With beautiful German colonial architecture and an amazing coastline, Swakopmund is one of the most stunning cities in Namibia. Not only is it beautiful, but you can find some awesome things to do that won’t leave you broke. Here a few things to do in Swakopmund on a budget.
(Elina Mark/Wikimedia Commons)
1. Have Breakfast At Shalom Olive Plantation Saturday Market
On Saturday morning, head to Shalom Plantation Saturday Market and enjoy a delicious breakfast. This little oasis on the edge of the desert also sells fresh produce all grown in the Swakopmund region, along with meats and baked goods.
(Wikimedia Commons)
2. Go View The Woermannhaus
Built in 1905, this historic building in Swakopmund is now home to the offices of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Swakopmund Public Library. It is the oldest building in the city, one of the most visited landmarks, and absolutely free!
(Wikimedia Commons)
3. Take A Walking Up Dune 7
Take a drive along the beautiful dune coastline towards Walvis Bay until you reach the highest dune in the coastal region, Dune 7. At 130km high, your muscles will be cramping once you reach the top, but the view is spectacular.
(Pedro Szekely/Wikimedia Commons)
4. Visit The National Marine Aquarium of Namibia
Even though it is a small, the National Marine Aquarium of Namibia is a great place to see some amazing creatures. At about US$30, you can spend a morning taking in the the amazing sea life of the Namibian coastline.
(Photo courtesy of Strand Cafe)
5. Relax On De Mole Beachfront
With hardly any waves, you can enjoy a day at the beach at De Mole. Chill on the beach and enjoy the sunshine, or grab a bite to eat at one of the awesome beachfront restaurants including Strand Cafe.
(Photo courtesy of Rossmund Golf Course)
6. Play A Round Of Golf In The Desert
With springbok hopping along the the green, you can swing at some balls at the driving range or try your hand at the 18 holes course at Rossmund Golf Course. The golf course and driving range is in the middle of the desert and is an oasis for many animals.
(Photo courtesy of The Tug)
7. Have A Drink At The Tug
Popular amongst both locals and tourists, The Tug is perfect for sundowners, a good meal at a reasonable price, and loads of fun. With views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Swakopmund Jetty, this restaurant and bar is a must-visit on your trip.
(Photo courtesy of Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht)
8. Stay At Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht
Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht (Hotel Princess Rupprecht) was once a hospital to peacekeepers. The beautiful art nouveau building is today divided in two with one half being a hotel and the other a nursing home. Rooms go for as little as US$29, making it a true bargain to stay at.
(Wikimedia Commons)
9. View The Bahnhof
All you have to do is walk through the middle of the city to see the amazing traditional German architecture. One of the most beautiful and iconic buildings is the Bahnhof (an ornate railway station) built in 1901 to connect Swakopmund to Windkoek. Today it’s a hotel and has an amazing look and feel to it.
(Peter Brüggemann/Wikimedia Commons)
10. Learn About History At The Swakopmund Museum
Calling an old harbour warehouse at the foot of the lighthouse home, the Swakopmund Museum exhibits on Namibia’s history and ethnology. From displays of local flora and fauna, and the indigenous Khoikhoi people, you can see it all here.
(Laurel F/Wikimedia Commons)
11. Enjoy Tea Time
For a cup of delicious tea and the best cake in town, head to Tea Time. With a variety of different types of tea for you to choose from and a good, strong cup of coffee, Tea Time has it all to make your tea time pleasant.
(Photo courtesy of Jetty 1905)
12. Walk Along The Swakopmund Jetty
No need to visit the popular, but expensive Jetty 1905 Restaurant perched at the end of the famous Swakopmund Jetty, you can get all the views and feel the ocean breeze by just walking along it.
(Photo courtesy of Swakopmund Camel Farm)
13. Swakopmund Camel Farm
Just 12km outside of Swakopmund is the Swakopmund Camel Farm. At only $13 you can take an unforgettable camel ride through desert and interact with the onsite farm animals like cows, geese, chickens and donkeys.
(Photo courtesy of Okakambe Trails)
14. Go Horse Back Riding On Okakambe Trails
If going camel riding is not your thing, try horse back riding on the amazing Okakambe Trails. The trails take you through the desert on well trained horses.
(Photo courtesy of The Wreck Restaurant)
15. Have Dinner At The Wreck Restaurant
On the second floor of the Beach Lodge, The Wreck Restaurant has uninterrupted views of the Swakopmund coastline. The restaurant serves delicious meals all day long from three menus, with the Surfers Snack menu being the most affordable.
15 Must-Do Swakopmund Experiences
6 Family Friendly Activities In Swakopmund
The Top 6 Places For Heart-Racing Overland Experiences In Africa
This article was originally published on February 18, 2015.
