BUCKET LIST FOR THIS REGION
- Climb a sand dune
- Drink a boot-beer
- Dip your toes in the icy Atlantic Ocean
- Watch birds at the Walvis Bay lagoon, a RAMSAR site
- Eat German cuisine
The towns on the coastal strip are Henties Bay, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, and the small settlement of Wlotzkasbaken. Dorob National Park – proclaimed to protect sensitive environmental areas – extends between the Swakop and Ugab rivers, while Skeleton Coast National Park covers the area north of the Ugab River up to the Kunene River, protecting the northern third of Namibia’s coastline. In 2013, the Namib Sand Sea – stretching from the Kuiseb River southwards to the northern boundary of Tsau//Khaeb National Park – achieved World Heritage Site status, making it Namibia’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dorob National Park
To protect the most frequented coastal area against damage caused by off-road driving, the stretch of coastline between the Kuiseb Delta and the Ugab River – eastwards from the low-water mark of the Atlantic towards the boundary of the Swakopmund district – was proclaimed a national park in 2008, elevating the status of the West Coast Recreational Area (WCRA) to that of national park, and proclaiming it as the Dorob National Park. It includes the Walvis Bay Lagoon – a RAMSAR site – but excludes the municipal areas of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay, as well as Wlotzkasbaken. The Namibian coastline is a haven for numerous unique plants, animals and birds. A special feature of international interest is the occurrence of extensive lichen fields. Over a hundred lichen species have been recorded in the Namib Desert. A symbiotic composition of an algae and a fungus, lichens are dependent on coastal fog for survival. The continued existence of this intriguing form of desert life is a matter of serious concern to environmentalists, as lichens are extremely slow growing and aare destroyed by vehicles driving off road. The 200-km stretch of coastline between the Swakop and Ugab rivers is renowned for its excellent angling potential. Over the years, popular angling spots along the coast were identified by dedicated anglers and named to indicate their distance from Swakopmund. To drive in specially demarcated off-road areas, drivers must have a permit, which is issued free of charge and can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) offices in Swakopmund ((+264) 64 40 4576) and Walvis Bay ((+264) 64 20 5971). A free information pamphlet is also available from these offices, as well as from coastal information offices.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is much-loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the heat in the interior. It is also popular among visitors because of its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere. Founded in 1892 during German colonial rule, it served as the territory’s main harbour for several years. Today this quaint town between the desert and the sea is enhanced by lush green lawns, elegant palm trees and carefully tended public gardens. It has a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, and several coffee shops selling traditional German cakes and pastries.
The coast with its desert hinterland offers many options, both for adventure and for relaxation. From surfing and dune adventures to shopping and sightseeing, Swakopmund is considered one of the must-visit destinations on a first-timer route through Namibia. Striking architecture from a bygone era adds to the place-out-of-time atmosphere of Swakopmund. When approached from the interior, the skyline of domes, turrets and towers appears like a hazy desert mirage. Much of the distinct German colonial character has been preserved and today many of the town’s old buildings house shops, offices and other services.
Swakop Info on Tobias Hainyeko Street
+264 (0)81 155 4000
[email protected]
STEPPING INTO THE PAST
Swakopmund Museum is a small but comprehensive institution with displays ranging from natural history, mineralogy and botany to historical and ethnological dioramas. A walk through the museum, founded by Dr Alfons Weber in 1951, takes you travelling through time, from ancient earth forming to a more recent colonial past. It showcases a 27-million-year-old fossil, meteorite chunks, fossilised wood, and jawbones of our human ancestors which mingle with Spanish coins, restored ox wagons and turn-of-the-century drawing rooms. A large airy hall houses a People of Namibia exhibition with information on the diverse and distinct population groups of Namibia. Baskets, headdresses, amulets and ostrich eggs fill the many display shelves. The Emil Jensen Herbarium exhibits Namib flora. The entrance of the museum faces the Atlantic Ocean and the Mole which shelters a popular swimming beach.
