Hafen
Walfischbucht

Dies ist eine außergewöhnliche Reise durch Namibia, die Heimat der ältesten Wüste der Welt. Die Namib-Wüste, eine zeitlose Weite, die seit 2 Millionen Jahren unverändert geblieben ist, erstreckt sich entlang der gesamten Küste mit ihren sich ständig verändernden Kiesebenen und Dünen aller Formen und Größen.

- Namib-Wüste

- Fahren Sie an der berühmten Düne 7 vorbei

- 4x4-Dünenerlebnis

-Abendessen in den Dünen

Ihr Abenteuer beginnt, wenn Sie in einem robusten Allradfahrzeug vom Pier losfahren und sich auf den Weg zum Stadtrand von Walvis Bay machen. Die Reise führt Sie an der beeindruckenden Düne 7 vorbei, einer der höchsten Dünen Namibias, die majestätisch über 1.250 Fuß hoch ist. Die schiere Größe und Schönheit dieses Naturwunders lässt Sie atemlos werden.

Nach etwa 45 Minuten Fahrt erreichen Sie einen abgeschiedenen Ort zum Abendessen inmitten der Dünen. Hier, unter einem Sternenhimmel, schaffen Tische, die mit edlem Leinen drapiert sind und vom sanften Schein unzähliger Kerzen beleuchtet werden, eine bezaubernde Atmosphäre. Die hoch aufragenden Dünen reflektieren die flackernden Lichter und verleihen Ihrem Abendessen in der afrikanischen Wüste noch mehr Zauber.

Während Sie das exquisite Essen genießen, umgibt Sie die Ruhe der Wüste. Der Abend wird durch die Wärme eines knisternden Feuers noch angenehmer, wo Sie entspannen und über die Abenteuer des Tages nachdenken können. Die ruhige Atmosphäre, kombiniert mit der Weite der Wüste und dem Glanz des Nachthimmels, machen dies zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis.

Widerwillig machen Sie sich auf den Weg zurück zum Pier und tragen die Erinnerungen an einen außergewöhnlichen Abend im Herzen der Namib-Wüste mit sich. Diese Reise hinterlässt einen unauslöschlichen Eindruck in Ihrer Seele, ein Zeugnis der zeitlosen Schönheit und Ruhe der uralten Landschaft Namibias.

Treffen Sie Ihren Fahrer und Guide am Kai und besuchen Sie die berühmtesten Sehenswürdigkeiten in Walvis Bay und Swakopmund. Bewundern Sie die Lagune von Walvis Bay, wo zahlreiche Feuchtvögel ihr Zuhause finden, bevor Sie weiter nach Swakopmund fahren. Swakopmund wurde an der Küste direkt am Meer erbaut und ist eine wunderschöne Stadt an der Mündung des Swakop-Flusses. Sie wird oft als ein Stück Deutschland am Rande der Wüste beschrieben. Viele Gebäude stammen aus der Jahrhundertwende und sind heute nationale Denkmäler und erinnern an die deutsche Kolonialvergangenheit der Stadt. In Swakopmund haben Sie die Möglichkeit, das Swakopmund Museum und die Kristall Galerie sowie die örtlichen Geschäfte im Stadtzentrum zu besuchen. Verlassen Sie Swakopmund auf der Küstenstraße zurück zum Kai.

Sie fahren vom Hafen zum Landungssteg, wo Sie für eine dreistündige Bootsfahrt auf der Lagune von Walvis Bay in ein offenes Boot steigen. Die Lagune ist ein in der Regel sehr ruhiges Gewässer, in der zahlreiche Vogelarten und Meereslebewesen zuhause sind.Ihr Boot fährt vom Landungssteg ab, um eine Rundfahrt des Hafengebietes zu machen, bevor es quer über die Lagune zu den festgemachten russischen Trawlern schippert, wo neugierige Robben auf der Suche nach Nahrung ums Boot schwimmen. Wenn Sie mutig genug sind, können Sie diese verspielten Tiere mit Fisch füttern.Anschließend geht es weiter zum Pelican Point, wo eine große Robbenkolonie und Delfinschwärme zu finden sind, die um das Boot herumschwimmen und so für Unterhaltung sorgen. Hier können Sie Heaviside-Delfine und Große Tümmler sehen.Vogelliebhaber haben hier nicht nur die Chance, viele Flamingos (saisonabhängig), Pelikane und Kormorane zu Gesicht zu bekommen, sondern können sich auch auf Weißkinn-Sturmvögel, Buntfuß-Sturmschwalben, Kaptölpel und Schwarze Austernfischer freuen.Und was gibt es Schöneres als diesen Ausflug mit einem Glas Sekt oder einem Erfrischungsgetränk abzurunden?Zurück an der Anlegestelle, haben Sie noch etwas Zeit, den Blick auf die Lagune zu genießen, bevor es zurück zu Ihrem Schiff geht.

Der Ausflug 'Lebendige Wüste' ist eine einzigartige Fahrt im Geländewagen durch die Küstendünen in der Umgebung von Swakopmund. 

Eine Fahrt durch die Dünen ist schon an sich eine unglaubliche Erfahrung. Auf diesem Ausflug bekommen Sie viel mehr als Sand zu sehen. Ihr Fahrer wird die Wüste zum Leben erwecken und Ihnen die faszinierende Schönheit der Wüste Namib vor Augen führen. Der Dünengürtel an der Küste mag auf den ersten Blick karg und leblos erscheinen. Tatsächlich ist er aber voller Leben, denn hier ist eine faszinierende Vielzahl an perfekt angepasste Pflanzen- und Tierarten zuhause, die aufgrund der Nebelschwaden, die vom kalten Atlantik in das Gebiet ziehen, überleben können. In dieser Gegend endemisch vorkommende Tiere sind die Zwergpuffotter und der Namibgecko (Pachydactylus rangei) mit seiner durchscheinenden Haut, seinen wunderschönen Farben und den Füßen mit Schwimmhäuten, die wie 'Schneeschuhe' funktionieren. Folgen Sie der Spur eines großen Namaqua-Chamäleons, um ihm bei seinem Brunch zuzusehen, und versuchen Sie anschließend die schnelle Anchieta-Wüsteneidechse (Meroles Anchieta) einzuholen, die Sie mit einem Tanz auf dem heißen Sand unterhalten wird! Sie können den Spuren der beinlosen Eidechse über die Düne in der Hoffnung folgen, dieses scheue Tier zu Gesicht zu bekommen. Bewundern Sie die Afrikanische Radspinne (Carparachne aureoflava), die dünenabwärts pro Sekunde 44 Räder schlägt, um so ihren Feinden zu entkommen. Andere Tiere, auf die Sie treffen oder die gesichtet werden können, sind der schwarze Skorpion Parabuthus Villosus, die gehörnte Puffotter oder Sandotter, Wüstenwespen, Wüstenchamälions, Silberfische, Grillen, einige Käferarten und noch vieles mehr - Auf der Fahrt erfahren Sie von Ihrem Fahrer viel Wissenswertes über die Geologie, Struktur und Entstehung der Wüste und die Farbenvielfalt der Dünen. Bewundern Sie die ausgedehnte, herrliche Landschaft auf einer malerischen Fahrt, die Spaß und Adrenalinkicks verspricht. Zum Abschluss des Ausflugs haben Sie, wenn das Wetter mitspielt, eventuell die Gelegenheit, eine 'Singende Düne' zu hören. Lassen Sie sich diese einmalige Gelegenheit, die Wüste hautnah zu erleben, nicht entgehen.

