Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a seaside resort on the west coast nestled between the desert and the sea resembles a small Bavarian village. It has a restful and relaxing atmosphere with promenades, palm trees and beautifully tended public gardens.

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

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. There is excellent rock and surf fishing along the stretch of beach, which extends northwards. This area, a 200 km by 25 km strip along the beach from Swakopmund to Ugab River, is known as the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area. 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 Swakopmund Museum captures the colourful past and also highlights the desert flora and fauna, as well as the marine life, of the area. 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.

Accommodation in Swakopmund

• Swakopmund Guesthouse
• The Stiltz
• Villa Margherita
• Swakopmund Boutique Hotel
• Swakopmund Hotel
• Hansa Hotel
• Cornerstone Guesthouse
• Atlantic Villa
• The Burning Shore