SWAKOPMUND

Dolphin cruise - Photo courtesy Wilderness Safaris

Swakopmund, a small Bavarian village nestling between the desert and the sea is Namibia's west coast seaside resort. 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’ buildings. 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, comfortable pensions,
bungalows and a caravan park
Swakopmund is a perfect base to explore Walvis Bay and partake on a dolphin cruise where you are likely to see dolphins, seals and a host of flamingo’s, pelicans and other water fowl. North of Swakopmund is Cape Cross with one of Africa’s largest seal colonies.