Visit Swakopmund in Namibia

SWAKOPMUND

- Swakopmund -

Tucked away neatly between the ocean and the desert, this little town is a true gem and an obligatory stop in any Namibian itinerary!

A visit to Swakopmund will starkly remind you of Namibia’s colonial history. Nowhere else will you see such intact German “Fachwerkhaus” architecture, stroll on such a European - style seaside promenade, eat such good Eisbein, and drink such German beer :-)

While Swakopmund is a fairly small town, it will seem the height of civilisation after experiencing the surrounding desert for a few days. However, Swakopmund is also emerging as one of the adventure capitals of Southern Africa.

There is very little on the adrenalin spectrum you can’t do here. Quad biking, sand boarding, camel riding, scenic aircraft flights, 4x4 dune bashing, fat biking ...check!

Nature and animal lovers are also well-catered for, with plenty of options to choose from, like a marine Big 5 cruise. This cruise is especially highly recommended during whale season from June to November when, with some luck, you will have whales and dolphins circling your boat in no time. Think the desert is utterly inhospitable and void of life? Think again. If you know where to look, the sea of sand that encircles Swakopmund actually teems with life. From fog basking geckos and cartwheeling spiders to sand-burrowing snakes, the desert is a truly fascinating place when you have the right guide by your side.

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Swakopmund also serves as a great base to explore the surrounding area. The spectacular Skeleton Coast and one of the biggest colonies of Cape Seals is an easy day trip away, as is the truly unique Moon Landscape, where you can easily imagine you’ve actually been instantly transported to the lunar surface. Also easily accessible from Swakopmund are the Welwitchia Plains, a fascinating plant endemic to the Namib desert with some individuals estimated to be over 2,000 years old!

- Best time to go to Swakopmund -

Swakopmund has its own temperate microclimate which contrasts greatly with the rest of Namibia.

Due to the constant south-westerly wind there is hardly any fluctuation in temperature between summer and winter months, with the average summer temperature in Swakopmund in January at 20°C / 68° F, whilst during winter in August, it measures an average of 16°C / 60° F. While Swakopmund is a truly an all year round destination, there are some differences between summer and winter which might help you decide when is the best time to visit Swakopmund.

Winter (June to September): Due to strong biting winds, winter can seem bitingly cold and Swakopmund is also often covered in fog during winter. Does this mean Swakopmund should be avoided at all costs for a visit during winter? Not at all. Not at all. For one, you have many beautiful blue-sky and siunny days with very pleasant midday temperatures. This is also the whale season so if you want to see whales, this is the best time to go. But perhaps even more importantly, Swakopmund is hardly ever a stand-alone destination, and almost always forms part of a larger Namibian itinerary. Seeing as winter is such a great season to visit the rest of the country, by default it is our preferred season to go to Swakopmund.

Summer (December to March), Even in summer, the wind can be a bit chilly, so please don’t neglect to bring a light jacket if you include Swakopmund in your itinerary (which you simply must!). December can get quite crowded, as this is when the rest of Namibia descends on Swakopmund to get some respite from the heat in other parts of the country. However, despite its sea-side resort feel, this is not a beach destination. Even in the height of summer (January to March), the water temperatures of the Atlantic rarely rise above 19°C / 66° F.

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