Nur wenige Kilometer vom Zentrum von Swakopmund entfernt taucht eine andere Welt auf. Dieser Teil der Stadt, der den malerischen Namen Mondesa trägt, ist afrikanischer, komplexer und mit einem spezialisierten Township-Führer sogar noch viel persönlicher.
Ihr Reiseführer kennt seinen Charakter, seine Charaktere und seine Geschichte. Mit einer wunderbaren Kombination aus Lachen und Information teilt er Mondesa einem breiteren Publikum, einem Publikum von Touristen, die Namibia aus der Sicht der verschiedenen ethnischen Gruppen Namibias erleben möchten. Mondesa wurde in den frühen 1950er Jahren gegründet, um in Swakopmund arbeitenden Schwarzen Wohnraum zu bieten.
Bei jedem Stopp wird ein bisschen Kultur, ein bisschen Geschichte und viel Gelächter geteilt.

• Gemeinde Mondesa

Treffen Sie Ihren Fahrer und Guide am Kai und begeben Sie sich auf eine aufregende Township-Tour, die Sie durch die Straßen des Mondesa Township in Swakopmund führt.
Mondesa ist ein Schmelztiegel verschiedener namibischer Kulturen, in dem Sie mit lokalen Stämmen (Oshiwambo, Ovaherero und Damara-Nama) interagieren, die lokalen Gerichte probieren, einschließlich der berühmten Mopane (Raupe), die eine wichtige Proteinquelle sind, und lokale Musik genießen mit lokalem Bier oder alkoholfreiem Getränk in einem lokalen Restaurant.
Hören Sie sich die bereichernden Geschichten der Namibier und ihrer Traditionen an. Sie erfahren, was diese Gemeinde einzigartig macht.
Fahren Sie auf der Küstenstraße zurück zum Kai.

Machen Sie einen Ausflug zum Namib-Naukluft-Park und entdecken Sie die Schätze der Namib, die Mondlandschaften dieses riesigen Gebiets erodierter Täler, in denen Sie sich fast vorstellen können, auf dem Mond zu sein, und den Welwitschia Drive, wo die Landschaft mit der außergewöhnlichen Welwitschia Mirablis-Pflanze übersät ist.

• Namib
• Welwitschia Drive
• Mondlandschaf

• Ihre malerische Busfahrt führt Sie in die Namib, vorbei an endlosen Sanddünenwellen.
• Biegen Sie auf den Welwitschia Drive ab, wo die Landschaft mit der außergewöhnlichen Welwitschia Mirablis-Pflanze übersät ist. Diese prähistorischen Pflanzen, die es nur in Namibia gibt, haben sich an ihren rauen Lebensraum angepasst, produzieren in ihrem Leben nur zwei Blätter und haben eine Lebensdauer von über 500 Jahren.
• Fahren Sie weiter in die „Mondlandschaft“ dieses riesigen Gebiets mit erodierten Tälern, wo Sie sich fast vorstellen können, auf dem Mond zu sein. Genießen Sie die atemberaubende Aussicht, bevor Sie Ihre Reise in einer Oase in den Schluchten der Mondlandschaft beenden, bevor Sie nach Quayside zurückkehren.
  
  

Pelican Point ist das ganze Jahr über die Heimat von bis zu 50.000 Cape Fur Seals. Sie sind sehr freundlich und verspielt und haben keine Angst vor unseren Kajaks, auch wenn wir direkt neben ihnen paddeln.

• Pelican Point Beach
• Saltpan Dune 
• Donkey Bay
• Lagoon Wetlands

Bei der Ankunft in Walvis Bay verlassen Sie das Schiff und nehmen einen kurzen Bustransfer zur Walvis Bay Waterfront.

Treffen Sie Ihren lokalen Reiseleiter und begeben Sie sich auf Ihren wartenden Planing Catamaran für eine kurze Bootsfahrt von der Küste zur Halbinsel Pelican Point, wo eine große Robbenkolonie und Delfinschwärme, die oft neben den Booten schwimmen, für Unterhaltung sorgen. Sichtbare Delfine sind die schwere Seite und der Tümmler.

Für die Vogelliebhaber gibt es neben vielen Flamingos (saisonal), Pelikanen und Kormoranen auch häufige Sichtungen des Weißkinnsturmvogels, des Wilsons-Sturmvogels, des Kaptölpels, des Schwarzen Austernfischers usw.

Starten Sie direkt zum Pelican Point Beach, wo Sie den Katamaran verlassen, gefolgt von einem kurzen Strandspaziergang zur Kajakbasis. Sie müssen eine kurze Leiter zum Strand hinunterklettern, daher müssen die Personen dazu körperlich in der Lage sein.

Die Robben sind neugierig und kommen oft in greifbare Nähe der Kajaks. Verbringen Sie ungefähr 45 Minuten bis 1 Stunde damit, die Gegend mit dem Kajak zu erkunden.

Kehren Sie zum Pelican Point Beach zurück, um heiße oder kalte Erfrischungen zu genießen und sich zu entspannen und die Erfahrung zu genießen.

Als nächstes werden Sie mit geführten 4x4-Fahrzeugen vom Strand abgeholt, um eine aufregende Fahrt durch die Salzpfannen, die Donkey Bay und die Lagunen-Feuchtgebiete zu unternehmen, und Ihren Morgen auf einer Salzpfannendüne mit Blick auf die Salzpfannen und Flamingos zu beenden.

Kehren Sie zum Hafen von Walvis Bay zurück, um Ihr wartendes Kreuzfahrtschiff zu besteigen.

