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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

As Namibia’s adventure capital, skydives are a popular option for adrenalin-charged travellers in Swakopmund. Unless you’re a qualified ‘jumper’, you’ll need to sign up for a tandem skydive, which offers a scenic flight, then half a minute of jaw-dropping freefall and a leisurely float back to terra firma. Panoramic views come as standard.

No, it’s not unlike skydiving anywhere else in the world, but those desert vistas from 10,000 feet are unbeatable.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £150
Minimum age: 16
Age suitable: 16+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 hours

Getting there & doing it

Tour operators provide transfers from hotels in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay to the airport, where the briefing, take-off and drop-zone are situated. If you’re a qualified jumper, remember to take along your license and logbook. Chute rental and packing services are available.

Ground Rush Adventures’ last about two hours including the pre-jump briefing, excluding transfers. After a scenic 30-minute flight to 10,000 feet, the trip down lasts about eight minutes, including 35 seconds freefall. There are higher/longer options: 12,000 feet (45 seconds freefall) and 15,000 feet (60 seconds freefall) for a higher price.

Sky Dive for Fun also offer tandem jumps.

When to do it

Skydiving operates all year round, seven days a week.

Jumps are weather-dependent, but bad weather is unusual and short-lived in this region. The best of day though is in the afternoon once the regular morning fog has burnt off.

Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

Ground Rush Adventures

Ground Rush Adventures

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia

Swakopmund-based tour operator offering a range of skydiving experiences and courses from two of their own skydiving planes.

Skydive4Fun

Skydive4Fun

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia

Based at Swakopmund Skydiving Club, you’ll find tandem jumps as well as training for skydivers from entry-level static-line skydiving to accelerated freefall for advanced jumpers.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Desert Breeze Lodge

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[2.5 miles]

This colourful lodge offers a welcome break from the tourist bustle of Swakopmund, with 12 spacious bungalows gazing out over the desert.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Namibia

Namibia

Desert adventure and desolate coastlines meet game-rich reserves and quirky towns in this unique and atmospheric country.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Walvis Bay [boating & kayaking]

Walvis Bay, Erongo Region, Namibia[34.2 miles]

This former whaling town is now a marine ecotourism hotspot. Birdlife is prolific, and close-up encounters with pelicans, flamingos Cape Fur seals, dolphins and penguins are all but guaranteed.

Best for ages: 5+ | £40 | Half-day

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Sandwich Harbour

Namib-Naukluft National Park, Erongo Region, Namibia[82 miles]

A pristine and bird-filled wetland of international significance, backed by goliath sand dunes, on Namibia’s most dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | £75

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The green gold course at Roosmund
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Desert golf at Rossmund

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[3 miles]

Set in the dry Swakop River, with the Namib Desert as a backdrop, the Rossmund Golf Resort offers an 18-hole par-72 layout with striking views, grassy fairways and wildlife to keep players on their toes.

Best for ages: 8+ | £12 | 2+ hours

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The Tug
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The Tug

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[5.2 miles]

If you’re not devouring your weight in eisbein at the Brauhaus, beachfront seafood eatery The Tug is the best place to eat in Swakopmund. Phone ahead for a window seat.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1-2 hours

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Tiger Reef Beach Bar
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Tiger Reef Beach Bar

Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia[5.4 miles]

With Adirondack chairs set just metres from the sea, this rustic beach bar in the mouth of the Swakop River is the best place in Swakopmund for sundowners. Make like the locals and drink beer, not Bellinis.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 1-2 hours

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A large group of seals looking at the camera at Cape cross
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Cape Cross Seal Colony

Cape Cross, Erongo Region, Namibia[113.7 miles]

One of the largest seal colonies in the world, Cape Cross is a worthwhile day out from Swakopmund, and the lonely 200km round-trip offers fantastic sea and desert panoramas.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1 day

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