Day Trips by Car From Swakopmund
A hire car turns Swakopmund into a base for five worthwhile day outings. The coast road is tarred, the inland routes are gravel, and Namibians drive on the left. Distances here are approximate, and it pays to leave early, since fog often sits over the coast in the morning before it clears.
Distances at a glance
| Destination | Direction and distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walvis Bay lagoon and Pelican Point | south, about 35 km | flamingos, pelicans, seals |
| Sandwich Harbour | about 55 km beyond Walvis Bay | guided only |
| Cape Cross | north, about 120 km on the C34 | seal colony |
| Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive | east, about 30 km, gravel | permit needed |
| Spitzkoppe | roughly 150 km, 1.5 to 2.5 hours | last stretch gravel |
South to Walvis Bay
The lagoon at Walvis Bay attracts flamingos and pelicans, and the seal colony at Pelican Point, estimated in the tens of thousands, is reached by boat or 4x4 with a tour. Close to town is Dune 7, a tall dune with a steep trail up that takes about 25 to 50 minutes.
Sandwich Harbour
Wetland, dune and surf meet here, and the area is a Ramsar site (number 743, designated in 1995 and covering about 16,500 ha). From Swakopmund it is a full day, and from Walvis Bay about half a day. Since April 2026 a concession operator has controlled access, so independent driving is not permitted and you must join a registered operator’s tour. The tide governs the beach route.
North to Cape Cross
The C34 follows the shore to one of the largest Cape fur seal colonies anywhere. Visiting hours are roughly 10:00 to 17:00, but check before you set off. The smell is strong. Walk only on the boardwalks, keep behind the low barrier and never approach the animals.
East to the Moon Landscape
Get a permit from the MEFT office in Swakopmund before you go, since both the Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive lie within the Namib-Naukluft Park. The signed Welwitschia trail needs about 3 to 4 hours, and some of the plants are thought to be more than 1,000 years old.
Spitzkoppe
Granite domes rise from the plain about 150 km away. The community that runs the site sets its own entry and camping charges.
Entry fees
Park fees are set by the ministry and can change. The schedule from 1 April 2026 for Cape Cross, the Dorob National Park and the Namib-Naukluft Park, which covers the Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive, reads:
| Visitor | Adult | Aged 9 to 15 | Aged 8 and under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Namibian | N$60 | nil | nil |
| SADC national | N$180 | N$100 | nil |
| Other foreign national | N$280 | N$180 | nil |
A private vehicle of up to 10 seats adds N$60. Sandwich Harbour has a separate and lower schedule, and operator or concession charges come on top. The official fee schedule has every line.
Not day trips
Sossusvlei is roughly 345 to 400 km away and Etosha more than 500 km, so each needs an overnight stay.
Tours instead of driving
If you would rather leave the driving to someone else, compare outings on GetYourGuide .
Read more: staying longer on a multi-day route , or the sightseeing guide for the town itself.