Fun Activities and Shopping in Swakopmund
Walking Trails, Desert Tours, Angling and Buying Curios in Namibia
Aug 11, 2009
Swakopmund derives its name from the Khoenkhoen name, Tsaokhaub, which when translated means 'posterior excrement' and apparently refers to the brown sediment deposited into the ocean when the Swakop River is in flood. According to Willie and Sandra Olivier, An African Adventurer's Guide to Namibia, Struik Publishers, 2003, the town was established when the German Reich decided a port was needed along the coast to provide access to the interior of the German protectorate of Deutsch - Südwestafrika.
Today Swakopmund is one of Namibia's most popular tourist destinations and Namibians and international tourists flock to the town to escape the heat of the interior during the summer months. This lead to a well- developed tourist industry at Swakopmund.
Walking Trails in Swakopmund
Besides numerous historical buildings in Swakopmund, the Namib Center of Wildlife Society of Namibia offers tourists a 2.5-kilometer long circular walking trail on the outskirts of Swakopmund. This trail starts at the Angora rabbit farm and includes walking past the Swakop River mouth and lagoon. Interesting bird species will keep avid birdwatchers enthralled and an information pamphlet obtainable at the start of the route provides more details on the history, fauna and flora of the area. Contact Gabby at 00264 64 405442 for more information.
Desert Tours and Tour Operators in Swakopmund
Several tour operators offer tourists the opportunity to venture into the Namib Desert on half day, full day or overnight desert tours. As there are so many tour operators in the Swakopmund area, tourists should shop around to find the tour operator who offers packages suited to their needs.
Desert Explorers offer tourists 2 hour quad bike excursions into the Namib desert where the participants are exposed to the Swakop River mouth and scaling a variety of dunes. No previous experience is required and the tour operator provides the equipment. Besides quad bike rides, Desert Explorers also offer sand boarding down the dunes, skydiving, horse riding, fishing, dolphin cruises, paragliding, ballooning and scenic flights over the desert and coastline.
Other tour operators in the Swakopmund area are Namibia Explorers (Tel: 00264 81122 4651), West Coast Angling and Tours (Tel.: 00264 812497073) and Africa Lesure Travel (Tel.: 00264 64 463812). Namibia Tour Guide. Com offers a list of registered activity and tour safari operators in the Swakopmund area.
Angling From Shore in Swakopmund
Tourists have the option of angling from the shore in the area between Swakopmund and Walvisbay. North of Swakopmund towards Hentiesbaai, the coastline becomes more accessible for owners of 4x4 vehicles and is an angler's paradise. Permits to fish from the shore must however first be obtained in Swakopmund and anglers must ensure they are familiar with the regulations regarding the collection of fresh bait and the size and amount of fish they are allowed to take out.
Shopping in Swakopmund
Visitors can browse the street markets at Palmenstrand or opposite the old prison in Südring Street for curios and handicrafts, or shop for art at the art galleries at Die Muschel in Breite Street, the Gallerie Rapmund in Bismarck Street and the Hobby Horse in the Brau - Haus mall.
At the Karakulia in Knobloch Street, tourists are treated to the spinning and weaving of karakul carpets, rugs and wall hangings while at the Swakop River Angoras on the southern outskirts of town, visitors can watch while Angora rabbit wool is harvested and spun.
The shop at Swakopmund Veldskoen is internationally famous for the genuine Kudu leather shoes and variety of leather items and curios available. They also accept major credit and debit cards.
Swakopmund has no shortage of activities and attractions and tourists can visit the moon landscape, guano platform between Swakopmund and Walvisbay, take a day tour to the Spitzkoppe or drive a pre-booked route to view the famous Welwitchia plants.
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