Things to do in  Swakopmund

Leggy giraffes and lumbering elephants roam the stark white salt pans that cover Etosha National Park in Namibia. In one of Africa’s oldest and largest game parks, you’ll find broad savannah plains, shrubbery dusted a ghostly white from the desert dust, and plenty of animals that are easy to spot against the minimal landscape.

On the white clay pan of Deadvlei, petrified trees stand out like Matisse cutouts against the orange dunes. Located in the Namib-Naukluft Park, the site was formed through persistent drought and scorching sun, which killed the trees and dried them until they became stark black skeletons. Eerie and dramatic, Deadvlei shows off the strange beauty of the desert.

The Swakopmund Jetty, with wild blue waves crashing underneath, stretches into the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, the sunset over the water turns the surrounding sand dunes golden, and during the day, you may be able to spot dolphins playing in the bay. This historic structure is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a special dinner at the Jetty 1905 Restaurant.

The rocky shores of Cape Cross seem to be constantly moving–this long stretch of Atlantic coastline is home to thousands of Cape Fur seals who spend their days playing, fighting, and lazing on the rocks. The nature reserve teems with diverse life; apart from the seals, you might spot jackals, flamingos, and other bird life.

Namib-Naukluft National Park is a place of extremes—vibrant orange dunes stand tall against an endless blue sky, and strangely twisted trees cut across the landscapes. Visitors flock to stare down at the wild Atlantic Ocean from the top of the highest dunes in the world, and wildlife lovers will be shocked by the diversity of flora and fauna in this harsh environment.

The largest privately owned museum in Namibia is a treasure trove for curious travelers. With displays exploring geology, zoology, archeology, and modern culture, the Swakopmund Museum takes a “little bit of everything” approach to heritage, which makes it a local favorite as well as an essential stop for Swakopmund visitors.

Spanning 350,000 square miles (560 square kilometers), the Kalahari Desert stretches across Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. With sandy red hills, low scrub brush, and herds of gazelle, Kalahari’s name derives from a Tswana word meaning “the waterless place.” It’s a dramatic and desiccated landscape where you can experience the vast scope of the land.

During the long decades of oppression during the apartheid era, the South African colonial government forcibly relocated thousands of Black and mixed-race citizens (known in Southern Africa as colored people) to the township of Katutura. Forced to rent homes from the city, Katutura was a symbol of injustice. Today, despite the continuing inequality in the region, you’ll find arts centers, markets, and food stalls.

Sweeping views across golden hills, Kuiseb Canyon, and Carp Cliff make Kuiseb Pass a highlight of exploring Namibia’s unpaved C14 road. With an elevation of 2,969 feet (905 meters) above sea level, the pass is a place to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and take in the gorgeous landscape of a sparsely populated region.

The plunging walls and incongruous flatness of the surrounding landscape make Fish River Canyon a dramatic sight. Located in southwest Namibia, the canyon is one of the largest in the world and is a renowned destination for hikers looking to challenge themselves. The river comes and goes depending on rainfall, but the stunning canyon always remains.

With its German-style façade and tower latticed in green and gold, historic Woermannhaus is a Swakopmund icon that’s among the city’s oldest buildings. Today, that national landmark holds a public library and art center. The main draw for visitors, however, is the excellent view from its impressive four-sided tower—vistas at the top stretch from the nearby waterfront to the easterly desert.

The township of Mondesa provides a glimpse into Namibia’s complex history. Located on the outskirts of Swakopmund, the settlement was initially used to segregate Black people when South African apartheid laws were extended to Namibia. Today, the settlement is home to a diverse community of residents from across Namibia.

Known as the “Garden Town of Namibia,” this historic community of 24,000 residents makes a good home base for travelers seeking an alternative to Windhoek. There’s a laid-back, small-town feel here, as well as a craft market overflowing with vivid artwork by local woodcarvers, whose sculptures depict wildlife from fish to rhinoceroses.

The red stone crenellations of Duwisib Castle stand out against the brilliant blue sky of the Namibian desert, making for a dramatic scene. Despite the castle’s medieval appearance, it was only built in 1909 to serve as the residence of a German military officer. Today, it operates as a national monument and museum.

Namibia ranks high on the world’s economic disparity list, as the income gap between its richest residents and the nation’s poorest people is one of the largest on record. The difference between the haves and the have-nots is particularly evident on a visit to Swakopmund, where well-paved roads, modern streetlights and beautifully constructed colonial buildings sit next to quiet cafes and restaurants dishing up international cuisine. But just beyond the city limits lies an informal settlement called the Democratic Resettlement Community. Once a temporary holding ground for people awaiting government housing, some 6,000 people call the thriving DRC home, an area built from reclaimed trash discarded by the city’s rich. Visitors to this impoverished but thriving neighborhood can see how the other half of Namibia’s city dwellers live—those who often work in the service industries that supply the country’s elite and international travelers with all the comforts of home. Tour the DRC’s active youth center, free health clinic and home for orphans and vulnerable children while wandering the streets of this informal settlement.