The Sam Cohen Library comprises some 6 000 volumes and an impressive collection of historic photographs. This includes the renowned 2 000-title Africana collection of the late Ferdinand Stich. The archives, housed in the same building, give visitors access to a unique collection of newspapers dating from 1898 to the present day.
COLONIAL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF SIGNIFICANCE
Woermann House was built in 1905 to accommodate the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company. In 1909 it was sold to Woermann Brock. Today it houses the Swakopmund Arts Association and Public Library. The Woermann Tower, accessible at specific times, offers a panoramic view of the coastal town.
The Otavi-Bahn building served as the terminal for the mining railway line. The goods shed next to it, built in 1911 and called OMEG-Haus, is a national monument.
Die Alte Kaserne, the old barracks, was built by the German colonial government in 1905 to house the German Engineer Regiment responsible for the construction of the jetty and the railway line into the interior.
Hohenzollern-Haus is privately owned and now serving as an apartment house. The building, embellished by a frieze of angels and lions and originally built in 1905 to accommodate visiting aristocracy from Germany, at one time functioned as a house of ill repute.
Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht was built in 1902 as a hospital. After the First World War it was used for various purposes until it was turned into a hotel several years ago. Das Kaiserliches Bezirksgericht (magistrates court), built in 1901, is now known as State House. The building serves as a summer residence for the President of Namibia. Next to it are the gardens of the Marine Memorial, commemorating marines who died in the 1904/5 Herero uprising.
The Railway Station Building, erected in 1901, was transformed into a luxury 75-room hotel and entertainment centre, complete with casino, cinema, bar and restaurant.
The Swakopmund Lighthouse was completed in 1903, as was the harbour breakwater known as the Mole, today the southern boundary of Swakopmund’s main tourist beach.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church, consecrated in 1912, is the second-oldest of its kind in the country.
The Old Iron Jetty, originally built in 1905 as a berthing facility, became popular with anglers and tourists in later decades, but gradually fell into disrepair. Renovation attempts started in the 1980s. A private company restored it to its present state and reopened it with a seafood restaurant, the Jetty 1905, at the tip.
FOR THE REAL HISTORY BUFF
Laid out in stone in 1915, a selection of the regimental badges from the South West Africa Campaign can be viewed 27 km and 46 km east of Swakopmund respectively, as well as between Swakopmund and Trekkopje, along the railway line. Other interesting sites in the area are small fortifications, the trenches, and the cemetery at the Trekkopje station. The campaign was launched by the Union of South Africa against the Germans stationed in South West Africa at the outbreak of WWI.
The Martin Luther ‘steam-ox’ was imported from Germany in 1896 to transport goods between the town and other settlements. It can be seen just before reaching Swakopmund from the interior, enclosed in a small glass-fronted structure. When the tractor became irretrievably bogged down in the sand, it was dubbed Martin Luther, because of Luther’s apparent historic statement in 1521, “Here I stand, may God help me, I can go no further.” The venue has a museum, toilet facilities and curios for sale.
WHERE TO SHOP
The Brauhaus Arcade Accessible from Sam Nujoma Avenue and Hendrik Witbooi and Tobias Hainyeko streets, this arcade houses many small specialist shops including leatherwork, arts and crafts, furnishings and Namibian textiles and embroidery. The Brauhaus itself is a popular German-style restaurant and bar with seating inside and outside; make advance reservations and try a beer in boot-shaped glasses.
Art Africa ‘s main outlet is situated here, and a great destination for quirky curios and tribal art. Across from the arcade on Tobias Hainyeko Street is a corridor of craftsmen and women selling mostly art.
The Woermann Brock Arcade, accessible from Sam Nujoma Avenue and Hendrik Witbooi Street, features regular shops. It leads into the Ankerplatz complex, also accessible from Sam Nujoma Avenue with a few local shops.
Ikhoba in Sam Nujoma Avenue offers a range of well-crafted embroidered goods produced by 400 women of various ethnic groups as part of the Ikhoba Textiles Farm Project. Meme Ikhoba, situated in Hendrik Witbooi Avenue, is another outlet.
