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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

The natural lagoon at Sandwich Harbour – 55kms south of Walvis Bay and within the Namib-Naukluft National Park – is renowned as one of the best birding locations on the African coast, attracting thousands of migratory fowl in early summer (October-November).

Designated a Ramsar ‘wetland of global importance’, the combination of dunes and lagoon is breathtaking, while the dramatic drive along the coast – with the chance to sight springbok and brown hyena – make this one of the Atlantic coastline’s natural wonders.

Price from: £75
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Operators will collect you from your hotel in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay for this full-day excursion into the deserts south of Walvis Bay. Transport is in comfortable 4WD vehicles, with refreshments and lunch provided.

It’s possible to visit Sandwich Harbour in your own vehicle, but it’s definitely not recommended. You’ll need a permit, and the shifting sands make finding the right route difficult.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, seven days a week, departing first thing in the morning.

The best time to visit Walvis Bay, and Namibia in general, is the dry season from June to October, but it is a year-round destination with generally pleasant weather. October and November, however, are especially good when the numbers of migratory birds reach their peak.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Half-Day Sandwich Harbour Tour from Walvis Bay with Lunch

Walvis Bay

Half-Day Sandwich Harbour Tour from Walvis Bay with Lunch
Sandwich Harbour, part of the Namib Naukluft Park, is a place many have heard of but very few have ever visited. Giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breath taking sceneries and unique landscapes, just waiting to be discovered!

Price: €123

Min age: 1

Rating 4.81 / 5 [48 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Scenic Sandwich Harbour Tour

Swakopmund

Scenic Sandwich Harbour Tour
This will be your most memorable Dune Tour and your Namibia Highlight. We go where dune meets sea, harsh and desolate area constantly changing, yet quiet and relaxing, see amazing wild life, and thousand's of sea Birds in these harsh conditions. We go up towering Dunes, to the most beautiful view points, exciting dune drives with skilled and knowledgeable guides See thousands of pink Flamingos, Pelicans, and other amazing birds in the Ramsar Walvisbay Wetland .The biggest evaporation pond Salt Mine in Africa with its pink salt waters is seen along the route get to Feel the Desert, the quietness, the ambience, stunning views, an unforgettable tour creating everlasting memories this HALF DAY TOUR also available as FULL DAY TOUR, it has more stops and goes slower The PRIVATE Tour is for You only, max 4 people per car NO other guests will be added Combo Tours available: Marine Dolphin & Seal Catamaran cruise and Sandwich harbor Kayaking and Sandwich harbour See our offer or enquire

Price: Z2,150

Min age: 3

Rating 4.87 / 5 [64 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sandwich Harbour 4x4 guided tours.Join us for an awe inspiring adventure.

Walvis Bay

Sandwich Harbour 4x4 guided tours.Join us for an awe inspiring adventure.
This tour is a must for any coastal visitor. From the start of this trip you will be awed by the natural beauty on offer. From the abundant birdlife in the lagoon area to the free roaming animals in the Namib Desert. Get to see where massive sand dunes meet up with the ocean. Ever changing landscapes and the thrilling offroad drive will make for lasting memories. Book now!

Price: Z2,400

Min age: 2

Rating 4.97 / 5 [42 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sandwich Harbour Tour - Pelgrim Tours

Walvis Bay

Sandwich Harbour Tour - Pelgrim Tours
Sandwich Harbour is a lagoon on the Atlanic coast of Namibia, south from Walvis Bay, within the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Formaly a commerial port based around whaling and small scale fishing,it declined as the harbour silted up, and is now best known for its birdlife, which can be as many as 250 000 . Although called Sandwich Harbour, it was never a harbour or even a port, it is a shallow lagoon lying about 80km south of Walvis Bay. ​ THE TOUR: Experience the adventure and beauty of exploring the Namib desert with your guide. There are many interesting sights to see, including desert fauna and flora, and giant sand dunes that run straight into the ocean. HIGHLIGHTS: *Get off the beaten track in our 4x4 *Get up-close to wildlife *Kuiseb River Delta *Walvis Bay Salt Refinery *Dune Belt driving *Bird viewing *Massive dunes meet the Atlantic ocean

Price: Z2,500

Min age: 4

Rating 4.87 / 5 [8 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sandwich Harbour Adventure: Seals and Sandwich harbour dune drive

Swakopmund

Sandwich Harbour Adventure: Seals and Sandwich harbour dune drive
Viewing the extensive bird life in the Ramsar Convention Walvisbay Wetlands where up 250000 birds can be seen from time to time, to the many Seals in the seal colony ( 50 000+ SEALS) including huge Bulls and Pups, to the magnificent views Sandwich Harbor, where Sea meets Dunes, and the surrounding Dunes have to offer, together with the adrenaline evoking skillful dune driving by the guide, the pure passion and enthusiasm the guide portrays of this beautiful scenic but harsh area. Knowledgeable and passionate guides make this tour exceptional. an exceptionally unique experience few get the see creating unforgettably fond memories. ITS A FULL DAY TOUR. minimum 2 pax

Price: Z2,950

Min age: 2

Rating 4.83 / 5 [37 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sandwich Harbour Half-Day 4x4 Tour (5 hours) from Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay

Sandwich Harbour Half-Day 4x4 Tour (5 hours) from Walvis Bay
Experience the adventure and beauty of exploring the Namib desert with your driver/guide. There are many interesting sights to see including desert fauna and flora, and giant sand dunes. Navigate the thin stretch of coast where giant dunes meet the Atlantic ocean on your way to Sandwich Lagoon. Hotel pickups in Walvis Bay ( Swakopmund pickups at N$100.00 per person) and lunch that includes finger snacks, sparkling wine and something sweet is included.

Price: Z3,000

Min age: 12

Rating 4.94 / 5 [103 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sandwich Harbour- Guided Self-Drive Tour from Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay

Sandwich Harbour- Guided Self-Drive Tour from Walvis Bay
Experience the adventure and beauty of exploring the Namib desert in your own 4x4 vehicle lead by our experienced guide. There are many interesting sights to see including desert fauna and flora, and giant sand dunes. Navigate the thin stretch of coast where giant dunes meet the Atlantic ocean on your way to Sandwich Lagoon. Price includes recovery equipment, two way radios. NO FOOD OR DRINKS INCLUDED. *******PLEASE CONFIRM THAT YOUR VEHICLE INSURANCE WILL COVER DRIVING ON SAND AND SAND DUNES, PRIOR TO STARTING THIS TOUR. WE WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR INJURY THAT OCCURED DURING THIS TOUR. THIS TOUR IS STRICTLY AT YOUR OWN RISK*******

Price: Z4,500

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s recommended tour operators to book with

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Turnstone Tours

Swakopmund, Erongo, Namibia

Swakopmund-based Bruno & Kate Nebe offers high-quality, private bespoke tours to all parts of Namibia, including some of the least accessible but most spectacular parts. Their Sandwich Harbour tours are among the best.

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Sandwich Harbour 4×4

Walvis Bay, Erongo, Namibia

Walvis Bay company offering 4×4 excursions to Sandwich Harbour and the Walvis Bay wetlands. Combination tours with marine cruises, kayaking, and birdwatching tours are also available.

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Namibia Kayak Tours

Walvis Bay, Erongo, Namibia

Well-regarded local Walvis Bay tour operator offering affordable kayak tours off Walvis Bay’s Pelican Point, safaris to Sandwich Harbour and combos of both.

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience