Nonidas | Swakopmund

Information

Landmark: Nonidas
City: Swakopmund
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Nonidas, Swakopmund, Namibia, Africa

Nonidas is a historical railway siding and agricultural settlement located in the Swakop River valley. It is situated approximately 12km east of the Swakopmund city center within the Erongo Region of Namibia.

Visual Characteristics

The landscape is characterized by a transition from hyper-arid desert gravel plains to the green, scrub-dense vegetation of the Swakop River bed. The site features various low-lying farm structures, historical railway remnants, and small-scale horticultural plots. The soil is a mix of alluvial silt and coarse desert sand, often showing white salt crusting due to high evaporation rates.

Location & Access Logistics

The settlement is accessed via the B2 highway, turning south onto a gravel access road approximately 10km east of Swakopmund. There is no public transport to the site; access is by private vehicle or taxi from the town center. Most points of interest are located on private property or within small commercial agricultural holdings.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Nonidas was established as a railway stop on the original state railway line (Staatsbahn) connecting Swakopmund to Windhoek, completed in the early 1900s. Ecologically, it sits within the Swakop River riparian zone, where a shallow water table supports invasive Prosopis trees and indigenous Ana trees (Faidherbia albida), contrasting with the surrounding Namib Desert.

Key Highlights & Activities

Primary activities include visiting the local commercial herb and vegetable gardens and observing the historical railway infrastructure. The area is a known site for birdwatching due to the presence of water and vegetation. Off-road cycling along the riverbed tracks is a common recreational activity for residents of nearby towns.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure is minimal and largely limited to private residences and small businesses. There are no public restrooms or dedicated shade structures for visitors. Limited food and beverage options are available at local guesthouses or nurseries. Cellular signal (4G) is functional due to the proximity of the B2 telecommunications corridor.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for visiting the gardens is in the morning hours (08:00 to 11:00) before peak desert temperatures occur. For photography, the late afternoon provides high-contrast lighting of the river greenery against the stark desert ridges. The winter months (May to August) offer the most temperate climate for outdoor exploration.

Facts & Legends

Nonidas was once a critical stop for steam locomotives to replenish water supplies before climbing the steep gradients toward the interior of the country. A local historical curiosity is the presence of several graves belonging to early settlers and railway workers, some dating back to the German colonial era.