Swakopmund
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Port
Walvis Bay, Namibia
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$269
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Depart from the pier and enjoy a short orientation tour of the fishing port of Walvis Bay, including a brief visit to the lagoon and tidal flood plains where magnificent flocks of flamingos (seasonally), pelicans and other water birds abound.
From here, continue via a gravel road to the Dunes of the Namib— the highest sand dunes in the Walvis Bay area.
You're headed to Swakopmund, founded in 1892 and located at the mouth of the Swakop River. This is a slice of Germany on the edge of the desert — a charming seaside resort resembling a Bavarian village. Many buildings here date back to the turn of the 20th century. Enjoy a drive through the town, which is built in Art Nouveau style.
Visit the Swakopmund Museum, which showcases the town's history and features an interesting exhibit on the various peoples inhabiting Namibia.
Make your way to the Kristall Galerie center, which displays crystals weighing up to 14 tons and is considered the largest gallery of its kind in the world.
Use your free time to browse at the Brauhaus Gallery shopping arcade in the center of town. Return to Walvis Bay via the coastal road, passing sand dunes on one side and the sea on the other.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Suitable for guests using a wheelchair with a companion to assist. Participants must be able to climb a few steps unassisted to board the transportation. Guests wishing to purchase gemstones at the Kristall Galerie must produce a photocopy of their passport. Shops close on Saturdays at 1pm. Namibia is a developing country and, although visiting here is a rewarding experience, it differs markedly from South Africa in all respects. Although basic, transportation is maintained, but the quality can vary considerably. Driving through the desert and dusty roads of Namibia means that vehicles need regular servicing, which can affect the availability. Coaches are very limited and of a much lower standard than in South Africa; soft refurbishments do not occur regularly. The vehicles are specially built for durability, and the step-up height is higher than that of a standard coach. Limited tourism infrastructure is part of the charm here; you are trading breadth of guide experience for authentic interaction. Please bring your spirit of adventure and bear with any language difficulties or operational surprises that may crop up. Road conditions are weather-dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also several bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions. Shops close at 1pm on Saturdays.