Karakulia Weavers sells woollen carpets and wall hangings made from karakul wool, woven into designs depicting Namibian animals and desert scenery. Swakop VVellies, across from Karakulia, sells locally crafted leather “veldskoen”, or bush shoes, in various colours and sizes.
Kavita Craft Market is an open market of informal sellers, on A. Shad Promenade.
HAND-CRAFTED JEWELLERY
A special feature of the coastal town is its outstanding jewellery shops. Master goldsmiths and specialised craftsmen and women design individual pieces with local gemstones in styles ranging from classic to contemporary.
African Art Jewellers is one of Swakopmund’s top outlets for handcrafted jewellery, next to the Hansa Hotel on Hendrik Witbooi Street, with a second, duty- free shop in Sam Nujoma Avenue.
Imke Engelhard Design Studio is run by award-winning jewellery designer Imke Engelhard, who transforms locally produced traditional shell necklaces into one- of-a-kind works of art.
Kristall Galerie on the corner of Garnison and Bahnhof streets showcases mineral displays such as gigantic quartz crystal clusters and also offers gemstone jewellery for sale.
ART GALLERIES
The Swakopmund Arts Association is situated on the first floor of the historical Woermann House and showcases a wide range of diverse Namibian art, as well as a selection of works by European artists.
The Ivanoff-Erb PhotoGallery is located in the Brauhaus Arcade and offers fine art photographs of Namibia by their local owners.
Die Muschel, also in the Brauhaus Arcade, is a bookshop which also sells local fine art.
The Fine Art Gallery in Sam Nujoma Avenue presents regular exhibitions of fine art for the collector.
Kamma Art and Design in Libertina Amathila Ave houses a small design agency and showcases contemporary art by Namibian artists.
WHERE TO EAT
Swakopmund offers a plethora of restaurants, many testifying to the German heritage of the town, such as Brauhaus, Kücki’s Pub and Grill, Altstadt and Brewer & Butcher. Other great restaurants in town include Sound Garden, The Tug, The Ocean Cellar and The Wreck. For good coffee, baked goods and lunch, cafés and bistros abound, including Café Anton, Bojos, Raith’s, Two Beards and a Saint, Wild Rocket Café and the popular Village Café.
SWAKOPMUND'S ENVIRONMENT
The environmentally friendly Swakopmund Saltworks (not open to the public) north of the town have been registered as a private nature reserve. The shallow expanses of water created to allow evaporation in the salt-producing process are ideal feeding grounds for thousands of wetland birds, such as Greater and Lesser Flamingos. Damara Terns breed on the surrounding desert plains and bring their young to the salt works to feed. Other visitors are rare Great Crested Grebes and a large colony of Cape Cormorants. The Swakopmund River mouth is also a good place for bird-watching. Camel and horse rides are offered a short distance from the town. Cars and 4×4 vehicles can be hired to embark on day trips or safaris into the desert. Flights over the town and the shipwrecks along the coast can be expanded to include charter flights further afield, while specialised safaris take visitors to see the dune landscapes and plants of the desert. Reputable air-charter companies take visitors on short flips over the dunes.
SPORT AND ADVENTURE
The Mole is a local favourite for swimming and sunbathing. Contestants in the annual Jetty Mile, which takes place in December, end their swim at The Mole.
Rossmund is a well laid-out 18-hole grass golf course with a unique desert setting located some 10 km inland from Swakopmund, with herds of free-roaming springbok in the surroundings adding to its charm.
Other sports include skydiving, dune boarding, sand-skiing, paragliding, surfing and windsurfing, yachting, and angling from the beach or a boat.
