Swakopmund - Culture

Swakopmund. Namibia's seaside resort on the west coast is a place of singular charm, and resembles a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea. It has a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens. The particular attraction of the town lies in the fact that one can enjoy the wild beauty of the desert and the sea and yet be within easy reach of the solid comfort of Swakopmund's hotels, pensions and restaurants.

The source of Swakopmund's continental atmosphere is the graceful art nouveau building. Eleven of these charming old buildings are national monuments.

There is plenty to see and do. Tour operators offer tours featuring the unique landscapes of the Namib. There is sheltered bathing at Palm Beach, the town has an Olympic-sized, heated indoor swimming pool, and a grassed golf course in a desert setting. The tannery, which manufacturers the well known kudu leather shoes, can be visited, as well as the local brewery which produces some of Namibia's fine beers. The Swakopmund Museum captures the colourful past and also highlights the desert flora and fauna, as well as the marine life, of the area. Accommodation is available in hotels, bungalows and a caravan park, as well as comfortable pensions.

There is excellent rock and surf fishing along the stretch of beach which extends northwards. This area, a 200 km by 25 km strop along the beach from Swakopmund to Ugab River is known as the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area. Favourite angling and camping spots are Mile 4, Mile 14, Mile 72, Mile 108 and Jakkalsputz. Henties Bay, a resort village named after Major Hentie van der Merwe who started recreational fishing there in 1929, still attracts keen fishermen from far and wide. The town has one hotel, bungalows, holiday flats and a golf course. The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is situated north of Henties Bay. Here a prodigious number of Cape Fur seals flourish in the cold waters of the Benguela Current. Along the coast  are numerous islets and isolated parts of the shore which they use as nurseries for their young. This area is also of historical significance as the Portuguese navigator, Diogo Cao, planted a cross at this point in the year 1486.

Swakopmund was of major significance as a harbour during the German colonial era, although the water at the coast is actually too shallow and a protected bay is missing. But Luederitz was too far away and the seaport of Walvis Bay was a British possession, later in South African hands. Only today it belongs to Namibia.

Swakopmund is a popular seaside resort with a slightly nostalgic atmosphere and many tourist attractions. The townscape is characterized by numerous colonial buildings. A new highlight is the casino into which the old train station was changed. A luxury hotel is part of the entertainment complex.

Particularly attractive are drives along the stunning dune-rimmed coastline, whether you go south to Walvis Bay (30 km) or to the National West Coast Recreation Area in the north. The road (slippery when there is fog) goes all along the beach and leads to the Ugab river mouth, passing the fishermen's resort of Henties Bay and Cape Cross on the way. North of the Ugab, the Skeleton Coast National Park starts for which a permit is required, which is only granted to tour operator.

Swakopmund is – at least in comparison to the inland – quite chilly. Due to the cold Benguela current, the water is usually too cold for swimming. Until midday, the town is often covered in dense sea fog. Swakop is a popular holiday place. Especially during the Christmas holidays, when the Namibians find it too hot in Windhoek, it gets crowded here. Early booking of accommodation is recommended.

Some years ago, the former train station of Swakopmund – one of the many colonial buildings of the town – was transformed into an elegant casino and entertainment complex, including a 5-star luxury hotel. The formerly so sleepy place on the rough Namibian Atlantic coast has evolved as a upmarket seaside resort.