Namibia
Swakopmund
The seaside town of Swakopmund lies between the desert and the ocean, and is Namibia's adventure centre, with a host of activities on offer. Interestingly, the quaint little town has a very strong German flavour to it, with numerous German style buildings lining the streets, and a number of German restaurants and bakeries adding to the European ambiance.
Explore Swakopmund
Things to See & Do
Highlights and experiences in Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a genuine playground in the desert, with adventure activity operators specialising in taking you into the Namib to enjoy some thrilling excursions. Try quad-biking through the dunes, or sandboarding down them, or take a leap from an aeroplane and skydive over the Atlantic Ocean and Namib Desert sand dunes for one of the most memorable falls of your life. The Welwitschia Drive is a great option, taking you to some of the largest welwitschia's, as well as the other-worldly Lunar Landscapes.
The marine life in the ocean at Swakopmund is phenomenal, with dolphins, whales, seals and sharks frequenting the water in their numbers. Cruises are available to take you out for some wildlife watching, or you can try your hand at deep sea fishing, with many species of excellent game fish tempting you to cast your rod.
Scenic flights and hot-air balloon rides are wonderful ways to get a bird's-eye-view of the expansive desert stretching all along the Namibian coast. And as mentioned, if you are not a fan of flying, you could always jump out early while enjoying a tandem parachute jump!
Best Time to Visit Swakopmund
Month-by-month travel guide with weather, highlights, and expert recommendations.
Compare with other destinationsSwakopmund in May
Weather
May marks the start of the cooler, drier winter months, with average temperatures around 15-20°C. Days are usually sunny and clear.
Highlights
Excellent visibility for desert tours and stargazing. Welwitschia Mirabilis plants are easily accessible and visible in the surrounding desert.
Best Areas
The Welwitschia Drive and Moon Landscape are particularly stunning. Stargazing tours into the desert are highly recommended.
Pros
Cooler temperatures are ideal for active desert excursions. Very low chance of rain and clear night skies.
Cons
Evenings and mornings can be quite chilly, requiring warmer clothing.