Swakopmund

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Swakopmund (Namibia) - Aerial view of Swakopmund

Swakopmund, known as Swakop in Namibia, is the nation's biggest coastal town and a resort for Namibians on holiday. The city's German origins are quite pronounced in beautiful old German colonial buildings throughout the city, making an even starker contrast for this town sitting at the edge of the Namib Desert. Swakopmund is like a German North Sea town with an African flair (or vice versa).

Swakopmund Halal Travel Guide

History

The first European explorers of the area, Dutchmen Sebastian van Reenen and Pieter Pienaar described the area in 1793 as one with lush vegetation and elephants and rhinos. Nowadays the area can be described as ocean on one side and desert on the other, with some shrubs as the only natural vegetation.

About a century after the Dutch exploration and the area was a colony of the German Colonial Empire, and was chosen as a second port for German Southwest Africa after Lüderitz. The architects decided that Swakopmund should resemble the German homeland as much as feasible, wherefore the city now looks as it does. The boom period of the city continued until the outbreak of World War I. This interrupted the construction of the massive pier, nowadays one of the city's main sights. After the war and the colony became a League of Nations mandate, later a de facto part of South Africa and Swakopmund mostly a city in decline.

Since the independence of Namibia in 1990 and the city has established itself as a resort city. It's the fourth most populous city in the nation, and popular among domestic and German vacationers.

How is the Climate in Swakopmund

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Swakopmund has a mild desert climate, with the temperature varying little during the year. The town sees only about 20 mm of rain around the year; instead thick fog is a frequent occurrence. This is also why the Namibian coast is infamous for its shipwrecks. In addition to bringing needed moisture for the vegetation and the fog is also liable to lower the temperature to below +10°C in the winter.

Watch

Swakopmund was used as the setting for The Village in the 2008 production of The Prisoner by AMC and ITV. Its quaint buildings and unusual appearance made a perfect replacement for Portmeirion where the original 1960s series of The Prisoner was set.

Travel to Swakopmund

-22.676|14.533

By car

The best way to get to Swakopmund is by road from Windhoek. The B2 is the primary street from Windhoek (362 kilometers inland), and takes 4–5 hours by car. Walvis Bay and the closest major city, is 35 kilometers to the south, also next to B2. The road is paved and in good condition.

From elsewhere, you need to take a "C"-road. C34 goes north along the coast from Skeleton Coast National Park, and is a dangerous drive due to the aforementioned thick fog. There are also two roads that are more of dirt tracks, but interesting if you want to see some of the Namibian outback and have a 4WD vehicle; C28 coming in from Windhoek via the Namib-Naukluft National Park and C14 connecting to Walvis Bay.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Swakopmund

Swakopmund does have an airport, but it's just used by the local skydiving club and for some charter flights. The closest airport for with passenger traffic is 35km away near Walvis Bay, and you can fly from Johannesburg International Airport|Johannesburg and Cape Town by South African Airways and Air Namibia ; the latter also has Flights from the capital Windhoek. Some hotels and guest houses will provide a shuttle service to/from the Walvis Bay airport. Otherwise and there are a couple of local shuttle services — The Flying Coffee Pot (+264 811 287455) and Raiwin Shuttle Service (+264 81 273 9309) — that do the trip between Swakopmund and the airport for around N$200. Bookings can be made through the shuttle service's website.

If you have more money to spend and there are numerous small aircraft charter operators in Namibia, and flying from destination to destination on a tour through Namibia is an effective way to minimize the time spent travelling the long distances.

Travel by minivan in Swakopmund

Minibuses operate from Windhoek almost every 2-3 hours, ask the taxi drivers where the buses leave. There are multiple shuttle van ranks in Windhoek for different destinations, so make sure you find the right one. For about N$120 you can obtain a ride in an shuttle van. The ride will take about 4-6 hours. Pay immediately and try to get yourself a seat next to the driver for a bit more space.

