How to Plan Your Self-Drive Namib Desert Adventure to Sandwich Bay

Are you ready for an exciting adventure that is sure to leave an unforgettable memory? If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, then a self-drive Namib Desert adventure to Sandwich Bay is the perfect choice.

With this tour, you get to experience the thrill of discovery and adventure all from the comfort of your own vehicle. You’ll have the freedom to explore the world’s oldest desert and see its unique beauty up close. Let’s dive into the details of this incredible experience.

Experience

This self-drive Namib Desert adventure to Sandwich Bay is perfect for anyone looking for a bit of adventure mixed with breathtaking scenery. You’ll get to explore the Kuiseb River delta and view the wildlife that depends on its vegetation for survival. Driving next to natural salt pans and over sand dunes is an experience that you won’t forget any time soon. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the endangered black-faced impala.

Highlights

The highlights of this tour include the Walvis Bay Lagoon, Walvis Bay Salt Refinery, Kuiseb riverbed, natural salt pan, Sandwich Harbor, and the bountiful wildlife you may encounter along the way. The Walvis Bay Lagoon is a Ramsar site that is home to up to 250,000 flamingos during the rainy season. The Kuiseb riverbed offers a stunning view of the towering dunes on one side and mountain ranges on the other side.

Full Description

Your day will begin with a collection from the Walvis Bay Yacht Club at 8:30 AM. After a quick briefing, you’ll take off towards Sandwich Harbor, being lead by an experienced guide.
As you embark on this adventure, you will stop at the Walvis Bay Lagoon for a breathtaking view of thousands of flamingos, amongst other bird species, feeding in the green-blue salt-water lagoon.

At the Walvis Bay Salt Refinery, you’ll get to learn more about the salt production taking place in the area. Here, salt is harvested from the nearby salt pans and refined to meet the high standards of the international market, turning the natural resources of the desert into one of the country’s major exports.

From there, you’ll head off to the Kuiseb riverbed for a thrilling drive next to a natural salt pan. The journey continues past endless dunes, and with your guide’s help, you’ll be able to spot wildlife and endemic vegetation that is essential to the region’s fragile desert ecology.

The final destination of this tour is Sandwich Harbor. Your guide will take you through this extraordinary harbor, with its towering sand dunes, braided river systems, and the surrounding lagoons. Here, you will have a chance to take in the beautiful scenery and gaze over the vast ocean at the end of the desert.

Book Your Self-Drive Namib Desert Adventure to Sandwich Bay

Now that all the details of this tour are in place, it’s time to book your adventure. Fortunately, you can book your tour and secure your spot by clicking book the tour here.

The tour will take you on an epic adventure that you will never forget, so what are you waiting for? Book now and get ready to explore the Namib Desert in a way that few people have ever experienced before.

Don’t forget to bring your camera, sunscreen, a water bottle, and clothing that can handle the desert’s unpredictable weather conditions. Enjoy your self-drive Namib Desert Adventure to Sandwich Bay!

An Insider’s Guide: Things to Do and See in Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay, a major international port and the gateway to Namibia’s breathtaking coastline, is a sought-after destination for tourists seeking adventure and a scenic retreat. From its stunning national parks and natural reserves, cultural sites, pristine beaches, and amazing cuisine to its historical landmarks and incredible wildlife, there’s something in Walvis Bay for everyone. Here’s an insider’s guide to help you plan your trip to Walvis Bay:

Local Attractions

• Pelican Point: Take a boat trip to Pelican Point, a small peninsula where you can spot Cape fur seals, dolphins, flamingos, and pelicans among other marine life.
• Dune 7: Considered the highest sand dune in the world, Dune 7 is a must-visit destination for tourists in Walvis Bay. You can hike to the top of the dune for a gorgeous panoramic view of the desert, bay, and sand areas.
• Walvis Bay Waterfront: A newly built city center shopping area, with lots of gift shops and stalls for tourism, a few restaurants, and a cozy place to relax as you watch the boats coming into the bay.

Dining Spots

• The Raft Restaurant: Located on a floating platform on the Walvis Bay lagoon, The Raft is an extraordinary and romantic eating venue where you can enjoy fresh seafood and breathtaking views.
• Anchors @ the Jetty: This restaurant offers stunning views of the harbor and a modern take on traditional Namibian cuisine. The unique combination of unique flavors in their dishes creates an unforgettable experience.
• Pintxo: A contemporary tapas restaurant known for its Spanish-style small plates with a unique Namibian twist. It is a perfect spot to unwind with friends and enjoy a glass of wine.

Cultural Experiences

• Walvis Bay Museum: Learn about the history of the town and its incredible wildlife at the Walvis Bay Museum, which has a wide range of collections and exhibits.
• Kuiseb Delta Adventures: Take a quad bike tour or a safari tour of the Erongo or Skeleton Coast National Reserve to experience the culture and lifestyle of the native Namibians.
• Mola Mola Safaris: Experience firsthand how oysters are harvested with Mola Mola safaris, which offers a boat tour of the Walvis Bay lagoon along with a stop for some fresh oysters off the hidden Oysterbeds.

Local History

• Rhenish Mission Church: Built-in 1880, this towering ochre-colored sandstone structure is a must-visit destination for tourists interested in architecture and history. You can step inside to explore the interior and enjoy the stunning view from the tower top.
• Martin Luther steam locomotive: The Martin Luther steam locomotive situated in Independence Avenue is a famous tourist attraction, believed to be the oldest steam locomotive in Africa.
• Swakopmund Jetty: Swakopmund Jetty is a remarkable historical landmark in the city that tells the story of Walvis Bay’s early days as a trading center. You can take a guided walking tour of the jetty while exploring the city’s historical sites.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

• Guano Platform: Take a boat tour from Pelican Point or Walvis Bay to Guano Platform, which has been converted into a restaurant and bar with stunning views of the Namibian coastline.
• Sandwich Harbour: A beautiful hidden spot that is outside the city, sandwiched between the coastal dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. It is easy to book a tourist company to go there.
• Horseback Riding in the Desert: Enjoy a horseback ride on the Namibian sand dunes with Desert Explorers, which is an excellent alternative to quad biking or 4×4-based exploration.

In conclusion, Walvis Bay is a remarkable destination that is rich in natural beauty, culture, and history. The city is brimming with exciting activities for tourists to do and see during their stay, making it the perfect place to embark on a self-drive adventure to Sandwich Bay in Namib Desert. Whether you’re interested in local attractions, dining spots, culture, history, or off-the-beaten-path experiences, Walvis Bay is truly a must-visit destination.