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Sandwich Harbour, 50 km south of Walvis Bay and part of Dorob National Park, historically served as a commercial fishing and trading port, and indeed, the name may well be derived from an English whaler, the Sandwich, which operated in the mid-1780s. It's thought that the captain of this ship produced the first map of this coastline. (However, the name may also be a corruption of the German word "sandfishche", a type of shark often found here). Although it's now a total wilderness, Sandwich Harbour has historically hosted various enterprises, from fish processing and shark-oil extraction to sealing and guano collection. In the late 1800s the southern end of the lagoon even supported an extensive abattoir, which was set up by some enlightened soul who'd taken up the notion of driving cattle over the dunes to the harbour for slaughter and export. All that remains of these efforts is an early-to mid 1900s hut used for guano collection, a rusting barge, a graveyard and some wooden beams from the abattoir. The site is open 6am to 8pm daily; however, there are no facilities for visitors.
YouTube video: Sandwich Harbour tour: where desert meets ocean:
Video Swakopmund & West Coast region
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Rates: on request
PARADOX OF
THE NAMIB
The tour departs
from the Hotel or any location in Swakopmund. The safari travels through the
Swakop River, a dry riverbed that seldom flows, to the "Moon Mountains"
allowing time to explore this area of deep chasms and interesting geological
features before continuing to "Welwitschia Valley" where literally thousands
of these fascinating plants litter the ground. The Welwitschia plant was
discovered in 1859 by Dr Friedrich Welwitsch and has been recorded as living
to 1500 years. It is the most talked about plant in the Botanical World and
considered to be the Paradox of the Namib. Study some interesting lichens
before returning to Swakopmund.
Time: 09H00 - 13H00
14H00 - 18H00
Pax 3 Min.
SANDWICH HARBOUR
Via the Walvis Bay Lagoon, Bird Paradise, saltpans, Kuiseb Delta and
dramatic Desert shoreline drive to Sandwich harbour. This is an ecological,
ornithological and scenic phenomenon, which played and intriguing role in
Namibia’s whaling history. One of the most difficult to reach places in the
country and one of the most memorable. (Tour departures according to tide)
Rates: click here
CHAMPAGNE & OYSTER
SUNDOWNER:
The tour departs from any hotel or other location in Swakopmund. Perched
atop a dune (or Moon Landscape) overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, enjoy a feast
of fresh oysters and a glass of champagne (South African). The Atlantic
Ocean has a nutrient rich current which makes the quality of the oysters
superior and a not-to-be missed experience. (Snacks for those not partial to
oysters with prior arrangement). Return to your hotel once the sun has
set…(Price includes return transfers from the Hotel)
Pax 2 minimum
CAPE CROSS TOUR:
The tour departs from the Hotel or any location in Swakopmund. Travel
via the small thriving town of Henties Bay, which is noted for its angling,
to the Cape Cross Seal Colony. In 1486, Diego Cao, the first European to set
foot on the coast of Namibia, erected a cross at Cape Cross. In addition to
being of historical interest, Cape Cross has a breeding colony of Cape Fur
Seals and numbers fluctuate between 80 000 and 100 000 individuals. Of the
breeding colonies of Cape Fur Seals along the coast of South Africa and
Namibia, Cape Cross is the largest. The Cape Fur Seal is one of three
species of fur seal that occur along the Southern African coast.
Pax 3 Min
Time: 08H30 - 13H00 \ 14H00 - 18H00
PELICAN POINT TOUR:
Start off with a fact filled drive through Swakopmund. Visit the lagoon
Ramsar site & bird information centre. Head on to through mud flood plains &
salt pans to turn north on the 4x4 tracks towards Pelican Point. Snacks,
drinks & oysters are served on the beach against a natural shipwreck
setting. Seals & the occasional lone jackal might also be viewed. Sea
kayaking is an option for group/corporate clients, but must be pre-arranged.
