Best things to do in Swakopmund

Constructed for the purpose of loading and unloading rafts and boats, Swakopmund Jetty was designed and built by German engineers immediately before the outbreak of World War I. Abandoned for years, the jetty underwent a massive reconstruction project and reopened to the public in 2010. Today, the wooden landmark hosts a popular restaurant, known equally for its eclectic menu as well as its views.

Head to Swakopmund Museum to find an eclectic collection of artifacts that will help you understand the history of the town and the whole of Namibia. Located just beneath a lighthouse, the small museum boasts a wide range of items, from stamps and war medals, to dental instruments from the colonial era. You'll also stumble upon a reconstructed colonial home interior, a reminder of the town's rich German heritage.

Welwitschia Plains allows visitors to discover the unique landscapes of the Namib Desert. Dry and uninhabited at first glance, this area boasts many species of lichen. Other desert vegetation you'll likely spot during your excursion includes various drought-resistant shrubs, like the so-called "dollar" bush and the ink bush. Adapted to the desert's arid conditions, these unusual plants survive on less than a single downpour of rain each year. Look for the 13 stone markers, which point to particular places of interest along the drive.

Scamper around magnificent rock formations at Spitzkoppe, a series of granite peaks. Rising out dramatically from a flat, desolate landscape, the highest peak stands at 1,784 m (5,853 ft) above sea level, some 700 m (2,300 ft) from the desert floor below. See rock paintings by Khoi San people, some of which are several hundred years old, and enjoy the sight of dassie rats popping out of the cracks in the rock. This area offers high-grade rock climbs and great safari opportunities, but make sure to bring plenty of water with you.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll and admire wildlife at Walvis Bay Waterfront, a long, curving stretch of gray sand. Sandwiched between the Namib Desert sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean, the bay area offers a variety of water sports and excursions, making it a popular adventure destination. Quad biking, kite-boarding, sandboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are among the activities offered along this restaurant-lined waterfront. Take a boardwalk deep into the sea on a floating wooden jetty from one of the many wharfs, and see pelicans, seals, and flamingos. You can also swim, go fishing, or take a dolphin-spotting boat trip. Public walkways provide good opportunities for jogging, while hotels and bars offer a variety of entertainment year-round.