Shipwrecks & Stinky seals!
Welcome to Namibia: Exploring Abandoned Mines and Charming Swakopmund
Welcome back to our Namibia series! Today, we have an exciting adventure lined up for you as we take you from one of the wildest camps we've ever stayed in, to hunting for shipwrecks in abandoned mines, and finally ending up in the quirky and quite chilly town of Swakopmund!
But before we dive into our coastal escapades, let's rewind a bit. In our last vlog, we shared our unbelievable experience staying in the middle of a mining area in a secluded valley. Surrounded by nothing but the breathtaking wilderness, it was truly an awe-inspiring setting. If you haven't checked it out yet, definitely give it a watch because words simply can't do justice to this place!
You can watch that vlog HERE.
Now, with cameras in hand and excitement in our hearts, we hit the road to continue exploring the coastal wonders of Namibia!
The first stop on our coastal journey was the beautiful (yet slightly creepy) abandoned mining area of Brandberg West. We couldn't resist the urge to delve into its history and uncover the hidden gems this town had to offer.
As we strolled around the desolate area, we couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity. The remnants of old buildings gave us a sense of what the area may have looked like when it was in operation, but we had no idea actually how long this mine has been abandoned for. It was an eerie yet fascinating experience, connecting us to the rich past of this place.
With the thought of the ocean beckoning us, we couldn't linger for too long. Our goal for the day was to hunt for shipwrecks along the coastline as we made our way to the town of Swakomund, and we were determined to make the most of this adventure. The coastal scenes were nothing short of breathtaking, just due to the sheer size and power of the waves smashing against the shoreline.
We eventually reached our first coastal stop; Cape Cross Seal Colony. I can honestly say that this place “took my breath away” but not due to its beauty (although it was amazing to visit), but due to the unholy stench of the place! This was without a doubt the smelliest place we have ever visited, and although I would say it’s definitely worth a visit I cannot let you go there without some words of advice:
1. Wear a layer of clothes you can instantly remove when you leave, and put in the back of the truck
2. Rinse off your shoes before getting into your vehicle
3. Wash your hair thoroughly as soon as you get to your accommodation
The above may sound dramatic, but you’ll thank me later!
As we continued South along the Skeleton Coast we tried to find some of the 300+ shipwrecks that call this area home, but unfortunately it seems they aren’t exactly sign posted, and being spread out over a coastline that stretches hundreds of kilometres doesn’t exactly make it an easy task. That being said we did manage to find one of the more recent wrecks - The Zelia. This one is very easy to find, and is actually on Google Maps, so I don’t think you can even say we “found it” haha. Either way it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re passing.
After a day filled with exploration, we arrived at our final destination - Swakopmund. This charming town captured our hearts from the moment we set foot on its streets. The combination of German colonial architecture and beautiful ocean views created a unique atmosphere that was both nostalgic and captivating.
Swakopmund, though chilly, welcomed us with open arms. We indulged in the local cuisine, visiting the amazing “Tug” restaurant, where I (Adam) had what I consider to be one of the best steaks I’ve ever eaten, AND served faster than I think i’ve had in a very long time. Prices were not cheap, but definitely not extravagant considering it’s directly on the sea front and the quality of the food is top notch. Well worth a visit! The town offered a plethora of activities, from adrenaline-fueled adventures like sandboarding and quad biking in the dunes, to leisurely strolls along the promenade.
I can highly recommend heading into the dunes for some adventure. We went with Desert Explorers for their 2 hour quad biking and sandboarding combo tour and it was an absolute blast! We had a fantastic guide, who made sure we were safe, and even managed to get Malia sandboarding the dunes which absolutely made her day (in fact she didn’t want to leave!). This one is suitable for all ages and abilities for sure!
As our time in Swakopmund came to an end, we couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. This town, with its quirky charm and tranquil beauty, had left an indelible mark on us. Our coastal journey had not only led us to extraordinary landscapes but also introduced us to the fascinating history and culture of Namibia.
Join us in our next vlog as we venture further into the wonders of Namibia. From the vibrant capital city of Windhoek to the captivating landscapes of the Namib Desert, there is so much more to explore. Until then, stay tuned and keep wandering!
To watch our previous vlog and follow along with our Namibian adventure, visit our channel at Where Next Family.
Highlights:
- 💨 The campsite in the mining area provided a unique and isolated experience.
- 🚗 Exploring the old mining town and going into the mine added an element of adventure and mystery.
- 🌊 The coastline offered beautiful views and the opportunity to search for shipwrecks.
- 👃 The Cape Cross Seal Colony was a smelly but fascinating attraction, with thousands of seals.
- 🏝️ The beach provided a chance to relax and search for more shipwrecks.
- 🌵 Swakopmund offered a different climate and a quirky town experience.
- 🛴 The quad biking and sandboarding adventure in the dunes was thrilling and fun.