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The Mole Beach

Пляж Маул
Namibia · Beach · Swakopmund
high
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for walks, photography and sunset watching. Not suitable for swimming or families with small children.

Best month

January

Water
+14.0°C
Length
300 m
The Mole Beach is the main city beach of Swakopmund, formed as a result of an unsuccessful attempt to build an artificial harbour. It has calm water protected by breakwaters, making it popular for swimming and family holidays.
Surface
sand
Waves
strong
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
The Mole Beach is the main city beach of Swakopmund, formed as a result of an unsuccessful attempt to build an artificial harbour. It has calm water protected by breakwaters, making it popular for swimming and family holidays.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Scenic views
  • Historic sea wall
  • Restaurants nearby
  • Craft brewery
  • Cleanliness
  • Sunsets

Cons

  • Swimming prohibited
  • Cold water
  • Strong waves
  • No shade
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for walks, photography and sunset watching. Not suitable for swimming or families with small children.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The Mole is known for its historic sea wall built in 1899 by architect F.W. Ortloff, and is the central recreation spot of Swakopmund with views of the ocean and the Namib Desert.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
blue
Water Clarity
high
Average Water Temp
+14.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+17.0 °C
Wave Type
strong
Wave Height
1.5 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December January February
Season end
February
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
high
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
2.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Dangerous creatures
Snakes (black mamba, puff adder — in surroundings, not on beach)
Seals (may bite)
Penguins (may bite)
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
5 pcs
Best restaurants

The Tug

Seafood

Seafood restaurant on the promenade with ocean views

Swakopmund Brauhaus

German

German brewery with traditional cuisine

Nearby cuisines

German

German cuisine with sausages, schnitzel and beer

Must try: Schnitzel, bratwurst, beer

Seafood

Fresh Atlantic seafood

Must try: Oysters, grilled fish, lobster
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
moderate
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
none
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
No
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Jacket Flip-flops Cash Camera
Best Time to Swim
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. In the evening — exceptional sunsets over the ocean.
Local Rules
Swimming is prohibited due to strong waves and currents.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Historic Sea Wall

1899 wall, symbol of Swakopmund

Namib Desert

Scenic dunes within walking distance

Crystal Gallery

Gallery of Namibian crystals and minerals

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
The Mole Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — blue, clarity high, average temperature +14.0°C, warms up to +17.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
The Mole Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — strong. Average wave height — 1.5 m. Strong waves will please surfers but require caution when swimming with children.
The Mole Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
The Mole Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 300 metres.
The Mole Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January, February. It ends in February. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
The Mole Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
The Mole Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: Snakes (black mamba, puff adder — in surroundings, not on beach), Seals (may bite), Penguins (may bite). We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
The Mole Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
The Mole Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor.
The Mole Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: The Tug, Swakopmund Brauhaus. Cuisines available: German, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
The Mole Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Jacket, Flip-flops, Cash, Camera.
The Mole Beach: when is the best time to swim?
In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people. In the evening — exceptional sunsets over the ocean.
The Mole Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is prohibited due to strong waves and currents.
The Mole Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for walks, photography and sunset watching. Not suitable for swimming or families with small children.
The Mole Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The Mole is known for its historic sea wall built in 1899 by architect F.W. Ortloff, and is the central recreation spot of Swakopmund with views of the ocean and the Namib Desert.
The Mole Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Scenic views, Historic sea wall, Restaurants nearby, Craft brewery, Cleanliness, Sunsets. Cons: Swimming prohibited, Cold water, Strong waves, No shade.
The Mole Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Historic Sea Wall, Namib Desert, Crystal Gallery. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
The Mole Beach: how do I get to the city of Swakopmund?
The beach is located near the city of Swakopmund. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Swakopmund.

City

Swakopmund

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Namibia
Type: Beach
Coordinates: -22.679200, 14.525000

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