Holidays to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

Holidays to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay may not be the usual choice for a beach destination, but where they differ from the traditional archetype they make up for in various other ways. Located on the Atlantic seaboard, Swakopmund offers a cooler climate than other areas of Namibia and it takes a brave soul to swim in the cold, murky ocean. Walk the pleasant streets to uncover a strong German colonial link in the monuments and historic buildings that dot the city. Comfortable places to stay and an array of cafes and restaurants to discover ensure a pleasant stay in this quiet seaside city.

However, it is the adventure activities from Swakopmund that really define it. Not always for the faint of heart, activities range from dolphin cruises and scenic flights to parachuting and paragliding over a sea of sand dunes. There's also quad biking, sandboarding and hot air balloon rides on offer.

Some 30 km south of Swakopmund lies Walvis Bay, the main harbor town in Namibia. If you happen to approach it from the north you will do so on a stunning ocean road seamed by mighty dunes. Attractions of Walvis Bay are the lagoon with innumerable sea birds, pelicans and flamingos and a variety of recreational possibilities, a desert golf course, a choice of restaurants and adventure activities such as sea kayaking, sandwich harbour tours and dolphin cruises.