Swakopmund, Namibia

Swakopmund is a coastal city and seaside resort in Namibia, 280 km to the west of Windhoek, the capital. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, it covers 193 sq km (75 sq mi) and has a population of 42,000 people (2011 estimate).

Swakopmund was originally known by the indigenous Herero name of Otjozondjii. It was established by Captain Curt von François in 1892 to serve as a harbor for the Imperial German colony, as at that time the harbor at Walvis Bay belonged to the British. It was not the most ideal site for a harbor, as it faces the open ocean, a general feature of the Namibian coast.

Within a couple of decades from its founding, Swakopmund's harbor was silting up, requiring the construction of a long wooden jetty for ships to berth. This was replaced with a steel jetty in 1914. Before long it became dilapidated. In 2006, renovations were carried out and now the jetty hosts restaurants.

Sandwiched between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund experiences a mild desert climate. The convergence of the cold Benguela current with the hot desert creates a fog that sweeps 140 km (87 mi) inland. The plantlife of the area adopts to its unique climate deriving much of its water from the fog. Coldest months are July and August, with average low temperature of 10°C, while hottest month is February, with average high temperature of 23°C.

Visiting Swakopmund

The most practical way to reach Swakopmund is to self-drive from Windhoek.

Lighthouse and State House in Swakopmund, Namibia
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Leuchtturm_Swakopmund.jpg
Harald Süpfle

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