Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

Stretching between the dunes of the Namib Desert and the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean lies one of Namibia’s most stunning stretches of coastline.

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are two very different places, separated by around 35 kilometres of coastline, but they are often included in the same leg of a journey. Together, they offer the chance to discover Swakopmund’s historic architecture, the Walvis Bay lagoon, the marine life of the Atlantic and the spectacular landscapes of Sandwich Harbour.

It is a stop that can completely change the pace of an itinerary in Namibia: after days spent in the desert, in the parks and along the inland tracks, you reach a coastline shrouded in mist, shaped by the wind and characterised by generally cooler temperatures.

Swakopmund: the town between the ocean and the desert

Swakopmund is one of Namibia’s best-known destinations. The town boasts historic buildings, well-ordered avenues and numerous remnants of the German colonial era, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding desert landscape.

It is, above all, a convenient base for spending a few days on the coast, taking a break during a self-drive tour and taking part in the many activities organised in the region.

During your stay, you can stroll through the town centre, head down to the seafront and the pier, visit the local museum or stop off at one of the restaurants specialising in seafood and produce from the Atlantic.

Swakopmund also offers a good selection of accommodation and is generally the best option for those who wish to get about on foot in the evening and have a choice of restaurants.

Walvis Bay and its lagoon

Walvis Bay is a port city situated south of Swakopmund. Its main natural attraction is the large coastal lagoon, which is recognised as a wetland of international importance.

Its shallow waters are home to flamingos, pelicans and numerous other species of seabirds and migratory birds. The number and location of the animals vary depending on the season, the tides and environmental conditions: sightings cannot therefore be guaranteed.

The promenade allows you to explore the lagoon on your own, but guided tours provide a better understanding of its ecosystem.

Walvis Bay is also the main starting point for boat cruises, kayaking trips and off-road excursions to Sandwich Harbour.

Cruise in Walvis Bay

A cruise in the bay allows you to view the coastline from a different perspective and learn about the marine environment of the South Atlantic.

During the cruise, you may spot sea lions, pelicans, cormorants and, with a bit of luck, dolphins. As with any wildlife experience, the presence of animals depends on sea conditions and their movements.

Trips usually take place in the morning, when conditions are likely to be most favourable. It is, however, advisable to bring a windproof jacket: even on sunny days, the air over the ocean can be chilly.

The cruise can be included as part of a stay of at least two nights in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay and combined, either on the same day or on a separate day, with other experiences in the region.

Kayaking at Pelican Point

For those looking for a more dynamic activity, a kayaking trip in the sheltered waters near Pelican Point is an option.

This experience allows you to get close to the sea lions’ habitat whilst behaving respectfully and following the guides’ instructions. You do not need to be an expert kayaker, but you must feel comfortable on the water and be in reasonable physical condition.

Whether the activity can take place depends on the wind, the sea and the operating conditions on the day.

Sandwich Harbour: where the desert meets the ocean

Sandwich Harbour is one of the most spectacular landscapes on the Namibian coast. Here, the towering dunes of the Namib Desert reach the Atlantic Ocean, creating a succession of sand, coastal lagoons and seemingly boundless vistas.

The area is situated within the Namib-Naukluft Park, south of Walvis Bay, and is a protected nature reserve.

The excursion must be undertaken with authorised operators and expert guides, using 4x4 vehicles suitable for driving on the dunes. We do not recommend travelling to Sandwich Harbour independently: specific experience, knowledge of the tides and compliance with the regulations governing access to the park are required.

The route that can actually be taken may vary depending on the tides, the wind, sand conditions and permits. On some days, it is possible to travel along stretches close to the coast; on others, you can reach higher vantage points from which to observe where the ocean meets the desert.

The excursion is a landscape and nature experience, not merely an off-road activity. It is important to use operators who adhere to the permitted routes and respect the fragility of the environment.

Living Desert and the ‘Little Five’

The seemingly lifeless dunes surrounding Swakopmund are in fact home to a surprisingly complex ecosystem.

During a Living Desert excursion, a specialist guide helps you spot the tiny creatures that have adapted to the extreme conditions of the Namib. Depending on the season and your luck, you may spot geckos, lizards, insects, snakes and other desert animals.

The term “Little Five” is used to describe some of the most characteristic species, but it does not constitute a list of guaranteed sightings. The value of the experience lies above all in the guide’s ability to explain the survival strategies developed by the desert fauna.

It is one of the excursions we most highly recommend, even for families with children and for those wishing to explore Namibia’s natural history in greater depth.

Quad biking and sandboarding

The dunes between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay offer the opportunity to go quad biking and sandboarding in authorised areas.

These activities must be organised through operators who use authorised routes and respect the most ecologically sensitive areas. The coastal desert is home to extremely fragile organisms and habitats, which are often difficult to spot at first glance.

Quad biking may also be suitable for those with no previous experience, provided the guide’s instructions are followed carefully. Sandboarding, on the other hand, requires a reasonable level of mobility and can be more physically demanding.

Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive

From the Swakopmund area, it is also possible to organise an excursion inland, crossing the arid landscapes of the Swakop River valley.

The so-called Moon Landscape is characterised by eroded ridges and rocky expanses reminiscent of a lunar landscape. In the same region, you can see specimens of Welwitschia mirabilis, one of the most unusual and long-lived plants in southern Africa.

Access to some areas requires a permit. For this reason, it is important to check the route, road conditions and current regulations in advance.

Scenic flights over the desert and the coast

Scenic flights offer a bird’s-eye view of the dunes, the ocean, ancient river valleys and some particularly remote stretches of the Namibian coast.