Walvis Bay
While Walvis Bay is Namibia’s only port town, it is fast developing into a sought-after seaside holiday haven. Attractions are the lagoon with its prolific bird life and variety of recreational possibilities; a desert golf course; modern and comfortable hotels and a choice of restaurants; and activities such as catamaran tours and kayaking on the lagoon at sunrise
The world-class deep-water port is Namibia’s largest commercial harbour, while its fishing harbour is the hub of Namibia’s lucrative fishing industry. Entry permits to visit the harbour can be obtained from the Police Office at the Harbour Entrance on 13th Road. The Civic Centre complex of the harbour town houses the Walvis Bay information office and consists of the Town Hall, Mayor’s Office, a museum and a public library, the latter with temporary membership facilities. The oldest building in Walvis Bay, and a national monument, is the Rhenish Mission Church, a timber structure built in Hamburg in 1880, then dismantled and shipped to Walvis Bay. Other places of interest include historic monuments such as the old railway tracks on the airport road and Railway Engine No 652. A relic from the first attempts to introduce railroad transport to Namibia, the narrow-gauge engine which arrived from London in 1899 can be seen in front of the railway station in a glass enclosure to shield it from the prevailing southwesterly winds and the corrosive effect of the salt-laden mists. Interestingly, due to complications with the railway line caused by the prevailing southwesterly winds, the locomotive was put to little use during its brief lifetime. Outside the town, in the Kuiseb Valley, stands a wooden Boundary Post, erected in 1885 to demarcate the border between the newly founded colony of German South West Africa and the British enclave of Walvis Bay.
WHERE TO EAT
For lunch or dinner try Godenfang, Anchors, Rojos at the Yacht Club, Dockside Seafood and Grill, The Raft and Bush Café. For breakfast and baked goods try Willi Probst, Sweet Side and Levani’s.
WALVIS BAY WATERFRONT
The Walvis Bay Waterfront is abuzz with activity. Apart from the unique ocean atmosphere – with pelicans and other seabirds entertaining visitors with their playful antics – and operators offering ocean cruises, there is a wide selection of restaurants. Pirate’s Wreck Sports Bar is a popular sundowner spot, and the Jetty Shoppe sells a wide variety of gift items. Dockside Seafood and Grill has a rustic atmosphere and a great selection of light meals and drinks. Local crafters also sell their goods at the Waterfront.
WALVIS BAY TOURISM CENTRE
At the end of Union Street in Walvis Bay, bordering the desert and tourist area, the Walvis Bay Tourism Centre is a welcoming ‘one-stop shop’. The Centre is a novel concept, with much to offer, such as a backpackers and bungalows, a coffee shop, curios, second hand books, pro-golf shop and driving range, Information Desk and Photo Ventures – which offers photographic and other tours.
Tel (+264) 64 20 0606
WALVIS BAY LAGOON
The Walvis Bay Lagoon takes pride of place as a scenic attraction in the Walvis Bay area. The tranquil body of water, its natural beauty accentuated by thousands of flamingos gathering at the rich feeding grounds, is over 3000 years old. The lagoon has been silting up for hundreds of years, a process hastened by man’s activities. Because of its value nationally and internationally as a wetland area, it was designated as a RAMSAR site in 1995, named after a convention on wetlands held in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The lagoon is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal birds in Southern Africa. Wading birds including Lesser and Greater Flamingos, and White Pelicans are seen here. A pleasant walk of just over 3 km leads to Lover’s Hill, which overlooks the lagoon.
WALVIS BAY’S ENVIRONMENT
Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is Langstrand. Established by the Walvis Bay Municipality, the neighbourhood’s main beach features tidal pools and ideal swimming conditions. Dune 7, on the outskirts of town, is the highest dune in the area. Palm-tree-shaded facilities for day camping and barbecues are ideal for family entertainment. The angling potential along the coast is particularly good. An angling area favoured by locals is Paaltjies, which consists of four angling spots south of the town. The ‘paaltjies’ are navigational beacons used by commercial fishermen. The first ‘paaltjie’ can be reached by ordinary vehicle, but a 4×4 is required to reach the other three further south. The Walvis Bay Lagoon is ideal for windsurfing, boating and regattas organised by the Yacht Club, in which Hoby Cats, Fireballs and catamarans compete. A tour operator offers ski-boat trips for shark, bottom and game fishing. Beach-fishing trips in 4×4 vehicles along the coast specialise in shark fishing. Boating day trips are enjoyable pleasure excursions. If you’d like to lay your hands on some fresh fish, a good option is to catch it yourself by booking an ocean safari, or going on a fishing expedition along the beach.
