If you’re wondering what you would get if you mixed Bavarian architecture with palm trees and beaches then the answer is probably Swakopmund. Often called Namibia’s prettiest town, this is a seaside escape for city weekenders and a great place to visit for the traveller.

This town has a real holiday feel to it and people flock here to experience its pleasant climate, great restaurants and uncrowded beaches. Active people are spoilt for choice here and there are numerous pursuits to be undertaken in the surrounding deserts and sand dunes, such assandboarding, horse riding, quad biking, shark fishing and skydiving.

But adrenaline fuelled pursuits aside, Swakopmund is a lovely place to relax if you have been on safari or are planning to, and it retains the timeless ambience of a German village. Sitting by the historic jetty watching the sun sink into the Atlantic Ocean is something every visitor should experience.

Swakopmund is also a good base for visiting Cape Cross seal colony, the Skeleton Coast and Walvis Bay flamingos. It is pleasant to visit at any time of year but it can be foggy owing to an effect caused by the ocean meeting the Namib Desert. Bring sun cream, but also pack a jumper just in case.