Vom Schiff fahren Sie zum Flughafen Walvis Bay, wo Sie zu einem malerischen Flug über die Namib-Wüste, der 2 Stunden und 10 Minuten dauert, aufbrechen. Der insgesamt zurückgelegte Luftweg beträgt 630 km. Er ist der beliebteste Rundflug und ist garantiert das Highlight Ihres Urlaubs! Von Walvis Bay fliegen Sie in einem Kleinflugzeug über die Namib-Wüste zum Kuiseb-Fluss. Genießen Sie den unglaublichen Blick, während Sie am Kuiseb-Fluss entlang und über die 1959 gegründete Wüstenforschungsstation Gobabeb fliegen. Sie kommen an Tsondabvlei, dem einzigen bekannten Brutgebiet des Ohrengeiers in Südnamibia vorbei, während Sie zu den höchsten Wanderdünen der Welt in Sossusvlei fliegen: Kein Teil der Wüste bietet einen so atemberaubenden Anblick wie Sossusvlei. Die warmen Farbnuancen des Sandes reichen von blassem Apricot bis kräftigem Orange und Tiefrot und stellen einen starken Kontrast zu den breiten Ton-Pfannen zu ihren Füßen dar. Von Sossusvlei geht es weiter zur Restricted Diamond Area, wo Sie über die Reste von drei alten Diamantenfeldern fliegen und auf der Höhe der Conception Bay wieder an die Küste kommen. Dort überfliegen Sie die Kolonien der Kap-Pelzrobben und das Wrack des 1909 gestrandeten Passagierschiffs ?Eduard Bohlen?, das etwa 250 Meter vor der Küste liegt. In der Nähe werden Sie ein weiteres Wrack sehen, das der 1976 gestrandeten ?Shaunee?. Sie fliegen die Küste weiter entlang und sehen auf der einen Seite den Atlantik, auf der anderen Seite die Lange Mauer (Dünen der Namib). Sie erreichen Sandwich Harbour, ein Feuchtgebiet von internationaler Bedeutung, das durch die RAMSAR-Konvention geschützt wird. In diesem Gebiet wurde bei Ebbe mit 7.791 Vögeln/km2 die höchste Dichte von Zwerg- und Rosaflamingos verzeichnet. Sie werden auch die perfekt in ihre Umgebung eingebetteten Salzminen Namibias sehen, die südlich von Walvis Bay liegen und Tausende von Vögeln anziehen. Anschließend geht es zurück nach Walvis Bay, wichtigster Hafen Namibias und ehemalige südafrikanische Enklave, die am 1. März 1994 in das Staatsgebiet Namibias eingegliedert wurde. Nach Ihrer Ankunft am Flughafen Walvis Bay werden Sie zurück zum Hafen gebracht.

Dieser Ausflug ist die gelungene Kombination aus einer Fahrt im Geländewagen durch das atemberaubende Gebiet von Sandwich Harbour des Namib-Naukluft-Parks, einer gemütlichen Bootsfahrt auf dem Atlantik und einem köstlichen Mittagessen am Strand. Der Tag beginnt mit einer Bootsfahrt. Auf ihr haben Sie die Gelegenheit, fliegende Pelikane, Robben, den Hafen von Walvis Bay, alte Schiffswracks, Delfine und - zur entsprechenden Jahreszeit - sogar Mondfische und Schildkröten zu sehen! Nach der Bootsfahrt gehen Sie am Pelican Point an Land, wo Ihnen in der Nähe eines Schiffswracks das Mittagessen serviert wird.Anschließend ist es Zeit, zu Ihrem Ausflug nach Sandwich Harbour aufzubrechen, um das Delta des Flusses Kuiseb, die Salinen und die nördlich der Lagune von Sandwich Harbour liegenden Feuchtgebiete zu besichtigen. Wenn das Wetter und die Gezeiten es erlauben, fahren Sie direkt bis zur Lagune von Sandwich Harbour, einem der artenreichsten und faszinierendsten Feuchtgebiete Südafrikas. Sollte es aufgrund der Gezeiten nicht möglich sein, am Strand entlang nach Sandwich Harbour zu fahren, können Sie das Lagunengebiet von einem der zahlreichen Aussichtspunkte betrachten. Bevor Sie zum Pier zurückkehren, überqueren Sie auf der Rückfahrt nach Pelican Point noch mehr Riesendünen, unter denen auch die riesigen Singenden Dünen sind.

Sandwich Harbour liegt zwischen dem Meer und den Namib-Dünen und ist eines der reichsten und einzigartigsten Feuchtgebiete im südlichen Afrika. Das ausgedehnte Wattenmeer ist aufgrund der Konzentration von Zugvögeln, Watvögeln und Flamingos ein Traum für Naturliebhaber.

• Lagune von Walvis Bay
• Sandwich Harbor
• Riesige Dünen

• Machen Sie unterwegs eine kurze Pause an der Lagune von Walvis Bay, um die Massen von Flamingos (saisonal) und anderen Vögeln zu fotografieren, die in einem der größten natürlichen Feuchtgebiete der südlichen Hemisphäre leben.
• Bei der Annäherung an den Hafen von Sandwich werden Sie mit dem Anblick riesiger Sanddünen begrüßt, die direkt ins Meer ragen. Diese riesigen Dünen müssen überquert werden, um Sandwich Harbor zu erreichen. Halten Sie sich also gut fest, während Ihr erfahrener Fahrer/Guide Sie auf einer aufregenden Fahrt über die Dünen steuert.
• Halten Sie Ihre Kamera bereit, während Sie die einzigartige Landschaft erkunden, die nur darauf wartet, entdeckt zu werden. Anschließend findet Ihr Fahrer/Guide einen geeigneten Rastplatz, an dem Sie eine Erfrischung genießen können.
• Die Rückreise ist sicherlich nichts für schwache Nerven. Die Leistung Ihres Allradfahrzeugs wird im Gelände auf die Probe gestellt, wobei eine 130 Fuß hohe tosende Düne die größte Herausforderung darstellt.

Entdecken Sie die Schätze der Wüste Namib auf diesem einzigartigen Offroad-Abenteuer, zu dem auch ein Halt an der spektakulären Lagune von Walvis Bay gehört.Vom Pier aus fahren Sie in einem Geländewagen auf die Küstenstraße in Richtung Swakopmund und später ostwärts zum Namib-Naukluft-Park. Die Namib ist eine der ältesten Wüsten der Welt und hat die weltweit höchsten Wanderdünen zu bieten, die sich in den verschiedensten kräftigen Farben zeigen.Dort angekommen werden Sie die einzigartige Pflanzenwelt dieser ausgedörrten Gegend erkunden.Danach fahren Sie durch das Tal des Flusses Swakop bis zur sogenannten Mondlandschaft. Dieses ausgedehnte, stark erodierte Tal, das durch den Wind geformt wurde, der Berge zu bizarren Felsformationen und Sand reduzierte, erinnert an die Oberfläche des Mondes.Von hier fahren Sie in das Welwitschia-Tal, wo Tausende von Welwitschia-Pflanzen verstreut leben. Sie legen einen Halt ein, um diese faszinierenden Pflanzen und eine Vielzahl von Flechtenarten zu betrachten.Auf diesem Ausflug halten Sie an einem besonderen Ort, wo Sie sich bei Sekt, Orangensaft und einer Auswahl von Snacks erfrischen können, bevor Sie sich auf die Rückfahrt nach Walvis Bay machen.Sie fahren den Dünengürtel bis zur Düne Nr. 7 entlang und dann weiter nach Walvis Bay. Unterwegs statten Sie der Lagune von Walvis Bay und den Wattgebieten einen kurzen Besuch ab, bevor es zurück zum Pier geht.

