Blog Post
Situated on Namibia’s western coast, Swakopmund is a popular stop on many Namibian road trip itineraries, thanks to its convenient location between Sossusvlei and Etosha! So you may be wondering if this town is worth the visit as well as what are some of the best things to do in Swakopmund. Having explored this coastal gem and experienced both its highlights and hidden corners, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned to help you make the most of your time there.
From choosing the perfect length for your stay and finding the ideal accommodations to must-see activities and insider tips, this guide covers it all. Whether you’re looking to dive into thrilling desert adventures, enjoy local cuisine, or relax along the scenic coastline, this guide will ensure that you get the best out of your experience in Swakopmund. Let’s get into it!
13 Best Things to do in Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a haven for both marine and adrenaline activities. Check out our list to find out about our 13 unforgettable things to do in Swakopmund. We will cover water-based, thrilling, cultural, food, and educational activities that are available in Swakopmund.
Sandwich Harbour is one of the most sought-after experiences near Swakopmund and a major draw for visitors. Sandwich Harbour is a remote location along the Namibian coastline where the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert dramatically meet the Atlantic Ocean.
Located about 50km south of Walvis Bay, it is one of the few places in the world where the desert and ocean converge in such a striking way. A tour through Sandwich Harbour offers an exhilarating adventure, racing up and down the towering dunes in a specialized 4×4 vehicle. Upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with one of Namibia’s most unique and breathtaking landscapes.
We did the full day (around 7 hours) tour (with this exact company) and highly recommend taking this option over the half-day (4-hour) tour. The reason for this is that reaching the remote Sandwich Harbour takes quite a lot of time.
With the full-day tour, we had the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing lunch right amongst the vast dunes. Also, along the way, you will have many things to see including the seal colonies, flamingos, salt factory, pink lakes and more! For this reason, be sure to book the 7-hour Sandwich Harbour tour to ensure you get the fullest experience.
💡 One final tip: There are sometimes options for you to drive you own 4×4 vehicle on the Sandwich Harbour tour. As much as it may be possible, we wouldn’t recommend it. The dunes are very steep up and down, and you need to know which dunes can be climbed. We believe you’ll have a far better experience just doing the tour in their vehicle.
On the Living Desert Eco-tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the distinct desert environment and discover the creatures that have made it their home. When you first see the desert dunes, it will be hard to imagine that creatures actually live there.
Through this tour, you will learn all about the animals in the living desert including the Namib sand-diving lizard, the Namaqua chameleon, different snakes, scorpions, and beetles!
The tour lasts around 4-5 hours and you will be brought to some stunning locations in the dune belt just outside of Swakopmund.
3) Kayaking with Seals at Pelican Point
The Seal Kayaking tour at Pelican Point was the highlight of our visit to Swakopmund. On this tour, you’ll be driven to Pelican Point, where you’ll encounter vast seal colonies with thousands upon thousands of seals! Then, you will embark on the kayak and approach the colony from the water.
What’s special is that the seals are very curious and playful, and will approach your kayak. Oftentimes, they will poke their heads out right next to you as well as try to bite your paddle. At certain points, some seals even hopped onto the tail of our kayak and chilled there.
It was truly fascinating to be able to interact with the seals in such close proximity!
Following the kayaking, you will then enjoy a small lunch, warm tea, and some refreshments! We also noticed that the tour owners are committed to protecting the local ecosystem and wildlife. One of them even rescued a baby seal tangled in a fishing line, which highlighted their dedication.
Supporting an eco-conscious and ethical company like this made the experience even more rewarding.
VIEW MORE THINGS TO DO AT SWAKOPMUND
Best Place to Stay in Swakopmund
Luxury: Strand Hotel Swakopmund
Strand Hotel Swakopmund is one of the best hotels you can stay at in Swakopmund. Located on the beautiful promenade, Strand Hotel Swakopmund has a spa, 3 restaurants, and bars. This is also where you will find our most highly recommended restaurant Ocean Cellar.
The rooms in Strand Hotel Swakopmund are beautiful, spacious, and modernly decorated. Given their location right on the peninsula, you will be able to enjoy constant views of the stunning Atlantic Coast. A stay at Strand Hotel Swakopmund includes free parking, a very good breakfast, and one of the classiest stays in Swakopmund.
Best Restaurants in Swakopmund
Ocean Cellar
Ocean Cellar was without a doubt one of our favourite restaurants during our entire stay in Namibia. In fact, we loved it so much that we went back there 3 nights in a row!
Not only are they located on the beautiful peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with large windows throughout the restaurant through which you can admire the setting sun, but their seafood is phenomenal.
CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION on Swakopmund
AUTHOR
Ryan Chan is the owner and author of Wayless Travelers
Wayless Travelers is a blog that seeks to inspire others to venture off-the-beaten-path and discover unique destinations around the world. If you’re looking for detailed guides, trip itineraries, and practical advice based on personal explorations, with a narrative touch of our stories along the way, please visit Wayless Travelers.
