Namibia
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Namibia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Swakopmund Dunes
Though you may have already visited higher or more visually stunning dunes, the Swakop dune belt has the unique distinction of being the subject of a truly fascinating tour that introduces visitors to the numerous—and normally invisible—creatures thriving in this surreal ecosystem of the Namib Desert. The passionate and well-informed guides leap out of 4x4s to catch the desert's perfectly camouflaged lizards, geckos, and snakes. A visit here is a unique, educational, and often humorous experience.
Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia264-81-128--1038-mobile or WhatsAppSight Details
Rate Includes: N$ 850, incl. transfers, snacks, and refreshments -
2. Kristall Galerie
This sizable gallery (which underwent a major renovation in early 2022) houses the largest known quartz-crystal cluster in the world—an awesome natural wonder more than 520 million years old and weighing 14,000 kilograms. Numerous smaller but no less beautiful chunks of Namibian minerals and gems, including a wide variety of quartz crystals, rainbow tourmalines, and other semiprecious stones, are also on display. Some great souvenirs can be had in the adjoining large gift shop and high-end jewelry boutique to allow you to take home a unique piece of Namibia.
Tobias Hainyeko at Theo-Ben Gurirab Ave., Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia264-64-406–080Sight Details
Rate Includes: N$30, Closed Sun. -
3. National Marine Aquarium
This small aquarium showcases great displays of marine life, including a huge main tank that can be viewed from different angles. A great feature is the walk-through tunnel. It's a worthwhile attraction if you are traveling with young kids and is a great way to spend half an hour to 45 minutes. The bigger fish, especially the sharks, are fed around 3 pm so try to time your visit for then.
South Strand St. (at the southern end), Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia264-64-410–1214Sight Details
Rate Includes: N$30, Closed Mon. -
4. Old Station Building
Probably Swakops's most notable landmark, the gorgeous, historic Old Station Building was built in 1901. Declared a national monument in 1972, this magnificent example of German colonial architecture came to life again in the early 1990s, when it was restored and renovated in a style evoking the charm and nostalgia of the old railway days. Don't miss the huge bustling lobby—a remnant of the building's former life as a railway station. Today, the building houses the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre, which includes a movie theater, casino, spa, and two restaurants.
2 Theo-Ben Gurirab Ave., Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia264-64-410--5200Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
5. Palm Beach
At a manageable 500 meters (1,640 feet), Palm Beach, which stretches along the western side of Swakopmund and effectively forms the western border, is the recommended beach for gentle walking. Swimming isn't encouraged due to rough waters and strong currents (and the icy Atlantic waters). Instead stroll from the north, starting at The Mole beach, and watch the sun go down in the west. Enjoy a sundowner on Swakopmund's famous Jetty 1905 restaurant and if you're hungry try the festive scene at the famous Tug restaurant. The palms the beach is named after are set back against the access road offering limited shade. Busy in summer, but quiet in winter, Palm Beach is also often in fog due to the cold air of the Atlantic hitting the heat of the desert. Amenities: food and drink, parking, toilets. Best for: sunsets, walking.
A. Schad Promenade, Swakopmund, Erongo, NamibiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Sam Cohen Library
As in Windhoek, there are lots of historic German buildings dating to the turn of the 20th century, most of them in perfect condition. The railway station, the prison, the Woermann House, the Kaserne (barracks), the Lutheran church, and the district court look more like illustrations from some Brothers Grimm fairy tale than the working buildings they once were. You can usually purchase a book with detailed information about these buildings from the Sam Cohen Library, which is worth a visit for its impressive collection of Africana books, archives of old newspapers (many in German), and vast photo collection (though note the N$50 users' fee to browse the archives). This library began its life with five books and now has more than 10,000 volumes.
Sam Nujoma St., Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia264-64-402–695Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free (N$50 browsing fee), Closed on week days from 1-3pm, closed weekends -
7. Swakopmund Museum
The largest private museum in Namibia, this historical building down by the lighthouse was built in 1951 and houses a surprisingly large and varied collection of items. Displays on everything from natural history, archaeology, and ethnology to the German colonial period are informative and worth a look, especially if traveling with kids.
Strand St., Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia264-64-402–046Sight Details
Rate Includes: N$30, No credit card facilities -
8. The Living Desert Snake Park
With more than 25 species of Namibian snakes, lizards, chameleons, and scorpions, this small museum will excite herpetologists large and small. Several of southern Africa's most dangerous snakes can be seen here, including the black mamba and puff adder. Snake feedings take place on Saturdays between 10 am and 1 pm.
59 Sam Nujoma Ave., Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia264-81-275--7786Sight Details
Rate Includes: N$100 -
9. The Mole Beach
The designated swimming beach at Swakopmund, The Mole, is actually a failed engineering project. In 1899 the South Africans controlled the closest harbor at Walvis Bay, so attempts were made to build a harbor at Swakopmund. The engineer, FW Ortloff, failed to take into account the force of the Benguela current flowing down the length of Namibia and dumping desert sands on the shore. The result is the promontory you see today with The Mole now forming a secluded swimming beach. A short walk from the center of town, the beach is serviced by a number of restaurants and small cafés. The Atlantic Ocean is generally cold and rough, so if you're set on swimming, you'll have to brave it. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. Amenities: lifeguards (in summer), toilets. Best for: sunsets, sundowners, swimming.
A. Schad Promenade, Swakopmund, Erongo, NamibiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Free
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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