Swakopmund is on the main road link between Etosha, Kunene and Damaraland in the north and Namib Naukluft Park, Sossusvlei, Aus and the Fish River Canyon in the south. Walvis Bay is just 20mins drive down the B2 highway and is the major harbour town of Namibia and also the industrial and logostics gateway to Africa. There are numerous Car Hire companies both in Windhoek & Swakopmund that offer a vast range of vehicles from small “run-arounds” to off-road 4×4 Land Rover Defenders. Many attractions are accessible for self-drive travellers, however most areas are ecologically sensitive and therefore require MET permits (available in Swakopmund and a fee will need to be paid). Certain areas may be accessed by self drive tourists however an experienced guide would be recommended, due to remoteness of areas and to assist in finding specific plants, animals and natural attractions.
Many different full day tours leave from Swakopmund daily. Guests are collected by individual tour guides and taken to places of interest. Tours are normally between 5 – 8 hrs in length and will include a basic midday meal and mineral water during the day. Tourists can therefore stay in Swakopmund and visit the most sought after Namibian tourist attractions in the comfort of a small plane, tour bus or private self-drive.