SANDWICH HARBOUR
The lagoon at Sandwich Harbour, situated 48 km south of Walvis Bay at the foot of towering dunes, is a spectacular and sought-after destination. The lagoon, referred to in old texts as Sandfisch Hafen, is a former bay that silted up over the years. Today especially ornithologists, photographers and nature lovers visit Sandwich. The Sandwich area has a strange mystique, enhanced by the legend that buried somewhere in the dunes above the high-water mark is a ship with a rich cargo of ivory, gold and precious stones. This treasure has been searched for by many fortune hunters, but to date has eluded all. The lagoon is fed by fresh water seeping from an inland aquifer, and it is a sanctuary for large numbers of coastal and freshwater birds. It is also an important breeding ground for a variety of fish species. Sandwich Harbour was proclaimed a RAMSAR site in 1995. It is one of five such protected wetlands in Namibia. Permits to visit Sandwich are obtainable from the MEFT offices in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Sesriem and Windhoek. Please note that Sandwich is accessible only by 4×4 vehicles; that it is recommended to take a guided tour; that in certain areas angling and vehicles are prohibited; that angling is not allowed from 25 January to 15 April; and that overnight camping is not allowed here.
Henties Bay
In 1929, Major Hentie van der Merwe, a motor car dealer who operated from Kalkveld, discovered a fresh-water spring close to the mouth of the Omaruru River while on a rhino- hunting expedition in the desert. He fell in love with the surroundings and for years it was his private haven to which he escaped every December. Henties Bay has since become a popular proposition for holiday and retirement property investments, due to the relatively affordable property prices and the town’s popularity as a holiday resort. Its peaceful atmosphere and remote setting on the coast is one of its greatest assets.
WHAT TO DO IN HENTIES BAY
The Jakkalsputz walking trail leads through the beautiful Solitude Bay, south of the town, with its rocky shores and hummock dunes stabilised by coastal desert plants adapted to grow in harsh conditions. The Omaruru River Walking Trail, a long hike along the riverbed and across the Namib Desert plains, gives hikers an experience of the harsh but beautiful desert environment. Remember to take drinking water along.
The Henties Bay Golf Course is laid out in the Valley. It is a nine-hole course, extending over 2.7 km, and has well-tended grass greens and tees, while the fairways are being planted with grass, which will turn it into a lush green spot in the riverbed. Horse Riding on the beach at a leisurely pace affords a glimpse into the often elaborate, sea-facing holiday homes. The Henties Bay Fish Festival in August each year attracts angling enthusiasts and visitors from all over Namibia, South Africa and even overseas.
HENTIES BAY’S ENVIRONMENT
Situated in Dorob National Park (the former National West Coast Recreation Area), Henties Bay offers the nature lover an attractive albeit sensitive natural environment with diversified fauna and flora and many sites of interest. Some of the biggest and best specimens of the renowned Welwitschia mirabilis grow among the hills of the Messum Crater. This curious plant – some specimens are estimated to be at least 1,500 years old – is endemic to the Namib Desert, from Swakopmund northwards to Mossamedes in Angola. Desert-adapted game species seen on the desert plains and in the dry watercourses include steenbok, springbok, gemsbok and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Ostrich are commonly seen in southern Damaraland.
This wonderland can be explored along 4×4 routes to destinations such as the Messum Crater, Brandberg West, the Ugab Menhir, Spitzkoppe, Omaruru River and various mineral mines. All roads are signposted and graded. An A2 satellite map with all the routes can be bought from the Henties Bay Tourist Centre. Please note that permits are required for trails in and traversing Dorob National Park. Lichen fields can be viewed at Mile 30 south of Henties Bay, just north of the turnoff to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve and on the way to the Messum Crater.
