Tag: Walvis Bay Namibia

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA
Walvis Bay is a thriving port town

On the west coast of Namibia, Walvis Bay’s history spans centuries. The first people to live in the area were the Topnaar, who were hunter-gatherers and fishermen. They had lived in the area for centuries before the arrival of Europeans, in the late 18th century, when the Dutch East India Company established a trading post in Walvis Bay. It became a regular stop for ships traveling along the African coast.

In the mid-19th century, the city was annexed by the British Empire and became a strategic port for British ships traveling to India and Australia. The British built a lighthouse and a customs house, and the town grew as trade and commerce increased. The British also established a military base in Walvis Bay, which remained in operation until Namibia gained independence in 1990.

In the early 20th century, the town became a hub for the South African fishing industry, and it remained under South African control after Namibia gained independence. Walvis Bay was a contentious issue in the negotiations leading up to Namibia’s independence, as both Namibia and South Africa claimed sovereignty over the town.

In 1994, South Africa agreed to transfer control of Walvis Bay to Namibia as part of the country’s independence agreement. The transfer was completed in 1995, and the town became part of the newly independent Namibia.

Today, Walvis Bay is a thriving port town and a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The town has a diverse population, reflecting the many cultures and traditions that have shaped it over the centuries. Its strategic location on the coast has made it a vital hub for shipping and transportation, and its history is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the people who have called it home over the years.

SIGHTS
• Walvis Bay Lagoon
• Bird Sanctuary & Flamingo Viewing
• Dune 7
• Sandwich Harbor
• Walvis Bay Waterfront
• Walvis Bay Museum

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Walvis Bay’s cuisine reflects its coastal location and multicultural Namibian heritage. Fresh Atlantic seafood is a highlight, particularly hake, kingklip, mussels, oysters, calamari, and rock lobster, often simply prepared to showcase natural flavors. Local dishes and influences include: Grilled or smoked fish, served with rice, potatoes, or vegetables, Oshikundu and mahangu-based sides, rooted in traditional Namibian cuisine. German-influenced fare such as sausages and hearty breads, a legacy of colonial history, and South African flavors, including braai-style grilled meats and chutney. Meals are typically relaxed and generous, pairing well with Namibian beers or South African wines, making Walvis Bay a destination where fresh ingredients and cultural influences come together beautifully.

Today’s Excursion – Namib Desert Adventure by 4×4

We had an up-close look at the Namib on this half-day adventure into the desert, topped off with refreshments in the desert.
Namib Desert
We departed from the pier on board our 4×4 and traveled along the scenic coastal road to the Musical Rocks situated in the ‘Moon Landscape’ in the rocky section of the Namib Desert. Enjoy the magnificent view of the Swakop River Canyon before continuing to the ‘Lichen Koppie’, a small hill littered with a wide variety of Lichen plants. See the blooming of life in these seemingly ‘dead’ plants when your guide gives them some precious water.

Swakop River, Moon Mountains & Welwitschia Plants
The safari travels farther along the Swakop River, a dry riverbed that seldom flows, to the ‘Moon Mountains,’ allowing time to explore this area of deep chasms and intriguing geological features before arriving at the world-famous Welwitschia Mirabilis plants. The Welwitschia plant was discovered in 1859 by Dr. Friedrich Welwitsch and has been recorded to live for up to 1,500 years. It is the most talked-about plant in the Botanical World and is considered the Paradox of the Namib.

Before we made our way back to the ship, we stopped en route at a special location, stopping for refreshments

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA
Bird lovers paradise

Home to a beautiful lagoon, washed pale pink by a colony of resident flamingos, Walvis Bay is a colorful African call, where you can meet some of the continent’s most flamboyant wildlife. A small Namibian city on the Atlantic coast of southern Africa, it takes its name from Whale Bay, which gives a clue to the wonderful wildlife-watching opportunities available here. The deep waters blossom with high levels of plankton, drawing curious marine mammals in large numbers to feast. As Namibia’s only deep-water harbor, Walvis Bay is an important fishing center for the country, and its sunny shores and natural wonders make it a popular spot for holidaymakers.

Walvis Bay is a bird lover’s paradise, and hundreds of thousands of birds assemble here to make the most of the tidal lagoon. Boat tours can take you out amongst the preening crowds, or you can admire the flamingos, herons and carefully treading wading bird species from afar. Meet the pelicans at nearby Pelican Point – a sandy spit, which calms the waves heading for the waterfront. With whales and dolphins frolicking offshore too, there’s a wide variety of wildlife to see here.

On the cusp of the sun-scorched Namib Desert beyond, Dune 7 rises up to form the highest sand dune in the country, with sands piling up 380 meters. Perfect for a picnic, or a pulse-raising desert sport, like sand skiing or sandboarding. Climb to the top for views from its heights, or you can take a flight tour to see further afield and spot some of the extraordinary land animals that roam the landscapes. See the natural drama of Sandwich Harbor, where the golden sand dunes plummet directly into the ocean’s waves.

SIGHTS
• Dune
• Flamingo Lagoon
• Kuisebmond Stadium
• Sandwich Harbor
• Walvis Bay Waterfront
• Walvis Bay Museum

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
The local cuisine is a blend of fresh seafood, traditional Namibian flavors, and culinary influences from various cultures, evolving over the years.

The main shopping areas in Walvis Bay are Dunes Mall and The Waterfront. Dunes Mall: A single-level mall with a variety of stores, including clothing, groceries, pharmacies, and home decor. Located on the main road from the airport to the CBD.

The Waterfront: A shopping complex located along the harbor.
Features boutiques, souvenir shops, artisanal markets, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Offers a mix of retail therapy and seaside charm. A great place to find unique keepsakes and gifts.

We returned to the Walvis Bay, Namibia airport in the middle of the sand dunes and desert and were greeted back to the Silver Dawn, and our suite.

6:00 The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra: Enjoy listening and dancing to one of the greatest big bands of all-time, led by trombonist Jeff Bush.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant