Explore Walvis Bay

While Walvis Bay is Namibia’s only port town, it is fast developing into a sought-after seaside holiday haven. Attractions are the lagoon with its prolific bird life and variety of recreational possibilities; a desert golf course; modern and comfortable hotels and a choice of restaurants; and activities such as catamaran tours and kayaking on the lagoon at sunrise. The world-class deep-water port is Namibia’s largest commercial harbour, while its fishing harbour is the hub of Namibia’s lucrative fishing industry. Entry permits to visit the harbour can be obtained from the Police Office at the Harbour Entrance on 13th Road. The Civic Centre complex of the harbour town houses the Walvis Bay information office and consists of the Town Hall, Mayor’s Office, a museum and a public library, the latter with temporary membership facilities. The oldest building in Walvis Bay, and a national monument, is the Rhenish Mission Church, a timber structure built in Hamburg in 1880, then dismantled and shipped to Walvis Bay. Other places of interest include historic monuments such as the old railway tracks on the airport road and Railway Engine No 652. A relic from the first attempts to introduce railroad transport to Namibia, the narrow-gauge engine which arrived from London in 1899 can be seen in front of the railway station in a glass enclosure to shield it from the prevailing southwesterly winds and the corrosive effect of the salt-laden mists. Interestingly, due to complications with the railway line caused by the prevailing southwesterly winds, the locomotive was put to little use during its brief lifetime. Outside the town, in the Kuiseb Valley, stands a wooden Boundary Post, erected in 1885 to demarcate the border between the newly founded colony of German South West Africa and the British enclave of Walvis Bay.

WHERE TO EAT

For lunch or dinner try Godenfang, Anchors, Rojos at the Yacht Club, Dockside Seafood and Grill, The Raft and Bush Café. For breakfast and baked goods try Willi Probst, Sweet Side and Levani’s.

WALVIS BAY WATERFRONT

The Walvis Bay Waterfront is abuzz with activity. Apart from the unique ocean atmosphere – with pelicans and other seabirds entertaining visitors with their playful antics – and operators offering ocean cruises, there is a wide selection of restaurants. Pirate’s Wreck Sports Bar is a popular sundowner spot, and the Jetty Shoppe sells a wide variety of gift items.

Dockside Seafood and Grill has a rustic atmosphere and a great selection of light meals and drinks. Local crafters also sell their goods at the Waterfront.

WALVIS BAY LAGOON

The Walvis Bay Lagoon takes pride of place as a scenic attraction in the Walvis Bay area. The tranquil body of water, its natural beauty accentuated by thousands of flamingos gathering at the rich feeding grounds, is over 3000 years old. The lagoon has been silting up for hundreds of years, a process hastened by man’s activities. Because of its value nationally and internationally as a wetland area, it was designated as a RAMSAR site in 1995, named after a convention on wetlands held in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The lagoon is regarded as the most important wetland for coastal birds in Southern Africa. Wading birds including Lesser and Greater Flamingos, and White Pelicans are seen here. A pleasant walk of just over 3 km leads to Lover’s Hill, which overlooks the lagoon.

LANGSTRAND

Midway between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is Langstrand. Established by the Walvis Bay Municipality, the neighbourhood’s main beach features tidal pools and ideal swimming conditions. Dune 7, on the outskirts of town, is the highest dune in the area. Palm-tree-shaded facilities for day camping and barbecues are ideal for family entertainment. The angling potential along the coast is particularly good. An angling area favoured by locals is Paaltjies, which consists of four angling spots south of the town. The ‘paaltjies’ are navigational beacons used by commercial fishermen. The first ‘paaltjie’ can be reached by ordinary vehicle, but a 4x4 is required to reach the other three further south. The Walvis Bay Lagoon is ideal for windsurfing, boating and regattas organised by the Yacht Club, in which Hoby Cats, Fireballs and catamarans compete. A tour operator offers ski-boat trips for shark, bottom and game fishing. Beach-fishing trips in 4x4 vehicles along the coast specialise in shark fishing. Boating day trips are enjoyable pleasure excursions. If you’d like to lay your hands on some fresh fish, a good option is to catch it yourself by booking an ocean safari, or going on a fishing expedition along the beach.

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