Visitors are asked not to leave the existing roads, but to park their vehicles next to the road and inspect these interesting organisms on foot. If a little water is sprinkled on them, they magically come to life. The Damara Tern, a bird endemic to Namibia that makes its nest in shallow scrapes among the saltbushes (ganna) on the gravel plains, is especially threatened by off-road driving. The nesting grounds of these diminutive birds are between the coastal road and the sea, and there is an important breeding colony just north of the Omaruru River. If you leave the road to reach the beach, stay on the existing tracks. The Omaruru River offers opportunities for walking, quad-biking and 4×4 driving, and has excellent picnic sites. The Old Fig Tree is a well-known and popular picnic site not far from Henties Bay. You can also drive up the sandy riverbed past the Omdel Dam to Skoenklip and exit the river at Lêwater to follow the route to the Spitzkoppe. The Omdel Dam – mostly dry – offers picnic sites, a variety of bird species, especially when there is water in the dam, and interesting desert-adapted plants. To reach Omdel Dam, take the C35 to Uis for ±27 km, then turn right and follow the narrow track for 14 km to the Omdel Dam wall. Alternatively, the course of the Omaruru River can be followed in a 4×4.
Cape Cross Seal Reserve
The Cape Cross Seal Reserve, with a surrounding area of 60 km² consisting of flat gravel plains and the rocky outcrop where the seals gather, was proclaimed in 1968 to protect the biggest and best known of the 23 colonies of Cape fur seals that breed along the coast of Namibia and western South Africa. The reserve is situated approximately 130 km north of Swakopmund. From January until the end of June it is open on weekdays from 08:00–17:00; from the beginning of July until the end of November from 10:00–17:00; and in December again from 08:00–17:00. On weekends the reserve is open from 08:00–17:00. For further information contact the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism at Cape Cross, Tel: (+264) 64 69 4037.
It was here that the Portuguese navigator, Diogo Cão, on his second expedition to Africa south of the equator, erected a stone cross in 1486. Two replicas of this cross can be viewed at the site where the original one was erected. Germany has undertaken to return the original padrão to Namibia. A small lichen reserve containing a relatively large variety of species can be viewed from close by. Bird islands off the coast are also protected. The South African (Cape) fur seal, Arctocephalus pusillus, is the largest of the world’s nine fur seal species. As many as 210 000 of these animals gather at Cape Cross at any one time during the November/December breeding season.
Skeleton Coast National Park
The Skeleton Coast National Park, proclaimed in its present form in 1971, extends from the Ugab River for 500 km up to the Kunene River in the north, covering an area of 16 845 km². It protects about one third of Namibia’s coastline. The landscape in the park ranges from sweeping vistas of windswept dunes, to rugged canyons with walls of richly coloured volcanic rock and extensive mountain ranges. Over a hundred species of lichen grow on the plains and west-facing mountain slopes, changing colour and becoming soft and leathery to the touch when the coastal fog generated by the cold Benguela Current pushes inland. Animals occurring on the plains are gemsbok, springbok, jackal, ostrich and brown hyaena, while desert-adapted elephant and even black rhino, lion and giraffe roam up and down the dry river courses. The northern section of the Skeleton Coast Park is a tourism concession area that is restricted to fly-in safaris and guests to Shipwreck Lodge north of Möwe Bay. Of special interest are the clay castles of the Hoarusib, the saltpans near the Agate Mountain and the seal colony at Cape Frio.
The southern section – between the Ugab River and just north of Terrace Bay – is accessible to the general public staying at Terrace Bay and Torra Bay. Because of the ecological sensitivity of the coastal desert, the entire park is managed by the MEFT as a wilderness area. A day permit to drive directly through the southern section of the park is obtainable from the MEFT Tourist Office in Swakopmund, as well as at the Ugab and Springbokwasser gates. Visitors driving through need to enter before 15:00 and leave by 17:00 and may not visit Terrace Bay or Torra Bay along the way. Overnight visitors must be in possession of a valid reservation advice for Terrace Bay or Torra Bay and arrive at the checkpoints at the Ugab Mouth or Springbokwasser gates no later than 15:00 and leave from these points no later than 17:00.
