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Sandboarding in Swakopmund

Your Complete Guide to Thrills and Safety

Swakopmund, found between the vast Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, is renowned for its unique blend of adventure activities. One of the most thrilling experiences here is sandboarding, often referred to as the desert’s answer to snowboarding. This adrenaline-pumping activity allows you to surf the giant dunes of the Namib Desert while enjoying stunning views of the arid landscape. Whether you're an experienced boarder or a complete beginner, sandboarding in Swakopmund is an adventure not to be missed. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for a safe and exhilarating sandboarding experience.

Why Sandboard in Swakopmund?

Swakopmund offers some of the tallest dunes in the world, making it a premier destination for sandboarding enthusiasts. The nearby Namib Desert provides the perfect terrain, with smooth, golden dunes that are ideal for carving or sliding down at high speeds. Unlike snowboarding, where the terrain can be icy or unpredictable, sandboarding offers a softer, more forgiving surface, making it accessible to people of all skill levels.

Swakopmund’s location is also ideal. The town itself is a charming coastal hub with a distinct German colonial influence, offering plenty of activities and attractions beyond sandboarding. From desert wildlife tours to marine adventures, Swakopmund is the perfect base for exploring Namibia’s Skeleton Coast and its rich, diverse ecosystem.

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Types of Sandboarding: Lie-Down and Stand-Up

There are two main types of sandboarding in Swakopmund: lie-down and stand-up. Both offer a different experience and cater to various skill levels.

Lie-Down Sandboarding: If you're new to sandboarding or looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy the dunes, lie-down sandboarding is the way to go. In this version, you'll lie on a waxed board and hurtle headfirst down the dunes. With speeds reaching up to 80km/h (50mph), this is a thrilling experience that’s easy to master, even for beginners. All you need to do is hold on and enjoy the ride!

Stand-Up Sandboarding: For those with experience in snowboarding or who are up for a challenge, stand-up sandboarding is a more technical option. Similar to snowboarding, you'll strap your feet Onto a board and carve your way down the dunes. While it may take a bit of practice to get the hang of it, stand-up sandboarding offers a more controlled and exhilarating experience for adrenaline junkies.


Safety Tips for Sandboarding in Swakopmund

Sandboarding is generally a safe activity, but there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure a fun and injury-free experience:

Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads, especially if you’re opting for stand-up sandboarding. While the sand is softer than snow or ice, falls can still happen, and it's best to protect yourself.

Choose the Right Dunes: Stick to the designated sandboarding areas, where the dunes are smooth and well-suited for both beginners and experienced boarders. Avoid dunes with sharp drops or rocky areas.

Listen to Your Guide: Most sandboarding experiences in Swakopmund are guided, and it’s essential to follow your guide's instructions. They’ll give you advice on how to handle the dunes, how to stop, and how to steer safely.

Stay Hydrated: The Namib Desert can get hot, especially during the summer months, so make sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Respect the Environment: The Namib Desert is a fragile ecosystem, and it’s essential to tread lightly. Stick to designated sandboarding areas to minimize your impact on the dunes and the surrounding wildlife.


Safaris & Planning

Namibia Flying Over Vast Desert Dana Allen

Namibia Photographic Safari: Schoeman's Skeleton Coast

Named after the oldest desert in the world Namibia is a unique safari destination home to one of the most exceptional adventures on the continent of Africa, a flying safari with the Schoeman Brothers. This specialist lead photographic safari has been designed with the focus on flying up the Skeleton Coast in small aircraft specially adapted for this expedition to enable you to photograph the area in ways few others have.

From 23000 per person
Namibia Caprivi Strip Wildlife Hippo Dana Allen

Namibia's Caprivi Strip

Head east from Etosha and you enter a narrow tract of land, the Caprivi Strip, that nestles in the far northeast section of the country in the heart of Africa. Here you will find a Namibia of a different kind; wide tropical rivers flow fervently, vegetation thrives on river banks and in luscious national parks and wildlife sightings shift from desert-adapted animals to the grazing mammals more commonly found in the neighbouring countries of Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

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Schoeman's Skeleton Coast

Louw Schoeman’s involvement in the Skeleton Coast has become a lasting legacy in Namibia’s conservation history. The families understanding of the complexities of the desert and the surrounding environment is something only revealed on a safari of this nature as you are accompanied by one of the brothers on a flying adventure into the dunes.

From 23500 per person
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Small Group Namibia Safari

This expertly-guided small group trip consisting of a maximum of seven guests takes in the highlights of Namibia. Over the course of this ten day trip you will get to visit the iconic towering dunes at Sossusvlei, the coast and wildlife at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, the desert-adapted wildlife and unique rock formations of Damaraland, rewarding wildlife viewing in Etosha National Park and an educational tour of the AfriCat Foundation at Okonjima.

From 6500 per person
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Luxury Self Drive Safari

Discover the wildlife and landscapes of Namibia on this short self-drive safari taking in the highlights of this stunning destination, staying in luxurious accommodation along the way. Journey through the breath-taking landscapes of Namibia from Windhoek to the Erongo Mountains exploring wildlife hotspots along the way. From spotting the magnificent elephants of Etosha National Park to searching for rare species in the Okonjima Nature Reserve, you will have the chance to encounter and photograph some incredible wildlife, with expert guides imparting their local knowledge to enhance your experience.

From 8500 per person

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Wildlife and Conservation in the Namib Desert

While sandboarding is undoubtedly exciting, the Namib Desert is also home to a surprising array of wildlife that thrives in these harsh conditions. As you enjoy your sandboarding adventure, you might be lucky enough to spot some of the desert’s fascinating species, including gemsbok (oryx), jackals, and various species of reptiles like geckos and lizards that have adapted to the desert environment.

Conservation efforts in the Namib Desert focus on preserving its unique biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. The desert is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, one of Africa's largest protected areas. The delicate balance of life in this arid region is under threat from climate change, habitat loss, and human activity, making sustainable tourism practices essential.

By participating in responsible sandboarding activities that minimize environmental impact, visitors can help support conservation efforts in the region. Operators in Swakopmund often work closely with local conservation groups to ensure that sandboarding doesn't damage the dunes or disturb the wildlife that calls the desert home.

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Other Adventures in Swakopmund

Beyond sandboarding, Swakopmund offers a variety of other thrilling activities that cater to adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts alike:

Quad Biking: Explore the Namib Desert on a quad bike, navigating the dunes and taking in panoramic views of the rugged landscape.

Desert Wildlife Tours: Discover the fascinating flora and fauna of the Namib Desert with a guided tour, where you’ll learn about the survival strategies of desert-adapted species.

Dolphin and Seal Cruises: Swakopmund’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean offers the chance to enjoy marine wildlife encounters, including dolphin and seal cruises along the Skeleton Coast.

Skydiving: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, Swakopmund is also a popular spot for skydiving, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the desert and the ocean from above.