Day 13: Into the Wild Part 2

We are back at sea, heading toward Cape Town, but I’ll continue sharing my story from Namibia.

***

Swakopmund, founded in 1892 as a German colonial town, is a coastal gem in Namibia. It’s renowned for its unique blend of German colonial architecture, cultural history, and natural beauty. The town retains a strong German influence, evident in its architecture and traditions, such as enjoying beer and bratwurst, which merge seamlessly with Namibian cultural elements.

We arrived in Swakopmund on a Sunday afternoon, so most shops were closed, and visitors were bustling around the Mole—a popular seaside promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and breathtaking ocean views. The Mole also served as our starting point for a walk through the town, where we explored its striking colonial architecture. Many hotels, guest houses and restaurants still have German names. German language is at least understood in most places. 

German beer culture attracting an international crowd

The Mole: meeting point for locals and tourists to enjoy the ocean

German courthouse from 1906

Traffic signs blend into local environment

Since we were staying for only one day, we couldn’t take advantage of the many adventure activities Swakopmund has to offer. These include dune sports in the nearby Namib Desert, scenic flights over the desert, dolphin cruises, fishing trips, skydiving, and even camel rides—an enticing mix for thrill-seekers. Instead, we ended  at Anton’s Café, where we savored a delicious Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake).

Hanse Hotel 1905: Hotels and restaurants have a long tradition and often German names.

As we left the town, we drove through one of the local townships, which gave us a sobering glimpse into the living conditions of many residents. Like in many developing countries, the stark contrast between "traditional" and "modern" ways of life was evident, raising thought-provoking questions about how such disparities can be addressed.

Township houses often without water and electricity
Community is key for survival

Our final stop was the vast dune landscape surrounding Swakopmund—a paradise for sandboarding and quad biking enthusiasts. Some visitors simply climb the dunes to soak in the views or witness a stunning sunset. However, the strong, cold winds (about 15°C) and an overcast sky dampened our chances of seeing the sunset that evening. After a long and exhausting day, we decided to head back and enjoy a relaxing evening instead.

Dunes and sky 

Strong and cold winds keep the desert refreshingly cool

Logbook

Position: 28°27.05' S, 15°17,78' E
South of Walvis Bay, Namibia
North of Cape Town, South Africa
Timezone: GMT+2 

Speed: 35km/h. Wind: 56km/h. Heading: 156°
Time to next port: 1 days

Risk of sea sickness: MEDIUM
Risk of hallucinations: NONE



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