Swakopmund Surrounds in Namibia
The region surrounding Swakopmund is very diverse. One can find the characteristic sand desert and gravel plains, as well as savanna and mountainous landscapes of the Great Escarpment. The areas within the Namib Naukluft Park and the Dorob National Park are especially scenic.
The climate is strongly influenced by the interplay of the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert. Due to the cold Benguela Current the temperatures drop significantly compared to the temperatures inland. The prevailing south west winds are cooled down by the Benguela Current to such an extent that it prevents the formation of clouds. However a fog bank is formed above the Atlantic floating above the coastline on 200 days a year, sometimes spreading quite far inland.
Especially in the areas of the Namib Desert a lot of endemic species can be found – perfectly adapted to the hostile environment. The endemic head stander beetle (Onymacris unguicularis) for example uses his body to catch the fog condensation, which he can then drink. The Welwitshia Mirabilis, found numerously in some areas around Swakopmund, can become very old. The plant is also found on the national coat of arms.
Here we provide an overview of activities, highlights and sights of the Swakopmund Surrounds region. In the Namib Naukluft Park the traveller finds the Sandwich Harbour, a place where ocean and dunes meet in a very special way. In this region there are uncountable specimen of the Welwitschia Mirabilis and there is an exciting desert research station. Furthermore one of the largest seal colonies is also situated in the Swakopmund Surrounds region.
Lodge at the Atlantic ocean © Cape Cross Lodge
Cape Cross Lodge is located about 120km north of Swakopmund. The Lodge offers 18 Standard double sea view rooms and 2 Luxury double sea view suites as well as 21 camp sites. Cape Cross Lodge offers several tours including excursions to the Messum Crater, the seal colony, coastal angling tours and boat cruises.
Rustic guestfarm in the Namib Desert © Kobo Kobo Hills
Kobo Kobo Hills is a guest farm in the Namib Desert, about 160 km east of Swakopmund. Kobo Kobo Hills offers full board accommodation in thatched roof cottages or North African style houses. The guest farm offers hiking, abseiling, less strenuous walks and game drives as well bird watching, horse trails and photographic weekends.
Long Beach Lodge © Protea Hotels
As the name suggests, the lodge is located in a little village called Long Beach between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. The lodge hosts 17 rooms, an outdoor pool, a terrace and a coffe shop. The dunes of the Namib Desert are a mere 500 metres away, as is the beach of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pool area and chalets © Rössmund Lodge
Rössmund Lodge is situated on the northern banks of the Swakop River just 6 km from the coastal town of Swakopmund. The lodge forms part of the 18-hole Rossmund Golf Course, uniquely set in the Namib Desert, and is one of only five registered all-grass desert golf courses in the world.
The Burning Shore © Protea Hotels
The Burning Shore is situated between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay in a little village called Longbeach embraced by the Atlanic Ocean on the one side and the Namib Desert on the other. The Burning Shore offers 12 luxurious rooms and dinner is served in either the indoor restaurant or the outside deck.
Mountain Chalet © Wüstenquell
PLEASE NOTE: WÜSTENQUELL HAS BEEN CLOSED AS OF MAY 2019 !
Wüstenquell is a Self-Catering Lodge situated in the desert, more precisely in the gravel Namib east of Swakopmund. The lodge offers one Rondavel, two mountain chalets and the Zebra Outpost, a Self-Catering house for four people.
Namibia holiday planner & online booking system
