Walvisbaai Things to Do

Located 48 km to the south of Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbour is a spectacular and photo-worthy destination. Sought after by anglers, ornithologists and nature lovers, the lagoon was once an open bay, which silted up over the years. The lagoon is fed by fresh water seeping from inland aquifers, and is a sanctuary for large numbers of coastal and fresh water birds. Permits and a 4x4 vehicle are needed to visit Sandwich Harbour. Permits are obtainable at most service stations in Walvis Bay, as well as the Walvis Bay Information Centre. Overnights camping is not allowed and angling is prohibited from January 25 to April 15.

The lunar landscape of Walvis Bay's hinterland and the largest conservation area in Namibia, the Namib-Naukluft Park is a world in itself with an area of almost 50 000 km square. It is made up of mysterious canyons, miracle plants such as the Welwitschia, impressive mountain ranges, desert plains and high dunes. Clusters of flowers in flaming colours adorn the desolate plains in season, while herds of Oryx, ostrich, springbok and mountain zebra roam these arid expanses.

This is a must for all visitors to Walvis Bay. Located on the outskirts of the town, it is the highest sand dune in the area. An unforgettable experience for those who feel inclined to challenge the height of this outstanding landmark to admire the view from the top. Palm trees provide shade for day campers while barbecue facilities makes it ideal for family entertainment. Unfortunately we could not walk up the dune as it was inhabited and taken over by people on their quad bikes.

This remarkable natural lagoon is the largest single area of shallow water on the west coast of Africa. This tranquil stretch of water with its natural beauty is accentuated by thousands of flamingos and other birds. Birds counts are done regularly. During one of these counts it was found that the lagoon is a safe haven for between 70 000 and 120 000 birds, and a feeding station for up to 200 000 birds on their natural migration route to and from the Arctic Circle. The cover 3000 year old stretch of water has been declared a Ramsar (Convention on Wetlands, 1971) site because of its value as a wetland area. The Lagoon is regarded as one of the most important areas for coastal birds and the best flamingo viewing locality in the world. A pleasant walk of just over three kilometers along the Lagoon takes the visitor to Lover's Hill, where information on various aspects of the Lagoon is provided

Located on the road to Swakopmund, Bird Island is a man-made structure used for the production of guano. Build in 1932 by the entrepreneur Adolf Winter, the structure rests on 1000 stilts and is 17 000 meter square in area. Our tour guide told us that Winter's wife left him and said the he was crazy for building Bird Island and that he was not going to make any money from it. The birds however are thankfull to him for building this breeding site for them.

It is not exactly the kind of beach that you might think, especially with the cold water of the Atlantic Ocean here, but it is a beautiful place to walk by the beach, for sea bird watch and to watch over the sunset if you can stay that late.

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We took the morning tour with Mola Mola and I can only give compliments for the great tour, arrangements, and most of all to the great knowledgeable guide that was pleasure listen to as well as to laugh with.

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Usually I am not into cruises and boats sightseeing, you wouldn’t see me on those in Amsterdam, Stockholm or Helsinki, but what a wonderful surprise I had here, it was great pleasure to go on a half day cruise, see all the sea animals, seals, dolphins, penguin, sea birds and learn all about this wonderful place.