Of all the cities I visited in Namibia, Swakopmund felt the most vibrant and livable, a place I could easily see myself spending a few months. While Windhoek may be the capital, Swakopmund is where Namibia truly shines. Thanks to its lively atmosphere, stunning colonial architecture, and proximity to the coast, along with access to some of the country’s most breathtaking natural sights, such as the Skeleton Coast, Sandwich Harbor, and Sossusvlei, Swakopmund is a destination not to be missed.
In this travel guide, I’ll highlight all the coolest things to do in Swakopmund, from taking a road trip to Sandwich Harbor and visiting the massive seal colony to exploring the city's charming colonial architecture. I’ll also provide all the essential information you need to plan an unforgettable trip. So, without further ado, here’s your complete travel guide to Swakopmund.
- Swakopmund Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Swakopmund?
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10 Best Things to Do in Swakopmund
- Explore the Stunning Sandwich Harbor
- Get close to Flamingos at Flamingo Lagoon
- Take Photos with the Pink Lake at Walvis Bay Salt Works
- Be Blown Away by the Amount of Seals at Pelican Point
- Visit the Awesome Swakopmund Museum
- Check Out Kristall Galerie
- Hang Out at Swakopmund Mole
- Admire the Beauty of Colonial Buildings in Swakopmund
- Look Out for Old Vintage Books at Swakopmunder Buchhandlung
- Eat Like a Local at AfroFusion
- How to Get to Swakopmund?
- How to Get Around Swakopmund?
- What to Pack for Swakopmund?
- Further Reading for Namibia
Swakopmund Things to Do Map
10 Best Things to Do in Swakopmund
1. Explore the Stunning Sandwich Harbor
One of the highlights of visiting Namibia’s west coast is experiencing Sandwich Harbor, a unique coastal area where the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert meet the Atlantic Ocean. If you’ve ever come across pictures of massive sand dunes cascading into the ocean while researching Namibia, this is the place, it’s where you’ll witness these epic dunes in all their glory!
Technically located within a national reserve area in Walvis Bay, about 50 km south of Swakopmund, Sandwich Harbor is absolutely breathtaking in every way. How often do you get the chance to drive on a beach, literally “sandwiched” (get it? 😂) between massive sand dunes and the ocean? Beyond the stunning landscapes, you’ll also encounter wildlife such as oryx and an abundance of birds, thanks to the area’s rich biodiversity.
The origins of the name "Sandwich Harbour" are debated. Some suggest it derives from the German word "sandfisch", meaning sand fish or sand shark, while others believe it was named after the HMS Sandwich, a British ship that explored the west coast of Africa in the late 18th century.
- Salty Jackal Surf Camp (Budget)
- The Delight Swakopmund (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Strand Hotel Swakopmund (High-End)
- Sandwich Harbour Adventure: Seals and Sandwich harbour dune drive (6 - 7 hours) 👍 Top Pick
- Living Desert Eco Dune Tour (4-5 hours)
- Scenic Desert Tour by Bike (2 hours)
Historically, Sandwich Harbour served as a modest commercial port in the 19th century, supporting industries such as whaling and small-scale fishing. In 1884, it gained significance as a supply harbor for the German colony of South-West Africa but was soon overshadowed by the development of Swakopmund's harbor.
Today, Sandwich Harbor is protected by the National Park Department, and you’ll need to obtain a permit before you can drive inside. Since you'll be navigating sand dunes with no clear direction, I highly recommend going with a tour guide instead.
I joined this organized tour for the 4x4 excursion, and it was incredible. Winton, my guide, was fantastic! He took us to all the stunning viewpoints around Sandwich Harbor, as well as other amazing attractions near Walvis Bay, including the Flamingo Lagoon, the Pink Lake, and Pelican Point, all of which are also on this list. You can take this tour and visit half of the locations on this list in one go!