Top adventures at the coast
CAMEL RIDING
The Swakopmund Camel Farm in the Swakop River valley has been conducting short camel rides since 1982. Rides are conducted daily between 14h00 and 17h00 in the afternoon, except on Sundays and public holidays. Desert Explorers in Swakopmund take camel riders through the Swakop River and into the dunes. Trips are conducted daily and last around 30 minutes.
HORSE RIDING
The Okakambe Riding Centre offers short rides of one to three hours in the Swakop River Valley and the canyons of the Little Moon Landscape for beginners and experienced riders. Overnight rides are also conducted. In Henties Bay, LukZet stables offers short rides along the beach.
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES
Day and overnight 4×4 routes can be explored from Henties Bay to destinations such as the Doros and Messum craters, Brandberg and the ‘Dead Sea’ at the old Strathmore Mine. A satellite map and booklets with GPS coordinates can be obtained from the Henties Bay Tourism Office. A permit, issued by the Henties Bay Tourism Office, is required as the trails are either in or traverse Dorob National Park.
Several companies offer day trips from Walvis Bay to Sandwich Harbour in their own vehicles. These include West Coast 4×4, Turnstone Tours, Sandwich Harbour 4×4, Unique Tours and Dolphin Tours. Contact any tour operator at the coast. You can also do this as a self-drive trip, but bear in mind that it can only be done at low tide and requires a permit, obtainable from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism in Walvis Bay or Swakopmund. One can also obtain a permit to drive in the off-road vehicle zones in the dune belt between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Guided tours through various parts of the sand sea are offered to destinations in what was known as Diamond Area No 2 before it was incorporated into the Namib-Naukluft Park. Trips are conducted to Saddle Hill (3 or 4 days), between Lüderitz and Walvis Bay (6 days) and other remote spots along the coast. These tours will not only test your driving skills to the limit, but also your nerves as you use your own vehicle. The section of the Skeleton Coast from just north of Terrace Bay to the Kunene River mouth can also only be explored by joining a guided tour in your own vehicle.
Operators who offer these must have a valid concession from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to conduct these tours and only a certain number of trips are allowed every year.
TAKING TO THE SKIES
Skydiving with Ground Rush Adventures or GoSkydive4Fun offers jumps from 10 000 to 12 000 feet and incredible views of the desert and ocean for the adrenaline junkie.
Scenic flights depart from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, taking you along the coast. Day excursions are also offered further afield to attractions such as Sossusvlei, the Fish River Canyon, Damaraland and even as far north as the Kunene River.
WATER ADVENTURES
Surfing lessons for beginners and guided surf trips for more experienced surfers are offered by Salty Jackal in Swakopmund. The discovery of the best left-breaks and one of the longest tube rides in the world at Donkey Bay off Pelican Point in 2008 put Namibia on the world surfing map. It is renowned for its barrels that can be surfed for close to a kilometre and the incredible speed of the waves. In Swakopmund, on the doorstep of The Wreck hotel, is a popular surf spot and further north along the coast, at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, there are also good left-breaks when the swell is good.
Catamaran tours are available in abundance, setting sail from the Walvis Bay Waterfront. Local oysters are served onboard and there is ample opportunity for close-ups of seals, dolphins, sea birds and whales, if you are lucky.
Kite surfing on the Walvis Bay Lagoon is offered by Namibia Kite Centre, located at the Yacht Club.
Angling is at its most promising from November to March and for some the Number 1 attraction of the Namibian coast. Galjoen tops the list of sought-after species, while kob (kabeljou), West Coast steenbras and blacktail are also popular species. The coast also offers excellent shark angling opportunities from mid-December to mid-June. The bronzy, or copper shark, is renowned for its fighting spirit. Weighing up to 180kg, it is the main target of shark anglers. Cow shark, spotted gully shark and the hound shark are other species caught. Most shark angling operators support catch and release.
CYCLING
The Nedbank Desert Dash, the world’s longest single stage mountain bike race, is held annually in December. Taking riders from Windhoek, across the Khomas Hochland and the plains of the Namib to Swakopmund, the race is over 360 km with a 24-hour cut-off time. It attracts over a thousand cyclists, including large numbers of international participants.