Travel on a Bus in Swakopmund

Sandstorm while driving from Swakopmund to Walfish Bay, 2005 - B2 between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay Although the shuttle vanes are slightly cheaper and are an experience and they have no fixed time schedule and are often overloaded. So check out these operators:

  • Intercape operates a service from Windhoek via Okahandja. Intercape service also extends to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
  • Econolux Tel +264 64 205935.
  • Town Hoppers Shuttle Service - Based in Swakopmund and they travel daily 08h00 from Swakopmund and 14h30 from Windhoek. This is a mini bus, 14 seater, air-conditioned bus with all necessary insurances. Friendly and helpful drivers and office staff. You can contact them - +264 64 407223 or

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Swakopmund

The StarLine service between Windhoek and Walvis Bay has in the past run on weekdays. Checks should be made to see if active at time of travel. Trains leave Windhoek in the evening and arrive in Swakopmund early in the morning, if they are on time. Bring a jacket, as it can get quite cold in the night. There is a first and second class - with little difference between the two - but no sleeper. This is a mixed train where the single passenger vehicle is treated like any other piece of cargo. Expect to be awoken several times during the night as the trains stops to pick up or drop off carriages.

Travel by ship/cruise to Swakopmund

The RMS Street Helena makes regular round-trips from Saint Helena (island)|St Helena Island to Cape Town via Walvis Bay. Catch a taxi from Walvis Bay to Swakopmund. However, as the airport on Street Helena will open in May 2016, flights will entirely replace the ship route.

Occasionally cruise liners visit Walvis Bay, and passengers may take a tour to Swakopmund.

On a tour or safari

Swakopmund is a frequent one or two night stop on most tours around Namibia. There are many tour operator doing tours both from Namibia and from outside, such as South Africa.

How to get around in Swakopmund

As with other Namibian cities and there is no public transport in Swakopmund. But the city is small enough to get around easily on foot. All the major attractions and facilities are downtown. It´s hard to get a taxi in downtown (there are no taxis on a Saturday after 7PM), but once you get one it takes you wherever you want for the same rate as the Windhoek Taxis. A trip to Walvis Bay shouldn´t be more than N$40.

What to see in Swakopmund

Architecture

Namibie Swakopmund 02 - |No, this isn't the Baltic Sea beach. It's the Woermannhaus in Swakopmund Swakopmund ev-luth Kirche 1 - The Lutheran church

Much of the downtown is built in early 20th-century German style.

  • Woermannhaus - Bismarck Street -22.67950, 14.52424 A German half-timbered house in the colors of the desert with a 25m high tower and arcaded inner yard. Built by the German trading company Woermann in 1905 as their headquarters for German Southwest Africa. In 1972 the building was declared a national historic landmark and nowadays it functions as a public library.
  • Swakopmund Jetty - GPS -22.6808, 14.5204 - Jutting 300m out in the Atlantic Ocean. Originally it was smaller and built out of wood. Later on and the current concrete jetty was built, but after WWI it fell into disuse. Renovated in 2005, it is a popular attraction, especially for viewing the sunset.
  • Old train station and casino | Bahnhof Street -22.6741, 14.5289 - Built in the Wilhelminian style in 1902 as a train station for the new line to Windhoek, it nowadays hosts the Swakopmund Hotel, exhibition centre and casino.
  • Altes Gefängnis -22.6710, 14.5322 - Built in 1909, it still functions as a prison. However, it's built in the same style as much as the rest of downtown (much prettier than a modern prison) and has been a national historic landmark since 1973.
  • Haus Hohenzollern | Moltke and Brücken street -22.68051, 14.52568 An Art Nouveau building constructed in 1906 as a luxurious hotel, today it is an apartment building.
  • State House - Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht | Am Zoll Street - GPS: -22.67640, 14.52435 - Built as a courthouse in 1902, nowadays it is the Swakopmund residence of the Namibian president.
  • Lutheran Church | - GPS -22.67707, 14.52929 - Built by the Germans in 1912, this Evangelical-Lutheran church is another building which looks like it has been transplanted from somewhere in Germany.
  • Barracks - Kaserne | Bismarck Street GPS -22.68190, 14.52468 - Built in 1903 as housing for the troops of the engineer corps who constructed much of the early infrastructure. The lobby is decorated with German coats of arms. Nowadays the building functions as a youth hostel.
  • Lighthouse address= -22.6761, 14.5241 ☎ The 25.6m-high lighthouse is one of the most visible buildings in the city.

