Ultimate Guide for Booking Namibia Tours to Swakopmund
Swakopmund tours in Namibia are a big highlight that appear almost on all Namibia safari packages. If you are planning for Swakopmund adventures, day tours, holiday excursions, short tours in Swakopmund, long tours from Swakopmund, searching for the best tour operators in Swakopmund, or rather want to learn about what it is like living in Swakopmund, this website is for you.
The Swakopmund tourism is so diverse and spread all the way to Walvis Bay, Sossusvlei and Windhoek. It is very common to find trips that combine all these destinations into one package, and if you want a tailor-made Swakopmund safari to multiple parks and destinations, feel free to contact us here.
Accommodations range from camping, lodgings to resorts; in budget -mid-range and luxury settings.
Types of Swakopmund Tours
Below are some of the types of Swakopmund tours in Namibia.
- Quad bike and sand-boarding tours: Ride a quad bike or slide down the sand dunes in the Namib Desert.
- Sandwich Harbour tours: Take a 4×4 drive to see where the desert meets the ocean.
- Boat and kayaking tours: Go on the ocean to see dolphins, seals, and seabirds.
- Living Desert tours: Walk with a guide to see small desert animals and learn how they live in the sand.
- City and cultural tours: Visit Swakopmund’s old German buildings and learn about the town’s history and people.
History of Swakopmund
Swakopmund was founded in 1892 by German commander Curt von François as the main port for German South West Africa due to its freshwater and link to inland areas. The Woermann-Linie shipping company helped its fast growth in trade and transport.
After Germany’s war with the Ovaherero in 1904, many people were killed or forced into camps for labor. Despite lacking a natural harbor, Swakopmund became the main seaport since Walvis Bay was under British control. Today, it is a popular coastal town known for its German colonial buildings, beaches, adventure tours, and fog from the Benguela Current.
Tourist Activities – Top Things to Do in Swakopmund
Searching for top things to do in Swakopmund? See the most popular tourist activities below.
- Sandwich Harbour Tour
- Desert Adventures
- Kayaking with Seals
- Skydiving & Balloon Rides
- Horse Riding & Camel Rides
- Cultural Tours
- History & Museums
- Moon Landscape & Welwitschia Drive
- Walk the Swakopmund Jetty & The Mole
- Aquarium Visit
- Visit the Walvis Bay Lagoon
- Visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve
- Shopping & Local Markets
- Food & Drinks
- Swakopmund Sightseeing Tours
Please note that there are a lot other Swakopmund activities that you can engage in that are not mentioned above.
However, the ones above are the most popular and there is a high chance you will only book them.
Tourist Attractions – Top Things to See in Swakopmund
Searching for top things to see in Swakopmund? There are so many Swakopmund adventure activities that you can engage in.
See the most popular tourist attractions below.
- Dunes
- Atlantic Ocean
- Swakopmund Jetty
- Swakopmund Museum
- Old Buildings
- The Mole
- Flamingos
- Pink Lake
- Sandwich Harbour
- Moon Landscape & Welwitschia Drive
- Swakopmund Aquarium
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve
Interesting Facts About Swakopmund
Swakopmund is known for its German colonial buildings like Woermannhaus and Altes Gefängnis, German-style food, and Oktoberfest.
During the Herero Wars, about 2,000 Herero people died in a concentration camp there. Today, Swakopmund is home to many communities, including Mondesa Township. It lies between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, with a mild climate and fog from the Benguela Current.
The town offers adventure activities, fishing, seafood, salt production, and the nearby Rössing uranium mine.
Staying Safe in Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a safe town in Namibia with low crime levels, but petty crimes like pick-pocketing and bag snatching can happen.
Tourists should avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables hidden, and use trusted taxis or buses.
Solo female travelers should stay alert and avoid showing expensive items in public. Lock cars and never leave valuables inside. Avoid picking up hitchhikers or strangers.
When using ATMs or gas stations, be watchful of people nearby.
In emergencies, visitors can contact the Namibian Police Tourist Protection Unit or call 10111 from a landline or 112 from a mobile phone for help.
How to choose the best Swakopmund tour operators
Choosing the best Swakopmund tour operators can be a challenge. There are multiple options, with some specializing in excursions and some offering all kinds of trips.
A common convention is booking with a company that is fully registered and licensed by the tourism board.
If you prefer to book excursions, book directly through us. We also offering longer trips that may last up to 20 days.
Alternatively, if you prefer us to link you to some of the best tour operators in Swakopmund, contact us for more information.
Location – Getting There
Swakopmund is 400 km from Sossusvlei and 360 km from Windhoek, connected by good roads. It has no public transport but is easy to explore on foot.
Taxis are available, and a trip to Walvis Bay costs around N$40.
