Raft Restaurant Pier | Walvis Bay

The Raft Restaurant Pier is a wooden pedestrian structure extending into the Walvis Bay Lagoon in Namibia. It connects the shoreline to a commercial dining establishment built entirely on stilts over the tidal waters.

Visual Characteristics

The pier is a linear boardwalk constructed from weathered timber planks with protective wooden handrails. It sits approximately 2 meters above the water level, supported by a series of concrete and steel pilings. The structure is dark brown in color and exhibits visible salt crusting and wear from the humid, saline Atlantic air.

Location & Access Logistics

The pier is located on The Esplanade at the Walvis Bay Lagoon waterfront. It is accessed via a paved pedestrian walkway along the lagoon's edge. Ample gravel and paved parking is available directly opposite the entrance. While no public transit serves the pier, it is a primary landmark for local taxis and is within walking distance of several waterfront hotels.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The pier and its connected restaurant were constructed in the late 1990s as part of the town’s waterfront development. It is situated over a mudflat ecosystem that forms part of the Ramsar-designated Walvis Bay Lagoon. The structure provides an artificial habitat for marine organisms that attach to the submerged pilings, which in turn attract foraging fish and birds.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walking the length of the pier is a primary activity, offering unobstructed views of the lagoon's birdlife, specifically Greater and Lesser Flamingos. The pier serves as the exclusive pedestrian access point to The Raft Restaurant. Photography of the lagoon, sunset, and foraging pelicans is common along its length.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The pier is equipped with exterior lighting for night access. There are no public restrooms or seating areas on the pier itself; these are located within the restaurant at the end of the walkway. The entire structure is outdoors with no overhead shade. 5G cellular signal is strong throughout the area due to its urban location.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon is the optimal time for visiting to view the sunset over the lagoon. High tide is preferred for visual aesthetics, as the water surrounds the pilings, whereas low tide exposes the silty mudflats beneath. The pier is accessible during the operating hours of the restaurant, typically from 10:00 to 22:00.

Facts & Legends

The pier and restaurant were designed to resemble a floating raft, leading to local claims that the building could float if detached from its moorings-a myth, as it is securely fixed to the seabed. During extreme high-tide events combined with storm surges, the water has been known to reach the level of the deck planks.

Nearby Landmarks

Walvis Bay Lagoon – 0.1km West

Walvis Bay Waterfront – 0.5km North

Walvis Bay Salt Works – 2.5km South

Pelican Point – 9.0km Northwest