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Swakopmund, Museum & Walvis Bay
Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Depart from the pier and enjoy a short orientation tour of the fishing port of Walvis Bay, including a brief visit to the lagoon and tidal flood plains where magnificent flocks of flamingos (seasonally), pelicans and other water birds abound.
Continue to Swakopmund founded in 1892 and located at the mouth of the Swakop River. This is a slice of Germany on the edge of the desert -- a charming seaside resort resembling a Bavarian village. Many buildings here date back to the turn of the 20th century. Enjoy a drive through the town, which is built in Art Nouveau style.
Visit the Swakopmund Museum, which depicts the local history of the town and features an interesting exhibit about the various people inhabiting Namibia. Make your way to the Kristall Galerie center, displaying crystals weighing up to 14 tons, and considered the largest gallery of its kind in the world. Use your free time to browse at the Brauhaus Gallery shopping arcade in the center of town. Return to Walvis Bay via the coastal road, passing sand dunes on one side and the sea on the other.
Points of interest
Walvis Bay Lagoon
Swakopmund Museum
Karakulia Weavery
Schedule
Special Notes
Due to a lack of local services, buses and guides are brought in from the capital the day prior to the ship's arrival. The cost of the tour reflects these additional services. Your tour is conducted by driver/guides.
Namibia is a developing country and, although visiting here is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all respects. Although basic, transportation is maintained, but the quality can vary considerably.
Driving through the desert and dusty roads of Namibia means that vehicles need regular servicing, which can affect the availability. Coaches are very limited and are of a much lower standard than in South Africa; soft refurbishments do not occur on a regular basis. The vehicles are specially built for durability and stepping up into them is higher than a standard coach
Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring a hat.
This tour is suitable for guests using a wheelchair with a companion to assist.
Shopping in the Brauhaus Gallery is limited on Sundays.
Bring local currency for purchases. Currency may be exchanged onboard prior to your excursion. Shop hours are generally 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday and 8am - 1pm Saturday. Shops are frequently open all day during the season.
Guests wishing to purchase gemstones at the Kristall Galerie must produce a photocopy of their passport.
Exceptional Value
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Moderate Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Depart from the pier and enjoy a short orientation tour of the fishing port of Walvis Bay, including a brief visit to the lagoon and tidal flood plains where magnificent flocks of flamingos (seasonally), pelicans and other water birds abound.
Continue to Swakopmund founded in 1892 and located at the mouth of the Swakop River. This is a slice of Germany on the edge of the desert -- a charming seaside resort resembling a Bavarian village. Many buildings here date back to the turn of the 20th century. Enjoy a drive through the town, which is built in Art Nouveau style.
Visit the Swakopmund Museum, which depicts the local history of the town and features an interesting exhibit about the various people inhabiting Namibia. Make your way to the Kristall Galerie center, displaying crystals weighing up to 14 tons, and considered the largest gallery of its kind in the world. Use your free time to browse at the Brauhaus Gallery shopping arcade in the center of town. Return to Walvis Bay via the coastal road, passing sand dunes on one side and the sea on the other.
Points of interest
Walvis Bay Lagoon
Swakopmund Museum
Karakulia Weavery
Schedule
Special Notes
Due to a lack of local services, buses and guides are brought in from the capital the day prior to the ship's arrival. The cost of the tour reflects these additional services. Your tour is conducted by driver/guides.
Namibia is a developing country and, although visiting here is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all respects. Although basic, transportation is maintained, but the quality can vary considerably.
Driving through the desert and dusty roads of Namibia means that vehicles need regular servicing, which can affect the availability. Coaches are very limited and are of a much lower standard than in South Africa; soft refurbishments do not occur on a regular basis. The vehicles are specially built for durability and stepping up into them is higher than a standard coach
Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Bring a hat.
This tour is suitable for guests using a wheelchair with a companion to assist.
Shopping in the Brauhaus Gallery is limited on Sundays.
Bring local currency for purchases. Currency may be exchanged onboard prior to your excursion. Shop hours are generally 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday and 8am - 1pm Saturday. Shops are frequently open all day during the season.
Guests wishing to purchase gemstones at the Kristall Galerie must produce a photocopy of their passport.