Walvis Bay itself is a town very much built for the harbour, with numbered streets forming an unexciting, but easy navigable grid around it. The city centre can easily be covered by foot. Of special note are the municipal buildings, decorated with attractive wood carvings from the Namibian Kavango region. Exhibits at the local museum illustrate the history of the town and the indigenous Topnaar people. The lagoon on the outskirts of Walvis Bay is home to a bird sanctuary. Flocks of flamingos and pelicans feed here in the nutrient-rich water. This lagoon also supports the important salt industry. Most of any activities are beyond Walvis Bay including the desert and dunes, unspoiled lunar type landscapes and the resort town of Swakopmund which is 13 miles to the north. The downtown itself has immaculate old buildings that look like they could be in Bavaria (Germany did dominate here until 1915). The drive from Swakopmund is very scenic with amazing, glorious blue seas on one side and rolling sands and desert on the other.
We were here on a Sunday which means many shops in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund were closed. The Dune Mall was open until 4pm and this is where the provided shuttle bus took you too. The shuttle bus also made a stop at the picturesque waterfront in Walvis Bay. For us today we did something completely different, there was a couple on board that had arranged months ago a tour with, Tours By Locals, a van for 6 (we were actually 7 in a van for 12), for 6 hours to see all the local sights.
Well, better than anticipated, Elvis met us at the port gates and spent a fabulous 8 hours touring us around. Our all aboard time was around 10pm, so time was not an issue. Elvis was pleasant, confident with many years of guiding experience and presented to us the best that Walvis Bay and area had to offer. We began with the resident flamingos along the lagoon, there number must numbered in the thousands, gotta love pink flamingos. From here it was off to the massive salt flats and salt plant. This is massive and talk about a never ending resource, the ocean. Namibia exports this salt mainly to African counties with it mostly going to South Africa.
From here we headed over to the amazing Dune 7. Dune 7 is the highest dune in Namibia. The dune has been measured to be 1,256 feet high and is named Dune 7, well because, it is the 7th dune from the Tsauchad River. Is this dune popular, oh yeah, every was here or were on there way here. We left just before a few HAL tour buses arrived which in fact is fine here, lots of room and space. We did not climb to the top but only a short way up to experience the fine beautiful sand. From here it felt like we drove to the moon as the land here looks like it could be straight out of a lunar landscape. I told Elvis that I felt I was on a movie set for Mad Max, he responded with, yes, Mad Max 4 was filmed here in the Namib desert. We then enjoyed a 20 minute or so African Massage as Elvis sped along a washboard road at about 60 kph to see the oldest plant in Namibia. In a protected fenced off area we viewed the Welwitschia Mirabilis. This survivor of a plant is claimed to be anywhere between 1600 and 2000 years old. The root system of this plant extend anywhere from 2 to 9 metres and mainly lives of the bit of moisture offered by the morning fog in this area.
From here it was time for our late lunch at a true oasis in the middle of the Moon Valley here in Namibia, Goanikontes Oasis. Goanikontes has been here since 1849 with the recent owner taking it over in 2018. Revamped and modernized this Oasis offers camping and chalets with a total of 56 beds, an excellent outdoor restaurant, swimming pool, petting zoo and for those out there a great facility for weddings and receptions as well as conference facilities. Rene was our wonderful host and owner and really added a personal touch to our visit here. Oh, and the food was pretty good as well.
The last stop of our tour today was at Swakopmund the before mentioned Bavarian style town. Elvis first drove us around to point out the sights then parked as we did a half hour walk about, this was perfect. It was then time for our 20 minute scenic drive back to the port and our ship arriving back at 6:15 in plenty of time to get ready for our 7:30 dinner. Tonight a local group came about and gave us a wonderful show with local song and dance. Yes, we had another fabulous day.
Some pics of the day, may be in a few parts. Hope you enjoy…
Quote of the day, “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” - Anonymous
Vacation home anyone?
Salt not snow, lol
Jan with Elvis.
Sand is constantly covering the road.
Dune number 7
Yes, me on the first bluff with my footprints in the sand.
With Harold and Jackie our tour organizers, thanks so much for including us.
What about sand skiing ⛷️ M$S
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