Discover Swakopmund

As the former capital of German South West Africa, Swakopmund still preserves grand colonial buildings in Wilhelmine style, including the historic railway station and the lighthouse, giving the coastal town an unusually European atmosphere in the middle of Africa.

Considered one of the region's tallest dunes, Dune 7 lies just a short drive outside town and is a popular destination for sandboarding and quad biking, where visitors can slide down the steep sand slopes or explore by vehicle.

Experienced guides lead visitors through the seemingly lifeless dunes of the Namib Desert, tracking down perfectly camouflaged desert dwellers such as chameleons, geckos and desert vipers, a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's oldest deserts.

The old colonial-era jetty stretching far out into the sea today serves as a popular spot for fishing and strolling, with a restaurant at its end offering a beautiful view of the roaring Atlantic surf.

From Windhoek, Swakopmund can be reached by car in about four hours via a well-developed road through the Namib Desert. The small Walvis Bay airport lies about 30 kilometers to the south and is served several times a week from Windhoek.

As the former capital of German South West Africa, Swakopmund still preserves grand colonial buildings in Wilhelmine style, including the historic railway station and the lighthouse, giving the coastal town an unusually European atmosphere in the middle of Africa.

Considered one of the region's tallest dunes, Dune 7 lies just a short drive outside town and is a popular destination for sandboarding and quad biking, where visitors can slide down the steep sand slopes or explore by vehicle.

Experienced guides lead visitors through the seemingly lifeless dunes of the Namib Desert, tracking down perfectly camouflaged desert dwellers such as chameleons, geckos and desert vipers, a fascinating glimpse into one of the world's oldest deserts.