Museums

Martin Luther Museum - |"Martin Luther", standing where it once broke down

  • Kristall Galerie - Crystal Gallery | corner of Tobias Hainyeko and Theo-Ben Gurirab Ave -22.67469, 14.52617 ☎ +264 64 406080 Opening from Monday to Saturday 9:00-17:00 N$20 - The world's largest quartz crystal and many other gems and minerals are on display. The gallery also has two shops where you can buy some crystals as souvenirs.
  • Martin Luther Steam Engine - Hwy B2 -22.67190, 14.55281 A road locomotive abandoned in the desert just outside Swakopmund. Imported in 1896 to pull freight in the region, replacing oxens, it wasn't even able to travel the way from the port of Walvis Bay to Swakopmund, where it was supposed to be based, before breaking down in the desert. It was left there and soon became an odd attraction. It has been renovated a couple of times, and a protective building was built around it.
  • The National Marine Aquarium of Namibia - Strand Street GPS -22.68494, 14.52282 near the junction of Swakop Street & Strand Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-16:00 N$30 - Rays, turtles, sharks and other marine life can be seen here. There is a daily feeding at 15:00.
  • Swakopmund Museum - Strand Street -22.67582, 14.52320 between the beach and lighthouse ☎ +264 64 402695 | Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 N$30 adults, N$10 children - The largest private museum in the nation, founded in 1951. It showcases the cultural and natural history of the region from prehistoric time to the colonial period. Included among the exhibits is a reconstructed 19th-century chemist shop, a dentist's training and an old household.

Monuments

  • The Marine Monument -22.67666, 14.52358 Memorial to the German soldiers who died during the campaign against the Herero People between 1904-07.
  • Monument to the fallen in both World Wars -22.67674, 14.52434

What to do in Swakopmund

Swakopmund is Namibia's adventure capital, and there's a great selection of activities to try out on land, sea and in the air. Tours and activities may also be booked once you're in Swakopmund.

Air

Ballooning, Swakopmund Namibia (3053217230) - The desert as seen from a hot air balloon

The impressive Namib Desert (the oldest desert in the world, with the tallest sand dune in the world) around Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast to the north can be appreciated in their entirety from the air, from a hot air balloon, a helicopter or a light plane. There are several kinds of flight tours are available, ranging from a few hours to a few days. Some flights enables you to see the desert and the ocean from above, others include safaris.

If you're really adventurous, your other options are paragliding (also beginner courses available) as well as skydiving — learn to jump from concerned, compassionate professionals in one of the cheapest, best skydiving schools on earth. The tour usually starts with a scenic flight and then a tandem jump with an instructor from 3000m.


Sea

NA Swakopmund Beach - |The beaches are one of Swakopmund's top attractions

Many local residents don't come to Swakopmund to hang out in the desert. Hang with the Namibians away on school holiday and go to the beach. You'll find cold water, but warm sands. The beach, just to the north of town, is ringed with museums and cafes. Beware that further south there are no breakwaters, so the beach is exposed directly to the waves of the Atlantic, which means that swimming may not be safe.

Surfing is popular too. Hit the surf spots to the north of town, such as 'Thick Lip' and 'The Wreck'. Travel further south towards Langstrad for 'Guns'. Fishing is a more relaxed sea-related activity and tour companies also offer offshore fishing tours.

Land

NA Swakopmund Sandboarding - |Sandboarding!

Also the desert has many different activities, one local specialty being sandboarding, commonly called duneboarding. You can ski the dunes just like you're snowboarding, or ride the board on your belly. Extremely high speeds — not for the faint hearted. This activity can be performed either on the world's highest sand dunes near Walvis Bay or some smaller dunes near Swakopmund. Alter Action has access to the infamous "Dizzy" hill. Tight clothing, sport shoes, sunglasses and sunblock are needed to take part in this activity. Beware that sand may damage your camera; though usually the price includes the operator taking video and photos of you performing the activity and giving you the footage.

