Searching for top things to do in Swakopmund? Swakopmund is one of the best places to explore in Namibia. It is a peaceful town by the Atlantic Ocean and a gateway to the Namib Desert.
The town has a mix of German and Namibian culture, colonial history, and many outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy desert adventures, beach walks, and ocean tours all in one place.
Sandwich Harbour Tour
Sandwich Harbour is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Namibia. It is where the Namib Desert meets the Atlantic Ocean. You can take a 4×4 tour, watch wildlife, and enjoy the wide sea and desert views. Join a guided desert tour to learn about desert plants, small animals, and how they survive in this dry land.
Desert Adventures
Go quad biking, sandboarding, or dune carting across the sand dunes. These are fun and active ways to explore the desert. You can also take a night desert walk with a guide to see animals that come out after sunset, such as geckos and beetles.
Kayaking with Seals
At Walvis Bay Lagoon, join a kayaking trip to paddle close to seals and dolphins. It is one of the best ways to enjoy marine life while staying close to nature.
Skydiving & Balloon Rides
For adventure lovers, skydiving over Swakopmund is an amazing way to see both the desert and the ocean from above. If you prefer something calm, take a hot air balloon ride for a peaceful view of the desert landscape.
Horse Riding & Camel Rides
You can go horse riding through the desert or enjoy a short camel ride on the dunes near Swakopmund. Both are relaxing ways to explore the sandy landscape and enjoy quiet desert moments.
Cultural Tours
Learn about local life by joining a guided tour of Mondesa Township. Meet the friendly community, taste local food, and experience traditional Namibian music and dance.
History & Museums
Visit the Swakopmund Museum, the Woermann House, and the Crystal Gallery to learn about Namibia’s culture and history. Walk through the old streets and see German-style buildings that give the town its special charm.
Moon Landscape & Welwitschia Drive
Take a drive to the Moon Landscape, a dry valley that looks like another planet. On the way, you will see Welwitschia plants, which are some of the oldest living plants on Earth. They can live for more than 1,000 years.
Swakopmund Jetty & The Mole
Walk along the Swakopmund Jetty for nice sea views, or relax at The Mole, a popular beachfront with cafés, restaurants, and swimming spots. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Aquarium Visit
Visit the Swakopmund Aquarium, Namibia’s only aquarium. Walk through the tunnel to see fish, sharks, and rays up close.
Walvis Bay Lagoon
A short drive from Swakopmund, Walvis Bay Lagoon is home to thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other birds. You can take a catamaran cruise to see dolphins, seals, and sometimes whales.
Cape Cross Seal Reserve
About two hours north of Swakopmund, visit Cape Cross, where more than 100,000 Cape fur seals live. The sound and sight of the seal colony are unforgettable.
Shopping & Local Markets
Visit Swakopmund Market or Okahandja Craft Market for handmade items, wood carvings, and jewelry. These are great places to buy souvenirs and support local artists.
Food & Drinks
Swakopmund has many good restaurants and cafés. Try fresh seafood at The Tug or Jetty 1905, or enjoy coffee and pastries at one of the town’s cozy bakeries. You can also relax with a local beer or cocktail by the beach.