If you want to drive on the sand dunes for the first time, you can opt for the organized tour but with a self-drive option. They’ll provide you with a 4x4 and a radio, and you’ll follow the guide, who will instruct you on how to drive and navigate obstacles without getting stuck. It’s a great way to experience Sandwich Harbor while also picking up unique skills that you can only learn here.
Where to Stay in Swakopmund?
2. Get close to Flamingos at Flamingo Lagoon
Not far from Walvis Bay’s city center, you’ll find the Flamingo Lagoon, where most of the flamingos in the area tend to congregate. I’m not sure why they choose this spot, perhaps it’s the algae they find delicious, but you’ll have the chance to get pretty up close and personal with them here.
There are 2 types of flamingoes here, the Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, and you can usually differentiate by their colors. The ones you will see here are the Lesser Flamingoes which are smaller, but have much more vivid pink colors than their greater counterpart.
The lagoon is located right off a public road, and there are several free parking spots available for you to use while you visit the flamingos. If you're on an organized tour to Sandwich Harbor, this will be your first stop on the way to the national park, so you won’t need to visit it on your own. Otherwise, you’ll need a car to get here, as it’s about a 30-minute drive from Swakopmund.
3. Take Photos with the Pink Lake at Walvis Bay Salt Works
One of the most popular Instagrammable spots here is the Pink Lakes, often depicted as a magical natural lake with vivid pink water. However, much like many things on social media these days, the picture-perfect scenery isn’t the magical place it’s sometimes portrayed to be by influencers.
The striking color actually comes from residues created by the largest solar sea salt producer in sub-Saharan Africa. While it’s a great spot to stop for a few photos, it’s not as picturesque as it may seem. Still, it’s worth a quick stop on your way from Swakopmund to Sandwich Harbor, as it’s along the route.
Just don’t get your hopes up, and definitely don’t step into the lake like some influencers do. It’s private property, and doing so would be considered illegal trespassing. If you are visiting Sandwich Harbor as part of an organized tour, you will also stop here for photos before continuing your journey.
4. Be Blown Away by the Amount of Seals at Pelican Point
Pelican Point is another impressive wildlife spot you should see while you explore Walvis Bay. This stunning sandy peninsula is also part of the national park and can only be accessed via Sandwich Harbor with a 4x4, as you will have to, once again, drive through sandy beaches to get here.
It’s well worth the trip, though, as this area is famous for its large population of Cape fur seals, giving you the chance to observe these playful creatures up close. There are so many seals here that even my local guide mentioned it has more than the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, located much farther north from Swakopmund.
I was planning to visit the seal reserve the next day, but my guide told me that if you've seen Pelican Point, there's no need to go to the reserve since there are more seals here, and it smells much better thanks to the sea breeze.
Pelican Point is also a prime location for birdwatching, with opportunities to see various seabirds and migratory species. We even saw an African penguin, which is extremely rare in this part of Namibia as they often stay further south. Apparently, it was brought here by the current and was unable to get back, so my guide had to call in the ranger to transport it back.
Here, you'll also find a massive lighthouse that has been converted into a lodge, offering luxury accommodations with panoramic ocean views. The lodge provides guided tours, including boat excursions to observe marine life and scenic drives along the peninsula, although I’m sure it’s extremely expensive and quite difficult to access. We didn’t see a single soul when we were there.
If you're interested in visiting Pelican Point, I highly recommend joining this Sandwich Harbor guided tour, which also includes a photo stop at Pelican Point along with other attractions in Walvis Bay. If you're a photographer and want to capture some up-close shots of the seals, there’s no better place than here.
5. Visit the Awesome Swakopmund Museum
If you are interested in learning more about Swakopmund and its colonial past, one of the best museums you can visit is Swakopmund Museum, located not too far from the Mole. Out of all the museums I visited in Namibia, this one has to be my favorite thanks to its incredible collection and detailed exhibitions.
Established in 1951, the Swakopmund Museum is Namibia's largest privately run museum. It offers a comprehensive collection of exhibits that delve into the country's rich history, diverse cultures, and natural wonders.
