Swakopmund: Namibia's Coastal Gem

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeTschüss
  [chüs]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNein
  [nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [bi-te]
• Thank youDanke
  [dahn-ke]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [ent-shool-di-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es dir?
  [vee gaat es deer]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [goot oont deer]
• Do you speak English?Sprichst du Englisch?
  [shprikhst doo eng-lish]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [ikh fer-shtay-eh nikht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte bitte die Speisekarte sehen
  [ikh mehrkhte bi-te dee shp-ai-ze-kahr-teh zeh-en]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [ikh es-se kine fli-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [ikh mehrkhte bi-te tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [hil-feh]
• Go away!Geh weg!
  [geh vehg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [roo-fen zee dee poh-lee-tsey]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [roo-fen zee i-nen ahrts]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verloren
  [ikh hah-beh mikh fer-loh-ren]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [ikh bin krank]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [ikh mehrkhte ... kow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [ikh sh-ow-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [vee feel kohs-tet es]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [dahs ist tsoy toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [kew-nen zee den prees zehn-ken]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [vee shpeht ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb elf
  [halb elf]
• MorningMorgen
  [mohr-gn]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [nahkh-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [ah-bnt]
• YesterdayGestern
  [gehs-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [hoi-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-gn]
• 1eins
  [ayns]
• 2zwei
  [tsvai]
• 3drei
  [dry]
• 4vier
  [feer]
• 5fünf
  [foonf]
• 6sechs
  [zeks]
• 7sieben
  [zee-ben]
• 8acht
  [akht]
• 9neun
  [noyn]
• 10zehn
  [tsen]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [vahs ist dee ah-dreh-seh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [kew-nen zee meer dahs tsee-gen (owf dehr kahr-teh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [vahn kohmt dehr nekhs-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ...)
  [i-ne fahr-kahr-teh (nakh ...)]

Swakopmund was founded in 1892 by Captain Curt von François as the main harbour for German South West Africa. Its establishment was driven by the need for a port that could serve as a gateway for German colonial ambitions in the region.

Swakopmund is renowned for its well-preserved German colonial architecture. Buildings such as the Woermannhaus, built in 1905, and the Hohenzollern Building, completed in 1906, reflect the town's German heritage. The distinctive architecture gives Swakopmund a unique charm, blending European styles with the African landscape.

The Swakopmund Jetty was first constructed in 1905 to facilitate the offloading of goods from ships. Originally made of wood, it was later replaced with a steel structure in 1912. The jetty has undergone several restorations and remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

During World War I, Swakopmund played a strategic role for German forces in South West Africa. The town was occupied by South African troops in 1915, following the surrender of the German forces in the region. The war marked the end of German colonial rule in Namibia.

After Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990, Swakopmund experienced significant growth. The town has developed into a vibrant tourist destination known for its adventure sports, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes.

Swakopmund hosts several cultural festivals that celebrate its diverse heritage. The annual Swakopmund Carnival (Küska) is a highlight, featuring parades, music, and traditional German festivities. These events highlight the town's blend of German and Namibian cultures.

Swakopmund is located on the coast of Namibia, approximately 360 kilometers west of Windhoek, the capital city. The nearest airport is Walvis Bay Airport (WVB), about 40 kilometers south of Swakopmund. From the airport, you can take a shuttle service, taxi, or rent a car to reach Swakopmund. Alternatively, you can drive from Windhoek, which takes around 4 to 5 hours via the B2 national road. Bus services also operate between Windhoek and Swakopmund, offering a budget-friendly option for travelers.

Swakopmund is a compact town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and affordable. Car rentals are also a popular option for those wishing to explore the surrounding areas, such as the Namib Desert or nearby coastal towns. There are no public buses within Swakopmund, but shuttle services can provide transport to and from Walvis Bay and other nearby destinations.

The official currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Both currencies are accepted interchangeably. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Swakopmund for cash withdrawals.

Swakopmund is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. The neighborhoods around Mondesa and DRC (Democratic Resettlement Community) have higher crime rates, and it is recommended to visit these areas with a local guide if needed. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance, and 10177 for medical emergencies. The Swakopmund State Hospital and several private clinics provide medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications. For any consular assistance, contact your respective embassy in Windhoek.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in religious sites. Public Transport: Do use registered taxis and agree on a fare before starting your journey. Don’t hitchhike or use unregistered transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly 'hello.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like biltong and kapana. Don’t refuse food or drink offers from locals, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Swakopmund like a local, visit the local markets such as the Swakopmund Open Market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Try local eateries for traditional Namibian dishes. Engage with the friendly locals who are often eager to share stories about their town. Don't miss the chance to join in on local festivals and events, such as the Swakopmund Carnival (Küska). For a unique experience, take a quad biking tour in the nearby dunes or a scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast.