Desert express Train

Swakopmund entertainment centre

Swakopmund is Namibia’s principal coastal resort and is much loved due to its old world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonial rule, it served as the territory’s main harbour for many years. Today this quaint town, sandwiched by desert and sea, abounds with palm trees, lush green lawns and an array of hotels, restaurants and coffee shops selling traditional German fare. The quaint architecture adds to the atmosphere and the distinct German character has been well preserved over the years.

The source of Swakopmund's continental atmosphere is the graceful art nouveau buildings, eleven of which are national monuments. The graceful lighthouse, one of the town’s most prominent landmarks, is just one of the many characteristic old structures giving this town its particular charm.

Photos courtesy: Desert Explores

On the beachfront next to the National Marine Information and Research Centre in Strand Street, is the Aquarium. Its main feature is a large oval-shaped transparent tank with a glass walk through tunnel, including a variety of fish such as shark, kabeljou, steenbras and galjoen along with many other sea creatures. Nearby the Mole and adjacent Palm Beach provide popular a swimming area – also serving as a launching spot for yachts and pleasure craft.

Swakopmund has surprisingly diverse shopping, from specialist shops selling leather goods and crafts, to a shopping complex and utility shops. You can get your hands on some traditional Namibian produce including textiles, embroidery, carpets and woodcarvings. A special feature of this coastal town is its outstanding jewellery shops staffed by master goldsmiths and specialised craftsmen who design individual pieces with local gems and semi-precious stones. There are several commercial galleries in Swakopmund where contemporary Namibian art and crafts can be viewed and purchased, notable the historic Woermann House, which has a permanent display of Namibian art.

Swakopmund also has a good variety of accommodation, from the very large and luxurious Swakopmund Hotel; the Strand Hotel with its prime beachfront location and the new Hotel Eberwein, to small, quaint guesthouses, A-frame bungalows and beach lodges.

The sweep of coastline and desert hinterland offers numerous options for fun, adventure and relaxation. To the north of the town lies the Swakopmund Saltworks, registered as a private nature reserve. The shallow water here provides an ideal feeding ground for thousands of wetland birds. The Swakopmund river mouth is another perfect place for birdwatching. Rossmund, an 18-hole golf course with a stunning desert setting, is located 10kms from Swakopmund and described as one of the most scenic and unusual in Southern Africa.

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Photos courtesy: Desert Explores

Sand boarding: conquer these constantly shifting and powerfully towering beauties by zooming down the sheer slip faces on a traditional Swakopmund sand board or carve up the dune with style and skill on a snowboard adapted for sand. Lie down and standing sand boarding is offered.

Photos courtesy: Desert Explores

Quad biking: arguably the best way to experience the pristine beauty of the Namib Desert and its magnificent dunes. No prior experience is needed and you will never be too old to do a guided quad bike excursion. The tours include multi-guiding with slow and fast groups in the same tour, catering for both the adrenalin seeker and the sightseer.


Tandem skydiving: this takes place daily, normally after the fog has lifted in the morning. Before take off, an experienced tandem master will do a briefing on the procedures. Once in the plane you will enjoy a 35-minute scenic flight over the area reaching 10,000 feet. After jumping, a 30 - 35 seconds free-fall follows before the parachute opens, followed by another 5 to 8 minutes of gentle descent.

Horse riding: experience the rugged scenery of Swakopmund, the Namib Desert and the dunes on horseback. Dolphin and seal cruise: enjoy champagne and oysters and laze in the sun with a gentle cruise on the lagoon, taking you past the seal colony at Pelican Point, while dolphins swim and play alongside the boat.

Paragliding: experience free flight from one of the world's safest training sites at Namib Dunes near Long Beach, offering half-day introduction courses.


Accommodation in Swakopmund

Book accommodation and tours in Swakopmund


The Desert Express
Namibia is renowned for its wide-open spaces and spectacular display of colours at sunrise and sunset. The Desert Express, Namibia's unique rail experience, offers a twice-weekly journey between Windhoek, the capital, and Swakopmund – offering passengers a unique and safe experience through this desolate and captivating landscape.

After departing Windhoek in the early afternoon, Desert Express heads north to Otjihavera siding, where you can enjoy the luxurious Okapuka private game ranch. As the Desert Express continues its westward journey, enjoy the sunset in the Spitzkoppe lounge or through the large windows of your compartment. In the Welwitschia restaurant (named after the unique 100 year-old plants of the area), a sumptuous three-course dinner awaits you.

The train stops for the night at Kranzberg siding, continuing westward the next morning into the desert and behind the dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Here, there's a one-hour stop to allow passengers to take a walk to the dunes of the Namib. The train then continues towards Swakopmund, its final destination.

There are 24 fully air-conditioned compartments, in four sleeper coaches. They each have their own en-suite facilities and are stylishly decorated, converting to private lounges during the day.

The longer journeys to northern and southern Namibia are offered in April, May, June, July, August and December. This should be an integral part of your agenda when visiting this magnificent country.

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