This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Coast and Sandwich Harbour

Coast and Sandwich Harbour

Overview: Coast and Sandwich Harbour

A 4WD trip down the coast from Walvis Bay to Sandwich Harbour, sometimes called Sandwich Bay, is a must for adventurous travellers in search of wildlife and dramatic scenery. Led by a top guide, you’ll penetrate deep into the remote skeleton coast, discovering the secrets of the Kuiseb Delta and usually reach the often-inaccessible lagoon at Sandwich Harbour, with its exceptional range of birdlife.

The details

You will be collected from your hotel (in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay) between 8.30am and 9.00am. If you’re coming from Swakopmund, you may stop briefly to pick up others along the way before heading south along the coastal road to Walvis Bay. Here your guide will pick up the required permits and – depending on the tides – you may gain some insight into the industrial activity in the town including fishing and the docks. We found this brief insight both interesting and unexpected.

From here you’ll pass Walvis Bay Lagoon, where you’ll have a chance to stop either on the way south or on the way back. The lagoons at Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour have been labelled as ‘wetlands of international importance’. Walvis Bay is a major nesting and feeding site for thousands of visiting and resident birds. Numbers peak around November, when you will often see great numbers of flamingos, plovers, pelicans, avocets, turnstones and a variety of other waders.

Continuing down the coast, the road passes the Walvis Bay saltworks and on into the Kuiseb Delta, a unique ecosystem of sand dunes and fossilised riverbeds which includes many archaeological sites. Here you will find both ancient and recent evidence of the Topnaar people, a community descended from the ancient !Khoi group, some of Namibia’s oldest indigenous peoples. Your guide will provide an insight into their lives, and you may well find the !Nara fruit – a natural desert ‘crop’ that was essential for the survival of the Topnaar.

The delta is home to wildlife such as springbok, ostrich, jackal and brown hyena, along with smaller desert-adapted species, such as gerbils, three-striped mice, shovel snouted lizards and the elusive sidewinder snake.
If you’re lucky, you may also spot peregrine falcons, pale chanting goshawks and black-breasted snake eagles,

Further south, the dunes of the Namib become steeper and taller, leaving the beach as the only means of access to Sandwich Harbour. At high tide, this narrow strip of beach is submerged by the waves breaking against the dunes, making the bay inaccessible. Tides and shifting sand ensure an unpredictable and ever-changing route that your guide will navigate expertly, but sometimes the combination of high tides and bad weather mean that you may not be able to make it all the way to Sandwich Harbour. Ultimately the decision is up to your guide: your safety is their first priority.

At Sandwich Harbour itself we suggest taking a guided stroll around the lagoon and the adjacent sand dunes. It is a fantastic environment for wildlife, with up to 40,000 birds of 34 different species present at any one time, while seals, dolphins and even whales are sometimes spotted out to sea.

Tides and weather permitting, you may be able to enjoy a comfortable picnic lunch near the lagoon, usually in the shelter of a dune, but if not you’ll stop for lunch in another scenic spot. Either way, your guide will set out a variety of savouries, salads, homemade cakes, fruit and drinks.

After lunch you’ll begin the drive back to Walvis Bay usually taking a different route allowing you to see other aspects of the desert. Typically you will be back in Swakopmund between 4.00pm and 5.00pm.

Guide: We work with a small team of highly specialised guides, who successfully master some of Namibia’s most extreme off-road conditions. This company was the first to explore the Sandwich Harbour area by vehicle and has an excellent safety record. We have always found their guides to be highly knowledgeable, friendly and exceptionally professional.


Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange this coastal excursion as part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary.
See the Holiday ideas, below, for great ideas of suitable trips.
Start location
You will be collected from your hotel by your guide at 08.30–09.00am.
End location
Your tour finishes back at your accommodation.
Meals included
Lunch is included
Duration
Full day
Maximum group size
4WD vehicles (usually customised Land Rovers ) are used for this tour, which can carry up to eight passengers. We can make arrangements for private tours or larger groups with advance notice.

Coast and Sandwich Bay tour: Picture Gallery

What to look forward to.


1 of 9
Explore the remote and inhospitable Skeleton Coast with an expert guide.
2 of 9
You''ll drive down the coast...
3 of 9
...and over dunes...
4 of 9
...hopefully reaching Sandwich Bay.
5 of 9
Along the way you might spot some of the areas wildlife...
6 of 9
...either from the vehicle...
7 of 9
...or on foot.
8 of 9
Expect to see plenty of birdlife...
9 of 9
...both at Sandwich Bay and Walvis Bay.

Explore the remote and inhospitable Skeleton Coast with an expert guide.

You''ll drive down the coast...

...and over dunes...

...hopefully reaching Sandwich Bay.

Along the way you might spot some of the areas wildlife...

...either from the vehicle...

...or on foot.

Expect to see plenty of birdlife...

...both at Sandwich Bay and Walvis Bay.

Coast and Sandwich Harbour reviews

9 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.


94%
229 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
190
Good
21
Average
12
Poor
3
Terrible
3

Overall rating: Excellent

Smiths fromcheshire

19 Oct 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"excellent guide... We thoroughly enjoyed this relaxed day …" Read Smiths ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromWraysbury

14 Sep 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"Brilliant day out, very knowledgeable guide …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

P and J fromSF

10 Sep 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"We had such a good time on this tour. …" Read P and J ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

MarVilfromSouth Africa

5 Jul 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"This tour should NOT BE MISSED …" Read MarVil’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss Honey T.fromGreece

29 Jun 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"Rudy made a huge effort for us to have a great time ! …" Read Miss Honey T.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromBerkeley

23 Jun 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"a fun informative day - The tide was just right, lots of flamingoes …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ros &Peter fromMelbourne

28 May 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"Loved the tour....an excellent lunch too …" Read Ros &Peter ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr M.fromRamsgate

15 May 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"a fantastic day out... recommend without hesitation... …" Read Mr M.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HfromCambridge

27 Apr 2024

"Coast and Sandwich Harbour review"

"Really fun day, definitely... favourite trip. …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Coast and Sandwich Harbour reviews

Ideas for holidays which can include Coast and Sandwich Harbour

Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made holiday to Namibia.


