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Location
Walvis Bay is located in the ancient central Namib, having
high coastal desert sand dunes stretching inland and the
Atlantic Ocean defining it’s uniquely desolate coastline.
There are some 85 000 residents at this coastal growth
point.
It has direct incoming international flights and cruise
liners, with first world amenities and support services.
This location is an ideal node for north-south Namibian
travellers and links directly to the pristine expanse of the
Namib Nauklauft/Sossusvlei attractions in the south.
Accommodation
Accommodation varies from good hotels
to self-catering and camping stopovers.
This includes Long Beach and Dolphin Beach suburban
locations. Bookings well
in advance are always an advantage.
To visit the Accommodation section of our site
click here
 Walvis
Bay , Corridor
AMBITIOUS PLANS ARE now being implemented to turn Walvis Bay
harbour into a major trading hub as the western gateway for
member countries of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) via the Walvis Bay Corridor, which connects
the harbour by road and rail to Namibia's neighbours to the
north, east and south.
Walvis Bay lies some 30 kilometres south of Swakopmund.
The history of Walvis Bay started with its discovery by Diaz
in 1487. It was officially founded in 1793 by the Cape Dutch
and in 1910 became part of the South African Union. The
deep-sea harbour remained under South African rule, even
after Namibian independence, and only in 1994was it
returned. Walvis Bay means 'Whale Bay', and refers to large
number of whales and, consequently, whalers and fishing
vessels that were attracted to its shores.
Visitors to Walvis Bay can get a sense of the heritage of
the town at the local museum in the Civic Centre, while the
wooden Rhenish mission church established in 1880 is also of
cultural interest.
On the road to Swakopmund, Bird Island is a man-made
structure used for the production of guano. There is a huge
natural lagoon, which has an overwhelming abundance of
seabirds. At one stage 120 000 birds were counted, including
flamingos and pelicans. This ancient stretch of water is a
Ramsar Site. Another place of natural beauty is "Dune 7"on
the outskirts of town, which is the highest sand dune in the
area.
Hiking and challenging 4x4 trails are great entertainment
for the outdoor enthusiast.
Angling is very popular in the lagoon, while the Walvis Bay
Golf Club affords golfers an opportunity to get in a round.
The Namib Desert is said to be the world's oldest desert.
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