Swakopmund was founded in 1892, two years after Windhoek, by Captain Curt von Francois as the main harbour of German South-West Africa. Increased traffic between Germany and its colony necessitated establishing of own port and with Walvis Bay, already in British possession, Swakopmund was their best position. With just over 30 000 inhabitants, Swakopmund is characterised by numerous colonial buildings with the Woermann House from 1905 as its landmark. The former trading house with its 25 metres high Damara Tower and its courtyard bordered by arcades, today houses the city library and an art gallery.
Swakopmund is an adventure lovers playground, with activities ranging from skydiving to quad biking, deep-sea fishing to sand-boarding, and horse riding to township tours, there is something to suit every taste bud and if relaxing is what you are after, Swakopmund is dotted with many delicious German cafes and a great strip of beach for tanning and swimming for the brave! Whilst in Swakopmund we stay in dorm accommodation in the centre of town, this is a great location to savour the sights and delights of the town as well jump right into the adrenalin activities on offer!
