The 30 best places in Swakopmund, Erongo

Swakopmund Reviews

Phil Steynberg

31 December 2019

The weather and the restaurants in Swakopmund.

Fabulous. 4 out of 5

More info about Swakopmund

Swakopmund, German for ‘Mouth of the Swakop’, is Namibia’s most popular tourist destination. It is a beach resort with half timbered buildings and fine examples of German colonial architecture. These old colonial buildings are a bold contrast for a town sitting on the borders of the Namib Desert. People also come to Swakopmund due to it’s pleasant climate, which is a great relief when escaping from the intense heat of the interior in summer. Earning its place as an adventure sports destination, there is no shortage of thrilling adrenaline-fueled activities here.

Things to do

Popular Swakopmund adventure sports are sandboarding, quad biking, dune carting, parachuting, hot air ballooning, shark fishing and deep sea fishing, to name a few. Element Riders Adventure Sports can help you learn some of these sports in guided and assisted ways, while also offering full and introductory courses.

At the foot of the lighthouse, set on the site of the old harbour warehouse, you’ll find the ... Show more

Things to do

At the foot of the lighthouse, set on the site of the old harbour warehouse, you’ll find the Swakopmund Museum. This is the perfect spot to learn about the town’s history and the first German settlers, as well as some interesting information on Namibia’s local flora and fauna.

One must-see landmark is the Swakopmund Jetty. Originally constructed from wood in 1905, the jetty was battered by the seas, so the need for an iron jetty was soon realised. An unfinished iron pier was once again left to the elements, but in 1985 some much needed funds were raised for restoration. The jetty is now open to the public.

The Mole, is now the main beach area of Swakopmund. The Mole was a largely unsuccessful attempt to create an artificial harbour. Shortly after construction of the harbour, in 1903, major silting from the Benguela current caused a sandbank to form which limited access to the harbour. Today, the Mole is a sheltered beach with palmed walkways.

55km east of Swakopmund you will find the Rossing Mine, one of the largest and longest running open pit uranium mines in the world. Tours are available on the first Friday of every month and can be booked through the Swakopmund Museum.

Where to eat

For home baked bread and excellent coffee, the Village Cafe is the place to be. With its relaxed and friendly atmosphere it’s no wonder this place is a favourite with the locals.

No doubt one of the most exquisite restaurant venues in Swakopmund, The Wreck offers delicious food, ranging from fresh grilled line fish to sumptuous steaks. The Wreck is situated on the second floor of the Beach Lodge and has uninterrupted sea views.

A seafood restaurant with a twist, The Tug, is built around a real tug and boasts spectacular views of the Swakopmund jetty and ocean. It has a diverse menu which ranges from Pategonian squid to tender lamb. As The Tug grows increasingly popular, make sure you book in advance.

Centrally located, Bojos Cafe is a great spot for breakfast and some good coffee.The walls are filled with quirky posters and quotes. Bojos pride themselves in using only the freshest and most natural ingredients.

Right in the middle of the ocean, on the Swakopmund Jetty, you will find the Jetty 1905 restaurant. Known for their excellent seafood, this gem located on a historic landmark offers unsurpassed views.

Where to stay

The heart of Swakopmund is filled with comfortable guesthouses and B&Bs, while the beachfront is dotted with self-catering homes, lodges and luxury spa hotels. There truly is something for everyone.

Transport

Car: The best way to get to, and around Swakopmund is by car. Windhoek is approximately 4-5 hours away by car.

Air: Guests can fly into Hosea Kutako International Aiport, in Windhoek, which is aprroximately 400kms away. Alternativley guests can choose to fly into Walvis Bay Airport, which is only aprroximately 47kms away, but offers limited routes and flight times.

Train: There is a train service from Swakopmund to Windhoek which can take up to 21 hours.

Taxi: One cannot rely on a taxi service in Swakopmund, but the city is small enough to get around by foot.

Did you know?

Swakopmund was founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South-West Africa.

Swakopmund is often misspelt as Swaarkopmond, Swarkupmond, Swarcupmund, and Swarcopmund.

A sizeable part of Swakopmund’s population are still German speaking.

Swakopmund is surrounded by the Namib Desert on three sides and the cold Atlantic to the west. It has a mild desert climate.

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Swakopmund

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About Swakopmund

Swakopmund Reviews

Phil Steynberg

85 accommodation listings in Swakopmund. Enter dates to see full pricing and availability:

Bed and Breakfast, Hotels in Kramersdorf, Swakopmund

R960

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Villas in Long Beach, Swakopmund

R825

Pet Friendly, Guest Farms, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R175

Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Villas in Long Beach, Swakopmund

R3500

Boutique Hotels, Hotels in Swakopmund

R1410

Apartments, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R995

Cottages, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R400

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Guest Lodge in Swakopmund

R1240

Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R550

Bed and Breakfast, Hotels in Swakopmund

R1100

Self Catering in Swakopmund

R500

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R525

Pet Friendly, Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R220

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R2195

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R2175

Boutique Hotels in Swakopmund

R1375

Pet Friendly, Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R1100

Apartments, Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering, Villas in Swakopmund

R1400

Apartments, Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R915

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R1815

Apartments, Hotels in Swakopmund

R1100

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R900

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Self Catering in Vineta, Swakopmund

R1190

Pet Friendly, Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R1400

Apartments, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R1040

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R1375

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R1500

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Vineta, Swakopmund

R685

Bed and Breakfast, Hotels in Swakopmund

R1360

Pet Friendly, Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R900

Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R1144

Guest Houses, Self Catering in Swakopmund

R800

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R1170

Bed and Breakfast, Hotels in Swakopmund

R1050

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Swakopmund

R850

Apartments, Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Swakopmund