Don’t skip this small Southern African town between the desert and the sea
Why this desert town at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean deserves a visit
I’ve lived in Swakopmund, a small town in the middle of the Namib desert, for more than a year, and here’s why I think it’s a worthy holiday destination.
A lot of content floating around the internet loves to play up its proximity to Europe, calling the place a pretty German town in the middle of Africa. That history is fascinating but there’s a lot more going on.
An iconic coastal town in Namibia, Africa, Swakopmund is one of those rare places in the world where towering, ancient sand dunes smash into the shores of the Atlantic ocean. On offer here is a combination of culture and natural beauty. While it’s known for its endless desert landscape, the place also has a fascinating history and rich heritage and we’ll get into more of that below.
There’s no shortage of things to do over a short holiday in Swakopmund. Sandboarding, kayaking, dolphin cruises, and desert quad biking are just some of the reasons to visit. All you have to do is pick.
I’ve tried or researched most of the attractions. Since I have young children, I'll emphasise family-friendly activities. Planning ahead is key to making your short family trip fun and memorable, and this guide will help you map an ideal holiday in Swakopmund with your family.
From desert activities to restaurants, and museums, this post includes highlights and travel ideas to ensure your day in Swakopmund is one you’ll never forget.
To help you put together a family trip worth your visit, I’ve presented multiple options. Feel free to customize based on your interests, length of stay, and budget.
Meet desert creatures on the Living Dunes Tour
The Living Dunes Experience takes you deep into the desert to see Palmato geckos, sidewinder snakes, spiders, and chameleons. You’ll learn about the nature of these animals and how they’ve evolved to survive in the Namib desert.
Aside from seeing desert creatures up close, you’ll get a 4X4 drive up and down the rolling dunes. Bonus: it's a 100% kid-friendly experience. My children enjoyed playing in the dunes and asking questions about the history of the desert.
Take note: this is a three-hour tour, and you’d need to be ready around 8:30 am. You’ll be back in town after 12 pm so this excursion will take up your entire morning.
Book the Living Dunes Tour here.
Take a stroll along the historic Swakopmund Jetty
The Swakopmund Jetty is a key part of the country’s history. Built during German colonial rule in 1904, it’s become a popular attraction.
The first thing that strikes you about walking along the jetty is the view. Flanked by endless masses of ocean on either side, the wooden jetty is a great place to take in the crisp sea breeze. And your kids will love watching the waves roll and crash underneath their feet.
While you’re there, check out the 1877 Doughnut Bar. Here, choose from a range of sweet treats made from a 150-year-old recipe. Remember to check the eatery’s Facebook page to confirm operating hours.
Explore the Swakopmund Museum
Founded in 1951, the Swakopmund Museum is the largest privately run museum in Namibia.
Hosting a vast collection of indigenous plants, animals, and artifacts, the museum will engage children of all ages.
Clothes, cars, and exhibitions, provide a window into life in Namibia over the years - right from the moment the German settlers arrived to the South African occupation and beyond.
You’ll also learn about the country’s different ethnic groups and their traditions. Namibia’s German presence is most keenly felt in Swakopmund: you’ll see it in the distinct architecture and hear the language all around you.
There’s a lot to take in here, so you should set aside an hour or two for your visit.
Relax at the Swakopmund Mole
The Swakopmund Mole is a historic walkway along the beach, first built in the 1900s. Popular with locals and tourists alike, the Mole is lined with local eateries and souvenir shops.
Depending on the weather, you might opt for a family beach day. Rent a kayak and enjoy the day at the beachside. The sun will soon start beating down so remember to bring an umbrella and loads of sunscreen.
Alternatively, enjoy breakfast at one of the restaurants while the children play in the park overlooking the ocean.
Take a quad bike ride through the desert
There’s something freeing about speeding along the slopes of the Namib desert. Quad biking is one of Swakopmund’s most popular tourist attractions and it’s easy to see why.
Riding through the Namib desert is a must even if you’re spending just one day in Swakopmund. Located just outside of town, these sand dunes are a sight to behold.
