Overview
Swakopmund safaris
Nestled along the picturesque Atlantic coast of Namibia, Swakopmund is a charming seaside town that beckons with its unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and German colonial history.
The town’s defining feature is its coastal setting, with the rolling dunes of the Namib Desert on one side and the vast expanse of the South Atlantic Ocean on the other. This juxtaposition creates a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities like sandboarding, dune buggy rides, and quad biking provide thrilling adventures amidst the iconic dunes of the Namib Desert.
Swakopmund’s Germanic roots are made evident by its colonial architecture, quaint coffee shops, bakeries, and beer gardens, allowing visitors to savour traditional German cuisine and beverages.
And as a gateway to the seal-laden Sandwich Bay and the otherworldly Moon Valley, carved by the Swakop River, Swakopmund is the ideal base from which to explore Namibia’s most diverse natural landscapes.
Overview
Swakopmund safaris
Itinerary ideas
Suggested itineraries for Namibia safaris
-
Namibia Family Self-Drive Safari
Visit Namibia’s iconic highlights on your own self-drive adventure. Traverse rugged terrain, visiting the Gamsberg Mountains, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Etosha National Park.
More InfoGuide Price From £2,950 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children (12 and under) sharing Duration 14 nights Best Months July - October Region Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, ![shutterstock_1627919908-scaled.jpg?w=1024&h=683&scale]()
-
Luxury Namibia Safari
Maximise your time in Namibia with a luxurious fly-in, fly-out experience, taking you from the dunes of Sossusvlei to the impressive game of Etosha.
More InfoGuide Price From £10,490 per person (based on 2 adults) Duration 10 nights Best Months July - October Region Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, ![shutterstock_2152008031-scaled.jpg?w=1024&h=594&scale]()
-
Namibian Honeymoon Escape
Embark on a romantic odyssey through the breathtaking landscapes of Namibia.
More InfoGuide Price From £9,925 per person (based on 2 adults) Duration 14 nights Best Months July - October Region Windhoek, Sossusvlei, Skeleton Coast, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, ![img_8024.jpg?w=1024&h=971&scale]()
Where is Swakopmund?
First founded as the main port town for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is located on Namibia’s Western Coast, overlooking the South Atlantic Ocean.
A five to six hour drive West of Windhoek, families can wind their way through the Namib Desert and witness the dramatic landscape change as you near the thundering Atlantic.
And for those wanting to save time, internal flights from Windhoek are available as well as connections from South Africa.
What to do in Swakopmund?
Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, Swakopmund has something special to offer.
Explore the nearby Namib Desert, learning about how its wealth of wildlife survives in such arid conditions, or take a trip to see the rocky vistas of the Moon Valley. For thrill-seekers, sandboarding, dune buggy rides or quad biking are also all popular options.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Swakopmund’s charming promenade invites leisurely strolls, and a visit to its traditional buildings – including the Woermannhaus and the State House – offer an interesting insight into the town’s colonial past.
Nature enthusiasts will find Swakopmund to be a gateway to some of Namibia’s most spectacular natural wonders. Excursions to the nearby Walvis Bay Lagoon offer a chance to witness an array of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, while whale watching tours from July and August offer the chance to see southern right whales, humpbacks and even orcas.
Best time to visit?
Swakopmund has a cool-desert climate with relatively low rainfall and a pleasant temperature all year round.
The best time of year for visitors wanting drier weather and wildlife, however, is the Namibian winter from June to September.
Who should visit?
From thrilling desert adventures to a relaxing coastal hideout, Swakopmund offers a welcoming environment for families of all ages to explore.
Swakopmund’s rich cultural heritage makes it a melting pot of Germanic colonial influences and indigenous cultures, and the perfect spot to educate young teenagers about the imperial Scramble for Africa and its modern consequences.
Moreover, the town’s close proximity to the vast Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean ensures that there is no shortage of thrilling activities and wildlife viewing opportunities on offer. What is most compelling about Swakopmund is how you can pack out your itinerary as little or as much as you feel suits your family.
Places to stay
Recommended Swakopmund accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Swakopmund accommodation
Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
