on foot with a guide.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Namibia | Sossusvlei

  • Kulala desert lodge baloonsafari19 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Swakopmund

  • From KSh1,552,237 to KSh2,509,158 pps

    Namibia Desert & Community Safari
    Wilderness Little Kulala10 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Kaokoveld | Namibia | Sossusvlei

  • Onguma The Fort view of waterhole at night10 days

    Highlights

    A visit with a local community.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Windhoek

  • Day1 oliveGrove110 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei

  • From KSh483,654 to KSh636,865 pps

    Namibia Family Self-Drive
    Okonjima Plains Camp plainscamp xenia design photog 51 110 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Swakopmund

Where to stay in Swakopmund

Jetty, Swakopmund, Namibia

Accommodation in Swakopmund ranges from luxury guest houses and hotels to affordable lodges, enough to suit all tastes, budgets and trip types. If you’re looking for a safari stopover on the coast or a cultural getaway, our selection of Swakopmund accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your Namibia holiday so much simpler. Get in touch for help planning your Namibia safari:

Filter Your Results

Travellers
CoupleFamilyGroup (2 or more)Solo
Activities
Game drivesNight drivesGuided walking safarisPrivate vehicle with driverSpecialist guidesCultural visitsConservation projectsStar gazingSleep-out experience available
Wildlife Experiences
Historical toursBird watchingGorilla trackingChimp trackingMonkey trackingRhino trackingWhale watchingTurtle nesting excursionsShark cage diving
Food & Drink
Bush diningPicnicsFine dining experiencePrivate dining experienceWine tastingCooking lessons
Aerial activities
Hot air ballooningHelicopter flightsScenic flightsMicro-lightingBungee jumpingSky diving
Water activities
Boat excursionsMokoro trailsFishingCanoeingKayakingSailingWind-surfingKite surfingStand-up paddle boardingSurfingWater-skiingWhite-water raftingSnorkellingScuba diving
Sport & Wellness
HikingQuad-bikingJogging trailsSpa treatmentsYogaHorse riding
Accommodation Types
Boutique HotelBush CampCountry HouseGuesthouseHotelHouseLodgeView all 'Accommodation Types'(5)Mobile Tented CampResortTented CampTented LodgeVillaPer person sharing
Meal plan
Bed and BreakfastFull boardFull inclusiveHalf board
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    • 1

Swakopmund stays

1 stay. The rate is per person sharing.

  • From KSh446,000 to KSh1,556,782 pps

    Swakopmund Guesthouse

    Swakopmund GuesthouseSwakopmund, Namibia

    Activities travellers enjoyed

    Night drives | Game drives | Guided walking safaris | Historical tours | Bird watching | Hot air ballooning

Costs

Swakopmund is a town rate, the gentle part of a Namibia budget.

Desert activities and a scenic flight are extras. The car, if you are driving the country, belongs on the quote.