Skydive over the Namib Desert

Courtesy of Ground Rush Adventures

Last updated: 23 July, 2024

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.

Logistics

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.

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.