Namibia’s capital city Windhoek and the charming coastal town of Swakopmund, both distinctive with their German architecture, are ideal tourist bases for exploring the Namib. The Desert Express train operates between Windhoek and Swakopmund, providing a panoramic view of the shifting desert and grasslands valleys. Swakopmund is known for its German cuisine and adventure activities, with sand boarding, sand skiing, quad biking, camel rides and excursions to the nearby Cape Cross Seal Colony  on offer.