Only 230km separate Solitaire and Walvis Bay. In that short distance, the temperature dropped from 39 degrees celsius (102 degrees F) to 12 degrees celsius (53 degrees F)! We were surprised, because we hadn’t expected it to be quite so chilly, but we welcomed the break from the desert heat. 

Even during their off season, these two charming coastal towns had plenty to offer. 

The adventure sports capital of Namibia, Swakopmund and nearby Walvis Bay offer everything from skydiving to camel rides through the dunes. We took advantage of the unique location by enjoying a catamaran cruise around the bay, checking out the local flamingo hangout, and sand boarding outside Swakopmund. (Okay, Mike went sandboarding. Grace went sandsledding.) 

When we weren’t frolicking on the sea or sand, we were exploring the town of Swakopmund, taking in the german architecture and cuisine. 

On our way out, we stopped to see a shipwreck - one of the many that have contributed to the nickname for Namibia’s northwestern coast: the skeleton coast.