Quadbiking is an excellent way to see the Namib desert close up. Several tour companies offer lessons and guided tours on four-wheel motorbikes through the desert surrounding the city. Breathtaking views of the dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Dune 7 Sandboarding | ☎ +264 64 220881 +264 64 220881 N$ 350 Quadbike to take you up; Snacks and drinks included.

Just south of town on the road to Walvis Bay and there are some nice sand dunes suitable for a walk. Cross over the Swakop River, smile at the fact that there's rarely any visible water in it, and stroll through the dunes.

There are several birding locations in the town. At the Swakop River mouth there is a small fresh water lagoon which always has good birds to see. In the town there is the water treatment area. This is more for the twitcher (birders chasing rare birds) looking for rare birds. It is only open on working hours on week days. North of the town is the Mile 4 salt works. Some roads go along the open saline lakes where the salt is being extracted. This area is very important for various birds, including flamingos.

Other than this and there are also tours to the natural attractions mentioned in the #Go next|Go next section.

  • Travel Time - Gerald Kolb ☎ +264 81 1299076 - Desert tours.
  • Outback Orange - Nathaniël Maxuilili ☎ +264 64 400968 - This company offers all sorts of activities from sandboarding and skydiving to fishing and horse riding.
  • Okakambe Trails, Horse Rides - ☎ +264 64 402799 - About 8 kilometers outside Swakop.
  • Camel Farm - ☎ +264 64 400363 - 12 kilometers east of Swakopmund
  • EHRA - ☎ +264 64 402 501 - Elephant Human Relations Aid, a local NGO offering desert elephant conservation trips.

In the city

Swakop has an unusual number of skilled rock musicians and an impromptu "Open Mike Night" can usually be organized at one of the local nightspots. Travelling musicians take note!

Also, in addition to being located in the beautiful Woermannhaus and the library of Swakopmund is reportedly one of the best in all of Africa; why not sit down and educate yourself?

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Swakopmund

NA Swakopmund Arcade - |Brauhaus Arcade

Many Namibians travel to Swakopmund for shopping. While the selection is not as wide as in the capital, you can really buy everything you need here. There are several nice shops in Swakop selling souvenirs and art; in particular if you're interested in traditional African silver jewelry. There is also a very good craft market near the lighthouse, which has a lot of items which are difficult to find elsewhere in Namibia.

  • Brauhaus Arcade -22.67789, 14.52574 Shopping arcade with all kinds of small shops housed in typical German turn of the century buildings.
  • Leder Chic - leather boutique for ostrich, kudu and buffalo leather articles | Brauhaus Arcade, -22.67794, 14.52638 Centre of town in Hendrik Witbooi St. ☎ +264 64 404778 | Opening Hours: from 9h00 to 18h00 Luggage and leather retail shop and the finest ostrich and kudu wallets and purses. Modern zebra skin belts, ostrich and kudu leather belts as well as designer handbags in springbok, kudu, nguni, buffalo and ostrich leather.
  • Open market - Am Zoll - GPS: -22.67697, 14.52394 Traditional African street market. Bargain hard; if you're an obvious tourist the vendor typically gives you a price 3-4 times higher.
  • Shoprite - Sam Nujoba Ave -22.67726, 14.53280 Food and household item supermarket.
  • Woermann Brock Mall - Ankerplatz - GPS: -22.67935, 14.52469 A more westernized mall with more expensive items (souvenirs and other products). Here you can also find an Internet cafe and a supermarket.

Halal Restaurants in Swakopmund

Typical local cuisine, insofar as it exists, is a combination of the hearty German cuisine and fish and seafood of the ocean. Being a resort city, some Halal restaurants are located in hotels. For some of the most popular ones you will need to book a few days ahead, especially on weekends and holidays.

An average sit-down restaurant meal costs around N$150-300, and on top of that it's customary to leave a tip of 10%.

