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SWAKOP - WALVIS BAY

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are two of Namibia’s most popular coastal destinations, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty. Swakopmund, with its German colonial architecture, charming cafés, and lively atmosphere, is known as Namibia’s adventure capital. Just 30 km (19 miles) south, Walvis Bay is a thriving port town famous for its rich marine life, birdwatching, and spectacular sand dunes that meet the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, wildlife encounters, or a peaceful seaside escape, these two destinations offer something for everyone.

Both towns are located on Namibia’s central coast, along the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Swakopmund is about 350 km (217 miles) west of Windhoek, the capital.

  • Walvis Bay is about 30 km (19 miles) south of Swakopmund.

  • Both are easily accessible via a well-paved highway (B2).


What to Do in Swakopmund


  • Sandboarding & Quad Biking – Ride the famous dunes of the Namib Desert.

  • Skydiving & Scenic Flights – Get a breathtaking aerial view of the Skeleton Coast.

  • Explore the Town – Visit the Swakopmund Museum, Jetty 1905, and the charming old lighthouse.

  • Desert Tours – Take a "Living Desert" tour to see unique wildlife like chameleons and the ancient Welwitschia plant.

  • Visit Cape Cross – A massive colony of Cape fur seals, about 120 km (75 miles) north of Swakopmund.


What to Do in Walvis Bay


  • Dolphin & Seal Cruises – Spot dolphins, seals, and even whales (seasonal) in the lagoon.

  • Kayaking with Seals – Paddle among playful seals at Pelican Point.

  • Flamingo & Birdwatching – See thousands of flamingos and pelicans at the Walvis Bay Lagoon and Sandwich Harbour.

  • Dune 7 – Climb the tallest dune in the area for spectacular views.

  • Fishing & Eco-Tours – Experience deep-sea fishing or explore Sandwich Harbour’s unique landscapes where dunes meet the ocean.


Where to Stay


  • Luxury: Strand Hotel (Swakopmund), Pelican Point Lodge (Walvis Bay)

  • Mid-range: Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre, The Stiltz

  • Budget: Skeleton Beach Backpackers, Lagoon Chalets & Camping (Walvis Bay)


Weather & Best Time to Visit


Swakopmund and Walvis Bay have a cool coastal desert climate, with mild temperatures year-round.

  • Summer (Nov–Apr): Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F–77°F), often cool due to fog.

  • Winter (May–Sep): Cooler nights, but pleasant for outdoor activities.

  • Best Time: April to November (less fog, ideal for adventure activities and wildlife viewing).


How to Get There


  • By Car: A 4-hour drive (350 km) from Windhoek on the B2 highway.

  • By Air: Flights from Windhoek land at Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB), about 15 km from Walvis Bay and 45 km from Swakopmund.

ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
SOUTHERN NAMIBIA
SWAKOP - WALVIS BAY
SOSSUSVLEI
DAMARALAND
SKELETON COAST - KUNENE

NAMIBIA SAFARI ITINERARIES
GET SOME IDEAS AND LET US CUSTOMIZE A TRIP FOR YOU!

DIVERSE NAMIBIA SAFARI

9 DAYS

R85 450.00

Diverse Namibia is an active, exciting adventure, exploring the iconic areas of this vast country – its dunes, deserts, plains and superb wildlife – enhanced by exclusive accommodation in private reserves and concessions. On this adventure you will take in the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, the life-filled, icy Atlantic Ocean, the desert and denizens of Damaraland, and the dense plains game and predators of Etosha National Park. Activities are varied and include the likes of scenic drives and walks. This a true Namibian adventure with a range of activities impossible to beat!

FLYING THE SKELETON COAST

6 DAYS

USD16 300.00

Embark on an extraordinary journey across Namibia’s remote Skeleton Coast with the legendary Schoeman family. This exclusive flying safari offers an exhilarating way to explore Namibia’s wild northwest, combining scenic flights with rugged ground expeditions in modified classic Land Rovers. Pilots and guides with decades of experience will transport you across vast landscapes, revealing breathtaking scenery, fascinating geology, desert-adapted wildlife, and pristine wilderness.

FLY INTO THE DUNES

6 DAYS

R51 050.00

This Namibian safari begins with a flight to Kulala Desert Lodge for three nights, where guests can explore Sossusvlei's dunes, enjoy hot air ballooning, and take nature drives. Afterward, travel to Walvis Bay and stay at Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel, with the highlight being the Mola Mola Day Tour. This marine adventure offers encounters with seals, dolphins, and whales, along with a visit to Sandwich Harbour, part of the UNESCO-listed Namib Sand Sea

NAMIBIA UNTAMED

10 DAYS

R82 985.00

This unforgettable Namibian adventure allows you to experience this magnificent country with a small group and your own professional and experienced safari guide, from Etosha to Swakopmund and Sossusvlei - staying in comfortable lodges.

Nicknamed the "ageless land," Namibia boasts a rich history visible through its ancient rock art created by Stone Age artists and geological wonders like the petrified forest. These timeless elements, coupled with the country's wide-open spaces and serene silence, create a powerful sense of antiquity and wilderness.

NAMIBIA BY ROAD

10 DAYS

R95 700.00

An immersive small group safari journey through Namibia includes the surreal landscapes of Sossusvlei to the coastal charm of Swakopmund, and the ancient mysteries of Damaraland, culminating with wildlife encounters at Ongava Game Reserve. Expert-guided game drives promise sightings of the Big Five. Concluding with a visit to the Okonjima Day Visitor Centre and the AfriCat Foundation, this safari seamlessly blends Namibia's natural wonders, cultural richness, and wildlife conservation.

THE NAMIB CIRCLE

12 DAYS

R93 650.00

Embrace the untamed beauty of Namibia on this captivating 12-day journey. Embark on wildlife adventures in Etosha National Park, learn about remote Himba tribes, unveil ancient rock art in Damaraland, and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of Sossusvlei. This safari, with your own vehicle and private guide, combines the thrill of discovery with luxurious comfort, ensuring an unforgettable Namibian experience.

MY NAMIBIA SAFARI

12 DAYS

R123 300.00

This Namibia itinerary offers a diverse range of landscapes and wildlife experiences, from the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the rugged terrain of Damaraland and the game-rich plains of Etosha. Staying in comfortable four star lodges and tented camps in private reserves and conservancies - flying between camps saves a lot of time, and provides an incredible view from above of the breathtaking panoramas below.

ULTIMATE NAMIBIA SAFARI

13 DAYS

R236 000.00

The ultimate 13-day luxury safari adventure in Namibia includes visits to stunning natural landscapes and wildlife reserves, beginning with a 3-night stay at Little Kulala at Sossusvlei, then 3 nights at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. Flying between camps and on to Serra Cafema for 3 nights, a luxury camp on the banks of the Kunene River, with the final 3 nights at Little Ongava, a private reserve on the edge of Etosha National Park. Incredible wildlife and a range of activities from game drives, guided walks, quad biking, stargazing, hot air balloon rides, and visits to local communities.

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