Swakopmund Museum

The basics

It’s no surprise that Swakopmund Museum is an included stop on many tours of the region, from half-day city excursions to multi-day adventures. The museum’s widely varied exhibits offer valuable context for travelers in Namibia, with collections of glittering minerals, historic weapons, stuffed wildlife, and quirky artifacts, including a recreated pharmacy and dental clinic. Namibia’s cultural and ethnic diversity is showcased here as well, and exhibits offer information in English, German, and Afrikaans.

Things to know before you go

• Don’t miss the on-site gift shop, a great place to pick up books and souvenirs.

• The Swakopmund Museum is wheelchair-accessible.

• Namibian Sign Language tours are available upon request.

How to get there

With a seaside location facing Mole beach, Swakopmund Museum is within walking distance of many of the city’s top sites. Parking is available along Strand Street or near the beach, and ample taxis can be found in the area. If you’re arriving by cruise ship to Walvis Bay, Swakopmund Museum is about a 30-minute-drive away.

When to get there

The Swakopmund Museum is open every day from mid-morning to late afternoon. Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring its exhibits and small gift shop. While museum-browsing is a year-round activity, most visitors to Swakopmund arrive between June and September when Namibia enjoys clear skies, starry nights, and pleasantly mild temperatures.

The best museums in Namibia

While the Swakopmund Museum is among the country’s best, travelers will find intriguing museums across the country. Windhoek’s two top museums are the history-focused National Museum of Namibia and the Trans-Namib Railway Museum, where antique engines are on display in an elegant railway station. And in the northern city of Tsumeb is the Tsumeb Museum’s impressive collection of mining, military, and medical equipment.