Sam Nujoma Avenue in Swakopmund - |Sam Nujoma Avenue


  • BOJOs Cafe - C34 -22.67694, 14.52547 - Cafe with different menus every day, updated on their Facebook page.
  • Caffe Treff Punkt | 102 Sam Nujoma Ave GPS -22.67869, 14.52523 - Great German café, lovely breakfast.
  • Cafe Tiffany | Libertina Amathila Avenue -22.68056, 14.52483 - Fresh fish, good fruit cocktail, reasonable prices. The local residents eat here!
  • Café Anton -22.67728, 14.52403 at the Schweizerhaus Hotel Around N$60 Great for an all-you-can-eat breakfast. In the daytime they have delicious cakes; reportedly and the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is even better than what you can get in Germany!

Mid-range

  • Restaurant Europe - at the Hotel Europa Hof | -22.68144, 14.52419 According to some and the best fish and seafood restaurant in town, large servings too. Do book your table beforehand, because it's a popular place.
  • Napolitana - 33 Nathanael Maxuilili GPS -22.6818, 14.5281 ☎ +264 64 402773 - An Italian restaurant with both Italian food and Steaks and game. Large servings.
  • Namib Restaurant | _=_ 13 Luderitz Street -22.6773, 14.5304 ☎ +264 64 404896 - German cuisine with great service. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Zur Weinmaus | Poststraße -22.67675, 14.52506 - Very friendly host. Not many tables, so make a reservation.
  • De Kelder | Tobias Hainyeko Street GPS -22.6781, 14.5249 A little bit hidden, does not look attractive from outside. But everything else is perfect!
  • Zur Kupferpfanne | Daniel Tjongarero Ave 9 -22.6777, 14.5335 - Game food and good fruit cocktails.
  • The Tug Restaurant | Strand Street -22.68109, 14.52188 at the jetty ☎ +264 64 402356 +264 64 402356A great seafood restaurant, with a wide fruit cocktails. It is an actual tug with a great view of the sea - reservations are crucial. Rather expensive.
  • The Jetty 1905 -22.68070, 14.51918 At end of the pier, fish and chips, sushi, tapas, good soft drinks list and Don Pedro's, +264 64 5664 for reservations.
  • Kückis Pub | Tobias Hainyeko 22 GPS -22.67997, 14.52549 ☎ +264 64 404207 - Warm and enjoyable atmosphere with great service. Limited menu, but interesting dishes (shark Steaks, etc) and very well prepared.

Ladies Selling the fresh organic juice (oshikundu) (3694165164) - Homebrewed organic juice from a street vendor is also an option

This is Jägermeister country and don't forget to sample the famous, locally brewed Hansa Draught.

  • Bacchus Taverne - 44 Bismarck Street -22.68070, 14.52441 opposite Europa Hof - Likely the coziest bar in Swakopmund. It has a good selection of pub Snacks and is affordable too.
  • Tiger Reef - Südstrand Street -22.6872, 14.5229 - Beach bar, excellent place for a sundowner on the beach. Go to the aquaruim and walk along the beach in the direction of Walvis Bay. Grab a bottle of bubbly for the amazing sunset (Locally called sundowners)
  • Rafters Action Pub - Woermann Street GPS -22.67939, 14.52538 - Great sports bar with big LCD screens.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Swakopmund

Swakopmund - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Swakopmund, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Swakopmund. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Swakopmund and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Swakopmund. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Swakopmund. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSwakopmund: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Swakopmund.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Swakopmund: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Swakopmund, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Swakopmund.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Swakopmund, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Swakopmund, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Swakopmund and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Swakopmund, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Swakopmund, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Swakopmund without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Swakopmund is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Swakopmund.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Swakopmund is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Swakopmund, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Swakopmund Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Barracks Swakopmund - The Alte Kaserne (the old Imperial German barracks) is a used as a youth hostel

