13 Unforgettable Things to do in Swakopmund, Namibia

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!

Is Swakopmund Worth Visiting?

Swakopmund, situated on Namibia’s western coast, is often a key stop on a Namibia road trip, providing an ideal break between Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park. But is Swakopmund worth visiting?

Overall we would say yes, however, our feelings about this town are mixed. 

Swakopmund offers a unique blend of German architecture, adventurous activities, and some excellent food. Here you will be able to kayak with seals, see the massive sand dunes collide into the Atlantic Ocean in Sandwich Harbour, and even go discover all the hidden creatures that reside in the desert. There are plentiful fun things to do in Swakopmund, but our reservations are concerning the overall atmosphere of the town. 

We noticed that as of 7-8 pm at night, all the shops close and the streets become very empty, giving a bit of an eery feeling. During our visit, there were also incessantly peddlers following us around which was not the most pleasant.

Despite these drawbacks, we did highly enjoy the activities we did there and had some of the best food of our trip in Namibia. Therefore, as Swakopmund is an ideal and almost necessary stop between Sossusvlei and Etosha, we do recommend that you visit there for at least 1-2 nights.    

How long to Stay in Swakopmund?

We recommend staying a minimum of 2 nights in Swakopmund, depending on which and how many activities interest you. We were wanted to do the Seal Kayaking Tour in Pelican Point, as well as Sandwich harbour tour, so ended up staying 3 nights. This allowed us to enjoy two full days with both activities at a comfortable pace. It is possible to do both activities as a combined single full-day tour but I would not recommend it as it will be far too tiring. 

Also, the drive from Sossuslvlei to Swakopmund takes around 4.5 hours whereas if you are coming from Etosha National Park, you should arrange for around 6.5 hours. For this reason, you will not have time to do much the first day that you arrive in Swakopmund.

If you are only interested in doing the Seal Kayaking activity, and are very short on time, then it is possible to stay only 1 night. You will be able to do the Seal Kayaking as a morning tour, before driving to your next stop in Spitzkoppe or Damaraland. If however, you are heading to Etosha Park after, then you will not have enough time as you need to enter the Etosha gates before sunset.

In conclusion, the best is to have a minimum of 2 full nights in Swakopmund to fully enjoy the experience there.   

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.

1) Sandwich Harbour Tour

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. 

2) Living Desert Eco-Tour

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.

4) Big 5 Catamaran Tour

If paddling into the chilly Atlantic waters doesn’t appeal but you still want to experience Namibia’s aquatic wildlife, the Big 5 Catamaran tour is a fantastic option!

Before arriving in Namibia, we hadn’t realized there’s more than one “Big 5”—it doesn’t just refer to the famous safari animals. On this 3.5-hour catamaran journey, you’ll set out in search of the marine Big 5: whales, dolphins, mola mola (sunfish), leatherback turtles, and seals!

From the comfort of the boat, you will also watch the colony of 60,000 cape fur seals at Pelican Point. To top off the experience, fresh Namibian oysters, sparkling wine, and savoury snacks are provided as you admire the view from the bay. This tour is perfect for those who want more comfort while exploring the incredible marine life of Namibia! 

5) Crystal Museum in Swakopmund

If you have a free afternoon in town following your seal kayaking or dune ATVing activity, you can spend around an hour visiting the Crystal Museum.

Here you will find an impressive collection of Namibian crystals, minerals and gemstones. One of its standout features is the world’s largest quartz crystal cluster on display, weighing an astonishing 14,100 kg!

You can also walk through a crystal cave replica, giving an immersive experience. If interested, they also have a shop at the end selling all sorts of crystals and gemstone jewelry. 

The admission cost is around N30 per adult and the museum is open from 9am-5:30pm.

6) Walk Along the Coast of Swakopmund

Before heading to dinner, we would often stroll along the coast to take in the stunning ocean views. Sitting by the shore, we watched the massive Atlantic waves crash against the beach.

For one of the best views, walk toward the Swakopmund Mole near the tip of the peninsula, where Ocean Cellar is located—you’ll see both the rolling ocean waves and locals braving the chilly bay waters. This spot is especially beautiful at sunset!

Another favourite was near The Tug restaurant, where you can step out onto the jetty pier for an even closer view.

7) Explore Dune 7

Dune 7, located just outside Swakopmund, is one of Namibia’s tallest sand dunes and a must-visit for thrill-seekers. Rising over 380 meters high, it offers visitors the chance to climb its steep slopes for breathtaking panoramic views of the Namib Desert.

Additionally, if you want a more adventurous experience, you can also try out their quad biking or sandboarding tours!

8) ATV tour in the Sand Dunes

ATVing across the sand dunes is one of the most exciting activities you can do in Swakopmund. The desert dunes are almost endless and it is fascinating to be fully immersed inside the landscape.