Thrill to sightings of a profusion of bird species during this tour to the rich feeding grounds of the Walvis Bay Lagoon and salt mine. Journey to the ecologically indispensable Walvis Bay Lagoon, declared a Wetland of International Importance, and begin your quest to identify the wide variety of shore birds and waders who congregate there, including sandpipers, plovers, pelicans and herons, depending upon the season. You’ll enter the sedimentation pans of the expansive Walvis Bay Salt Holdings, the largest producer of solar sea salt in sub-Saharan Africa and enjoy a close-up view of the many resident birds, perhaps even seeing phalaropes, grebes and terns, including the rare Damara tern. Travel farther along the beach to Pelican Point and discover a large Cape fur seal colony, along with osprey and exotic African black oystercatchers.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Catalogue sightings of numerous waders and shore birds at the nutrient-rich Walvis Bay Lagoon.
• See a plethora of avian species, such as sandpipers, plovers, herons and pelicans.
• Visit the Walvis Bay Salt mine to look for phalaropes, grebes and terns.
• Spy osprey and African black oystercatchers at Pelican Point, home to a Cape fur seal colony.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Discover the unique denizens of the world's oldest desert during this off-road adventure in the Namib Desert. Settle in for a vista-filled drive in an off-road vehicle to the eerily beautiful Namib Desert. Upon arrival, you’ll be led by an expert guide through seemingly lifeless landscapes in search of indigenous species and learn how they adapt to the inhospitable environment. Perhaps see creatures like the sidewinding adder, the Palmetto gecko, the sand-diving lizard, the Namaqua chameleon and various other diminutive beetles, lizards and geckos that live and survive in the torrid desert conditions. Enjoy refreshing orange juice and savory snacks. During your return along a scenic coastal road, contemplate the nearly ineffable beauty of the bewitching Namib and its resilient tenants.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Board an off-road vehicle for an exhilarating outing into the breathtaking Namib Desert.
• Search the barren landscape for indigenous species that have adapted to the challenging environment.
• Stay alert for glimpses of the Palmetto gecko, sand-diving lizards or Namaqua chameleons.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Marvel at a vast national park that is distinguished by massive sand dunes and otherworldly terrain during a tour of a remarkable desert environment. Continuing on, you’ll enter the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which includes part of the Namib Desert and is the country’s largest nature preserve, and notice its striking rusty-hued sand dunes, whose colors vary due to the iron in the sand oxidizing to a darker shade as the dunes age. In spite of the seemingly harsh conditions, find flora and fauna thriving here, such as the raggedy welwitschia, which resembles wilted lettuce and produces only two leaves in its up to 500-year lifetime. You’ll journey to Moon Landscape, a vastly eroded valley that is reminiscent of the lunar surface. Discover that even though the environment appears to be barren, it supports a complex ecosystem of lichens and shrubs subsisting on the occasional moisture provided by sea fog that rolls in from as far as 20 miles away. You’ll wonder at nature’s incredible adaptability during this fascinating excursion.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience the Namib-Naukluft National Park, a striking natural preserve that includes part of the Namib Desert.
• Discern the age of a sand dune from the depth of its rust color, due to oxidation through the years.
• Wonder at the hardiness of the flora and fauna that thrive in the arid desert conditions.
• Examine the unappealing welwitschia plant, which resembles wilted lettuce and lives up to five centuries.
• Contemplate a lunar-like topography carved out by the wind at Moon Landscape.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Explore the Sandwich Harbour area in a 4x4 vehicle that can negotiate vastly different, otherwise inaccessible terrains. As an introduction to the natural wonders, you will first stop at Walvis Lagoon, which attracts a remarkable variety of seabirds and thousands of pink flamingoes. The species that you see will depend on the season, as many of the birds are migratory. You will then travel south through Namib-Naukluft Park, a hauntingly beautiful arid landscape with towering sand dunes. A natural tidal lagoon rims the coast, whose sparse vegetation stabilizes the dunes, which would otherwise shift dramatically. If the tides and ocean swells permit, you will drive to the lagoon along the beach. If not, you will travel entirely across the surrounding dunes, some of which rise more than 200 feet above sea level. Either way, you can expect to see a massive number of water birds, including cormorants, terns and waders.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride in a 4x4 vehicle through protected natural areas that would be inaccessible otherwise.
• View a staggeringly high number of seabirds, including flamingoes in season.
• Drive along the beach that rims remote Sandwich Harbour or across the surrounding sand dunes.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Applaud the splendid natural beauty of Southern Africa's western coast during this dolphin and seal cruise on the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Short transfer to the Walvis Bay Marina and board an open-air boat for a three-hour cruise in the renowned Walvis Bay Lagoon, declared a Wetland of International Importance as it is one of the most significant ecological sites along Southern Africa’s western coast. You’ll learn that the lagoon is well-known for its native bird species and vast array of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants, and find the water is usually very calm yet teeming with avian and marine life. Continue on to Pelican Point, a sand spit separating Walvis Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll likely encounter a large Cape fur seal colony, and watch for schools of heavyside and bottlenose dolphins that often swim alongside the boat. Keep a sharp lookout for white-chinned petrels, Wilson’s storm petrels, cape gannets, pelicans and cormorants. During your cruise, you’ll savor a delicious repast of fresh oysters, sparkling wine, soft drinks and a selection of open-faced sandwiches, a perfect accompaniment to your outdoor adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Embark an open-air boat for an in-depth exploration of the famed Walvis Bay Lagoon.
• Survey the lagoon’s protected wetland, known for its plethora of avian species and marine life.
• Spy a large colony of Cape fur seals at sandy Pelican Point.
• Thrill to schools of heavyside and bottlenose dolphins trailing beside your boat.
• Search for white-chinned petrels, Wilson’s storm petrels or cape gannets amid a flurry of countless pelicans and cormorants.
• Relish a tasty meal of fresh oysters, open-faced sandwiches, soft drinks and sparkling wine as you cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore Swakopmund’s colonial past during this orientation tour that includes a visit to the Walvis Bay Lagoon. Journey along the scenic coast to the mouth of the Swakop River and find Swakopmund, an enchanting seaside resort that resembles a Bavarian village. You’ll see the town’s colonial past reflected in the early 19th-century art nouveau architecture found on many appealing buildings that have been declared national monuments. Discover the neo-Baroque German Evangelical Lutheran Church and the elegant historic Railway Station, which is now the Swakopmund Hotel’s reception area. After passing the town’s historic jetty. Explore the Kristall Gallery, which displays crystals weighing up to 14 tons, and appreciate free time at the Brauhaus Gallery, a town center shopping arcade.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Uncover early 19th-century art nouveau architecture in Swakopmund, a seaside resort town that evokes a Bavarian village.
• See the lovely neo-Baroque German Evangelical Lutheran Church and the ornate former Railway Station.
• View the town’s beloved jetty and the Karakulia Weavers, where sheep wool is made into rugs and wall hangings.
• Study crystals up to 14 tons at the Kristall Gallery and browse the shops in the Brauhaus Gallery.
• Observe the Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains, recognized internationally for its environmental importance.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Delve into the daily bustle of Swakopmund on a visit to a working-class residential district during this rewarding tour. Travel a coastal road to Mondesa Township, which was established in the early 1950s to provide housing for Owambo, Damara and Herero people working in the city of Swakopmund. You’ll find that this district, just a brief distance from Swakopmund’s center, reveals a radically different world from the tourist center, providing you with an invaluable opportunity for personal growth by interacting with the friendly families who reside there. Observe the inhabitants’ daily life during an approximately three-hour customized tour that engages you in the resident’s everyday activities, and learn some of the region’s history to assist you in bridging the cultural gap and achieving increased understanding. In addition to benefitting from your immersion into a much different way of life, you’ll feel gratified that a portion of your visitor’s fee is contributed to a community fund that honors and supports the district’s citizens.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit Mondesa Township, a culturally diverse district of Swakopmund built to house the city’s workers.
• Meet the resident families, a priceless opportunity to grasp a culture likely entirely different from your own.
• Further your knowledge of the township’s history to better understand life in Mondesa.
• Appreciate that a portion of your fee supports Mondesa’s citizens.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the treasures of the Namib Desert during this memorable off-road expedition that includes a stop at the renowned Walvis Bay Lagoon. Board your off-road vehicle for a drive to the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which encompasses the Naukluft Mountain Range and part of the Namib, one of the world’s oldest deserts and site of the world’s highest and most vividly colored sand dunes. As you explore the unique plant life and terrain of this arid region, you’ll discover Moon Landscape, a vastly eroded valley that is reminiscent of the lunar surface due to the wind’s effect on the rock formations and sand. You’ll proceed to the Welwitschia Valley, where thousands of bizarre welwitschia plants are scattered about. After stopping to view these distinctive specimens as well as a variety of interesting lichens, you’ll continue to a scenic location for a refreshment of orange juice and savory snacks.

