Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Experience the best of both worlds in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
The charming town of Swakopmund with its German colonial architecture, long stretches of beach, as well as restaurants, galleries and museums, is a tourist’s delight - and it’s become the ‘life’ of Namibia, coined the holiday capital of the country!Situated on the Atlantic seaboard, Swakopmund has the fourth largest population in Nambia at 45 000. Along the central coast of Namibia is Dune 7, the highest dune on the coastal dune belt. The best way to get to Swakopmund is by road from Windhoek. The B2 is the main road from Windhoek, and takes 4-5 hours by car. It may seem like a long ride, but time will fly when you look out the window of your vehicle and take in the spectacular sites. Just remember to drive with your headlights on, even during the day.
Here you can take part in many an adventure ranging from sand boarding and quad biking to 4x4 excursions, hot air ballooning, deep sea fishing and more.
Just 10km outside Swakopmund is Walvis Bay. With its aquatic allure, you can take a boat ride to Pelican Point or Bird Island for dolphin and seal sighting or ready yourself for excellent bird watching on your drive.
Heading east from Swakopmund along the C28 takes you to the Namib Naukluft National Park, where you can view the beautiful 'Moon Landscape' – the barren, rocky desert, formed by the valleys of the Swakop river. A trip to Welwitschia Drive will bring you face to face with the Welwitschia mirabilis, a desert plant that grows long leaves close to the ground. You will never forget the sight of this ‘living fossil’ that can survive for centuries.
If you’ve rented an Avis 4x4 like the Nissan X-trail, you can also opt for a longer, slower and more scenic drive from Windhoek along the C28 gravel route. Remember to drive with caution and wear your seat belt as the road is bumpy. So take it easy and be mesmerised by the majestic Khomas Hochland mountain range and the world-class landscape of Bosua Pass will mesmerize you while on the road.
There are many viewpoints along the way, so stop often and stretch your legs. With several locations available to rest and prevent driver fatigue from setting in, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are road trips designed for the most experienced drivers. You may not want to stay out too long though; the drive is what you’re interested in after all. Who wouldn’t be? Culture, history, and adventure? It doesn’t get any better than this!
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