Highlights include an impressive display of taxidermy animals found in the region, a massive collection of colonial artifacts that provide insight into the German influence, and many other aspects that you won't find in any other museums, like the evolution of transportation, cinema cameras, and more.
The exhibitions are spread across the ground floor and a balcony, with several small rooms all connected by a large hallway filled with taxidermy and artifacts. It's very easy to navigate, and there’s plenty of content to keep you engaged for at least an hour.
If you are in Swakopmund and you have a few hours to spare, I highly recommend you come and check out this museum. You are going to be impressed by its presentation and collection. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance fee is 40 NAD or 2.15 USD per person.
6. Check Out Kristall Galerie
As you know, Namibia, since its inception, is big on mining, and there is a museum dedicated entirely to crystals and gemstones you should definitely check out called Kristall Galerie.
Established in 1998, the museum is a must-visit especially for those fascinated by geology and mineralogy. This gallery showcases an impressive array of specimens, including crystals, cut gemstones, and the world's largest quartz crystal cluster on display.
This remarkable natural wonder, estimated to be approximately 520 million years old, was discovered in the Erongo region of Namibia in August 1985. It stands 3 meters high and 3 meters wide, weighing a staggering 14,100 kg. The meticulous excavation process took five years to complete.
That alone is worth seeing with your own eyes, so if you have some time to spare, be sure to drop by and check out the Kristall Galerie. They are open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, except on Sundays, and the entrance fee is 30 NAD per person.
7. Hang Out at Swakopmund Mole
After you're done with the museum, head over to Swakopmund Mole to enjoy the view of the coastline. The Mole is a beautiful, scenic promenade that extends into the Atlantic Ocean, offering fantastic views of the coastline and the town, if the weather permits, that is. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me 😅.
If you have better luck with the weather than I did, you'll want to come here in the evening for a leisurely stroll along its beautiful 262-meter-long jetty that stretches into the ocean and watch the stunning sunset from there.
The area also offers plenty of free parking spots and is within walking distance of various restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to enjoy dinner after the sunset. It’s an awesome spot to hang out, so be sure to check out The Mole at sunset while you're here.
8. Admire the Beauty of Colonial Buildings in Swakopmund
Much like Luderitz, Swakopmund is known for its colorful colonial buildings, and the centerpiece of it all is Hohenzollernhaus, a wonderful example of German colonial architecture, constructed between 1904 and 1906. This building reflects the Neo-Baroque style popular in Germany during that era. The German influence can be seen not just in this building but in many others around the city as well.
Another beautiful building to check out in Swakopmund is Woermannhaus, which was originally the headquarters of the Damara & Namaqua Trading Company and later Woermann & Brock Trading Company. Constructed in 1905, it features an iconic tower and beautifully blends German and African architectural styles.
You can find many other beautiful colonial buildings in the city center along the main area. Be sure to spend some time exploring the crisscrossing streets and keep an eye out for more architectural gems. Let us know what you discover in the comments below!
9. Look Out for Old Vintage Books at Swakopmunder Buchhandlung
If you love vintage books, be sure to stop by Swakopmunder Buchhandlung while exploring Swakopmund’s city center. I stumbled upon this charming bookstore while wandering through the city, and although it may seem like a regular bookstore at first glance, there’s a hidden gem tucked deep inside its shelves.
The front of the store sells new books; there's nothing special about that. But if you continue to walk inside, into another room, you will find a massive collection of old vintage magazines, maps, and books from the German South West Africa era, which will give you a glimpse of what life was like for the Germans living here.
I picked up a few fashion magazines from the 1970s and 1980s to see what was considered fashionable back then, as well as an old highway map of Namibia (formerly German South West Africa) – all for an incredibly cheap price. I got the map for just 10 NAD, which is a steal and will be a perfect addition to my vintage map collection 😁! If you love vintage books and maps, be sure to check out Swakopmunder Buchhandlung. The bookstore is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays, 9 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays.