HIGHLIGHTS
• See the rugged mountains, shifting dunes and vibrant colors of beguiling Namib-Naukluft National Park.
• Gaze in awe at a lunar-like topography carved out by the wind at Moon Landscape.
• Study the uniquely unattractive welwitschia plant, found only in the Namib Desert.
• Appreciate a relaxing stop for savory snacks and orange juice.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the panoramic beauty and abundant bird species of Walvis Bay during this half-day, off-road bird-watching excursion.

Walvis Bay

Depart the pier for your scenic, approximately four-hour bird-watching experience at Walvis Bay. Walvis Bay and the offshore islands were incorporated into the Republic of Namibia on March 1, 1994, after being governed by South Africa for a number of years. The exquisite, pristine Walvis Bay Lagoon is renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty and abundant bird species; thousands of different species gather at these rich feeding-grounds.

Walvis Bay Lagoon, Bird-Watching, Diverse Bird Species, Walvis Bay Salt Mine

Your tour begins with a ride around the Walvis Bay Lagoon, where you may spot a huge variety of resident shore birds and waders, including sandpipers, plovers, pelicans and herons. From here, enter the sedimentation pans of the Walvis Bay Salt Mine and get really close to the birds, with a good opportunity to spot phalaropes, grebes and terns, including the rare Damara tern.

Pelican Point, Cape Fur Seal Colony, Kuiseb River Delta

Next, travel further along the beach to Pelican Point. Upon arrival, view a large, Cape Fur seal colony and our resident ospreys, as well as African black oystercatchers. Depending on weather and time, return through the Kuiseb River Delta with a possible sighting of the dune lark, sabota lark and/or Orange River white-eye. Your Walvis Bay bird-watching tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the lagoon of Walvis Bay and the beautiful wildlife found therein. Walvis Bay and the offshore islands were incorporated into the Republic of Namibia on March 1, 1994 after being governed by South Africa for a number of years. The Walvis Bay Lagoon takes pride of place for its scenic attractions in the area, where thousands of different species gather at these rich feeding grounds.

This tour takes you around the lagoon where you may get a chance to spot a vast variety of shore birds and waders including sandpipers, plovers, pelicans and herons. Enter the sedimentation pans of the Walvis Bay Salt mine and get extremely close to the birds with a strong chance to spot Phalaropes, Grebes and terns which include the rare Damara Tern.

The Scenic Desert Tour is an unforgettable and unique experience, Visitors will enjoy the thrill of cycling up and down Namibia's famous dunes whilst taking in the breath-taking scenery of the oldest desert in the world.

The scenic desert tour is around 12 - 14km long and includes cycling in town, through the dry riverbed and up and down stunning dunes. Although everyone appreciates the amazing scenery, a relative level of fitness and knowing how to ride a bicycle is required to fully enjoy this tour. 

Search for the Namibian Marine Big 5 - meet clumsy pelicans, view boisterous seals and, if luck permits, see leaping dolphins, playful whales, mysterious mola and shy turtles - all this and more on this half - day educational sailing dolphin and seal cruise. To top off your trip, enjoy some refreshments including sparkling wine!

Namibian Marine Big 5 & Boat Cruise Walvis Bay Lagoon

After a short transfer by road to the Walvis Bay Waterfront board your motorized or sailing catamaran for a marine educational excursion in the bay area in search of the Namibian Marine Big 5:  Whales, Dolphins, Mola, Leatherback turtle and seals.  While enjoying hot coffee and tea, the initial route takes you past oyster farms as you approach Pelican Point with its landmark lighthouse and 60,000 resident Cape Fur Seals.

