Swakopmund has long been known as an adventure holiday hotspot around the world. There is a range of activities that thrill seekers can indulge themselves in and today we will be focussing on three activities that put you high in the sky over the historic coastal town.  

There’s a lot of adventure in the skies above Swakopmund.
(Image via Swakopmund Diving Club)

Hot Air Ballooning

We start with the most sedate option for would-be sky explorers: The hot air balloon. Hot air balloons have traditionally been one of the best and most relaxing ways to take in a country’s beauty and there are few better ways to appreciate the vast beauty of Swakopmund and its surrounds than from the basket of one of these balloons.

Don’t forget to pack your camera… There will be photo opportunities galore!
(Image via Wanderlustress)

African Adventure Balloons have been operating balloon rides in Swakopmund for many years now. Your flight will begin early in the morning behind the dunes, and as the sun comes up and touches the vast landscape the uniqueness of the Spitzkoppe Mountains, the mystery of the famous Moon Landscape and the beauty of the Naukluft Range will be revealed.

A balloon being prepped for flight.
(Image via Cardboard Box)

There are three different kinds of balloons that are used and all flights have an experienced and knowledgeable staff member that will train and guide all guests on what to expect during their flight over the coastline.

After your flight is complete your pilot will take you for a champagne breakfast where you can relax and let all the sights and sounds of your recent adventure sink in.

Floating above the dunesyou can get a new perspective on the oldest desert in the world.
(Image via Cardboard Box)

If you want to book a flight with African Adventure Balloons, or if you want to know anything more about their operation, then simply click here for their booking form and contact details.

Paragliding

If you want to get your heart pumping a little faster on your airborne adventure over Swakopmund then maybe you should consider trying your hand at paragliding. Currently there are two companies that are running paragliding operations in Swakopmund and they are Element Riders, and Namib Gliding.

Element Riders

Element Riders currently offer a basic introductory course and training flights to guests. The company is in the process of registering with the civil aviation authority and until this process is complete they cannot offer a full paragliding course to visitors looking to become fully accredited pilots.

Paragliding is both serene and exhilarating.
(Picture courtesy of Element Riders)

For those adventurers who want to learn how to paraglide Element Riders is a good choice. Their course on offer will teach you about the equipment you will use, the weather and terrain of the region and basic safety procedures. The course also includes initial introductory flights on the dunes where you can put into practice all that you have learned.

A video showcasing the Element Riders team in action.
(Video via Element Riders)

If you need more information on their paragliding courses, click here for their contact details.

Namib Gliding

Namib Gliding is the most established gliding company in Swakopmund and their chief instructor, Mario Oprandi has over 18 years paragliding experience. They offer half and full day flights around Swakopmund and also provide training courses; no previous experience in paragliding is required and all are welcome to sign up for a course.

A paraglider coming in hot over the dunes.
(Image via Namib Gliders)

One of the great things about this company is that they offer gliders the opportunity to go on paragliding safaris to destinations such as Sandwich Harbour, Sossusvlei, Dune 7, Henties Bay and Damaraland.

Paragliding may be the best way to get you where no cars go.
(Image via Namib Gliders)

So if you want to have a scenic flight over Swakopmund, or some of the other amazing parts of Namibia, be sure to contact Namib Gliders here.

A paraglider circles above Swakopmund.
(Image via Namib Gliders)

Sky Diving

Few activities can match the adrenaline filled rush that skydiving brings, and the skydiving near Swakopmund is no exception. The area is considered by some to be one of the best ‘drop zones’ in the world and thousands of seasoned and beginner divers flock to the small town every year to get the chance to free fall toward the ancient Namib desert.

There really is no rush quite like skydiving.
(Image via Namibia Tour Guide)

One of the most popular companies taking people up into the skies over Swakopmund is Ground Rush Adventures. It is an extremely well run and professional skydiving organisation with an experienced team of master divers. No chances are taken with your safety and their safety record in there nearly 20 years of existence is impeccable.

Trusting your partner is important when jumping out of a plane.
(Image via Cardboard Box)

Ground Rush Adventures offer tandem dives, accelerated free-falls and static line jumps. Check out this link for a full description of the various options they offer. The company operates every single day of the year and will be happy to take you up as long as the weather permits. There are also several courses, and these are perfect for the novice or beginner skydiver.

If you have any other questions or queries about skydiving in Swakopmund then feel free to contact the team here.

Take the plunge over the dunes of the Namib!
(Image via Swakopmund Diving Club)