  • Desert Sky Backpackers Lodge - 35 Lazaret Street -22.68117, 14.52803 at the junction of Breit Street ☎ +264 64 402339 - Five minutes walk from downtown and the beach; clean, friendly owner; N$30 for WiFi internet access; and camping area. N$150 camping, N$190/person for a dorm, N$540 for a double room.
  • Villa Wiese Backpackers - Cnr. Theo-Ben Gurirab & Windhoeker Street -22.67542, 14.53213 ☎ +264 64 407105 - R185Another great backpackers. Plus they have their own café. dorms
  • Swakopmund Youth hostel - Lazarett street -22.68180, 14.52483 housed in the Alte Kaserne. ☎ +264 64-404164 - N$120 dorm beds
  • Skeleton Beach Backpackers. - 14 Musa Garoeb street -22.6660, 14.5277 ☎ +264 64 25-9485 - N$150 dorm beds.
  • Amanpuri Travelers Lodge - Musa Garoeb street -22.68009, 14.53384 ☎ +264 64-405587 - N$180 has dorms beds
  • Swakop Lodge | 42 Nathaniël Maxuilili -22.68222, 14.52813 ☎ +264 64 402030 +264 64 405016 N$150 Dorm beds. Popular among those travelling on overland trucks. Still and there are some quite nice and clean rooms (though ask to see the room first). Restaurant, Internet cafe, laundry service N$30, guarded parking lot, kitchen.
  • Sea Breeze Guesthouse - 1 Turmalien Street -22.6425, 14.5287 ☎ +264 64 463348
  • Meike's Guesthouse - Windhoeker Street -22.67913, 14.53211 ☎ +264 64 405863

Mid-range

Alter Bahnhof Swakopmund Hotel - The old train station nowadays hosts a luxurious hotel, a casino and restaurants

  • Vogelstrand Guest House - 33 Tsavorite St, Vogelstrand -22.63846, 14.52924 ☎ +264 64 403287 Checkin - 14:00 / Check-out: 10:00 From N$690 Intimate family run bed and breakfast guest house with six rooms. Continental or health breakfast with an array of dishes made from local produce. The outside areas are designed in a quiet country courtyard style.
  • The Secret Garden Guesthouse - 36 Bismarck Street -22.68133, 14.52453 in the old town ☎ +264 64404037 Checkin - 2PM / Check-out: 10:30AM N$500+ Six standard double en suite rooms, three comfort double en-suite rooms and two suites. Breakfast is included and the guesthouse has a bistro restaurant for evening meals. Secure parking is available.
  • Dünenblick self-catering apartments - @swakopmund.com riverside av 37 and rhode allee no 5 -22.67766, 14.53360 overlooking the namib dunes and close to the beach, opposite the Swakopmund jetty ☎ +264 81 1290489 and +264 81 149 0449 Checkin - 14h00 / Check-out: 10h00 From N$900.00 per apartment Luxury apartments, stylishly decorated in contemporary look, with all the comforts feasible. Including full DSTV and Internet , well situated with sea view or dune view. All within walking distance to the centre of town.
  • Alternative Space Guesthouse, - nam00352@ Anton-Lubosfki Street 167 -22.6768, 14.5450 Krammersdorf ☎ +264 402713 - N$600 The place is out of the ordinary.If you are looking for a place with a difference stay here.
  • By the Beach - Swanlamer 12 GPS -22.6818, 14.5230 ☎ +264 64 405 442, +264 81 244 6336 +From N$550 per unit, sleeping up to 6 people - A new self catering accommodation service offering affordable luxury, with sea views, coffee/tea, DSTV in master bedroom and lounge, indoor BBQ.
  • Sandcastle Apartments | @swakopmund.com Woker Street 4 -22.6629, 14.5289 ☎ +264 64 40 36 32 - N$ 450 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 10AM
  • Sophia Dale Base Camp - Street 1901 Plot 173 -22.6426, 14.6383 ☎ +264 64 40 3264 - Sunny and cosy camping and bungalows 12km from Swakopmund, in the lush area of Swakop River.
  • Swakopmund Municipal Bungalows - Cnr Hendrik Witbooi and Swakop Street GPS -22.6844, 14.5274 ☎ +264 64 4104333 - Selection ranging from tiny two bedroom units (roughly N$250 a night) to luxury bungalows (TV, stove, etc.) at N$650-700 a night. Walking distance to town
  • Hotel Schweizerhaus | 1 Bismarck Strasse -22.67724, 14.52418 ☎ +264 64 400331, +264 64 400332, +264 64 400333 +264 64 405850
  • Hotel Eberwein | @rwein.com Sam Nujoma Avenue -22.67666, 14.52906 ☎ +264 64 41 44 50 +264 64 41 44 51
  • Strand Hotel | Vineta Street GPS -22.67545, 14.52177 ☎ +264 64 400 315 +264 64 404 942 Scheduled to reopen in October 2015.
  • Prinzessin Rupprecht Heim - @prinzessin-rupprecht.com Sam Nujoma Avenue GPS -22.68221, 14.52430 ☎ +264 64 412540
  • Alte Brücke Resort & Conference Center - Vineta -22.6863, 14.5255 ☎ +264 64 404918
  • Sea View Backpackers Swakopmund - 20 Berg Street Swakopmund ☎ +264 85 334 4567 - Staring from N$ 500 for a single person en-suite room and N$ 250 per dormitory bed. All rooms are on suite. Two-minutes walk to the ocean, swimmingpool table, cereal breakfast, bar area, free WiFi, inside and outside fireplace.
  • The Stiltz - Am Zoll -22.6870, 14.5252 Luxurious with a very romantic setting.
  • Hansa Hotel - 3 Hendrik Witbooi Street -22.67716, 14.52622 ☎ +264 64 414 200 +264 64 414 299 above 1000N$ The archetype of a hotel from the "old days". Waiters wear penguin suit, and the place oozes style. This is also a nice place for Sunday lunch which is surprisingly good value for money, but you might be rejected if your attire is too informal.
  • Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Center Alter Bahnhof - Mandume Ya Ndemufayo -22.67391, 14.52893 ☎ +264 64 410 5200 +264 64 410 5360 From N$940 per room, incl. breakfast It's a 4 star luxury hotel, built in and around the impeccably restored old station building. Includes casino, swimmingpool and restaurant.

Stay safe

Swakopmund is generally a safe city, though you should follow some basic rules:

  • Don't leave valuables visible in your car.
  • Park at guarded parking lots if feasible. It's customary to tip the guards N$2-3 per day and N$5 per day.
  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Strangers that may come and talk to you on the street are often up to no good.
  • Sunburn is a real risk for everyone (you're in the tropics!). Also, be aware of forceful waves when swimming in the Atlantic.

Telecommunications in Swakopmund

  • Swakopmund I-cafe - Tobias Hainyeko GPS -22.67892, 14.52504 Woermann & Brock Mall Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 7-22, Sunday 10-22 - The only Internet cafe in town.

News & References Swakopmund


Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Swakopmund

  • Swakopmund is a good starting point for trips up the Skeleton Coast National Park|Skeleton Coast.
  • A good day-trip would be south from Swakop to Walvis Bay, Namibia's port town. The road to Walvis Bay provides good views of the Namib dunes meeting the Atlantic.

Cape Cross Seal Colony - Cape Cross Seal Colony

  • 120 kilometers north of Swakopmund lies Cape Cross, where every October to December about 100,000 of the Cape Fur Seals breed. The sight and the noise (and also the smell) is absolutely breathtaking! The name Cape Cross comes from a stone cross erected 1486 by the Portuguese Diego Cáo. Entry fee to the nature reserve is N$10. Accommodation at the Cape Cross Lodge].
  • For hobby botanists a half day trip to the south east on the Moon landscape drive will take you to the legendary Welwitschia mirabilis, as well as other desert-adapted plants, abandoned mining equipment, and an unbelievable landscape. The drive crosses the Swakop River, and there is no bridge. There is also no water in the river, we're in Namibia after all! An ordinary sedan can achieve the river crossing (deep sand) with deflated tyres and an experienced driver. Don't forget to bring a pump, or else the rest of the rather challenging road will destroy tyres and the rims. In a place where there is no rain for decades the only water source the Welwitschia uses is humidity. They can become over 1000 years old and only live in this part of the Namib desert, up to 120 kilometers away from the coast. Be careful not to walk too close to the plants (roots easily destroyed) or even take plants with you and the species is highly endangered!Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.

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