Sandwich Harbour | Walvis Bay

Sandwich Harbour is a coastal lagoon and wetland area situated within the Namib-Naukluft Park where the Namib Sand Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is located approximately 55km south of Walvis Bay along a remote stretch of the coastline.

Visual Characteristics

The site is defined by towering, pale-orange sand dunes that terminate abruptly into the sea. The lagoon itself contains brackish water, mudflats, and dense stands of green reeds and salt-tolerant grasses. The shoreline is a narrow strip of sand that fluctuates in width based on the tide, often disappearing entirely against the steep dune faces.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is restricted to high-clearance 4x4 vehicles and requires a permit. There are no paved roads; the route involves driving along the beach at low tide or navigating technical dune passes. Due to the high risk of vehicles becoming bogged or trapped by rising tides, most visitors reach the site via professional tour operators departing from Walvis Bay.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originally a natural deep-water harbor used by whalers and fish-curers in the 19th century, the harbor eventually silted up due to shifting sands and geological changes. It is a RAMSAR-designated wetland of international importance, providing a critical sanctuary for over 200,000 birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and rare migratory waders.

Key Highlights & Activities

Wildlife and bird observation are the primary activities, particularly for viewing large flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingos. 4x4 dune driving is the standard method of exploration. Photography is highly prioritized due to the unique juxtaposition of high desert dunes and oceanic surf.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no infrastructure at the site. There are no restrooms, permanent shade, or food vendors. Cellular signal is non-existent throughout the area. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient or travel with a tour group that provides all necessary supplies and emergency equipment.

Best Time to Visit

The site must be visited during low tide to allow for safe passage along the beach. Morning departures are standard to utilize the lower wind speeds. The months of November through April offer the highest concentration of migratory bird species.

Facts & Legends

The name "Sandwich" is rumored to be a corruption of the name of a whaling ship, the Sandwich, which frequented the harbor in the 1780s, or the German word "Sandvis" (Sand Fish). A local legend suggests that a ship carrying gold and ivory was wrecked and buried under the shifting dunes near the lagoon, though it has never been found.

Nearby Landmarks

Kuiseb River Delta – 40km North

Paaltjies Beach – 42km North

Walvis Bay Salt Works – 45km North

Conception Bay – 95km South