Sandwich Harbour
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Port
Walvis Bay, Namibia
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$599.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Sandwich Harbour is one of southern Africa's richest wetlands, wedged between the sea and the Namib Dunes. Wildlife-lovers have heard of it, RAMSAR protects it, but very few people have ever visited it. Potable water seeping from the underground aquifer sustains the freshwater vegetation at the base of the dunes. North of the freshwater wetlands are the extensive mudflats of Sandwich Harbour. This is a center of concentration for migratory shorebirds, waders and flamingos (seasonally).
Meet your guide for an early start and set out on the drive down to Sandwich, taking in the Kuiseb River Delta -- a dry riverbed where the odd springbok might still be seen.
Sandwich Harbour is a part of Namib-Naukluft Park. Here, giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking scenery and a fantastic off-road driving experience. A 4x4 vehicle takes you to beautiful lookouts, where you can almost touch the isolation for which Namibia and the Skeleton Coast are so famous.
Depending on the tides and the swell, your guide will try to reach the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon along the beach -- a highlight of the area. This large, natural tidal lagoon, situated about 40 miles south of Walvis Bay. The lagoon is completely surrounded by large sand dunes accessible only by 4x4 at low tide. The lagoon area is fed with freshwater seeping through the sand dunes and contributes to the beauty and natural diversity of the area. The water plays a fundamental role, as it feeds the plants on the shores of the lagoon, which in turn stabilize the dunes, preventing them from silting up the area. At Sandwich Harbour, you will have plenty of free time to stroll and take pictures of this amazing scenery. If the lagoon is not accessible via 4x4 due to tide conditions, an exciting dune ride up to the lookout offers an aerial view of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon.
When it's time for something to eat, you will stop along the way to enjoy snacks and refreshments. Depending on weather and wind conditions, this will either be on top of a tall dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the beach, or among the dunes.
The route home will test the power of the vehicle on the dunes -- the highlight being the 130-foot-tall Roaring Dune .
Notes:
It is not always possible to reach Sandwich Harbour if the sea conditions are very rough or the tide is too high. If the lagoon is not accessible, you will have a chance to see the lagoon area from a lookout. It is generally extremely hot and dry in the desert. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. Bring a hat. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed. Ride will be bumpy. Pregnant women or guests with back or neck conditions are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed. 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. There is no formal guiding qualification required for Namibia and, in order to support the local community, the tour operator uses local guides. Many of these guides have had prior experience in guiding for visiting cruise ships but some have not. Your guide will do his/her best, but please keep in mind that the limited tourism infrastructure here is part of your experience, and bear with any language or other difficulties he/she may encounter. Road conditions are weather dependent. Many roads are paved, but potholes are ever-present. There are also a number of bumpy dirt roads, which will be navigated carefully. All timings are approximate, as the local traffic will have a direct influence on the overall schedule. Delays are to be expected. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour due to changes in weather, road or access conditions. Wildlife sightings are likely but are not guaranteed.