Walk from Walvis bay to Swakopmund

Last but far from the least – the sweet treat

The walk between two cities on the Atlantic coast – Walvis bay and Swakopmund – was the last proper strenuous activity in Namibia. Certainly, not the least; it really rounded up my itinerary schedule and brought me a tremendous amount of joy. Sweat disappears with the first shower and it shall not even be remembered, the blisters dry out and fall off, but the feeling of such a walk really gives you a profoundly good feeling.

I was properly primed by the hike I did the day before for this activity – visiting the highest African dune, a treat itself, needed an strenuous aftermath. I needed to close the season with a bang, no cliffhangers, no cheap shots.

While I was preparing for the trip and exploring walking opportunities in Namibia, I saw that the distance between these cities is not particularly long. 40 km is a piece of cake for me, the only issue could pose the dehydration threat. Nothing which cannot be put under control, I thought to myself while calculating how much water needs to be tagged along.

Those 40 kilometers were planned to be crossed during approx 8-10 hours on an entirely exposed, meaning, zero shaded road. Also, between these cities and towards the east there is nothing but the desert sand. The Namib desert is a 150 km wide belt which follows the coast consistently for around 2 000 km. This means that I am, while hiking between these cities, walking between two exactly opposite worlds. I was not sure which brought me more happiness at the time of the walk – the cold vast ocean on the left or the unscrupulous scorching desert on the right.

Early bird ties the laces

I left the room at 3 AM. In such godforsaken hours the city looked a bit intimidating. I was entirely alone walking along the streets completely covered by sand brought by desert winds. This was only a good reminder of how the fears are only in our heads – I saw almost no one, and those that I did saw were minding their own business and paid almost no attention to my existence.

It took me around 2 hours to reach the northern part, meaning, exit of Walvis bay city, being lodged during the previous night in a hotel on the other side of the city, to which I relocated after the Dune 7 hike.

I was the only one walking this entire distance, even though while researching I got the idea that the hike is not that out of this world crazy. (edit: 4 months later I found out that I am the only person who walked this distance and made it googleable).

Dawn above the dunes

I love how the dawn smiled at me and gave some light to this place. The desert sand is very special to observe; the first sun rays give it some special kind of warmth.

It took some time for the Benguela powered fog to disappear. It gave this place a smidge of eeriness; this coast is notorious for bad weather and there is a reason why it’s called the Skeleton coast.

Absolutely nothing negotiable was in the backpack. It had to be a strong clear “hard yes” for every single thing packed in it, as carrying water was of an essence and it had the full and exclusive priority while preparing for this walk.

While preparing for Namibia, I found out that there is a gas station between these cities in which I planned to refuel the water reserve and have a short breakfast stop, but we all know how circumstances can leave you empty handed so the majority of the weight was due to the cameras + drone and water bottles filled to the top.

Almost every bus driver stopped to ask if I needed the ride, which I declined. Due to the fact that in Namibia the vehicles are driven on the left side, I intentionally walked on the right side of the road, hoping that this would reduce the amount of car ride offers, but they still were happening. Many car drivers did the same, but walking was non negotiable – my plan was to reach Swakopmund by foot no matter what.

“Do you have all you might need?”

One of the drivers stood out by stopping and asking a few magical questions, which were entirely unexpected. I am forever truly thankful for that – he asked do I have all I need – enough water, food, and emergency help package. He had no idea that I was prepared AF for this walk. I leave nothing to chance.

The oceanview was incredible. The sky was blue and its reflection in the ocean gave a full cobalt deep intense shade of blue in the morning. It looked like it came from a painting. You could feel how cold it was, powered by the Benguela current, bringing antarctic sea water along the heated african coast.

The desert side of my path was superb. The dunes were towering along the coast, shining more and more brightly as noon was approaching.

I stopped at several places to simply enjoy the views of these worlds colliding on a random road. I did not want to walk like a mechanical animal, just to reach the end of the line.

Entering Swakopmund <3

The last 2 hours were very intense and demanding. As I was able to see Swakopmund after the last turning point I was more and more enthusiastic with every step.

I was drenched in sweat and the sand was glued to every even a bit naked part of my skin. But I was drenched in sweat and the sand was glued to every bit of the naked part of my skin at the gates of Swakopmund, after walking across 40 km distance in the late summer in Namibia.

I arrived at around 2-3PM. Ordered a burger which looked the most intimidating on the KFC’s menu, a proper force to be reckoned with. Went to the room, showered off layers of sand, sweat and exhaustion covering my skin. As soon as I was able to be fully mobile again, maybe 45 min after, I spent the afternoon enjoying Swakopmund. The city has an insanely gorgeous architecture and is rich with content. It gives off a casual and comfortable vibe.

I was truly happy with what I did that day. I love exposing myself to such challenges. Everyone around me asked me if I was mad. I never say that I am not. But the feeling of satisfaction after a physical challenge, followed by a long shower and a great white shark sized meal cannot be easily topped. If you don’t get that, you probably never hiked.

The room was the best one I had in Namibia, in a supersweet and comfortable hotel, located at an avenue, and with a large glass window instead of a front wall. Waking up the next morning meant driving back to the capital of Namibia; this walk, between Walvis bay and Swakopmund, marked the last exposition to the nature’s wonders. It was time to pack the suitcase and start preparing for the flight home, to Norway.

Hike Walvis bay – Swakopmund overview

Route Overview

• Distance: from the Blue whale hotel in Walvis bay to the Desert sands hotel in Swakopmund – 38 km.
• Time: 12 hours of walking (incl. several intentional strays from the main road towards the ocean/desert, and a breakfast break)
• Terrain: Flat, firm beach sand along most of the route; occasional soft sand near dunes.
• Navigation: Hug the shoreline. Ocean on your left (if walking northwards), dunes and road on your right. Virtually impossible to get lost.

Conditions

• Best season: March–October (cooler, less scorching).
• Best time of day: Early morning start from Walvis Bay; winds usually pick up after midday.
• Weather: Fog is very common. Summer sun (Nov–Feb) can be brutal – no shade at all.

Gear & Supplies

• Water: Minimum 4 liters per person (more in summer). There is a gas station approx halfway between the cities but I would not rely on anything being opened.
• Food: Pack enough snacks for the full day.
• Shoes: Sturdy trail runners, well broken in.
• Clothing: Layers for cool fog + sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses).
• Emergency: There is road access parallel to the beach (B2). If you must quit, walk inland 1–2 km to reach it; taxis can pick up from Langstrand or Dolphin Beach.

Safety & Tips

• No dangerous wildlife along the beach (seals may bark if resting nearby, but harmless if left alone). Possible venomous snakes.
• Mobile signal is patchy but generally available near towns.
• Don’t underestimate sun + dehydration risk.
• If walking alone, let someone know your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to walk from Walvis Bay to Swakopmund?
A: Most people need approx 8-12 hours depending on pace, breaks, and weather.

Q: Is it safe to walk the route alone?
A: Yes, the beach is wide and open with minimal risks. Basic precautions apply: start early, bring water, and let someone know your plan.

Q: Do I need special hiking gear?
A: No technical gear is required. Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, layers, and 3–4 liters of water are the essentials.

Q: Is there shade or places to buy water along the way?
A: It’s a pure beach walk between two towns with no facilities, except for a gas station cca halfway. Plan self-sufficiency.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge?
A: Exposure (sun, wind, dehydration). The terrain itself is flat and easy.