The Swakop River (Khoekhoegowab: Tsoaxaub)[1] is a major river in the western part of Namibia, reaching the sea at the southern edge of the city of Swakopmund (German for Mouth of the Swakop). The Swakop is an ephemeral river, its run-off is roughly 40 million cubic metres per annum. The main tributary is the Khan.[2] Groundwater levels in the area have also dropped about 0.3 m further due two big dams built in the Swakop River.[3]
Notwithstanding the river's irregular flow, some agriculture is undertaken in the Swakop River valley, thus the region is well known for its fresh produce, especially tomatoes, asparagus and olives. There are some fears of salt and uranium (possibly natural, possibly from the Rössing Mine uranium mine) endangering this farming industry.[3][4]
The area around the river mouth and the surrounding dunes are also known for rich bird life and some unusual plant species (like the Welwitschia) that use the regular fog drifting in from the sea to sustain themselves in the absence of other moisture.