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Rich whale and fish deposits, a natural and safe deep-water harbor that is also suitable for larger ships, as well as the military-strategic and geopolitical potential determined the history of Walvis Bay in Namibia. Its significance as a port city remains. But this coastal town has developed into an interesting tourist destination, as today’s blog will show you.
Walvis Bay in Namibia – port city with an eventful history
European, and American whaling and fishing boats arrive here as early as in the 18th century. The nourishing waters off of Walvis Bay’s coast were promising a big prey – including fish and whales. Nowadays’ name “Walvis Bay” translates into “bay of whale fish” and acknowledges its historic meaning. Admittedly, the name does sound off, because whales aren’t fish, they’re mammals.
In the old days, the naturally ideal conditions off Walvis Bay were used for anchoring and going ashore. Whether to stretch the legs or to find food. But at one point, the English discovered the military-strategic, and geopolitical potential of this natural harbour. Even bigger ships could anchor very close to the coast. That is why the kingdom claimed this part of the coast in 1795. As a consequence, Topnaar-Namas, who were living in the area, settled here. They hoped for trading opportunities with the newcomers from overseas. British traders and marine-officials joined. And slowly this settlement grew into the harbour port Walvis Bay. But it took a few more historical twists:
In the beginning, nobody else seems to be interested in the hinterland of the coastal city. This drastically changes in 1883. This is the year, in which Heinrich Vogelsang, on behalf of the Bremen merchant Adolf Lüderitz, begins the German colonial period. Walvis Bay remained British, but the land behind it became German-Southwest-Africa. German cities emerge: first Luderitz, later Windhoek, and others followed. Walvis Bay becomes a British region within the German Empire. The Germans need an alternative harbour city, and establish Swakopmund.
Although Walvis Bay is briefly under German occupation during World War I, they are defeated in southern Africa as early as 1915. After the war, the whole country including Walvis Bay goes over into the protectorate of South Africa, as agreed upon by the League of Nations. They expand the existing colonial structures in the new Southwest Africa, and introduce Apartheid. With independence in 1990, Southwest Africa becomes Namibia. Only Walvis Bay remains South African territory until 1994, including border controls and custom fees, before it is finally being integrated into Namibia.
What to do in Walvis Bay in Namibia? Starting point for exciting excursions and day trips
Walvis Bay is historically interesting, but this place, reclaimed from the desert, is not quite an architectural gem. Still: this city is growing, and growing. Nobody really knows, how many people currently live here. Numbers are estimated to be between 55,000 and 85,000. Economic opportunities are probably the main reason to live in this desert oasis. But this place also has quality of life, as there are many activities on land, and on water in Walvis Bay and its surroundings. Here are some examples:
Walvis Bay Boardwalk
Walvis Bay promenade on the southern edge of the city belongs to the in-town attractions. It runs along the Flamingo Lagoon, which is a small area of the lagoon in Walvis Bay. Depending on the season and water levels, you will be able to admire big flamingo colonies in the shallow, close-to-shore water of the Atlantic Ocean. Three species are mainly represented here: American flamingo, greater flamingo, and lesser flamingo. Looking for food, they carefully trudge through the water or prance on the spot. In addition to spotting flamingos, you will also be able to experience the unique character of the bay and the Pelican Point lighthouse at the other end of the bay.
Pelican Point
You can actually find pelicans here – especially the Great White Pelican. What makes it special? During mating season, it develops a hump on its beak, which is up to about 7 cm high.
Water birds and seals equally enjoy Pelican Point. A colony of Cape fur seals also inhabits this area. You can reach the eco-sensitive peninsula Pelican Point, which only consists of sea sand, only via land with a four-wheel drive vehicle as a part of a guided tour or as part of an escorted self-drive or by a four-wheel drive transfer from the local Pelican Point Lodge. That means: unaccompanied self-driving is not possible. You can also paddle there on a kayak-tour.
Pelican Point forms the bay with the mainland, and thereby encloses a wetland. It is the most important mud flat area in Southern Africa and a protected bird sanctuary. The Pelican Point lighthouse is located 35 road kilometres away from Walvis Bay. A trip not to be missed. The lodge itself is well worth a visit: a thrilling and eerie experience with 360-degree panoramic views. At night, you can hear the call of the jackals and the sound of thousands of seals communicating with each other.
Walvis Bay Waterfront
Walvis Bay Waterfront can’t be compared to Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. It’s a quiet little port with a few souvenir shops and good restaurants. If there are no boat tours going in or out, it can be very musing, harmonious, and calming. Seals and pelicans are frequent guests who come aboard the boat trips out into the bay to say “hello”. A good opportunity for the guides to tell you more about them and the bay. In the end, you will get a small oyster buffet.
Sandwich Harbor
If you are interested in birds or if you want to experience a beautiful dune landscape along the coast, and into the lagoon, I can recommend this tour either by boat or by four-wheel vehicle. But if you want to get a sandwich here, you need to bring your own because the name is not a promise. Its origin remains unclear. It might even be modified from the German word “Sandfisch” (sand fish).
On the way, you will pass a stone cross (padrão) in a small bay about 20 kilometres south of Walvis Bay in Namibia. It was once set by Portuguese sailors to emphasize their claim that this was land which they had “discovered” for Portugal.
Swakopmund
Swakopmund is also a great day trip destination. It is the one city in Namibia where you can still see the German colonial history reflected in the buildings, cafés, and restaurants. Interesting artisan markets, nice cafés, inviting beach promenades, and impressive colonial architecture make it worth a visit. But I will tell you more about the city and excursion opportunities in the surrounding areas in the next blog.
Where to stay in Walvis Bay? Accommodations
During our guided round trips, and self-guided tours, we normally don’t spend the night in Walvis Bay itself but in the neighbouring Swakopmund. If you want to stay the night in Walvis Bay, I can recommend a guest house or hotel along the promenade up to the waterfront-boat station. You could stay in Pelican Point Lodge or in the Oyster Box Guesthouse.
Walvis Bay in Namibia – how to get there?
Overseas flights will initially go to Windhoek. From there you can either take a connecting flight to Walvis Bay or you can drive there. Direct flights from Windhoek to Walvis Bay take not more than one hour. If you come from neighbouring South Africa, you don’t have to detour via Windhoek, you can fly to Walvis Bay directly. The international airport of Walvis Bay is located approximately 16 km away towards Dünenfeld. Taxi, hotel shuttle or your own rental car will take you straight into the city. On the way, you will have the best opportunity to enjoy this unique desert landscape.
Those coming from Windhoek by car can either take the fully paved roads B6/B1/B2 (approx. 440 km from Hosea Kutako International Airport Windhoek) or the not always paved route B6/Western Bypass/C26/C14 (approx. 388 km from the airport). The latter route can be shortened again via the D1982 and save another approx. 44 km.
Those coming from the south usually visit Sossusvlei first. From here head north towards Walvis Bay via the D826/C19/C14 (M36). Another scenic treat.
You can stop over in Walvis Bay on this self-drive trip across Namibia and Botswana or this Namibia Highlights tour – if you want to stay the night and spend more time on site, let us know and we amend your itinerary.
We are always available for questions and support in planning your Namibia holiday – whether on a guided safari or a self-drive tour. Here on site we are always well informed about what’s happening on the ground. So get in touch with us!
Author: Juan Proll
