Swakopmund and Walvis Bay Vacations
The Atlantic coastline of Namibia offers two major towns to visit, perhaps as part of an extended African adventure.
When to Go
Best Time to Go
North-Western coast of Namibia
Great restaurants
Great for ocean Big Five
Adventurous activities
Desert & Coastal Adventures
Swakopmund is lively, diverse and exciting, centred on the types of sports and activities geared towards adrenaline junkies! Walvis Bay is a bit more relaxed, with a spacious feel to it – and it is a fantastic starting point for travellers wishing to ride out into the desert and see more of the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Activities
Although the majority of travellers to Namibia might not prioritise visiting a coastal town, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offer plenty of wildlife, activities, and some laidback beach time.
Adventure activities
Experience local wildlife
Visit shops and restaurants
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Swakopmund offers tourists a wide range of high-octane sports, complemented by serene beach settings. Sports activities include sandboarding, dune biking and parachuting. If you prefer something at a slower pace, we highly recommend a hot air balloon safari over the desert. Dune riding is like being on a different planet – this is an unmissable experience! In Walvis Bay, why not try your hand at fishing along the coast, or take on some water sports, including kite surfing. The adrenaline-fuelled inland activities at Swakopmund are easily rivalled in the waters at Walvis Bay.
The majority of tourists visit Walvis Bay for its lagoon and surrounding areas, where numerous tours and activities are available. Pelican Point makes for a fantastic kayak trip, with birdwatching opportunities in abundance! Boat trips also offer the chance to witness dolphins in the lagoon, so be sure not to miss out on memories that will last a lifetime.
Swakopmund boasts palm-lined avenues, interesting shops, well-kept gardens, museums, libraries, some high-quality seafood restaurants – and even a snake park! Walvis Bay may be a quieter town, but it feels much more spacious than Swakopmund. There is a good variety of accommodation within the boundaries of the town, as well as an array of shops and restaurants.
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