24 Hours in Swakopmund

Written by Sarah Chapman

Swakopmund, with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, means you really do get the best of both worlds. This picturesque coastal town, known for its beautiful German architecture, has so much to see and do. However, if you only have one day to spare in Swakopmund, we’ve prepared a list of must-see activities to tick off your bucket list while you’re there.

flamingos on the beach with the ocean at the back

Explore the desert on wheels

For those adrenaline junkies amongst us, Swakopmund has plenty of adventure activities to choose from. Quad biking through the desert up and down dunes with sand spraying out from under your tyres is probably one of the most thrilling things you can do. Another wheel-based activity that is slower but equally exciting is fat biking. With a fat bike, you will be able to cycle through the desert. One advantage of this over quad biking is its lack of engine, which makes for a quiet ride, and makes it the more eco-friendly option.

Visit the flamingo lagoon in Walvis Bay

Flocks of pink flamingos in Walvis Bay on the beach

In a short 20-minute drive from Swakopmund, you will find yourself in Walvis Bay. During the summer months (November to March), hundreds of lesser and greater flamingos migrate to Walvis Bay in search of food. Seeing these pink graceful birds flock in the lagoon is a sight to behold. The unique birds can be seen just 50-100m away and make for some great photo opportunities. The lesser and greater flamingos are distinguished by their colour. Greater flamingos are white to light pink and their beaks are white with a black tip, while lesser flamingos are a deeper, often reddish pink with dark red beaks.

Watch the sunset from Dune 7

Dune 7, in Walvis Bay, is the highest dune in Namibia, standing at 383m. Bring some drinks, snacks, and a blanket with you in a backpack to enjoy a desert picnic. It’s quite a climb to the top so make sure you leave enough time to reach the summit before the sun starts to set. The view is well worth the climb up and we highly recommend bringing a piece of cardboard or an old box with you, if you can find one, so you can slide down the dune afterwards.

Or.. have sundowners and dinner on the jetty

Another great place to watch the sunset is the Swakopmund jetty. Enjoy the waves crash underneath you and the cool sea breeze blow past as you watch the sky put on its evening show. Afterwards, head to Jetty 1905 Restaurant or the Tug for some fresh seafood, steak, or a vegetarian option to enjoy with a glass of wine or a Namibian draught!

Check out Swakopmund’s nightlife

Young people enjoying a beer together at an outside beer garden

After sundowners on Dune 7 or on the jetty, head to one of Swakopmund’s popular bars. Desert Tavern is a rustic, laid-back bar that attracts people from all walks of life; the bar serves both local and imported beer and there is often live music on. Another popular watering hole amongst the locals is Fachwerk Biergarten, which serves Bavarian-style beer and food such as pretzels and eisbein. Fachwerk is located in a heritage building that dates back to 1899 and features a taproom, beer garden, and cosy “snuggery”. Also, did we mention their cocktails?

Have a little more time?

Take a tour of Cape Cross Seal Reserve

hundreds of seals on the beach and the ocean in the background

This is a half-day trip from Swakopmund. Cape Cross, which is located just outside of Swakopmund, is home to the largest seal colony in Namibia. Numbers can reach as many as 200.000 seals, depending on the time of year. If you go between June and November, you might even spot some humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins on your boat trip out to the colony. It really is a unique experience watching these playful animals spin around in the water and show off for you.

These are our favourite things to do in Swakopmund! Want more info about the coastal town? Had over to our complete guide to Swakopmund.