Itinerary image

Caracal Self-drive Safari

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The quintessential Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the highlights from Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert to Damaraland’s wilderness and a safari in Etosha. A great mix of accommodation and excellent value.

US$2,720 - US$4,150 per person

Itinerary image

Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$7,890 - US$9,960 per person

Itinerary image

Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari

19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.

US$3,330 - US$4,280 per person

Itinerary image

Pelican Fly & Drive Safari

10 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique itinerary visiting the must-see highlights combining the adventure of a classic Namibian self-drive with the ease and spectacular views of a fly-in safari.

US$5,800 - US$8,650 per person

Itinerary image

Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

US$2,390 - US$3,700 per person

Itinerary image

Namaqua Chameleon Self-drive

12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic 12-night self-drive adventure around the highlights of eastern and northern Namibia taking in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, Etosha and a final stop at Okonjima. Comfortable lodges and great value.

US$2,890 - US$5,170 per person

Itinerary image

Rock Agama Self-drive Safari

9 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.

US$6,000 - US$12,960 per person

Itinerary image

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$5,260 - US$8,370 per person

Itinerary image

Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.

US$9,830 - US$12,960 per person

Itinerary image

Cape Fox Guided Safari

13 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A classic clockwise circuit around Namibia’s northern highlights with a private guide and vehicle. We can’t think of a better way to see more in this timeframe.

US$8,460 - US$10,780 per person

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other excursions in Namibia

Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Namibia to include in your holiday.


Kayaking with seals

Kayaking with seals

Morning incl. tea, coffee & sandwiches

Get up close and personal with a colony of Cape fur seals on a kayaking excursion from Walvis Bay. Enjoy a gentle morning’s paddle in Walvis Bay Lagoon as seals surround and interact with you and your kayak. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of some Heaviside’s or bottlenose dolphins.

More about Kayaking with seals
98% (183 reviews)
Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion

Hoodia Sossusvlei excursion

Full day, including lunch

Escape the crowds and experience the iconic and beautiful Namib Sand Sea with an experienced guide from Hoodia Desert Lodge. The approach is personal and the guiding knowledgeable, making your introduction to the highlights of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, including Sesriem Canyon and the famous pans of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei, both interesting and unhurried.

More about Hoodia excursion
97% (97 reviews)
Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Ballooning in the Namib Desert

Half day, including breakfast

Ballooning over the world’s oldest desert is an experience you shouldn’t miss. Enjoy spectacular views as the sun rises over the dune-covered plains and rocky mountains of the Namib Desert. You may even spot the occasional oryx or black-backed jackal punctuating the landscape below.

More about Ballooning
95% (82 reviews)
Dolphin and seal cruise

Dolphin and seal cruise

Half-day inc brunch

A boat cruise around Walvis Bay lagoon is a must for lovers of wildlife and the great outdoors. Seek out the ‘marine big five’ – from Cape fur seals to bottlenose dolphins – and marvel at the range of bird species for whom this haven on the Skeleton Coast is home. Then round off the morning with an oyster brunch.

More about Dolphin & seal cruise
89% (14 reviews)
Halifax Island boat trip

Halifax Island boat trip

2 hours

Climb aboard the comfortable catamaran Zeepaard in search of the marine life of Namibia’s wild coastline – among them Cape fur seals, Heaviside dolphins, African penguins and perhaps even humpback whales.

More about Halifax Island trip
94% (13 reviews)
Desert tour

Desert tour

Variable, depending on the tour

Discover the unexpected on a trip into the desert surrounding the coastal towns of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. A must for wilderness lovers, this extraordinary landscape encompasses the Welwitschia Plains, sculpted dunes, the magic of the Kuiseb Delta – and much more. There are plenty of options, each with its own unique focus.

More about Desert tour
93% (12 reviews)
Scenic flights in Namibia

Scenic flights in Namibia

Variable, depending on the flight

Namibia is famed for its stark beauty and boundless desert vistas and there is no better way to soak these in than from the air. A scenic flight gives you a unique perspective on this stunning and varied country, and may even provide a bird’s-eye view of areas that are out of reach to those restricted to terra firma.

More about Scenic flights
94% (7 reviews)
Fish River Canyon day trip

Fish River Canyon day trip

Half-full day (starting early morning)

An exhilarating descent down into the canyon, marvelling at the stunning geographical features of this vast canyon, followed by lunch and a dip in the natural rock pools – this day trip is exciting and enlightening!

More about Fish River Canyon trip
97% (7 reviews)
Sperrgebiet tour

Sperrgebiet tour

Full day, including lunch

Discover the hidden gems of the Sperrgebiet National Park on this exceptional all-day trip. There may no longer be diamonds for the taking, but in their place you’ll find ghost towns, the rusting relics of the diamond industry, geological formations, and extraordinary desert flora, largely untouched for generations.

More about Sperrgebiet tour
93% (9 reviews)
Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek City Tour

three hour Windhoek City Tour

Windhoek city tours offer a mix of history, culture, and local flavour, showcasing Namibia’s colonial landmarks, vibrant markets, and cuisine.

More about Windhoek City Tour
100% (1 reviews)

Namibia fact file

Useful information to help you prepare for your trip in Namibia


Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team