In 1892 German South-West Africa had a problem. Their rivals, the British, had a natural deep-water harbour just down the coast at Walvis Bay. Not discouraged, they built their own harbour using an artificial breakwater, and so Swakopmund was born. This site was also chosen for its fresh water sources. The town quickly became the main port for imports and exports for the whole German territory but it all came to an abrupt end when German South-West Africa was occupied by the Union of South Africa in 1915.
The change in government saw all harbour activities transferred from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay. In hindsight, it was just as well because the artificial breakwater at Swakopmund, the ‘Mole’, had already silted up and the port was by now reliant on a somewhat unreliable wooden jetty.
As business, industry and government decamped south to Walvis Bay, the town’s growth briefly faltered. But happily, Swakopmund had already started to achieve popularity as a holiday town and the town has continued to grow in this direction to this day. The uranium discovery at Rössing (now one of the largest uranium mines in the world) near Arandis, some 70 km east of Swakopmund, has also had a sizable impact on the town’s growth.

If you’re looking for firm evidence of Namibia’s German colonial heritage, this is a town to include on your itinerary. In Swakopmund you’ll find some fine examples of German architecture which you can admire while sustaining yourself with German pastries and beer in one of the town’s many coffee shops and bars. This is a friendly place and is a firm favourite with Namibians too, especially in the summer months when the coast offers a cool break from the heat of the interior.
Swakopmund is located within the Dorob National Park and is a gateway to many adventures in the adjacent Namib Desert, particularly so-called extreme sports like sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding, mountain biking and hot-air ballooning. But whether you’re here to chill or scare yourself senseless, this is a town where you can easily spend three days.
Although the municipal area of Swakopmund is excluded from the Dorob National Park, you should take note of restricted roads outside the town and respect efforts to protect this beautiful coastline.

ACCOMMODATION:
There are many options. Alta Brücke is a very well-regarded resort which offers both self-catering chalets and campsites.

ATTRACTIONS:
Attractions in Swakopmund include the Swakopmund Museum, the National Marine Aquarium and a crystal gallery.

FOOD:
Enjoy German pastries and beer in the town’s many coffee shops and bars.

FUEL:
Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

GAS REFILL:
Gas refill can be done at Cymot.

HEALTHCARE:
There is a dentist.
State hospital tel: +264(0)64 410 6000.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
There is a Spar, Pick n Pay, Shoprite and many other department stores.

“In 1892 Germany decided to establish a mayor port in the area. It was first given the Nama name “Tsoakhaub”, which means 'posterior' or 'excrement'. This was because of the waste deposited by the Swakop River during floods. The name was later changed to the more “hygenic” Swakopmund (Mouth of the Swakop river”” - Chris Smit, 2024/06/29

Skeleton Coast Travel Region