Driving Time & Distance to & from Swakopmund by Road
| Route | Estimated Driving Time |
|---|---|
| Swakopmund to Windhoek / Windhoek Airport | 4 – 4.5 hours |
| Walvis Bay Airport to Swakopmund | 30 minutes – 1 hour |
| Swakopmund to Damaraland | 5.5 – 6 hours |
| Swakopmund to Etosha National Park | 5 – 6 hours |
| Swakopmund to Henties Bay | 1 – 2 hours |
| Swakopmund to Keetmanshoop | 5 – 6 hours |
| Swakopmund to Luderitz | 6 – 7 hours |
| Swakopmund to Mariental | 4 – 5 hours |
| Swakopmund to Okaukuejo | 4 – 5 hours |
| Swakopmund to Omaruru | 2 – 3 hours |
| Swakopmund to Rundu | 6 – 7 hours |
| Swakopmund to Skeleton Coast | 3 – 4 hours |
| Swakopmund to Solitaire | 4 – 5 hours |
| Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe | 2 – 3 hours |
| Swakopmund to Tsumeb | 6 – 7 hours |
| Swakopmund to Cape Cross | 2 – 3 hours |
| Otjiwarongo to Swakopmund | 4 – 5 hours |
| Kasane to Swakopmund | 8 – 10 hours |
| Ghanzi to Swakopmund | 7 – 9 hours |
| Upington to Swakopmund | 6 – 8 hours |
| Usakos to Swakopmund | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
Map of Swakopmund
Best Time to Visit Swakopmund
The best time to visit Swakopmund is from May to October when the weather is dry and pleasant, and wildlife viewing is excellent. September and October are the top months for seeing animals and enjoying clear skies, though they attract more tourists.
May and June offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while July and August are good for desert activities but can be cold at night. November to April are hotter and more humid, ideal for bird-watching and flamingos. The rainy “Green Season” begins in November. Warm clothes are needed for cool mornings, especially during winter in the desert.
Namibia Accommodation – Where to Stay in Swakopmund
When choosing where to stay in Swakopmund, you will find many good options for different budgets. Many hotels are close to the sea and the town centre. For example, the Strand Hotel Swakopmund sits right on the promenade by the water.
If you want something simpler and affordable, you can look for guesthouses and budget hotels in the town. Reviews mention places like the Hotel A la Mer as good value.
For families or longer stays you may prefer places with more space, parking, and maybe breakfast included. The central location of many hotels means you can walk to cafés, the beach and shops.
When booking, check if your hotel offers free WiFi, parking, and easy access to tours or the desert activities outside town. Staying closer to the coast gives you the sea view and the sound of the waves. Pick the stay that fits your budget and how much you want to explore from Swakopmund.
Popular Swakopmund FAQs
As you plan your tour to Swakopmund, below are some of the most popular Swakopmund frequently asked questions and answers.
- What is Swakopmund known for? Swakopmund is known for its German buildings, beaches, and adventure tours.
- Where is Swakopmund located? Swakopmund is on Namibia’s coast between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean.
- When was Swakopmund founded? It was founded in 1892 by German commander Curt von François.
- Why do tourists visit Swakopmund? Tourists visit for adventure, culture, and coastal activities.
- What are the best tours in Swakopmund? The best tours include quad biking, Sandwich Harbour, boat trips, desert walks, and city tours.
- What is a Sandwich Harbour tour? It is a 4×4 trip to where the desert meets the sea.
- Can I see animals in Swakopmund? Yes, you can see seals, dolphins, flamingos, and small desert animals.
- What is a Living Desert tour? It is a guided walk to see small animals that live in the sand.
- Is Swakopmund safe for tourists? Yes, it is safe, but you should avoid walking alone at night.
- How can I stay safe in Swakopmund? Keep your valuables hidden and use trusted taxis or buses.
- What should solo female travelers know? Stay alert, avoid showing expensive items, and don’t walk alone at night.
- What are the top attractions in Swakopmund? Top attractions include the dunes, Atlantic Ocean, jetty, museum, and old buildings.
- What activities can I do in Swakopmund? You can go skydiving, kayaking, sand-boarding, fishing, and visit markets.
- What is the best time to visit Swakopmund? The best time is from May to October when it is dry and cool.
- What are May and June like? These months have good weather and fewer crowds.
- What are September and October like? These are warm months with clear skies and great wildlife viewing.
- What happens in November to April? It is warmer and more humid, good for bird-watching and flamingos.
- Do I need warm clothes in Swakopmund? Yes, mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in winter.
- How far is Swakopmund from Windhoek? It is about 360 kilometers by road.
- How far is Swakopmund from Sossusvlei? It is about 400 kilometers away.
- Are there taxis in Swakopmund? Yes, taxis are available and affordable for short trips.
- How much is a taxi to Walvis Bay? It usually costs around N$40.
- Is there public transport in Swakopmund? No, but the town is small and easy to walk around.
- What types of accommodation are in Swakopmund? There are hotels, guesthouses, lodges, and resorts.
- Where can I stay in Swakopmund? You can stay near the beach or town center at places like Strand Hotel or Hotel A la Mer.
- What should I check before booking a hotel? Check for WiFi, parking, and easy access to tours.
- Is Swakopmund good for families? Yes, many hotels have family rooms and activities for all ages.
- Who can help me book Swakopmund tours? You can contact licensed tour operators or book directly with local companies.
- Can I combine Swakopmund with other destinations? Yes, many tours include Walvis Bay, Sossusvlei, and Windhoek.
- What makes Swakopmund special? It is a peaceful coastal town with German history, adventure tours, and a cool climate.
