Swakopmund is Namibia’s playground – a holiday destination for tourists and locals alike looking to escape the heat of the interior and to have a little adventure.

Often described as being more German than Germany, Swakopmund is a quirky mix of German-Namibian residents and overseas German tourists, who feel right at home with the town’s distinctively German appreciation of comfort and hospitality. The city itself resembles a small German town and manages to create a feeling of timelessness with its palm-tree lined streets, seaside promenades, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and museums.

While there is plenty to do within the city limits, the real action happens in the surrounding desert – Swakopmund has reinvented itself as the adventure-sports capital of Namibia and now attracts adrenaline junkies from all over. Quad-biking, sand-boarding, sand-skiing and other activities can be booked through one of the adventure companies in the area.