Pelican Point, Seal Colony & Dolphins  

Round the point and head into the open sea. The waters around Walvis Bay are home to three different types of dolphins. Of these the common Bottlenose dolphin is most common. Heaviside's dolphins are much smaller but very social dolphins all along the Namibian coast. They are very fast swimmers and very active, social animals that often occur in groups of 10 or sometimes more. Watching these dolphins jump and cartwheel is a spectacle that brings pure joy. The Dusky dolphin is another of the species with superior aerial skills. The unconventional Mola or Sunfish is a highlight for many and occasional sightings of equally impressive Leatherback Turtles are also possible. Accompanying you throughout are a wreck of seabirds, such as the Kelp Gull, Hartlaub's Gull, Pelicans and Cape Cormorant. These birds often use our catamarans to hitch a ride or do some tourist sightings of their own! Continuing your journey from Pelican Point through the larger bay area pass some of the more interesting ships and oil rigs that visit the bay.

Sparkling Wine & Snacks during the Cruise

To round off the trip, enjoy local world-class fresh Namibian oysters paired with sparkling wine and a variety of savory snacks and dessert pastries.

On arrival at the jetty, take your transfer back to the ship.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Operation of this tour is subject to favourable weather and sea conditions and it may be cancelled on short notice. Although dolphin, seals and the bird-life described are regularly seen on this cruise, the sighting of wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Discover Walavis Bay area and its natural wonders on this half - day exploration tour. The area around Walvis Bay has become something of a tourist destination and economic hub over the years and this whistle-stop excursion gives you a chance to find out why.

Walvis Bay Lagoon & Salt Pans

Depart the pier for a short 15-minute trasfer to the sheltered Walvis Bay Lagoon, a RAMSAR site famed for its abundance of birdlife, including flamingos and rare white pelicans. At certain months of the year, the lagoon also acts as a vital stopover point for migratory birds en route to Etosha and Botswana. Enjoy a short stop to take some photos before making your way to to Namibia's largest salt mine.Even if entrance to the mine is not permitted, a stop outside the facility is a good chance to take a few more snapshots and learn some informaton regarding the mining process.

Dune 7 Belt - Nambia's Highest Sand Dunes

Last up and only 15 km outside Walvis Bay your final photo stop on the tour is the oldest desert in the world - the Namib Desert with some of the world's highest sand dunes. Take a moment to bask in the spellbinding views of Namibia's famous dune belt and to take more photos for your memory book.

Return to the pier or stay in town to explore Walvis Bay town center on your own (optional drop off at the shuttle drop off in Walvis Bay is offered to guests wishing to continue their exploration on own).

Enjoy a guided nature walk along the Namibia’s Pelican Point Peninsula where you will explore breathtaking coastal landscape, observe vibrant birdlife like flamingos and pelicans. Start your tour with a 4x4 transfer to Pelican Point from where your relaxing12km (7.45 miles) walk starts. Pelican point is a RAMSAR wetland, learn from your guide about the unique desert-meets-ocean ecosystem. Perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Take a short drive from the harbour to the jetty, where you will board a boat/catamaran for a 2.5-hour cruise on the Walvis Bay lagoon. The water here is usually very calm and abundant with birds and marine life.

Cruising, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Pelican Point, Birds and Marine Life

The boats depart the jetty and cruise around the lagoon and harbour area, from here, cut across the lagoon to the moored Russian trawlers and the oyster lines. Inquisitive seals will swim up to the boats for something to eat. The water here is usually very calm and abundant with birds and marine life. Continue to Pelican Point, where a large seal colony and schools of dolphins, which swim alongside the boats, providing entertainment. Dolphins sighted are the Heavy side and Bottlenose. For the bird lovers, apart from seeing many flamingos (seasonal), pelicans and cormorants, there are also common sightings of the White Chinned Petrel, Wilson's Storm Petrel, Cape Gannet, Black Oystercatcher.

Casual Light Finger Snack and sparkling wine served during the Cruise

To round off the boat trip, refreshments and finger snacks are served during the cruise. Local beer, soft drinks, mineral water, and a selection of open sandwiches and other snacks are also offered.

Sandwich Harbor 4x4 Adventure 

On arrival, embark your 4x4 vehicle for your Sandwich Harbor tour. Sandwich Harbour is a part of the Namib-Naukluft Park many have heard of but very few have ever visited. Giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking sceneries and a unique off road driving experience. Our landrovers take you to beautiful lookouts where you can feel the isolation Namibia and the Skeleton Coast are so famous for!

Sandwich Harbour Lagoon with Refreshments along the way

The Sandwich Harbour Lagoon is a highlight of the Sandwich Harbour area. It is a large natural tidal lagoon, situated about 55km south of Walvis Bay. The lagoon is completely surrounded by large sand dunes, and is only accessible by 4x4 - even this relies largely on the tides. The lagoon area is fed with fresh water 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. If the lagoon is not accessible via 4x4, you will get a chance to see the lagoon area from one of our lookout spots.

Depending on the tides and the swell, we will try to reach the Sandwich Harbour lagoon along the beach. Alternatively, we will take an exciting dune ride to our lookout dune to get an aerial view of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon. We stop along the way to enjoy sparkling wine, oysters and cool drinks. Depending on weather conditions (wind), this will either be done on top of a high dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the beach, or amongst the dunes.

The route homewards will be done testing the power of the vehicles on the dunes, the highlight being the 65 m high roaring dune, giving you exceptional viewpoints on the return to Walvis Bay and the quayside.

Participate in a most unusual and exciting event amongst the dunes of the Namib Desert during this 5-hour evening extravaganza. The landscapes of Namibia are characterized by the brooding, desolate desert and its famous dunes. The combination offers an awe-inspiring sense of space and contrasting colours.

Marquee Set Up in The Dunes

Departing the ship before sunset, transportation ranging from coaches to 4x4 vehicles, take you on the approximately one hour (18-mile / 29 kilometer) trip north into the desert. The site of this evening's event presents a striking picture with its specially erected marquee against the golden-coloured dunes, which form a dramatic backdrop, a natural amphitheatre.

Sundowner & Sparkling Wine

Upon arrival at the privately set up desert site, enjoy sparkling wine, fresh Swakopmund oysters and light snacks while watching the African sunset over the incredible Dunes. Short walk/ drive to the Marquee tent, where tables are draped in linen beautifully laid, subtle lighting, a myriad of candles reflecting in and off the Dunes all this and more creating an unforgettable evening. Sit back and take in the captivating atmosphere of a Namib Desert evening under the bright starts of the African sky.

Buffet Dinner & Entertainment

A special, buffet-style dinner consisting of crisp salads and succulent meats will be served in this magnificent setting. Mouth-watering desserts are usually a well-guarded secret and a pleasant surprise. To heighten the overall experience, Fire-performers, Marimba music, and a Galore choir and will entertain you.

After dinner the relaxed atmosphere will be further enhanced by small talk around a crackling fire.

Enjoy coming "home" to the ship following this unforgettable experience in the Namib Desert.

