Namibia’s coastal region offers travellers a range of entertainment and tourist attractions. Its towns are a bustle of activity, yet the warm-hearted nature of the country’s people often comes to the fore as they stop and chat with visitors, offering advice and tips on making the most of this beautiful region.
Founded in 1892, Namibians’ much loved Swakopmund for its laidback nature and easy-going charm while simultaneously offering a break from the interior’s continuous heat and humidity. Known as Namibia’s adventure playground, Swakopmund provides the backdrop for many adventure activities guests can indulge in, such as quad biking, skydiving, dune boarding, sand skiing, paragliding, and surfing, windsurfing, yachting and angling. There are even motocross and 4×4 rally facilities on the outskirts of town for enthusiasts to enjoy.
Regions: Khomas, Otjozondjupa
Major towns: Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Henties Bay, Omaruru, Usakos, Karibib and Uis
Major Tourism Attractions
Erongo Mountain Winery, Brandberg Mountains, Spitzkoppe, Cape Cross Seal Colony, National Marine Aquarium, The Walvis Bay Waterfront Development & lagoon, Dune 7
Places of interest include Woermannhause, Swakopmund Arts Association and the Public Library. Step back in time with a visit to the old barracks known as Die Alte Kaserne, which now houses a youth hostel. The Swakopmund Museum provides a comprehensive display of natural history, mineralogy, botany and historical and ethnological dioramas.
Aside from being Namibia’s major port, Walvis Bay is well known for its remarkable wetlands and its large concentrations of water birds, including waders and flamingos, as well as the variety of shorebirds that frequent the area. The lagoon is widely regarded as one of the most important wetlands within the Southern African region.
The region is popular with boardsailing and water sports enthusiasts, while its giant dunes provide the perfect backdrop for adventure activities such as sandboarding, quad biking and parasailing. In addition, the whale and dolphin cruises held in Walvis Bay harbour and surrounding waters are very popular with visitors to the region.
A must-visit while exploring Walvis Bay is Dune 7, on the outskirts of town. It is the highest dune in the area, and while energetic members of the group may try their luck and reach the top, other members can enjoy the braai facilities and day campsite, perfect for a family outing. For fishermen, a trip to Paaltjies is well worth a visit and consists of four angling spots south of the town. The “paaltjies” are navigational beacons used by commercial fishermen.
Popular with both Namibians and foreign tourists and situated within the National West Coast Recreation Area, Henties Bays remote setting and a peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop for a holiday! This coastal town’s relaxed way of life encourages visitors to be as active or “chilled” as they prefer with activities such as a round of golf on the Henties Bay Golf Course. In addition, visitors can enjoy some quad biking in the surrounding dunes, a spot of shore fishing or even a walk on the Omaruru River walking trail to enjoy the local fauna and flora being on offer.
Namibia’s west coast remains a firm favourite with holidays makers, with its range of tourist attractions appealing to both young and old.