Namibia Springbok Passing In Front Of A Red Dune In Sossusvlei Logo Namibia
Back to Listing

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a coastal oasis to the west of Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. It’s a great stop over town for travellers visiting the Skeleton Coast and the Namib Desert, but it is also a destination within itself. With a multidimensional appeal and a huge personality, this sea front town keeps most visitors here longer than they planned.

Being the largest coastal town in Namibia, is a fascinating place – it feels a bit like a mini Munich in the middle of a desert! Established by German colonists in 1892 there is a feeling of timelessness, with half-timbered German architecture, sandy palm-fringed beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean, wide seaside promenades, and a buzzy restaurant, café, art gallery and museum scene. It is known as the Activity Capital, as nowhere else in the country offers you such a variety of things to do. The dunes are perfect for outdoor activities such as quad biking, walking, hot air ballooning, horse riding, sandboarding and, for the adventurous, skydiving. The coastal front offers kayaking, dolphin and seal watching, catamaran cruises and coastal bird watching. There are also a huge selection of bars and restaurants, and the freshly caught seafood is outstanding. Souvenir and art shops are dotted throughout the town, and there is a good little craft market near the lighthouse which sells many unique items from the area.

The city’s colonial landmarks include the Swakopmund Lighthouse, the 'mole' (promenade) a sea wall created to enhance Swakopmund’s poor harbour, the Swakopmund Museum selling genuine artefacts from the 19th century, an aquarium providing an excellent introduction to the offshore Atlantic Ocean and the Swakopmund Railway Station, which is now a hotel. The Jetty, a popular landmark, was constructed in 1911 for German cargo and passenger landings. The stark remains are still there today and in 2010 an oyster bar was opened.

Swakopmund is a year-round destination, and the mild climate means it is a popular holiday destination for tourists and locals alike. The nearby surroundings are also of touristic importance, especially the dramatic coastal road, which runs from Walvis Bay, to the south of Swakopmund, to the Skeleton Coast in the north. The orange dunes flank the road on either side, and the crashing grey-blue Atlantic Ocean to the west makes for an incredibly impressive sight. Other day trips out of town include Walvis Bay, the fishing paradise of Henties Bay or to Cape Cross which has the largest seal colony in the world.

Swakopmund Swakopmund
There are no strangers, only friends you have not met yet.
William Butler Yeats

Client Testimonials

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences