After enjoying a two-day visit to Walvis Bay, we drove a short distance to Swakopmund, our chosen base for the next part of our Namibian adventure. Right from the moment we arrived, Swakopmund struck us as a place we could easily imagine calling home.
The town exuded the charm and attractiveness typical of a coastal paradise, minus the pervasive fishy odor that clung to Walvis Bay.
As soon as we arrived, it became clear how distinctive Swakopmund was compared to its neighbor, leading many travelers to prefer it as their headquarters for exploring this beautiful stretch of Namibian coastline.
While Walvis Bay presents a more industrial port city vibe, Swakopmund radiates a welcoming atmosphere that leans heavily toward tourism and leisure.
We spent our time in Swakopmund leisurely, meandering along the beach and exploring the town center. The evident German colonial influence was apparent in the architecture, with picturesque buildings dotting the streets, giving the town a unique character.
We strolled down palm-lined avenues, stopping by cozy cafes and restaurants that offered stunning views of the shoreline. These establishments were perfect for enjoying the sunset while savoring the freshest seafood.
On our second day in Swakopmund, we excitedly signed up for a half-day tour to Sandwich Harbour. Namibia is home to a stunning array of landscapes, and just as we were mesmerized by the beautiful red dunes and eerie dead marshland in Sossusvlei, we could hardly wait to witness another natural marvel.
A Day Trip to Sandwich Harbour
We kicked off the tour by driving to the meeting point in Walvis Bay. After parking our rental car, we waited briefly for the rest of our group. Once they arrived, we hopped into the carpool and headed toward Sandwich Harbour.
During the journey, we made several stops, including a memorable stop at the salt pans, known as the Pink Lakes of Walvis Bay.
We continued our journey to Sandwich Harbour, stopping along the way to soak in the area’s distinct atmosphere. Our guide, Alex, enriched the ride with fascinating stories about the National Park and Namibia’s cultural history.
Picnic by the Beach…
Eventually, we halted at a breathtaking beach spot for a delightful picnic. The spread was generous, providing ample food and drinks for everyone. The soothing sound of waves combined with the expansive coastline set a perfect scene for our outdoor feast.
After our picnic, it was time to venture into the dunes. Though excited, I felt an initial hesitation regarding the dune bashing section of the trip.
My previous experiences with similar activities left me uneasy, and I braced for what I imagined would be a bumpy ride through the sandy terrain.
To my delightful surprise, the ride exceeded my expectations, filled with exhilarating moments that had us all laughing and squealing with joy as we bounced over the sandy waves!
Where the Namib Desert Meets the Atlantic Ocean…
Our trip included two spectacular stopping points, providing vistas so breathtaking they truly took our breath away.
The expansive views unfolded before us—a stunning interplay of desert and ocean—creating a memory that will forever be etched in our minds.
After some time, it was time to return to the city before the tide came in. We raced along the shore, trying to outpace the approaching waves, while keeping an eye out for seals and birds scattered along the beach. And so, our visit to Sandwich Harbour concluded!
This was an unforgettable half-day adventure! If you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend giving it a try. The experience was absolutely worth it, and I can’t recommend it enough!
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