Meet some of the small living creatures found in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert. Your expert guides help you spot creatures like the lizards and geckos which live and survive in the hot desert conditions. Also learn about the desert-adapted flora as well as the history and formation of the dunes.

Depart the ship and travel along the dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. The drive along the foot of the dunes is slow, taking precaution not to drive on the gravel plains and cause unnecessary damage. Conservation issues and the geological structure of the desert are discussed en route.

Expect your guide to stop frequently to look for tracks (known locally as reading the bushman paper), to determine which creatures were active the night before and wherever possible and try to catch some of them for viewing. Listen raptly as your guide shares their knowledge about each little desert animal, including adaptations and design for survival in the desert. Great care is taken to ensure each animal is returned safely to its home.

Also enjoy the spectacular scenery, the feel of the silky sand beneath your feet and the fantastic photographic opportunities. Return to your ship via the scenic coastal road.

This half day tour takes you along the coastal road to Mondesa Township in Swakopmund. A unique cultural tour depicting a different style of life.

Mondesa Township, Interaction with the Community and Refreshments

Mondesa Township was established in the early 1950's to provide housing for Owambo, Damara and Herero people working in Swakopmund. Just a few kilometers from the centre of Swakopmund another world appears. Bearing the picturesque name of Mondesa, this side of town is more African, more complex and, with the assistance of your local guide, will become much more personal. In a township where poverty, unemployment and low-income families live employment opportunities and international relationships between the Mondesa Township community and travellers provides opportunities for growth, friendship, support and understanding between the various cultures.

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, see a demonstration of mahango preparation, taste some unusual food and enjoy some entertainment.

Please be aware that a portion of each visitor fee goes back into the community.

At the end of this enriching experience, return to Walvis Bay.

Experience an up-close look at the Namib on this half-day adventure into the desert, topped off by some refreshments in the desert.

Namib Desert

Depart from the pier on-board your 4x4 and travel along the scenic coastal road to the Musical Rocks situated in the 'Moon Landscape' in the rocky section of the Namib Desert. Enjoy the magnificent view of the Swakop River Canyon before continuing to the 'Lichen Koppie', a small hill littered with a big variety of Lichen plants. See the blooming of life in these seemingly 'dead' plants when your guide gives them some precious water.

Swakop River, Moon Mountains & Welwirschia Plants

The safari travels further through the Swakop River, a dry riverbed that seldom flows, to the 'Moon Mountains' allowing time to explore this area of deep chasms and interesting geological features before arriving at the world famous Welwitschia Mirabilis plants. The Welwitschia plant was discovered in 1859 by Dr. Friedrich Welwitsch and has been recorded as living to 1500 years. It is the most talked-about plant in the Botanical World and considered to be the Paradox of the Namib.

Beforeyou make your way back to the ship, stop en route at a special location, stopping for refreshments.

Let yourself be introduced to the playful and curious resident seals by kayak - all in the calm Atlantic Ocean in the idyllic bay of Walvis Bay on this half – day activity tour. Round off the morning's kayaking with a hearty brunch - and an extravagant bed of fresh Namibian oysters paired with crisp sparkling wine on the beach.

4X4 Drive, Pelican Point

Depart the pier for a short 4x4 30-minute drive to the Old Lighthouse at Pelican Point. On the way pass the active Walvis Bay Salt Works and admire saltwater ponds from where the salt is being extracted. Keep your eyes open for a multitude of shorebirds and waders, such as Pied Avocet, Black Oystercatcher, White Breasted Plover and flamboyances of greater and lesser flamingoes.

Kayak, Marine Wildlife & Photo Opportunity

Upon reaching the beach, it is time for action - kayaking in the waters of the bay of Walvis Bay.

As you prepare for your kayaking activity, there is the chance that you are joined by young and playful Cape Fur Seals from a seal colony nearby who just love to investigate the kayaks and frolic around and under the kayaks or play with the paddles. There is ample opportunity for photographs and selfies with them. Keep a lookout though for larger sea mammals such as bottlenose and Heaviside dolphins who regularly frequent the area as well.

Well - Deserved Refreshments

The morning's kayaking is rounded off by a light breakfast with hot coffee, tea or hot chocolate on the beach - as well as fresh Namibian oysters paired with crisp sparkling wine. There is time to explore the beach and look for typical white mussel and clam shells of the area, chill in the sun, bath in the calm Atlantic Ocean while observing the Pelican Point lighthouse and seal colonies in the distance. You may even spot a black-backed jackal or two.

Return to the pier along the Pelican Peninsula, en route making a breif photo stop at Walvis Bay Lagoon.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This tour requires an extensive amount of activity including Kayaking, ability to swim, strenuous walk on beach, 4x4 dune drive, manage launching directly onto the beach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable clothes, swim wear, towel, extra set of clothes, sun hat, sun block are recommended. Operation of this tour is subject to favourable weather and sea conditions and it may be cancelled on short notice. Although dolphin and seabirds described are regularly seen on this tour, the sighting of wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

Take a delightful three-hour cruise on the Walvis Bay lagoon, enjoying its calm waters and abundant bird and marine life.

Depart across the lagoon to the moored Russian trawlers, where inquisitive seals often swim up to the boats for something to eat. For the more adventurous passenger, there is the opportunity to feed fish to these playful animals.

Continue to Pelican Point, where a large seal colony and schools of dolphins, which swim alongside the boats, provide entertainment. The dolphins typically sighted in this area are the Heavyside and Bottlenose.

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

On arrival at the jetty, re-embark the coaches, which will transfer you back to the ship.

Depart the quayside and drive to Walvis Bay Lagoon. Stop to observe the flamingos (dependent upon weather and season) and other sea birds before heading towards the Kuiseb Delta via the Walvis Bay Saltpans.

Sandwich Harbor is a part of the Namib-Naukluft Park many have heard of but very few have ever visited. Giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking scenery and a unique off-road driving experience. Land rovers take you to beautiful lookouts where you can feel the isolation for which Namibia and the Skeleton Coast are so famous.

Arrive at Sandwich Harbor Lagoon, a highlight of the Sandwich Harbor area. It is a large natural tidal lagoon, situated about 55km south of Walvis Bay. The lagoon is completely surrounded by large sand dunes and is only accessible by 4x4 - even this mode of transportation relies largely on the tides.

The lagoon area is fed with fresh water seeping through the sand dunes, which 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. If the lagoon is not accessible via 4x4, there is still the chance to see the lagoon area from lookout spots.

Depending on the tides and the swell, the excursion will try to reach the Sandwich Harbor lagoon along the beach. Alternatively, there is an exciting dune ride to a lookout point to get an aerial view of the Sandwich Harbor Lagoon. Stop along the way to enjoy drinks and snacks.

The route homewards tests the power of the vehicles on the dunes, the highlight being the 65-meter high roaring dune, giving you exceptional viewpoints on the return to Walvis Bay and the quayside.