DUNE ADVENTURES
Quad biking is the most popular activity in the dunes and guided trips of varying duration are offered by Dune 7 Adventures, Desert Explorers and Dare Devil Adventures.
If you are relatively fit and know how to handle a bicycle, you can opt for something more physical but also more eco-friendly. Pedalling up and down the dunes on a fat bike is a thrilling experience and you will enjoy breathtaking views of Swakopmund, the Swakop River and the dunes. Guided trips last about two hours. Riding along the beach at low tide is another option and physically less demanding than longer fat bike trips along the coast to Sandwich Harbour.
Sandboarding down the many different slip faces of the dune belt is an adventure that requires no experience. You lie down on a piece of hardboard, lift your legs, arms and the front of the board and off you go on a high speed thrill as you accelerate down the dune slope at a speed of up to 60km/h.
Paragliding conditions are ideal, thanks to the fresh southwesterly winds blowing off the coast and the dunes south of Swakopmund serving as a launching site. Once you’ve mastered the techniques you will enjoy stunning views of the dune belt and the Atlantic Ocean as you glide effortlessly through the air like a bird.
Living Desert tours take you into the dune belt, where the desert, seemingly devoid of life, reveals itself as home to many small creatures adapted to the hostile environment. In addition to the stunning scenery, you will also learn about the “Little Five of the Namib Desert.”
Accommodation
COASTAL STRIP
- Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse
- Villa Margherita
- Oyster Box Guesthouse
- Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht
- NWR Coast
5a. Torra Bay
5b. Mile 72
5c. Mile 108
5d. Jakkalsputz
5e. Terrace Bay Resort
Villa Margherita
Villa Margherita Discover Villa Margherita, a luxurious boutique hotel ideally located near the majestic dunes and tranquil ocean of Swakopmund. Our hotel features elegantly designed rooms and suites, a cozy lounge with a fireplace, a delightful restaurant, rejuvenating massage services, and charming courtyard gardens. Guests will enjoy exceptional amenities and personalized service, all while being
Torra Bay
Torra Bay Torra Bay is a seasonal fishing retreat, situated inside Skeleton Coast National Park on the Atlantic coast. Open only in December and January, Torra Bay is famous in angling circles due to the variety and quantity of fish that come with the Benguela Current. Other activities include bird watching, walking along the beach,
Terrace Bay Resort
Terrace Bay Resort Terrace Bay is an angler’s paradise offering an exceptional experience inside the famous Skeleton Coast National Park along Namibia’s northwestern coastline. The resort is located on the coast, set in an undisturbed and peaceful spot, surrounded by the majestic dunes of the northern Namib Desert. You can easily venture into the nearby
Oyster Box Guesthouse
Oyster Box Guesthouse The Walvis Bay Lagoon, regarded as the most important coastal wetland in Southern Africa, is a RAMSAR site that is an important way station for African and Palaearctic migrants. It is also home to large numbers of resident birds and thousands of lesser and greater flamingos. If you’re not an avid bird
Mile 72, Mile 108, Jakkalsputz
Mile 72, Mile 108, Jakkalsputz Mile 72 Mile 72 is located along the Namibian coastline in Dorob National Park, which offers a perfect getaway for families looking for a peaceful and scenic vacation. The accommodation features well-equipped self-catering chalets, providing visitors with a comfortable stay, including a lounge area, kitchen and private bathroom. The chalets
Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht
Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht Your charming, family-friendly accommodation in the historic building, characteristic of the pioneering years of Swakopmund. In the heart of town, but near enough to the sea to listen to its murmuring at night and offering an ideal retreat for anyone enjoying an oasis of silence and relaxation. Secure parking available. If you
Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse
Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse Brigadoon Boutique Guesthouse, located in the heart of the coastal town of Swakopmund at the Atlantic Ocean, is a quiet and peaceful haven with each of the 7 comfortable guest rooms having access to a landscaped garden in its heart. The main building, an old captain’s house built in 1912, welcomes the