After an amazing two-night stay in the Sesriem and Sossusvlei region, we set off on a journey to Walvis Bay and Swakopmund along Namibia’s coastline. These cities are just 30 minutes apart, so most travelers choose to stay in one (typically Swakopmund) and make day trips to the other.
I have a fondness for Walvis Bay as it was where I stayed during my first trip to Namibia, which is why we decided to spend time in both locations instead of just one.
Getting to Walvis Bay from Sesriem + a Quick Stop at Solitaire…
Our drive from Sesriem to Walvis Bay took about four hours. Along the way, we made a stop at Solitaire, a small settlement known as a popular stopover for travelers. This quirky place is famous for its bakery, so it was a must for us to try their renowned apple pie while we were there.
Where We Stayed in Walvis Bay
We continued towards Walvis Bay, enjoying a seamless journey to our accommodation. We chose a place called “Avodation,” which I found on Booking.com. Although it’s currently not listed, it was a charming spot conveniently located just a short walk from the waterfront.
On our first evening in Walvis Bay, we took a stroll to Anchors Restaurant, which our host highly recommended. While dining there, we enjoyed the beautiful sunset and observed boats gently bobbing in the water. Although the main courses were enjoyable, we found the appetizers and wine to be particularly delightful.
The following morning, Mark arranged a half-day kayaking tour with Eco Marine Kayak Tours. This wasn’t just any kayak trip; we would be kayaking in the Walvis Bay lagoon alongside a colony of Cape fur seals.
Kayaking With Cape Fur Seals in Walvis Bay
We hopped into the carpool that came from Swakopmund and headed towards Pelican Point, where our tour would kick off. During the drive, our guide shared interesting information about the local area and the wildlife we might see.
Along the way, we spotted a pack of jackals, which was thrilling! The area was dotted with countless flamingos and avocets, and we also saw plenty of seals. Our guide informed us that dolphins frequently visit this area, and during migration season, even humpback whales can be spotted.
As we reached our destination, we received a brief orientation and were given waterproof gear along with bags for our belongings. We grabbed our paddles, climbed into our kayaks, and set off into the lagoon.
Within moments, we found ourselves surrounded by a multitude of playful seals, splashing in and out of the water, swimming alongside our kayaks and even trying to hop onto them!
This kayaking experience was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip in Namibia. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the seals and were fortunate to have great weather.
After about an hour of paddling, we headed back to shore, where the tour crew had prepared a light breakfast for us, which was a thoughtful gesture. They then transported us back to town, making a quick stop at the famous “pink lakes” of Walvis Bay. This little detour was a delightful way to finish our morning adventure.
Visiting the Pink Lake
The “pink lakes” are actually salt pans that acquire their unique color from microorganisms called halobacteria thriving in high-salinity environments. These microbes produce red pigments as part of their energy production process, giving the salt pans their mesmerizing appearance. The lakes are part of large-scale salt works found in the region.
After our tour, we returned to our accommodation for a relaxing break before heading out for an early dinner at Godenfang.
