Sandwich Bay

Sandwich Bay, also known as Sandwich Harbour, is one of Namibia's most visually striking locations. It is where the giant sand dunes of the Namib Desert meet the Atlantic Ocean in a dramatic clash of elements. Once a commercial port, it is now a pristine lagoon within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Freshwater springs seeping from beneath the dunes create a unique wetland habitat, making it one of Africa's most important sites for migratory birds, including thousands of flamingos. Getting there is an adventure in its own right, as the bay is only accessible at low tide via a narrow strip of beach or by navigating the towering dunes in a 4x4 vehicle. Professional guides take visitors on a roller-coaster ride across the sand, offering sweeping views of the blue ocean against the golden desert. It is a dream destination for landscape photographers and adventure seekers alike. Jackals and seals are also common sights along the shoreline. There are no permanent accommodations in Sandwich Bay; most visits are guided day tours from Walvis Bay. These excursions often feature a scenic picnic among the dunes with fresh local oysters and sparkling wine. The site can be visited year-round, with mornings usually offering the calmest weather. A trip to Sandwich Bay is a quintessential Namibian experience, showcasing the country's raw and untamed coastal beauty.

Nearby cities

Walvis Bay

Namibia's principal deep-water port, renowned for its large natural lagoon and salt pans.

Swakopmund

A premier coastal resort town characterized by its well-preserved German colonial architecture.

Omaruru

A picturesque town at the base of the Erongo Mountains, known for its thriving arts community and winery.

Usakos

A historic settlement that serves as the natural gateway to the dramatic Spitzkoppe granite peaks.

Karibib

A historic railway town famous globally for the exceptionally high-quality marble extracted nearby.

Arandis

A desert town originally established to support the massive Rössing Uranium Mine workforce.

Henties Bay

A popular coastal holiday destination, famous among anglers and off-road enthusiasts.

Uis

A remote mining settlement living in the shadow of the imposing Brandberg Massif.

Okombahe

A culturally rich settlement on the Omaruru River, functioning as the traditional seat of Damara leadership.

Sandwich Harbour

A spectacular location where the giant dunes of the Namib Desert plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape Cross

A historic headland on the Atlantic coast, famous for its massive seal colony and the stone cross erected by Portuguese explorers.

History & landmarks

Rhenish Mission Church Walvis Bay

A historic wooden building in Walvis Bay that was prefabricated in Hamburg and transported by ship to Namibia.

Pelican Point Lighthouse

A cast-iron lighthouse on a remote sandbank near Walvis Bay, safely navigating ships into the strategically important bay.

Hohenzollern Building

One of the most magnificent Neo-Baroque colonial buildings in Swakopmund, crowned by the figure of Atlas bearing the globe.

Woermannhaus

A historic half-timbered building in Swakopmund, once the headquarters of the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company, famous for its Damara T…

Swakopmund Lighthouse

An iconic red and white striped lighthouse in Swakopmund, which played an important role in the colonial history and navigation of the co…

Martin Luther Steam Tractor

A historic steam tractor just outside Swakopmund that got stuck in the sand in 1896 and was jokingly named after a quote by Martin Luther.

Nature

🗺️

Swakop River

A significant desert river near Swakopmund.

Kuiseb River

A seasonal river that delimits the Namib sands.

More places

Port of Walvis Bay

Namibia's largest commercial port and a major gateway to Southern Africa.

Walvis Bay Flamingo Park

A lagoon area, famous for its flamingos.

Walvis Bay Shipyard

A major shipbuilding and repair facility on the west coast of Africa supporting the maritime industry.

Walvis Bay Salt Holdings

One of the largest solar salt producers in Africa, exporting industrial and table salt.

Dorob National Park

A coastal park, known for its desert ecology.

Swakopmund Aquarium

An exciting experience for kids to discover marine life.

Altes Amtsgericht

A colonial building in Swakopmund that was originally planned as a school but was then used as a magistrate's court.

Marine Memorial

A historical monument in Swakopmund commemorating the Marine Infantry of World War I.