Swakopmund is an exquisite city on the coast of western Namibia. With a population of over 44,000 people, it is the fourth-most populous city in Namibia. Swakopmund is a beach resort with the opportunity to embrace unique attractions. These incredible tourist attractions include the Hawker’s Market, the Jetty and the Namib Desert Tour.
Cheap flights to Swakopmund are now available for a limited period of time, so get ready to explore this one-of-a-kind destination! International flights to Swakopmund land in Walvis Bay (WVB) and Windhoek (WDH). A 40-minute drive from WVB, or a 3-hour and 20-minute drive from WDH gets you to Swakopmund. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Walvis Bay is 2 hours, 15 minutes via South African Airways and Air Namibia, while British Airways lands you in Windhoek in 2 hours.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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Tourists are afforded the chance to explore the Namibian deserts. Take on the beautiful pleasure of seeing the coastal dune belt. Traverse the surreal scenery on a 4x4 tour. Snakes, chameleons and several insects can be seen on this tour.
Grasp a bird’s eye view of the Namib Desert and the dune belt from an epic hot air balloon. It is indeed a sight to behold, as Swakopmund unfolds beneath you in its true majesty.
Once in Swakopmund you’ll be exposed to a diverse range of marine life. Hop on a cruise for a chance to see and engage with marine mammals, including dolphins, sea turtles and seals.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Country | Namibia |
|---|---|
| Currency | Namibian Dollar |
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 1 NAD |
| Language | English |
| Hub Airport | Swakopmund Airport (SWP) |
| Airline | Air Namibia |
| Time Zone | GMT+2 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type D & M |
Swakopmund experiences a mild desert climate, with average temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25 °C. Swakopmund is at the mercy of the cold Benguela current, which sees fog reaching as far as 140km inland, while the Namib desert is covered by a fog made up of warm air and the cold Benguela current. To avoid the peak season, consider visiting in the hot months of November to March. Tourists tend to favour Swakopmund’s coastal benefits during December to escape the heat. May and June is just after the rainy season and it is the ideal time for game viewing.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall level (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 16°C | 16°C | 16°C | 14°C | 12°C | 11°C | 10°C | 10°C | 11°C | 12°C | 14°C | 15°C |
| High °C | 22°C | 23°C | 22°C | 21°C | 21°C | 20°C | 20°C | 18°C | 18°C | 19°C | 21°C | 22°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 2 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
This gorgeous getaway is nestled between vivacious Atlantic rollers and the mysterious Namib Desert. Swakopmund is a must-see destination as it contains many unique gems which make this Namibian city truly special. With its incredible landscapes, Swakopmund basks in the glory of contrasting natural scenery. Experience diverse desert life as well as marine life all in one city!
Its exquisite desert has drawn the attention of Hollywood production companies, with features in Mad Max Fury Road, and AMC’s The Prisoner and The Village.
Swakopmund is a beach resort with magnificent German colonial architecture. Upon your tour of the city, be sure to admire the historic significance of these amazing buildings. Do not be surprised if you stumble across authentic Bavarian ambience in Swakopmund. This peculiar town will definitely fascinate you!
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South African citizens do not need a visa to fly to Swakopmund or the rest of Namibia. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 2 empty pages for entry stamps.
Tourists do not require any specific vaccinations to enter Swakopmund. You are advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella, diptheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio and influenza.
Swakopmund is a safe city to tour. However, tourists are still encouraged to remain vigilant while on holiday in the gorgeous town. You should make use of the hotel safes and try to avoid carrying valuables around. Tourists should use the reputable taxis, or walk in groups at night. Do not allow strangers to assist you at ATMs. Ensure that your room is locked at all times.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Swakopmund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | R 100 | R 120 | R 140 |
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | R 30 | R 28 | R 10 |
| Cappuccino | R 24 | R 26 | R 19 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | R 10 | R 12 | R 10 |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 40 | R 40 | R 32 |
Swakopmund offers a vast range of accommodation for all visitors. These options include self-catering apartments, B&Bs, backpackers and hotels. For a delightful experience of waking up to the sound of crashing waves, Swakopmund has a beach lodge for your pleasure. Visitors can witness the sun setting over the Atlantic from the comfort of their room.
There is no public transport in Swakopmund. Luckily the city is small enough to explore on foot. Tourists will find the major attractions downtown. Taxis will take you wherever you need to be (they do not operate on a Saturday after 7PM). There are several car rental companies within the city, if you wish to journey beyond Swakopmund.
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