101 Reasons to visit Namibia: Swakopmund

The morning started off with a warm 30 degrees Celsius and as we approached Swakopmund, the temperature surprisingly dropped to 21 degrees Celsius. Usually, coastal areas are characterized by the high humidity and warm temperatures, but not this coastal town. The thick fog makes the streets of Swakopmund look like a ghost town. But within 5 minutes, the sun makes it appearance.

The ghost town turns into a friendly town with a hint of history that is ready to be explored! West of the capital city, Windhoek, lies Swakopmund. Some describe it as “little Germany”. With street cafés and restaurants any European would feel at home. In 1892 Kurt von Francois established Swakopmund as the main harbour for Imperial Germany. Swakopmund was then nothing more than desert and the Swakop River’s mouth to the ocean. The area did not offer any natural protection, and when the first 120 Schutztruppe soldiers set foot on the shore they had to dig caves in the sand for shelter. The town quickly developed and today many of the original buildings are still here. 

Hohenzollernhaus, Swakopmund. Photo credits: Janke Murray

Swakopmund’s charm begins with its architecture. Visitors can see the Woermannhaus, the Hohenzollernhaus, Swakopmund Jetty, the lighthouse, Swakopmund Hotel and entertainment centre, which used to be the railway station and Hotel Prinzessin Ruprecht, which was a hospital until the end of World War 1. Not only does the history of Swakopmund make it a special place, but the weather conditions here are unlike no other. Due to the cold Benguela Current, which is very close to the Namibian shore, the weather in Swakopmund is mostly foggy with relatively cool temperatures even during summer months. This is also why the rainfall in this area is very low.

During the winter months when the temperature in the inland drops, the cold air descends toward the coast. The descending air gets compressed, which causes it to heat up. This results in dry warm air, known as the east wind. Sometimes the wind brings heavy sandstorms. Apart from the history and weather conditions of the town, there are many activities that Swakopmund offers. Visitors can either do a quad bike tour in the dunes, or camel rides or even go sandboarding. Although Swakopmund is located in the desert, it thrives of little animals. Visitors can do a dune tour to see the little five that live in the desert. The little five includes the Namaqua Chameleon, Shovel snouted Gecko, Web footed Gecko, Sidewinder Puff Adder and the Wheel Spider.

These five species are truly unique to observe. All these activities are the perfect way to experience Swakopmund. For the café-goers, there are plenty of cafés where one can sit back and enjoy the best coffee and cakes. In the evening visitors can explore the various restaurants that the town has to offer, from fresh fish to Asian cuisine and even a Biergarten. During the day visitors can browse the many small shops with curiosities and gemstones on bicycles.

                                                          Photo credits: Janke Murray

This German town is filled with history, culture and breathtaking sunsets. It is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression not just for what it looks like, but for how it makes one feel. There is something for every type of visitor whether it be an adventurous traveller or a historian. Namibia is defined by contrast and nowhere is this contrast more welcome than in Swakopmund.

Author: Janke Murray