Even though it is not the capital, Swakopmund is Namibia’s main place for adventure activities and summer holidays. The name Swakopmund comes from a German word that means “mouth of Swakop,” referring to the times when the Swakop River used to flood. German settlers came to this coastal town in 1892, and from that time, it started to look and feel very German.
The harbor town of Walvis Bay is only 30 minutes from Swakopmund. Many local people and tourists enjoy spending time in this city by the sea. Swakopmund is also a good stop if you are traveling north along the Skeleton Coast to Damaraland and then to Etosha National Park, or going south into the Namib Desert and Fish River Canyon.
Swakopmund is often called “Swakop” by the locals. It is like a small Bavarian town between the northern Skeleton Coast and the deserts of Namib-Naukluft National Park to the southeast. The town still keeps much of its German culture.
You will see it in the buildings, street names, and schools. Surprisingly, there are only three big towns along Namibia’s 1,600 km Atlantic coast: Swakopmund, Lüderitz, and Walvis Bay. Swakopmund may be the most interesting because of its green coastal area.
How to get there
It takes about four hours to drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund. The nearest airport is in Walvis Bay, which is just a 30-minute drive from Swakopmund. Air Namibia offers flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg, and other places.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Swakopmund is between July and October. During this time, the weather is cooler, around 20°C, and there is little rain. This is also the busiest season, especially in August and September.
Many people visit during these months, so it is good to plan early. It is also the best time to see animals. If you want to save money, you can visit during the off-season.
