Visit Sandwich Harbour: Best Tours, Tips & Travel Info.
Sandwich Harbour is located approximately 80 km’s south of Walvis Bay and is part of the Erongo Region. Excursions to Sandwich Harbour are a very popular activity for those holidaying in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay. Half-day tours (full day tours are also available) to Sandwich Harbour are available via a number of professional and experienced activity operators and is an ideal outing for the whole family. The lagoon at Sandwich Harbour and surrounding bay have been incorporated as part of the Namib Naukluft National Park. It is one of the most inaccessible places in Namibia and all tours are conducted according to the tides. The area consisting of the lagoon, salt pans and the bird sanctuary is considered to be the single most important coastal wetlands in Southern Africa!
Sandwich Harbour is a unique coastal area where towering sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. It’s famous for its dramatic landscapes, abundant birdlife—including flamingos and pelicans—and the rare spectacle of desert touching the sea. It’s a top destination for photographers, bird watchers, and adventure lovers.
The stretch of coast that makes up Sandwich Harbour is part of the Atlantic Coast of Namibia that features a bay at the northern end and a lagoon at the southern end. The lagoon on the southern end is known for prolific bird life and was declared a RAMSAR Wetland in 1995. There have been 155 species of birds recorded here. The Bay is about 4 km’s wide and 4.2 km’s long – the lagoon that appears on the southern end of the bay is separated from it by an area of saltpans and beach dunes. The lagoon itself is 1 km wide and about 3.7 km’s in length and the lagoon water is held in place by desert dunes on the eastern side. A recent survey found that the water in the lagoon is of poor quality and brackish; however, it seeps under the dunes and encourages growth of large reed beds found at the water’s edge.
History of Sandwich Harbour
Historically, Sandwich Harbour was a natural lagoon and freshwater wetland fed by underground springs, making it a rare ecological oasis along Namibia’s arid coast. Sandwich Harbour was a trading post in the 1950’s and has also served as a whaling station, a fish processing and shark-oil extraction plant as well as a sealing and guano collection point. Today very little remains except for one dilapidated solitary deserted structure. Due to the inhospitable environment, shifting sands, and lack of reliable infrastructure, the harbour was eventually abandoned. Despite its name, Sandwich Harbour was never developed into a fully functional port due to the challenging access and rough sea conditions. Over time, the lagoon started silting up, and today it exists more as a shallow wetland and tidal salt pan, but it has still kept it’s rich biodiversity.
The Royal Navy first surveyed the area in 1880 for anchorage and use as a harbour but considered it inferior to Walvis Bay and no development at Sandwich Harbour took place. The bay at Sandwich Harbour was occasionally used for anchorage by sealing vessels and some rudimentary temporary settlements were set up by seasonal fisherman who used to catch snoek here. It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions and points of interest for tourists visiting the Namibian Coast.
Tours to Sandwich Harbour
Tours to Sandwich Harbour normally depart from the Walvis Bay or Swakopmund and proceed past the Walvis Bay Lagoon onto Bird Rock.
Bird Rock is a guano island inhabited by 200 000 birds and one of the first examples of man’s efforts to utilize the rich natural resources of the area. The Kuiseb River delta is part of your journey and here you may catch a glimpse of the ancient Topnaar community who have made this area their home.
Then a sea of dunes and salt pans has to be navigated and crossed with a 4×4. You will be driven between the cold Atlantic Ocean on one side and the towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert on the other side – this is probably the most dramatic drive you will ever experience. You will experience scenery that you have never seen before. Along the way you may get to see small groups of springbok, jackal, oryx, ostrich and the elusive brown hyena.
Traveller’s may choose between a half-day tour or a full day tour to Sandwich Harbour. The full-day tour normally includes Pelican Point. Pelican Point is a narrow peninsula and eco-tourism destination near Walvis Bay. It is known for its iconic Pelican Point Lighthouse, a large colony of Cape fur seals (up to 50000 seals), and diverse birdlife, including pelicans and flamingos. The area offers unique coastal landscapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing and activities like kayaking. The seals are very friendly and are known to swim along with the kayakers and interact with them.
Guided tours are the most popular way of seeing Sandwich Harbour and your guide will be experienced in driving this 4×4 route ensuring your safety. They will also be able to provide you with plenty of knowledge and information about the area and wildlife whilst on tour. Some tour companies do offer the option of guided self-drives where you can bring your own 4×4 with. It is important to check with your car rental company first if they will allow this.
Many tourists that decide to do a Sandwich Harbour tour comment that this adventure is the highlight of their Namibia safari. As you approach the ever shifting dunes at the edge of Sandwich Harbour one starts to sense that you are entering a different world.
Your activity operator will also provide you with a picnic which usually takes place on top of the huge surrounding sand dunes. You would need to bring layered clothing, water, sun protection, and equipment to protect your camera from sand.
There are several established and experienced activity operators that offer day trips to Sandwich Harbour – book to avoid disappointment. Drones are not allowed at Sandwich Harbour
For a memorable excursion be sure to include Sandwich Harbour in your Namibia travel itinerary.