During this trip, you experience racing up and down the smaller dunes towards the Table Top, which offers spectacular views of the sea.

There are several options ranging from 1.5 hour tours to 3 hour tours that include Quad biking and Sandboarding! 

9) Visit the Moon Landscape

Located around 40 mins outside of Swakopmund, The Moon Landscape area is a surreal, rugged area that looks just like the landscape on the moon. Following millions of years of intense erosion from the Swakop River, the landscape consists of dramatic valleys, rocky hills, and desolate terrains in shades of black and grey.

We drove through and visited this area on our way to Spitzkoppe and found it impressive but personally would not make a dedicated trip just to see it. We recommend that as you drive from Swakopmund to Spitskoppe, or Swakopmund to Etosha, you can simply make a quick stop at the Moon Landscape area.

If however this is something that really interests you, you can check out this full day tour of Moon Landscape. 

10) Mondesa Township Tour

The Mondesa Township tour from Swakopmund offers a vibrant and immersive experience into the heart of Namibian culture. Located on the outskirts of Swakopmund, Mondesa is a lively township rich with history and traditions, where you can gain an authentic insight into the daily lives of the local communities.

The tour includes guided walks through the streets of Mondesa, with opportunities to meet residents, learn about their heritage, and discover the multiple tribes that exist there. You will also get to try some local Namibian food, drink the locally crafted beer called “Uharapo”, hear traditional music, witness dancing, and more!

This tour lasts around 3 hours.

11) Tandem Sky Diving Swakopmund

For the true thrill-seekers, you can even do Tandem Sky Diving in Swakopmund! We would’ve loved to do it but didn’t get a chance to since we ran out of time doing the other activities.

However, I can only imagine how stunning and exhilarating it would be to soar high above those endless sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean! Make sure to check it out if you want a once-in-a-lifetime thrilling experience! 

This post is part of our series about Namibia. If you want to learn more about Namibia, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

Complete Guide to Visiting the Sossusvlei Dunes in Namibia (2025)

Namibia Itinerary: The Ultimate 2-Week Self-Drive Guide

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Spitzkoppe in Namibia (2024)

Complete Guide to Visiting Etosha National Park (2025)

Where to Stay in Etosha National Park: Top Lodge Comparisons

18 Unforgettable Things to do in Namibia (2025)

12) Visit Cape Cross and Zeila Shipwreck

Just north of Swakopmund, you’ll first encounter the remains of the Zeila Shipwreck, a hauntingly beautiful vessel stranded along the Atlantic coast. The ship, battered by waves and weather, creates an unusual sight as you admire it from the shore, offering an incredible photo opportunity and a reminder of how treacherous the Skeleton Coast is. 

Further north lies Cape Cross, home to one of the world’s largest seal colonies. Here, thousands of Cape fur seals gather, creating an intense scene of sights, sounds, and scents of these lively creatures in their natural habitat. Do note that it is very very smelly there. Unfortunately, a high percentage of baby seals die and their corpses are left there to decay, hence the bad odour. 

13) Visit Flamingo Lagoon

Flamingo Lagoon is one of the best and most popular spots to watch the large gatherings of pink flamingos. Normally, you will visit this site during the Sandwich Harbour tour or the Seal Kayaking tour, but we decided to go back one more time to fully enjoy it.

There is a convenient free parking lot and right in front of it is the Flamingo Lagoon. Here you will be able to spot both types of Flamingos from up close! 

Should You Stay in Walvis Bay or Swakopmund?

When planning our drive from Sossusvlei to Spitzkoppe and Etosha, we needed to decide whether to stay in Walvis Bay or Swakopmund. In the end, we chose Swakopmund and now having visited both, we are very glad we made that decision. Staying in Swakopmund is far preferable to Walvis Bay.

Walvis Bay, located 30 minutes south of Swakopmund, is a busy industrial town surrounded by salt mines, uranium and quartz factories, marble processing plants, and a major marine port. As a result, the area sees heavy truck traffic and has a more utilitarian feel, often bustling with industrial activity. There’s also frequently an unpleasant odour due to sewage issues. All these factors make it a less pleasant town to stay in for visitors.

Swakopmund, by contrast, is a charming, well-developed town with German-inspired architecture, plenty of lovely accommodations, great restaurants, and a small yet inviting downtown. Without a major marine port, Swakopmund’s coast is more tranquil, allowing you to enjoy relaxing seaside walks and admire uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Therefore for a more pleasant and scenic stay, Swakopmund is a much better choice than Walvis Bay.

Best Place to Stay in Swakopmund

Swakopmund has a wide range of accommodations, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top three recommendations to suit various budgets—all selected for their high-quality comfort and amenities.

Budget: Secret Garden Guesthouse

Secret Garden Guesthouse was a wonderful respite after having camped so many days in the wilderness. They are perfectly located in the central part of Swakopmund and have a convenient guarded parking lot across the street. This was great as we needed to park our large Toyota Hilux.