Pax 3 Min
Duration: 4 hours
LIVING DESSERT (LIFE IN
THE DUNES) (SPECIALISED TOUR)
The Namib Desert - The oldest desert in the world. The word Namib means
place of emptiness. Come and discover the life in this desolate landscape.
See the White Lady Spider (which only moves after dark) roll down a dune to
escape and see her dance at the bottom to defend herself. Discover the
elusive Palmato gecko, which is also a nocturnal customer, come and see this
transparent reptile - his vertebrae and blood veins, his large eyes. The
Desert Sidewinder is also an inhabitant of the dunes. Come and follow his
caterpillar tracks across a dune slip-face till you find him lying submerged
in ambush for an unsuspecting Aporasaura Sand Diving Lizard. Also come and
see where the fish moths live, hear a dune roar, see the Damara tern - an
endangered bird, experience the silence and much more....
ACTION AND ADVENTURE
SAND BOARDING & STAND-UP
SAND BOARDING
The Namib Desert is reputed to house some of the largest sand dunes on
this planet. There is no better way to experience these wonders in an
environment friendly way than to zoom down headfirst on a traditional
Swakopmund sandboard. For stand-up sand boarding snowboards with soft
binding are used. Previous experience in any ‘balance’ sport required
(skateboarding, skiing, etc.).
QUAD BIKING
Experience the thrill of riding a four-wheeled motorbike through
Namibia’s boundless expanse of shifting sand Dunes. An experienced guide
leads from the Swakop River Mouth down the riverbed. Feel the freedom of
riding through one of nature’s great wildernesses cutting through the plains
and heading into the Dunes. Ages 16 and up, NO previous experience
necessary. The trip includes a free safety talk, lesson in riding quad bikes
and environment friendly riding methods. Helmets, goggles and gloves will be
provided.
DOLPHIN CRUISE
Cruise the harbour and trawler boat areas in ski boats and then cut
across the lagoon to Pelican Point where the entertainment is provided by a
large seal colony and schools of dolphins swimming alongside the boats.
Fresh oysters with cold champagne are enjoyed. Return to Walvis Bay Yacht
Club at approximately 12H30.
Note: Tour starts from
the Walvis Bay Yacht Club in Walvis Bay at 09h00 sharp.
Return transfer Swakopmund - Walvis Bay: click here
TANDEM SKYDIVING
Skydive Swakopmund is Namibia’s premiere drop zone, located just outside
the coastal town of Swakopmund. The scenery viewed whilst floating
peacefully under an inflated parachute is simply breath taking. Operating
since 1980, Skydive Swakopmund is carrying on a long tradition of high
quality skydiving, training and fun that has always been associated with the
coast. Tandem Skydiving allows you to jump with as little as 15 minutes
training. You will freefall for 30 second at 220km/h from 10 000 feet!!
Following, you will enjoy a 5-minute canopy ride down to a tiptoe landing
outside the clubhouse.
CAMEL RIDING
Riding a camel seems a dream…here is your chance to make it come true.
Put your skills to the test climb on the hump and feel the difference.
Children half price.
Return Transfer to the Camel Farm: click here
HORSEBACK RIDING
On well schooled, reliable horses in good, healthy condition you can
choose a route that covers the dry riverbed of the Swakop River and along
the beach or into the Moon Landscape. Guided sunrise and sunset as well as
moonlight rides or pony rides for children can be arranged.
Minimum 2 Pax
Rates: click here
SEA KAYAKING
Experience the splendour of the beautiful wetlands and offshore coastal
areas from the unique vantage of the sea kayak. Witness the splendid scenes
such as flamingos, pelicans, or seals and dolphins splashing around the
kayaks. Tours are led by an experienced, licensed guide and only certified,
seaworthy kayaks are used.
Note: This excursion starts from Walvis Bay. Transport to and from the
lagoon is not included.
@ MET brochure: Sandwich Harbour
Maps:
Contact & reservations:
E-mail:
info@namibweb.com
Reservations are only accepted in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Final availability confirmation: in writing: by fax or via e-mail.
Terms & conditions, Payment options and Cancellation policy
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