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Swakopmund > Information

Swakopmund was founded on 4 August 1892, when Hauptmann Curt von Francois erected two beacons where the mole is today.  In 1916, the town ceased to be a port, and harbour facilities were developed at Walvis Bay.   The town gradually became the most important holiday resort on the west coast of Namibia.  The town has a pleasant climate, and the vast expanse of coastline offers excellent opportunities for water sports and angling. Other activities include Skydiving, Dune Boarding, Quad-biking, Horse Riding and Camel Rides.

The Town is connected to the outside world by means of 2 tarred roads (Windhoek , Walvis Bay), a Rail Service, and an Airport.  It's current population is around 35 000.  More than 100 000 holiday makers visit Swakopmund every year.  The town boasts 4 secondary and 5 primary schools.  Facilities include 2 hospitals, a medical centre, a maternity home, a Public and a Scientific Library, a museum, an indoor olympic-size swimming pool, a Town Hall, Soccer and Rugby Fields, Tennis & Squash Courts, Bowling, Volleyball, Netball, and more.  In addition, it offers the visitor an 18 hole Golf Course, about 8 km's from town, one of only Desert Golf Courses in the world.  Internet and email facilities are found all over town.  For nightlife there's a variety of Pubs and Sportsbars.  There's also has a superb Information Centre.

During the main Summer season in December / January, a wide range of entertainment is offered. The town also serves as the departure point for tours into the Namib Desert, Cape Cross Seal Colony and Skeleton Coast Excursions.  In terms of accommodation, Swakopmund offers the visitor a choice of 11 Hotels, incl. a 4 star Hotel with Casino, various Pensions & Guest Houses, 200 Municipal Bungalows and a caravan park with 480 camping sites.

For ones culinary needs, the town offers a variety of Restaurants, incl. Chinese, Pizzerias, Traditional German, etc. -  in total more than 20.  Most of the Restaurants cater for Seafood - a favourite many European visitors.

We recommend the following Restaurants : Lighthouse Pub & Restaurant, Napolitana Restaurant, The Tug, Brauhaus, and Kucki's Pub.

Shopping possibilities are endless - from Gemstones, African Arts & Crafts, Leather-ware, 3 big Shopping complexes - in total more than 220 shops.  During November 2004 a new shopping complex opened in Swakopmund : namely the Spar Centre.

Building activity in the town are continuing at a brisk space.  Property prices have risen steadily in recent years and erven in are becoming a scarce commodity.  A coming addition to town is a waterfront in the making.  This project will be done in phases and construction will take a number of years. 

The Architectural Heritage is a very proud one.  Many of the original German Colonial Buildings remains beautifully restored today.  From the Hohenzollern House to the Ritterburg to the Woermann House - they're all a delight to admire.

The resort receives visitors from all over the World, with most originating from Europe.  In recent times we've also many visitors from Eastern Europe.  Many overlanders also frequent the town as a stop-over resting place.

During November - February the weather becomes a bit fairer, and mostly foggy days are traded for beautiful Sunny days !  Daytime temperatures are in the region of 24 degr. C.  The normally cold Atlantic Ocean rises in temp. to around 19 degr. C, making it easier to go for a dip !!

We hope to see you in Swakopmund soon !!!!

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