Routes may vary depending on the duration of the flight, weather conditions and the departure base. Flights are subject to visibility, wind conditions, aircraft availability and the operator achieving the minimum number of participants required.

Where requested, we can consider incorporating these flights into a comprehensive tour of Namibia.

Swakopmund or Walvis Bay: where to stay?

The choice depends on the planned activities and the pace of the itinerary.

Swakopmund is normally recommended for those wishing to stay in a town with more restaurants, accommodation options and the chance to stroll through the town centre. It is also a convenient base for the Living Desert, the Moon Landscape and activities on the dunes.

Walvis Bay, on the other hand, is closer to the lagoon and the departure points for boat cruises, excursions to Pelican Point and visits to Sandwich Harbour.

On some itineraries, it may be preferable to stay in Swakopmund and travel to Walvis Bay for excursions. In other cases, particularly when the main focus is the lagoon or Sandwich Harbour, it may make sense to stay in Walvis Bay itself.

Accommodation options we can consider as part of a comprehensive itinerary include:

• Hansa Hotel, in the centre of Swakopmund;
• Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre;
• Swakopmund Plaza Hotel;
• Oyster Box Guesthouse, overlooking the Walvis Bay lagoon.

Accommodation is chosen based on category, location, availability and the overall nature of the trip.

How many nights should you spend on the coast?

We recommend at least two nights, allowing you to spend a full day on activities.

Three nights are preferable if you wish to combine several experiences, such as a boat trip, Sandwich Harbour and the Living Desert. An extra night also offers greater flexibility in case wind, fog or sea conditions make it necessary to alter the itinerary.

The coast should not be viewed merely as a stopover between Sossusvlei and Damaraland. Its natural features are well worth spending time on and allow you to include experiences in your trip that are very different from those offered by the inland regions.

When to visit Swakopmund and Walvis Bay?

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay can be visited all year round.

The cold Benguela Current has a strong influence on the coastal climate. Temperatures can be significantly lower than in the Namibian interior, and morning mist is a frequent occurrence.

Even in the warmer months, it is advisable to bring a windproof jacket and dress in layers. During boat trips, kayaking excursions and dune tours, conditions can change rapidly.

The presence of birds in the lagoon, sea conditions and visibility vary throughout the year. The best time to visit is therefore best assessed in relation to the other stops on your itinerary.

A family-friendly stop

The Namibian coast can be particularly appealing to families.

The Living Desert, Walvis Bay Lagoon and boat cruises offer children an engaging way to get close to nature. However, individual activities should be chosen taking into account the children’s ages, any restrictions imposed by the operators and the duration of the excursions.

For families, we recommend avoiding overly packed itineraries and allowing for some free time between activities.

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay on a honeymoon

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay can also be included in a honeymoon in Namibia.

A stay at a property overlooking the ocean or the lagoon, a cruise in the bay, a scenic flight or a private excursion to Sandwich Harbour can provide a pleasant contrast to the desert lodges and days spent on safari.

The coast can also serve as a stopover before continuing on to Damaraland, Kaokoland or Etosha National Park.

How to include the coast in a Namibian itinerary

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay lie along the natural link between the Namib Desert and the northern regions.

Coming from [Sossusvlei and Deadvlei], you’ll cross vast desert expanses before reaching Walvis Bay. From Swakopmund, the journey can continue towards the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland and [Twyfelfontein], before reaching [Etosha National Park].

The coast features in several itineraries organised by South African Dream:

• Namibia Classic – 15-day self-drive tour;
• Namibia Economy – 13-day self-drive tour;
• Namibia Highlights – 20-day self-drive tour;
• Best of Namibia – Guided group tour in Italian;
• Wonderful Namibia – Group tour with an Italian-speaking guide;
• Namibia Adventure – Overland tour with an Italian-speaking guide.

Itineraries can be tailored to suit the time of year, the duration of the trip, the category of accommodation and the experiences you wish to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Are Swakopmund and Walvis Bay the same place? No. They are two different towns, about 35 kilometres apart. Swakopmund is more geared towards tourism, whilst Walvis Bay is a port city known for its lagoon and marine activities.

Is it possible to visit both? Yes. You can stay in one of the two places and travel to the other for day trips. The choice of base depends on your planned itinerary.

Can you reach Sandwich Harbour in your own car? We do not recommend it. The trip requires a suitable vehicle, permits, knowledge of the tides and experience of driving on the dunes. It must be organised through authorised operators.

Is access to Sandwich Harbour always possible? No. The route depends on the tides, the wind, sand conditions and park regulations. The guide determines the safe and permitted route on the day of the excursion.

Are flamingos present all year round? The lagoon is home to several species of birds, but their numbers and locations vary throughout the year. It is not possible to guarantee sightings or specific concentrations.

How many nights are recommended? At least two nights. We recommend three nights if you wish to go on more excursions and maintain some flexibility in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Is it possible to book just the Sandwich Harbour excursion? No. South African Dream includes this experience exclusively as part of its comprehensive itineraries in Namibia.

Important note: Visits to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour are organised exclusively as part of complete itineraries put together by South African Dream. We do not provide individual bookings for hotels, excursions or transfers.

Tour prices are quoted excluding international flights. Any domestic or scenic flights are listed and priced separately where included in the programme.

Plan your trip to Namibia with us

Discover our packages dedicated to Namibia or contact us to create a complete, personalised itinerary including Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Sandwich Harbour and the country’s other main destinations.

Galleria fotografica