Swakopmund & Walvis Bay Holidays

Sitting between the Atlantic Ocean and Namib-Naukluft National Park, Swakopmund & Walvis Bay offer plenty to do on sand, sea, in the air, and around the towns themselves. When you’re not playing on the dunes or splashing in the waves, Swakopmund will keep you entertained. Take a walk down the jetty to grab a drink and a bite as you watch local anglers patiently waiting. Uncover stories from the region’s diverse communities at Swakopmund Museum.

Swap land safaris for ocean discoveries at the National Marine Aquarium. Wander the halls of the German Woermannhaus and enjoy views from its tower. See the traditional homes and markets of the Damara, Owambo and Herero peoples at Mondesa township. Climb the world’s tallest dune. Paddle through the flamingo-filled lagoon at Walvis Bay. Most importantly, sample the menus in some of Namibia's best seafood restaurants.

The strip of coast around Swakopmund & Walvis Bay is a playground of activity and adventure with some incredible experiences to be found. Climb the famous Dune 7 - 383 metres tall and the highest in the world. Go quad-biking or sand-boarding in Namib-Naukluft National Park. Splash around in the bay with windsurfing and kayaking. Soar over the coastal desert in a hot air balloon or on a scenic flight.

Feeling extreme? Parachute jump. Something gentler? Explore picturesque trails by bike, horse, or camel ride. At night, after your sunset cruise with oysters and sparkling wine, a guided desert walk will introduce you to geckos, gerbils, spiders, and scorpions. Oh, you can go dolphin and whale spotting on the Atlantic Ocean too. Swakopmund & Walvis Bay prove there’s much more to Namibia holidays than wildlife and deserts.

Just 30 minutes apart, every activity in Walvis Bay can be easily enjoyed from Swakopmund and vice versa. Though both are similar in size, Swakopmund is a tourist town and Namibia’s primary seaside resort while Walvis Bay is a working port regenerated in recent years to be more visitor-friendly, especially when it comes to food. German-influenced Swakopmund offers old European architecture filled with museums, galleries, and even beer halls

It’s also home to the National Marine Aquarium and the world’s largest quartz cluster in the Kristall Galerie. Walvis Bay stays are built around its restaurant-filled waterfront and the lagoon, where pelicans stand in the shallows. Cruises depart from Walvis Bay so if early morning whale spotting is on your agenda, save yourself the drive and stay here.

Any time is a great time to visit Swakopmund & Walvis Bay. Temperatures average between 20°C and 25°C all year and most months enjoy 20 to 30 days of sun. The hottest and driest period is June to November while January to April are slightly more likely to experience rainfall.

December is peak season for visitors with many Namibians heading to the coast alongside the international tourists so flexible travellers may wish to time their arrival for other months. June is a fantastic time to combine the very best weather with the least number of visitors. If you’re looking to combine your stay with a self-drive tour or safari, July to October offers the best conditions across Namibia.