Visiting Swakopmund

The sleepy and unassuming town of Swakopmund in Namibia is more than just a stop point between the northern circuit and the southern dunes. Styled on the Tyrol, visitors can be forgiven for thinking they have been transported back to Europe. The sharp pitched roofs and carved wooden decorations are completely out of place in this desert landscape. Further proof of the country’s German occupation can be seen in the café windows that offer Apfel Strudel and hot chocolate!

Swakopmund is a small town, and most guests can ditch the car and spend a couple of days exploring on foot. It is a safe town, making it ideal for visiting restaurants and bars on foot, without needing a designated driver. There are a number of lively bars and restaurants serving everything from Pizza to locally caught seafood.

By day the main street comes alive with tourists looking for the ultimate thrill. Swakopmund bills itself as the Adventure capital of Africa, and it certainly does have plenty to offer. The more sedate visitors opt for scenic flights up the Skeleton Coast or a boat trip from Walvis Bay. Those looking for an adrenaline rush can choose from ski diving, to quad biking in the dunes or sand boarding.

The quad biking tours cater for everyone from the timid first timer (me!) to the gung-ho bike enthusiast (my husband) who propels themselves at great speed over dune faces. The beginners group inched along at a snail’s pace but never the less found it exhilarating. The whole group met at the end for a glass of bubbly and amazing views of the coast.

Sand boarding was just as fun, with some people achieving speeds of 80km! The tough part was walking back up the dunes with your board – no sand-lifts here unfortunately. It was energy sapping, and best left to the fit, youngsters. The really advanced were able to stand up on the board surfer-style but most people lay flat.

Scenic flights depart from the local airport, and can be booked in several offices in the centre of Swakopmund. Each plane takes four guests and the cost per person depends on whether the plane is full. For example two people will pay double the cost than if there are four. For this reason it is best to book when you get there, as you can usually find a flight with other people already booked, so the cost per head is reduced.

Back on terra firma, Swakopmund has a number of historic buildings, including the old train station which is now a hotel and casino and down on the waterfront there is a large curio market – for that must-have wooden giraffe statue! It is a fun town, and we heartily recommend a couple of nights to soak up the atmosphere.