Things To Do
in Walvisbaai
Walvisbaai, or Walvis Bay, sits on Namibia's Atlantic coast in the Erongo region. It is a working harbor town known for its expansive lagoon, salt pans, and bustling seafood trade. Flamingos, pelicans, and seals flock to the wetlands around the town, while the nearby dunes offer dramatic desert scenery and panoramic ocean views.
The climate is arid with a cool offshore current, and winds and fog shape daily life and outdoor adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with an exhilarating drive into the Namib Desert, where the golden dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a guided tour that takes you to the iconic Dune 45, renowned for its stunning sunrise views. Capture breathtaking photographs as the first rays of sunlight light up the vibrant red sands.
After a morning of exploration, spend the afternoon learning about the unique flora and fauna of the desert at the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the spectacular scenery, surrounded by the tranquility of the landscape. Take a moment to appreciate the vastness and beauty of this remarkable ecosystem.
As evening falls, return to Walvisbaai for a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant serving freshly caught seafood. Savor the flavors of Namibian cuisine while enjoying picturesque views of the salt pans at sunset. Reflect on your adventurous day as you watch the sky transform into a canvas of warm colors.
Embark on a thrilling 4x4 adventure to Sandwich Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the desert meets the ocean. Enjoy sightings of marine life as you drive along the picturesque coastline, with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean shimmering in the morning sun. Stop at scenic viewpoints to take stunning photographs of the dramatic sand dunes.
After a delightful beachfront lunch, explore the natural beauty of Sandwich Harbour, known for its stunning lagoons and birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for flamingos and other bird species that flourish in this unique habitat. Take a guided walk along the shore, immersed in the serene atmosphere of this untouched paradise.
Conclude your day with an enchanting sunset at Sandwich Harbour, watching as the sun dips below the horizon and the colors of the sky dance above the dunes. Return to Walvisbaai for dinner, savoring the day's unforgettable moments. Wind down while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short) | $6-12 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.5-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery and wildlife
- Excellent seafood and harbor atmosphere
- Close access to dunes and nature reserves
- Windy conditions and dusty streets
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some services may be seasonal or weather-dependent
- "Goeie dag" - Hello / Good day
- "Dankie" - Thank you
- "Waar is die toilet?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Kan ek help?" - Can I help?
Places to Visit in Walvisbaai
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive salt pan and shallow lagoon with pink flamingos and other waterbirds; sunrise and golden-hour photography opportunities.
A long sandy spit with a historic lighthouse at its tip; dramatic ocean views and wildlife photography, especially seals and seabirds.
Colorful boats, boatsheds, and working harbor scenery; best during late day light or blue hour.
White reflective flats that create minimalist landscapes and striking contrasts with the sky.
Food in Walvisbaai
Walvisbaai Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled meat sold at markets and street stalls; usually served with chakalaka relish, Kenyan-style bread or potatoes, and a social, snack-like vibe.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught fish, prawns, and calamari prepared simply and served with sides; best enjoyed at harborfront restaurants.
A traditional pearl millet dish often enjoyed with savory sauces or stews; a hearty Namibian staple.
Air-dried cured meat enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, widely available across markets and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Harborfront market offering fresh seafood, snacks, and crafts; great for trying fried squid or fish bites and sampling local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake and brief eye contact are standard. Use courteous language and ask before taking photos of people.
Avoid harassing wildlife; keep a respectful distance from seals and birds, and do not feed animals.
Safety
Tipping in Walvisbaai
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, leave about 10–15% if service is not included. Guides and drivers typically appreciate a small tip per person per day. For informal service or street vendors, cash tips are common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; carrying some Namibian dollars (NAD) or South African rand is useful for markets and smaller shops that may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Nov–Feb: warm days with a steady coastal breeze; winds can be strong and coastal fog can roll in during mornings or evenings. Excellent for birding and water activities when seas are calm in sheltered spots.
Jun–Aug: milder days with cooler nights; coastal fog is more common, which can add a moody atmosphere for photography. Whale watching and seabird activity can be notable during certain years and migrations.
Walvisbaai at Night
Hiking in Walvisbaai
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail accessible by vehicle or boat; offers panoramic ocean views and opportunities to see marine life along the coast.
A scenic drive with options for short hikes; dramatic desert horizons and rock formations near the desert edge.
Airports
How to reach Walvisbaai by plane.
Small international and domestic airport serving the town; connections to Windhoek are common via domestic flights.
Main international and domestic airport for Namibia; typically the gateway for international travelers via Windhoek.
Secondary airport in Windhoek handling domestic flights and charters; often used for regional travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Namibians from various ethnic backgrounds, with strong Afrikaans and German cultural influences due to historical settlement; a prominent fishing community and expatriates.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played at clubs and schools; local leagues and matches are common in towns and cities.
Angling, beach volleyball, and water-based activities near the lagoon and coastline.
Occasional surfing along the coast; sailing and boating participate in local regattas and coastal activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Walvisbaai.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose salads, grilled vegetables, and vegetarian curries; ask for no meat stock or fish sauce and inquire about fresh produce from markets.