10. Eat Like a Local at AfroFusion
If you're getting tired of the tourist-focused restaurants and buffet dinners at your lodges, check out AfroFusion, a local restaurant I stumbled upon by chance, conveniently located near my hotel.
The restaurant serves a delicious array of African-inspired fusion dishes that won’t cost an arm and a leg, unlike other German-run restaurants. It's also extremely popular among the locals, which is always a good sign.
You can choose from many traditional dishes on their well-explained menu, or if you’re undecided, go for the taster platter, which lets you try smaller portions of several options. There's also a seafood platter, the usual burgers with an African twist, and more to explore.
I'm really glad I stumbled upon this restaurant, especially after getting a bit tired of all the Western food served in lodges across Namibia. The restaurant is open every day from 10 AM to 10 PM.
How to Get to Swakopmund?
There are several ways to get to Swakopmund, but first, you’ll need to make your way to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. You can find plenty of flights on platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia.
Once you’re in Windhoek, you have two main options: you can do what I did and rent a car to drive to Swakopmund as part of a larger trip, or you can take advantage of the daily shuttle bus services offered by Carlos Shuttle or Welwitschia Shuttle, both of which are excellent operators.
Keep in mind that the pick-up locations are often in Windhoek city center, not at the airport. This means you’ll either need to stay one night in Windhoek or take a taxi to the city center. The shuttles typically operate twice a day, at 7 AM and 2 PM for Carlos Shuttle, and at 1 PM for Welwitschia, and the journey takes around 4.5 hours. The cost is approximately 350 NAD (19 USD) per person.
If you prefer to rent a car in Namibia, you can learn more about it here: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Experience and Things I Wish I Knew Before Renting and Driving a Car in Namibia.
How to Get Around Swakopmund?
Exploring the touristy parts of Swakopmund is easy on foot, but many of the main attractions are located far from the city. To reach most of the places I’ve mentioned here, you’ll need to rent a car and drive.
For certain spots, like Sandwich Harbor, you’ll need to be accompanied by a local guide, as driving on the sand dunes by the beach requires experience. You can often find an organized tour to join here.
What to Pack for Swakopmund?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Swakopmund, Namibia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Namibia
If you are looking for more articles about Namibia, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- For a complete itinerary to Namibia, check out: 2 Weeks in Namibia: A Road Trip Itinerary.
- Feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning your trip to Namibia? Check out this easy-to-follow guide: Namibia Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Experiences.
- Planning to visit Southern Namibia? You gotta stop by Luderitz! Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Luderitz.
- Who wants to visit an abandoned ghost town in Namibia? Kolmanskop is the famous ghost town often featured in many mainstream media and here is A Complete Guide to Namibia’s Ghost Town.
- You can’t visit Namibia without exploring Sossusvlei, home to the surreal sand dune landscapes the country is known for. To help you plan your trip, check out: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sossusvlei.
- Want to visit Sandwich Harbor but not sure where to begin? Check this out: A Complete Travel Guide to Sandwich Harbor
- Spitzkoppe is one of the most surreal places to visit in Namibia, and it would be a shame to come all the way to Namibia without seeing it. Here's a complete travel guide to Spitzkoppe.
- Have you ever dreamed of going on a self-drive safari in Africa? Well, you can do that in Etosha National Park in Namibia. Here's A Complete Self-Drive Safari Guide to Etosha National Park.
- If you want to see a real authentic Himba village and interact with the Himba people, here's a travel guide for you: Visiting the Himba Tribe: A Complete Guide.
- Planning to rent a car and drive in Namibia? You might wanna check this out: 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Driving in Namibia.
- Not sure which car rental company to choose in Namibia? Here's my experience with Namibia2Go: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Review.
- To see all articles about Namibia, be sure to check out our Namibia travel guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You will find more over at our Africa page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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