Sun, sea and strand, we thought! After four nights camping, we’d be sleeping once more in a normal bed, spot some dolphins and seals, have some nice diners and generally just relax…
Leaving from Naukluft, we thought it would be another bumpy road-day, but the vicinity of the seaport and coast was enough for the roads to improve, so we made good time driving to Swakopmund. We checked in early to the B&B, which seemed odd on the outside but very lovely on the inside. A plentiful breakfast table, an upstairs library with afternoon sunlight steaming in, a room with a semi-private terrace and a small bottle sparkling wine waiting for us. Couldn’t be much better!
Since not many towns here in Namibia are attractive to discover on foot, and Swakopmund is no different, we followed the advise of our B&B hosts and just went for a coffee at Slowtown, a well-located and expertly run shop perfect for all our caffeine-needs.
On Tuesday we had an early wake-up and set out after breakfast to Walvis Bay, where we had pre-booked a dolphin excursion to satisfy Véro’s quest for spotting wildlife. We were lucky, although the weather was quite chilly and foggy, to see an abundance of seals, pelicans (even on the boat, as some of them have been rescued by the organisation or its employers) and from afar some dolphins playing around.
After a quick and small cold lunch of oysters and sparkling wine on the boat, we continued our wildlife-spotting journey towards Flamingo Bay, where I still remembered as, well yes, du-uh, an excellent flamingo-spotting location. And yes, the first tears welled up in Véro’s eyes. Seeing so many of her favourite feathered friends, next to all the other sea creatures we saw, really made her day.
After our boat trip it was time to warm up and so we made Slowtown our favourite coffee spot in Swakopmund. While Jens paid a visit to the local barber, Véro got comfy with a cappuccino and a ginger cookie. After this little pick me up, we went grocery shopping for the next two days in Twyfelfontein.
Our hosts of the Alternative Space gave some excellent tips where to eat. The first night we made some delicious homemade pizza at Secret Garden Bistro. Our second night we went for what is to be one of the best fish restaurants in town: The Fish Deli. Our tummies were happy and so were we.
Swakopmund was a very nice Namibian discovery. Very nice town, friendly people, only the weather was a bit off. The next few days we will be spending in the Twyfelfontein area, were we will learn a bit of Namibia’s prehistoric past.
