Adrenaline Junkies Will Thrive In This Adventure-Filled African City
There are two types of travelers in the world: those who want to kick back and relax on vacation and those looking for an extreme adventure. If you fall into the latter and are an adrenaline junkie seeking your next thrill, there's one African city that flies far under the radar but needs to be added to your adventurous bucket list pronto.
Swakopmund, Namibia, is considered the adrenaline capital of this geographically diverse nation. Located directly on the Skeleton Coast, this adventure-obsessed city has plenty to do to get your thrill-seeking fix, from sandboarding to skydiving. Swakopmund also happens to have a gorgeously picturesque coastline as it's located right along the Atlantic Ocean, and it is referred to as the "most German city in Namibia," due to its German colonial-era buildings and abundance of schnitzel and spaetzle on menus throughout town. Safe to say, a visit to Swakopmund will certainly entice all aspects of your curiosity.
Activities you won't want to miss in Swakopmund
The adventures of Swakopmund know no bounds. To increase the heart rate and see where the dunes meet the ocean from way up above, opt for skydiving with tour company Ground Rush Adventures. If you prefer an alternative option for scenic views that don't require jumping out of an airplane, go for a scenic flight with Sossusfly.
You don't need to limit sandboarding to places like Dubai and Doha; you can do it right in Swakopmund. And if the desert is what it is you're seeking, try a living desert tour, where you'll get the chance to see spiders, snakes, and plenty of other creepy critters that are native to the land. If animals are what you're seeking, nearby Walvis Bay is worth checking out to see the flamingos at Flamingo Lagoon.
For those who really want to get rough and rowdy, rent a quad bike and buzz through the nearby dunes in the most exciting way possible. Should you need a break from all of the adrenaline, take a cultural tour with a local guide or stroll through town to see how colonialism still impacts the city today.
How to get to Swakopmund and around
The nearest airport to Swakopmund is in Walvis Bay (WVB). However, the adventures of bucket-list-worthy Namibia are certainly not only limited to Swakopmund. Since you're all the way over there, why not accentuate your adrenaline adventures by exploring other parts of the country?
Nearby, Sossusvlei is a Morocco dupe with its enchanting dunes, and Deadvlei is a sight to behold as one of the driest places on the planet. Etosha National Park is about a five-and-a-half-hour drive away and is a fabulous spot for viewing animals like elephants, rhinos, zebras, and various other beasts in their natural habitat.
The best way to explore Namibia is on a road trip. While you can rent a car, you should bear in mind that the conditions of the roads can be rough. To ensure you get the most out of your Namibian experience, consider signing up for an overland tour group where you can be guided by a local who knows where they are going. Exodus Adventure Travels offers various Namibia road trips spanning 12 to 20 days. For those feeling really adventurous, they even have a camping option where you can sleep under the stars.