Walvis Bay, Namibia - Africa Cruises

A unique opportunity to discover The Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world.

The word Namib means place of emptiness, and this tour shows the life in this desolate landscape by 4x4 vehicles. The scenic drive will take you to the famous Namib Desert to search for the living creatures of the desert. Your knowledgeable guide will help seek out the elusive Palmato Gecko and Desert Sidewinder, both inhabitants of the dunes. Follow the caterpillar tracks across the dune slip-face to possibly find a Sidewinder lying submerged in ambush for an unsuspecting Aporasaura Sand Diving Lizard.

The 4x4 drivers will drive you over the mighty dunes, stopping to teach you about the flora whilst allowing ample opportunity for photography to capture amazing memories of this unique part of the planet. A stop will be made at Sundowner Dune for refreshments and to relax and take in the magnificent views. Discover where the Fish Moths live, and even hear a dune roar during the adventure. There might even be the opportunity to spot the Damara Tern, an endangered bird, before taking the coastal road and returning to the ship.

Note: Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in the brochure. It is extremely hot and dry in the desert therefore sun hats, sun block, sunglasses and bottled water are essential. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate.

Visit Swakopmund, a stunning town located at the mouth of the Swakop River.

Enjoy a short orientation tour at the fishing port of Walvis Bay, including a brief visit to the lagoon and tidal flood plains where, at certain times of the year, you can see flocks of pelicans and other water birds.

Travel to Swakopmund, with a stop en route at Dune 7, the highest sand dune in the area. Built by the coast next to the sea, Swakopmund is a beautiful town situated at the mouth of the Swakop River and is often described as ‘a slice of Germany on the edge of the desert’. Many buildings date back to the turn of the century and are now national monuments, reminding you of the town’s German colonial past.

During your tour, pay a visit to the Kristal Galerie and the Karakulia Weavery, where the wool of Karakul sheep is spun, dyed and woven into rugs and wall hangings. You’ll also have the opportunity to browse in the Brauhaus Gallery, which is a small shopping arcade in the centre of town.

Note: This tour involves up to 2½ hours’ walking in total, mainly over paved and level surfaces, except at Dune 7, which is sandy. To avoid congestion the order of highlights may be reversed.

Discover the treasures of the Namib Desert during this memorable off-road adventure, and enjoy a stop at spectacular Walvis Bay.

Your off-road vehicle will take a coastal route towards Swakopmund, heading east to the Namib-Naukluft Park. The Namib is one of the oldest deserts in the world, home to the world's highest-shifting sand dunes and adorned with a kaleidoscope of vivid colours. Upon arrival, you will see some unique plant life and terrain of this arid region.

Drive through the Swakop River Valley and onto the Moon Landscape. The winds have swept across the mountains, creating spectacular rock formations giving this vastly-eroded valley an appearance similar to that of the moon's surface.

Visit the Welwitschia Valley, where thousands of Welwitschia plants can be found. You will enjoy a stop to view these fascinating plants, along with a variety of interesting lichen plants. Relax at a special location to enjoy sparkling wine, orange juice and a selection of snacks, before making your way back to Walvis Bay.

Drive along the dune belt to Dune 7, and onto Walvis Bay. En route, a brief visit will be made to the Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains before arriving back to the pier.

Note: It is extremely hot and dry in the desert therefore sun hats, sun block, sunglasses and bottled water are essential. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in the brochure.

Experience the spectacle of meeting dolphins and seals on this thrilling wildlife cruise.

Take a short drive from the harbour to the jetty, where you’ll board an open ski boat for a cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Transfer to Bird Island, a huge wooden platform built in the sea and a place for coastal birds to roost. From here cut across the Lagoon, where inquisitive seals may swim up to the boats for something to eat.

At Pelican Point, there is a large seal colony and schools of dolphins, which swim alongside the boats, providing entertainment. Dolphins sighted are the Heavyside and Bottlenose.

For bird lovers, apart from seeing pelicans and cormorants, there are also common sightings of the White Chinned Petrel, Wilson’s Storm Petrel, Cape Gannet and Black Oystercatcher.

To round off the trip, sparkling wine, soft drinks and open sandwiches will be offered.

Note: Operation of this tour is strictly weather dependent. As the temperature on the water is cooler than ashore, you are strongly advised to carry a jacket. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Venture to Namib Naukluft Park to discover of the treasures of the Namib.

Your scenic coach drive will take you to the Namib passing by endless waves of sand dunes, stopping for a photo at Dune 7.

Turn onto the Welwitschia Drive where the landscape becomes dotted with the extraordinary Welwitschia Mirablis plant. These prehistoric plants that are unique to Namibia, have adapted to their harsh habitat, they only produce two leaves in their lifetime and have a lifespan of over 500 years.

Continue onto the ‘lunar landscape’ of this vast area of eroded valleys where you can almost imagine you are on the moon. Enjoy the breath taking views, before driving onwards to Walvis Bay via the coastal road, passing sand dunes on one side and the sea on the other.

Note: This tour is involves walking over rocky and uneven terrain. Guests will spend time outdoors, standing in the sun, so comfortable clothing and shoes, a sun hat and sun block are strongly recommended.

Experience the reality of conditions of those living in the Mondesa township, as well as the great spirit of the people and their children.

Drive along the coastal road, to the Mondesa Township in Swakopmund, which was established in the early 1950's to provide housing for Owambo, Damara and Herero people working in Swakopmund.

Discover another world as you enter Mondesa, a side of town that is more African, more complex and, with the assistance of your specialist guide, will become much more personal. Mondesa is a township where poverty and unemployment is high and where low income families live. By opening their lives to travellers and visitors, the township community raises awareness and can provide opportunities for growth, friendship, support and a greater understanding between varied cultures.

This unique cultural experience depicts a different style of life; each customised tour lasts about three hours with the aim of immersing visitors in township life. All interaction with the community is done in a non-intrusive manner respecting their privacy at all times. Learn some history, bridge the cultural gap through understanding, watch a demonstration of Mahango preparation, taste some unusual food and enjoy the children dancing.

Note: There is approximately one hour of intermittent walking on this tour over some uneven surfaces. Please take care of personal belongings at all times at the Township. A portion of each visitor fee is deposited in a community fund. Please note that most of the sites visited on this tour are part of an African Township, with much poverty. Be prepared for this aspect of the tour, as it is definitely a ‘no frills’ experience. Tour itinerary order may vary. Sun block, hats and comfortable shoes are recommended.