Sandwich Harbor Historic, Namibia
The tour to Sandwich Harbour begins when you are collected from your accommodation in Swakopmund at around 08h45. You drive along a beautiful dune chain adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, zigzaging the original railway line between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. This is an opportunity for a detailed look at the formation of ‘the world’s oldest desert’ – its origins, its composition and its movements. This day trip is an ideal addition to a self drive safari in Namibia, or even a guided Namibian safari that has a few days free in Swakopmund
Your first stop is at ‘ Bird Rock ‘- 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 Lagoons at Walvis Bay and at Sandwich Harbour have been designated as ‘Wetlands of International Importance’, while the ‘Bird Paradise’ at Walvis Bay is also a key nesting and feeding site for thousands of visiting and resident birds. A recent bird survey, overseen by expert ornithologists from Namibia and South Africa, counted record numbers of flamingo, plover and tern between Walvis Bay Lagoon and Sandwich Harbour. Other favourites such as pelican, avocet, turnstone and a huge variety of waders can be seen, with numbers peaking at around 170 000 in November. Several endemic species, such as the Dune Lark and the Damara Tern, are also in the vicinity.
Leaving Walvis Bay behind, you head for the lower reaches of the Kuiseb Delta. This unique ecosystem is dotted with archeological sites, 450 year-old animal tracks, wind blown graves and magnificent dunes. There is evidence of ancient and recent gathering, harvesting and trading by the Topnaar, an indigenous Namibian community descended from the !Khoi group, which relies on the naturally occurring !Nara fruit for survival.
Epic Namibia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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