The Otherworldly Beauty Of Namibia’s Sandwich Harbour
Running along Namibia’s Atlantic coast, Sandwich Harbour is comprised of a pristine northern bay and southern lagoon. Situated 55km south of Walvis Bay, it’s one of only a handful of locations on the planet where massive dunes meet the sea. On any given day, it’s brimming with wildlife and brilliant blue sky.
The drive to Sandwich Harbour begins on the Atlantic Coast of the country. Leaving the city of Swakopmund, the salty breeze fills the air, bringing welcome relief from the Namibian heat.
Further down the coastline, the colour of the sand begins to change. The light pink shade that brings its surroundings to life comes from residue blown from a nearby salt factory.
Here, an abandoned whaling station now lies far beneath the soft, coastal sand. Standing above it, you can see the hollow skeleton of the station’s structure preserved underground.
Heading into the Namib Desert, the landscape becomes increasingly more rugged and dry. Here, Springbok seemingly blend into the background.
The desert quickly turns into the Namibian dunes, where the sand overcomes the rocky landscape, filling the horizon with warm, golden tones that contrast perfectly with the stunning blue of the sky.
When you finally reach Sandwich Harbour, the view doesn’t disappoint. The waters of the Atlantic and the dunes of the Namib Desert run either side of a beautiful lagoon where all manner of animals graze.
Taking time out to walk around Sandwich Harbour allows you to fully appreciate Africa’s natural beauty.
Four-wheel-drive tours to Sandwich Harbour can be booked for next-day departure at Charly’s Desert Tours, Swakopmund. Half-day tours cost about $58 ($600NAD) and full-day tours (including lunch) cost $153 ($1590NAD).
The weather can be particularly cold in the morning, but the temperature does warm up as the day wears on. Bring along flat shoes, comfortable clothes and, most importantly, sunscreen.
(All images: Ryan Cheng)
