Swakopmund
Situated on the edge of the Namib Desert, Swakopmund – or in German (Mouth of the Swakop river) is a city on our western coast. The city is located 352 km West of the capital Windhoek via the B2 main road. It is the capital of the Erongo Region administrative district. The town covers 196 square kilometers and is the fourth largest population center in Namibia. Swakopmund is a Beach resort town and an example of German colonial architecture. It was founded in 1892 as the main harbor for German South West Africa. Attractions in Swakopmund include the Swakopmund Museum, The National Marine Aquarium, a crystal gallery, and spectacular sand dunes near Lang strand south of the Swakopmund river. Other attractions include the plethora of activities on offer, these include Kayaking, quad biking in the dunes, Sandwich Harbor 4 x4 Excursions, hot air ballooning, Camel rides, paint balling, to name a few. Outside the city, the Rossmund Desert Golf Course is one of only five all-grass desert golf courses in the world. Captain Curt Von Francois founded Swakopmund in 1892 as the main harbor for the Imperial Germany colony—the natural deep-sea harbor at Walvis Bay belonged to the British. The founding date was on August 8 when the crew of gunboat Hyäne erected two Beacons on the shore. Swakopmund was chosen for its availability of fresh water and a relatively easy connection into the center of the South West African territory, particularly the Otjimbingwe and Windhoek. Other sites such as Sandwich Harbour and Cape Cross were found unsuitable due to dune belts that block the way to the hinterland. Swakopmund quickly became the main port for imports and exports for the whole territory, and was one of six towns which received municipal status in 1909. Many governmental departments for German South West Africa had offices in Swakopmund. The harbour created by the “Mole” (breakwater) silted up, and in 1905, work was started on a wooden jetty, but in the long run this was inadequate. In 1914, construction of a steel jetty was therefore commenced. The city itself has scattered coffee shops, night clubs, bars, and hotels. As of the 1970s, German influences remained evident, including German street names, a German daily newspaper, and the German language being spoken by some residents.
What to expect? At the coastal town of Swakopmund you can expect your traditional “sea side resort” experience. With a host of activities on offer and a wide array of accommodation options, the cool air or Swakopmund is also a well-received rest bite from the traditional safari experience you are likely to have with the rest of Namibia.
