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Where to stay in Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a seaside town on Namibia's Atlantic coast, between the Namib Desert dunes and the cold ocean. It is known for its German colonial architecture, adventure activities and cool, often foggy weather. The compact centre is walkable, with guesthouses along the beachfront and the dunes a short drive away.
Town centre and the beachfront
Hotels and guesthouses in the centre are close to the jetty, the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum and German colonial buildings such as the Woermann House. Restaurants serving fresh seafood and German bakeries are nearby. It is calm and safe to walk by day.
Vogelstrand and the northern suburbs
North of the centre, the quieter residential beachfront areas such as Vogelstrand have holiday houses and guesthouses. They are close to the sea and a short drive into town.
Walvis Bay (nearby)
About 30 kilometres south, Walvis Bay has a lagoon with flamingos and pelicans and is the departure point for catamaran cruises with seals and dolphins and 4x4 trips to Sandwich Harbour. Its airport has flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
One thing to think about
Even in summer, Swakopmund is often cool and foggy in the mornings, so pack warm layers. Leave valuables out of sight in parked cars, as you would in any town.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Swakopmund are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Common questions
What can I do in Swakopmund?
Swakopmund is Namibia's adventure capital: sandboarding, quad biking, skydiving and dune tours. The Living Desert tour shows the small creatures of the dunes. You can also take boat trips from Walvis Bay to see seals, dolphins and sometimes whales.
How far is Swakopmund from Sossusvlei and Etosha?
Sossusvlei is about five to six hours' drive south-east on gravel roads, and Etosha is about five to six hours north-east. Swakopmund is a good stop between the two on a self-drive route, with a break for restaurants and shops.
What is the weather like in Swakopmund?
The cold Benguela current keeps the coast cool all year, with frequent morning fog and mild afternoons. It rarely rains. Inland, a short drive away, the desert is much hotter. Pack warm clothes for evenings and early mornings.
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