Despite not being the country’s capital, Swakopmund is without a doubt the top summer destination in Namibia and the center for adventure and extreme sports.
The name Swakopmund comes from the German term meaning “mouth of Swakop,” referring to the historical overflow and flooding of the Swakop River.
When German settlers moved to the seaside town in 1892, it began to develop a strong German character. Most importantly, the harbor town of Walvis Bay is only 30 minutes away from this coastal city, which is a popular vacation spot for both locals and tourists.
Swakopmund is also a convenient stop if you are traveling north along the Skeleton Coast into Damaraland and eventually Etosha Park, or south into the Namib Desert and Fish River Canyon.
Location of Swakopmund
Swakopmund is one of only three moderately large towns along Namibia’s 1,600 km Atlantic coast (the other two are Walvis Bay and Lüderitz). Still, the town’s green and coastal setting is possibly the nicest.
Known simply as “Swakop,” this old port town is like a small piece of Bavaria, sitting between the deserts of Namib-Naukluft National Park to the southeast and the more northern Skeleton Coast.
How to get to Swakopmund
It takes about four hours to drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund. The nearest airport, however, is in Walvis Bay, just 30 minutes away by car. Air Namibia offers international and regional flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg, and other cities.
Best time to go
The best months to visit Swakopmund are from July to October, when the weather is mild (just over 20°C) and there is little chance of rain. August and September are the peak travel months, so it’s important to book in advance.
This is also the best time for animal sightings. You can also choose to visit during the off-season to save money.