Your kids will love this adventure. Smaller children ride along with their parents at no extra cost. During a break, perched on a giant mountain of yellow sand, you’ll have incredible photo opportunities. Take some time to observe the sprawling desert from the taller dune peaks.
Shorter trips take around 30 minutes. We’ve tried the 45-minute and 1-hour quad bike tour with Desert Explorers and would recommend both for families.
Book a 1-hour quad bike tour here.
Go sandboarding
Sandboarding sees you racing down the dunes, sand spraying all around you to reach speeds of 80km/h.
Like quad biking, sandboarding down the desert slopes is something you should experience during your stay in Swakopmund.
Even smaller kids can join. My four-year-old accompanied my teenage nephew, laying on his back.
Book a 1-hour lie-down sandboarding and 1 -hour quad bike ride here.
Stop by the National Marine Aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium in Swakopmund is home to an array of sea life.
This small but interesting aquarium has a large tank upstairs and an underwater walkway where you’ll get a closer view of the rays and sharks.
Feeding happens daily at the aquarium at 3 pm. On Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays divers go into the tanks to feed the fish.
Visit the Living Desert Snake Park
If you want to see snakes, lizards, and other reptiles during your trip, the Living Desert Snake Park deserves a visit.
While it's a self-guided tour, the guide will frequently engage with you and your children. My children - then aged 8 and 4 - loved this trip.
Be prepared to roam around here for at least an hour.
See rare gems at the Kristal Museum
The Kristall Galerie has few reasons to land itself on your itinerary.
Entering the Galerie takes you through the crystal cave, a replica of a Namibian tourmaline mine.
On the other side, you’ll find the world's largest quartz crystal cluster - dated at over 500 million years old.
Be sure to visit the gem garden, a scratch pit filled with gemstones. Collect as many as you can squeeze into a small bag and take home as a souvenir. As you might've guessed, this is another firm favourite for the kids.
Catch a beach sunset
Swakopmund Mole offers a couple of great vantage points for viewing the African sunset. You’ll feel as if you’re standing at the edge of the world, taking in an unrestricted view of the Atlantic Ocean.
The kids will have fun clambering up the rocks, as you watch the sun dip into the sea.
Enjoy supper at the Butcher and Brewer
Located along the Mole, the Butcher and Brewer serve a wide selection of meals and craft beers. Select from the finest Namibian meat and other African dishes.
Of course, there are tons of great restaurants in Swakopmund. I singled out this one because it offers a small play area and splendid sea views.
Spend a memorable day in Swakopmund
As you can see, there’s lots to do in Swakopmund. Honestly, you’ll need more than one day to experience everything Swakopmund has to offer. A week would give you enough time to see everything - and do nothing. Those who love slow living will thrive here.
But if time is of the essence and you only have 24 hours to spend, I’d recommend trying this sample itinerary:
Swakopmund Mole: pop by the Swakopmund Museum and have breakfast at the Museum Cafe while the kids play in the park.
Sandboarding/quad bike combo: head into the desert to ride and sandboard over the dunes.
Aquarium: be back in town to catch the feeding at 3 pm.
Swakopmund Jetty: when you leave the Aquarium, take a short walk to the jetty and grab a donut. If you have the time (and energy), head into the CBD to soak up the architecture and browse the craft shops.
The Butcher and Brewer: end your day with a meal overlooking the ocean.
Swakopmund travel tips:
You can exchange money easily in town and most places accept cards. Carry cash for purchasing souvenirs from street vendors.
There are no e-hailing services. You’ll find taxis in town, and they cost N$13 depending on where you’re going. Honestly, it’s far easier to rent a car or contract a shuttle especially with kids.
Personally, I find Swakopmund safe. But after travelling to a couple of different places, I realise safety is subjective. I feel completely safe walking around town in the evening but your tolerance level may be different depending on your context. Practice common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. Watch your belongings.
Whether it’s lazing on the beach, feasting on local cuisine, or speeding down the dunes, Swakopmund has something for everyone. The next step is to plan your trip, pack your bags, and make lasting memories.
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