Walvis Bay
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Tips
6 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Ramsar wetland lagoon famous for thousands of flamingos and pelicans.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Walk the Esplanade at low tide
- Bring binoculars for waders
📷 Photos
- 2
Harbour-side hub of seafood restaurants and departure point for boat tours.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Book ahead
1 tip
- Pelicans often join the boats
📷 Photos
- 3
Sandspit at the bay's tip with a lighthouse and large Cape fur seal colony.
3 tips
- Reach it by kayak tour or 4x4
- Do not drive on the spit without a guide
- Seals are best seen from a kayak
📷 Photos
- 4
One of Namibia's tallest dunes, a classic climb and sandboarding spot.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Sunset
2 tips
- Picnic site under palms at the base
- Sunset from the top is superb
📷 Photos
- 5
Dramatic meeting of towering dunes and Atlantic in Namib-Naukluft Park.
3 tips
- Only accessible with a 4x4 tour
- Tours depend on tide times
- Hold on tight on the dune drive
📷 Photos
- 6
Holiday beach settlement between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
3 tips
- Popular for swimming in summer
- Strong wind most afternoons
- Stop on the way to Swakopmund
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Walvis Bay tips
Transportation
- Fly into Walvis Bay airport: Flights connect Walvis Bay with Windhoek and Cape Town; arrange a transfer as public transport from the airport is limited.
- Drive the coastal road to Swakopmund: The B2 links Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, past Dune 7 and the sea; shared taxis also run between them.
- Take long-distance coaches: Intercity coaches link Walvis Bay with Windhoek; book in advance during holidays.
Security
- Do not leave valuables in cars: Car break-ins happen at beaches and viewpoints; keep bags out of sight or take them with you.
- Avoid driving at night: Outside town, roads have wildlife, fog and few lights; plan drives in daylight.
- Use ATMs inside malls or banks: Choose ATMs in secure locations and do not accept help from strangers when withdrawing cash.
Saving
- Use rand or Namibian dollars: The South African rand is accepted at par with the Namibian dollar, so you need not change rand on arrival.
- Watch flamingos for free: The Walvis Bay lagoon promenade is a free spot to see huge flocks of flamingos and pelicans.
- Buy oysters locally: Walvis Bay is known for its oyster farms; try them at local outlets for less than in big-city restaurants.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack layers for fog: The cold Benguela current brings frequent morning fog and cool air even when inland is hot.
- Bring a windproof jacket: Strong winds blow along the coast, and east wind days can bring sand and heat; protect eyes from blowing sand.
- Protect against strong sun: When the fog lifts, the desert sun is intense; bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for dune trips.
Cultural
- Join a braai: Grilling meat over a fire is a beloved Namibian social tradition; try local game meat if offered.
- Hear many languages: English is official, but you will hear Afrikaans, Oshiwambo and German, reflecting Namibia's diverse history.
- Taste Namibian beer: German brewing traditions live on in Namibian lagers; try one with fresh seafood by the harbour.
Local Hacks
- Kayak with seals at Pelican Point: Morning kayak tours paddle among Cape fur seals, and dolphins are often seen on the way.
- Book a Sandwich Harbour 4x4 tour: Dunes plunge straight into the Atlantic south of town; only go with experienced guides due to tides.
- Climb Dune 7: One of the tallest dunes in the area is just outside town; go early or late to avoid the heat.