Sandwich Harbour is a part of the Namib-Naukluft Park where many giant sand dunes run straight into the ocean, creating breathtaking sceneries and a unique off road driving experience. From the various lookout points you will be able to feel the isolation Namibia and the Skeleton Coast are so famous for.

Walvis Bay Lagoon - Sandwich Harbour Lagoon

Depart the pier and drive to Walvis Bay Lagoon. Stop to observe the flamingos and other sea birds before heading towards the Kuiseb Delta via the Walvis Bay Saltpans. The Sandwich Harbour Lagoon is a large natural tidal lagoon, situated about 34 miles (55 kilometres) south of Walvis Bay. The lagoon is completely surrounded by large sand dunes, and is only accessible by 4x4. The lagoon area is fed with fresh water 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. If the lagoon is not accessible via 4x4, you will get a chance to see the lagoon area from one of our lookout spots.

Depending on the tides and the swell, you will reach the Sandwich Harbour lagoon along the beach. Alternatively you will take an exciting dune ride to a lookout dune to get an aerial view of the Sandwich Harbour Lagoon.

Dune Ride and Refreshments along the way

Then enjoy a stop along the way for drinks and snacks. Depending on weather conditions (wind), this will be either on top of a high dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the beach, or amongst the dunes.

On the route homewards, test the power of the vehicles on the dunes, the highlight being the 65m high roaring dune and offering exceptional viewpoints on the return to Walvis Bay

Experience a thrilling kayaking tour at Pelican Point where you paddle alongside playful cape fur seals ad spot diverse marine life, including dolphins and seabirds, in the serene waters of Walvis Bay Lagoon. With stunning desert views and close encounters with wildlife this tour is perfect for nature lovers and adventures.

Round off the morning's kayaking with a hearty brunch on the beach before heading back to port.

Explore the splendid beauty and Colonial past of Namibia during this half -day exploration tour of Swakopmund. Highlights of your excursion include a scenic coastal drive, historic landmarks, visits to the Swakopmund Museum, the Walvis Bay Lagoon and sand dunes. Enjoy the opportunity to browse for souvenirs at the local crafts market.

Swakopmund Exploration & Historical Buildings

Depart the pier for the scenic drive along the coastal road to Swakopmund, located 19 miles north of Walvis Bay at the mouth of the Swakop River. En route, take in magnificent views of sand dunes on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.  Upon arrival, you will take a tour of this seaside resort, which resembles a Bavarian village. Along the way, you see Swakopmund's Colonial past reflected in the early-19th-century Art Nouveau architecture; many of the charming buildings found here have been declared National Monuments. Drive along  Sam Cohen, Otavi Bahn, Omeg Haus, right turn at Hotel Eberwein, straight past German Lutheran Church, stop at Swakopmund Hotel and take photo. Past Altes Amtsgericht, turn left at police station, past Woerman Brock, straight past Hohenzollern Haus.  

Swakopmund Museum & Crafts Market

Next, proceed to the Swakopmund Museum, which depicts the local history of the town. It also features an interesting exhibit of the various people inhabiting Namibia. Enjoy a guided tour through the museum. Following your visit of the musuem, enjoy some free to browse the local crafts market, located next to the Museum.

Walvis Bay Lagoon RAMSAR Natural Heritage Site

Final stop, before re-joining the ship, is made Walvis Bay Lagoon and tidal flood plains. A RAMSAR Natural Heritage Site and one of the most important wetlands along South Africa's West Coast, the Walvis Bay Lagoon is renowned for its abundance of marine life, flamingos (seasonal), pelicans and other bird species.

Return to the pier.

The Namib Desert is the world's oldest desert, and its dunes harbour a wide array of desert life. Explore the dunes of the Namibian Desert during this half-day excursion via 4WD led by specialist guide. Find the weird and wonderful creatures that call the desert their home and take stunning photographs in the desert. View the stunning Namibian Desert before enjoying a lunch with local wines under a Bedouin style tent.

The Namib Desert

The Namib Desert stretches along the Atlantic Ocean from Angola well into South Africa and forms a belt of spectacular dunes and rock formations that reaches up to 200 kms inland. The coastal belt dune may seem barren and lifeless to many people, but in fact it is alive with a fascinating variety of little desert adapted animals. The coastal road between the two towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The road extends over 31.36 km with the dunes on one side and the Atlantic ocean on the other side - two quite start contracts close together.

Depart Walvis Bay harbor in 4x4 expedition vehicles in this collection tour especially designed for our World Cruise Guests. Embark on an exploration to find the living creatures of the desert, led by specialist naturalitst guides who take the time to find all the weird and wonderful creatures in the desert, interacting with guests as they are found. These creatures may include the Sidewinder Adder, the Palmetto Gecko, the Sand Diving Lizard, the Namaqua Chameleon and various other little beetles, lizards and geckos which live and survive in the hot desert conditions. Your guide frequently stops to look for tracks (known locally as reading the bushman paper), to determine which creatures were active the night before and wherever possible, will try to catch some of them. He shares his knowledge about each little desert animal, including adaptations and design for survival in the desert. Great care is taken to ensure each animal is returned safely to its home.

As your guide points out to you interesting desert-survival adaptations of these animals, enjoy excellent photographic opportunities. As you continue your desrt tour educate yourself about history in the area such as the 'The Horse Graveyard'. Here, the mass slaughter of South African military horses marked the turning point of Namibia's (then Southwest Africa) involvement in the First World War. This area, holding some 1,600 carcasses, signifies the key role that Swakopmund and Walvis Bay played in the development of Namibia.

A brief description of the minerals found in the dunes is also explained, as well as the formation of the dunes and the importance of the coastal fog to all the living organisms and vegetation found along the dunes.

Bedouin Style Tent for Lunch

After your living desert discoveries, relax under a Bedouin style tent for a desert lunch prepared on open fires.

Verspielte Delfine begleiten Ihre Fahrt, die Robbenkolonie am Pelican Point wartet freudig auf Ihren Besuch und Pelikane und Robben beobachten Ihren Katamaran gespannt. Die Tierwelt in der Lagune von Walvis Bay ist vielfältig. Machen Sie es sich an Bord gemütlich. Und weil Seeluft hungrig macht, werden Ihnen fangfrische Austern, Sekt und Snacks gereicht. Greifen Sie zu und lassen Sie es sich schmecken.

Der Ausflug, kurz zusammengefasst:

• Kurzer Transfer zum Bootsanleger und zurück zum Schiff
• Rund 3-stündige entspannte Fahrt mit dem Katamaran in der Lagune von Walvis Bay
• Mit etwas Glück: zahlreiche tierische Wegbegleiter während des Ausflugs