Swakopmund is a cultural, historical, and cosmopolitan city between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib desert, offering a variety of attractions to be experienced on a safari to Namibia.
Interesting facts about Swakopmund
Lift the veil and discover these interesting facts about Swakopmund while on safari to Namibia. The city was founded in 1892 by captain Curt von Francois as the main harbour for German South West Africa. Swakopmund quickly became the main port for imports and exports for the whole territory, and was one of six towns which received municipal status in 1909. Attractions in Swakopmund include a Swakopmund Museum, the National Marine Aquarium, a crystal gallery, and spectacular sand dunes near Langstrand south of the Swakop River.
The Rossmund Desert Golf Course just outside Swakopmund is one of only five all-grass desert golf courses in the world. The discovery of uranium at Rössing, about 70 kilometres outside of Swakopmund, led to the development of the world’s largest opencast uranium mine. Surrounded by the Namib Desert on three sides and the cold Atlantic waters to the west, Swakopmund has a desert climate with mild conditions year round. Swakopmund was the filming location for Mad Max: Fury Road. In 2002, the city appeared on The Amazing Race 2 and was visited again in The Amazing Race 26.
Activities and Experiences in Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a bustling and exciting destination filled with a variety of activities you can experience while on vacation in Namibia. The oceanfront promenades and coastal shores are a welcoming break from wild exploration in the dunes of the Namib desert.
The city’s colonial architecture reflects its Portuguese, Dutch, English, and German influence. German presence still remains, especially in the cuisine with a range of beer houses offering German food and beer. Boulevards, street markets, restaurants, museums, and aquariums will keep one entertained, with a variety of daytime and nighttime options. Swakopmund attracts both the city, beach, and adrenaline activity aficionados on a Namibia holiday. Quad biking, sky diving, kayaking, and parasailing are but a few of the action-packed experiences the city offers. Swakopmund is the perfect station stop during your travels through Namibia, refuelling with civilization, the seaside, delicious cuisine, and cultural curiosity.
Swakopmund safaris with JENMAN
A trip to Etosha National Park is part of the 24-day Northern Experience safari package that starts in Cape Town, South Africa and ends in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Other Namibian stops are the sand dunes in Sossusvlei and the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. This exhilarating tour also ventures to the neighbouring countries of Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Experience three weeks of great game viewing and culture on the 21-day Great Trans-African Lodge safari that kicks off in the enigmatic city of Swakopmund in Namibia. Marvel at the astonishing array of wildlife in Etosha National Park before moving on to Mahango National Park. Chobe National Park in Botswana and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe are also included in this safari package.