The rooms at Secret Garden Guesthouse are located around a beautiful and cozy garden with a lot of sunlight. The beds are comfortable and being able to enjoy a hot shower was such a luxury!

A plentiful breakfast is also provided every morning. The owners at Secret Garden Guesthouse were very kind and gave us tons of recommendations on where to eat and what to do. 

Mid-range: Swakopmund Sands Hotel

Swakopmund Sands provides an excellent mid-range accommodation option in the southern part of Swakopmund, just a short stroll from the iconic Jetty and The Tug restaurant. This modern, chic beachfront hotel features stylish rooms with contemporary furnishings and thoughtful amenities.

Each morning, guests can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast in the bright dining area, which includes a selection of local and international favourites. With its welcoming atmosphere, convenient location, and comfortable rooms, Swakopmund Sands offers a relaxing retreat perfect for exploring the coast.

Luxury: Strand Hotel

Strand Hotel is one of the best hotels you can stay at in Swakopmund. Located on the beautiful promenade, Strand Hotel 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 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 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.

In particular, you must try their Abalone Risotto! We only tried it on our final night but it was the best risotto we have ever had. After finishing the dish, we even contemplated ordering another one right away!

We also tried their oysters, seafood platter for 1, monkfish pasta, crispy oyster Caesar salad, and some sushi. All those choices were delicious, fresh, and unique!

If you plan on dining there, make sure to reserve at least 4-5 days in advanced as they do tend to book out. 

Kucki’s Pub

Alternatively, Kucki’s pub was highly recommended in the forums online as well as by our hotel host. Kucki’s Pub features Namibian cuisine that was inspired by South African as well as German dishes.

Their highlight dishes include Seafood platter, Mussel Pot, Kucki’s Burger, Hunter’s Schnitzel, and Large crispy pork knuckle. If we didn’t go to Ocean Cellar all three nights, we would’ve loved to try Kucki’s.  

Aldstadt Restaurant

Aldstadt Restaurant: Another highly recommended restaurant if you are in the mood for some more German-inspired dishes. They have Meatloaf, Hungarian Goulash, Sausage with Curry, Grilled Pork Knuckle, and more! 

The Tug Restaurant

We heard that The Tug restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants in Swakopmund, so much so that it books weeks in advance. It is considered a fine dining restaurant located right on the coastal jetty.

They specialize in seafood and their menu includes items such as crusted Kingklip, Namibian Wagyu, Atlantic Wild Caught yellowfin tuna loin, Calamari, Fisherman’s pasta, and more! 

Is Swakopmund Safe to Visit?

Overall, we felt Swakopmund was safe to visit.

In contrast to the rest of Namibia where we were surrounded by the emptiness, wilderness, and animals, Swakopmund was the first time on our trip where we were exposed more to the local communities. Our hotel host reassured us that Swakopmund is overall very safe as long as we retain the general safety precautions of not walking far out of the central areas, and not walking out at too late at night (past 10pm was what she said).

In our experience, the streets of Swakopmund become eerily empty as of around 7-8pm so we felt cautious and alert while walking, but never unsafe. For this reason, we tried to always eat dinner at around 6pm and return to our hotel by around 8pm.

There were also many peddlers coming to try to sell us stuff, and they are persistent. However, we did not feel unsafe around them.

Overall, we would consider Swakopmund safe to visit.  

Tips for your stay in Swakopmund

Swakopmund is very windy and humid

Swakopmund, being right on the Atlantic coast, is a very windy and humid city. When we were there in August, there was also a constant humidity in the air created by the ocean, making the temperature feel even more chilly.

For this reason, if you are doing a 4×4 camping road trip through Namibia, we highly recommend staying at a hotel during your 2-3 nights there. It will give you a chance to take a nice shower and rest well in a heated room.

Quiet streets

As we previously mentioned, it gets very quiet as of 7-8pm. We personally didn’t like walking in the streets when they were completely empty so we made our restaurant reservations usually at 6pm. This way, by the time we are done eating, we are usually back at our hotel by 8pm.

It is safe overall but due to how quiet it gets at night, it is preferable if you stay in groups or on the main boulevards. We do not recommend walking far out from the downtown area.

Book your activities early

Book your activities around 1-2 weeks in advance, especially the Seal Kayaking. We forgot to do so and tried booking the seal kayaking 1-2 days in advance and there were no more spots available. In Swakopmund, there are only around 2-3 companies that run the tour so they tend to sell out.

Fortunately, I contacted the company and they were able to squeeze me in if I drove my own car to follow them to Pelican Point.  

Book Restaurants in advance

Try to reserve your restaurants in advance as well. This is particularly important if you want to dine at The Tug or our highly recommended restaurant, Ocean Cellar. 

Street Vendors

You’ll find yourself frequently approached by street vendors selling beautifully carved Mopane Tree Nuts in Swakopmund. At first, I declined one vendor’s offer, but he pointed out that having a Mopane nut could deter other peddlers from approaching.

Curious, I decided to give it a try. We bought one to support him—and because we genuinely admired the artwork he’d carved onto it. Sure enough, he was right! I attached it to my jacket zipper, and as soon as other vendors spotted it, they left us alone.

We later noticed that this vendor’s price was actually a bit lower than in stores, and the artwork was more unique.

So if you want a peaceful experience while exploring Swakopmund, pick up a Mopane nut that you like and display it visibly when you’re walking along the streets. For me, it now serves as a lovely keepsake from our time in Namibia.

Best Time to Visit Swakopmund

The best time to visit Swakopmund is from May to October, during Namibia’s dry season and winter months. During this time, the temperatures are cooler, especially in the evenings, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities like dune climbing, coastal walks, and desert tours.

This period aligns perfectly with the best season to visit Etosha National Park, as the dry winter months leave the land and vegetation sparse, making it easier to spot animals gathering around water sources.

We visited Namibia during the month of August and had perfect weather throughout, no rain, and amazing wildlife sightings!

📝 If you are interested in seeing some amazing wildlife on a Self-drive safari, check out our comprehensive Guide to visiting Etosha National Park.

Where to Go After Swakopmund

After Swakopmund, you can go North towards Spitzkoppe for the stunning mountain landscapes, Damaraland for the desert elephants, or Etosha National Park for the Safari Experience. Since most visitors to Namibia will be visiting Etosha, we highly recommend checking our our guide on the best lodges in Etosha to have the best safari experience.

Alternatively, if you are doing the Namibia loop counter-clockwise, you can head South towards Sossusvlei to see the incredible sand dunes and the world-famous Deadvlei. If you are aiming further South, you will be able to visit the abandoned town of Kolmanskop or the massive canyons at Fish River Canyon. 

For a full detailed guide on how to plan your complete Namibia road trip and the best things to do in Namibia, check out our Namibia Itinerary Guide.

Best tours in Namibia that include Swakopmund

Planning a road trip through Namibia can be challenging. From figuring out the route, individually booking the accommodations (some of which has to be through email), and deciding on the activities, to the many long distances of driving along challenging roads.

If you prefer a more guided option where everything is planned out for you, or if you are a solo traveler wishing to embark on this Namibian journey, check out the amazing group tour options below:

G Adventures Namibia Journey

G Adventures is a company specializing in adventure travel all across the world. This 10 days Namibia tour will bring you to the highlights of Namibia including Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and the wildlife game viewing in Etosha National Park. This is part of their National Geographic Journey tours which provide a deeper and more hands-on experience. They even include some more exclusive activities like venturing into Sandwich Harbour and going to the Cheetah Conservation, both activities that we did and highly recommend! You will also be staying at comfortable lodges throughout your stay! 

If you have more time, then this 19 days Cape Town, Kruger, and Namibia tour is highly recommended. It combines both the highlights of Namibia, and also an incredible Safari experience in South Africa’s most famous Safari Park, Kruger National Park.

This is also an upgraded National Geographic Journey experience so you know you’ll be getting something truly special!

Go2Africa – Specialized Africa Tour Operator

If you would prefer to organize your trip with a Tour operator that specializes in all things Africa, then we would highly recommend Go2Africa. They are Safari experts with first-hand experience of all the safaris and lodges, they support local conservation projects, and even provide 24/7 support once you are on your trip. This is especially important as you can encounter many obstacles while traveling through Africa and having a local to guide you can save you from a lot of stress.

They have a perfect 10-Day Self-Driving Namibia Tour that visits all the highlights that we personally visited. However, on this tour, you will be staying at some stunning lodges rather than camping. Also note that oftentimes, tour operators can get better rates than what you can find online. We compared booking our trip independently vs. with a tour operator and the difference was often negligible. Also, keep in mind that all their tours are customizable so if you want anything changed or added, they will be happy to help!

If you want to check out a slightly longer trip, that includes Damaraland, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Etosha, you can check out this great 15-day Self-Drive Namibia Tour option.

Using WISE card in Namibia

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Recap: Best Things to do in Swakopmund

Although we had mixed feelings about the vibe in Swakopmund, we genuinely loved the activities and attractions we experienced. From getting up close with Cape fur seals to racing across towering dunes and enjoying a seaside dinner at Ocean Cellar, these are memories we’ll always cherish.

We hope this guide to the best things to do in Swakopmund helps you make the most of your visit there—all the while sidestepping a few of the hiccups we encountered along the way! If you want to check out next one of our favourite experiences in Namibia, take a look at our Sossusvlei Dunes Guide!

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