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Swakopmund is a mainly-German town on the coast of Namibia, about four hours on the tarred road (the B2) from Windhoek, or 6+ hours on the more scenic gravel road options. You can fly there from Windhoek, go by coach (4¼ hours), travel by regular train (7½ hours) or even take the Desert Express (luxury tourist) overnight train, which takes about 20 hours, including some stops at interesting features. |
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The town quickly dispels any preconceptions of 'Africa. Its ambience can best be described as "Bavaria on the Med". Its buildings are Germanic in style, right down to the steep roofs so that the snow can fall off easily (!). There are lots of things to do, in this resort town and many companies are offering 'adventure' activities like dune-bike riding (be careful in the Terns' breeding season), sand-boarding and even free-fall parachute jumping. |
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Just outside the 'Millionaire's Row' town of Walvis Bay, about 30km south of Swakopmund there are lagoons which hold many birds (though Sandwich Bay further on is better for serious birders). The flamingos are easy to see at the side of the main road, with a backdrop of high sand dunes. |
| More Swakop birds |
