From 1835 to 1838 Sir James Alexander (1803-1885) undertook a zoological expedition through Namaland and Damaraland. The route went via Warmbad and Fish Rivers ending in Walvisbay. On his return journey he followed the Kuiseb River and then went along the edge of the desert to the Orange River and back to Cape Town.

The Walvisbay wetlands – the lagoon, the salt pans, the pans and the bird sanctuary constitute the single most important coastal wetlands in Africa for migratory birds. Indeed it ranks among the top ten coastal wetlands in Africa in terms of number of birds. During one year, over 150 000 migrant birds may travel up to 12 000 kilometres from northern Europe and Siberia to spend the local summer months in Walvis Bay. Its importance is increasing due to the continuing demis of the Langebaan Lagoon along the west coast of South Africa, and also due to the major changes which occurred recently to the Sandwich Harbour wetland.

Walvis Bay is Namibia’s major harbour town and it is fast developing into a sought after seaside holiday haven.

Attractions are the lagoon with its prolific bird life and variety of recreational possibilities, a desert golf course, and activities such as sightseeing from a donkey cart and kayaking on the lagoon at sunrise.

The Walvis Bay wetlands are internationally renowned for large concentrations of waders, flamingos and shore birds, while the south-westerly winds create ideal conditions for boardsailing and other water sports on the lagoon.

The coastal dunes offer a variety of adventure activities such as sand boarding, parasailing and quad biking.

At Sandwich Harbour, some 40 km south of Walvis Bay, the dunes sweep down to a pristine lagoon (which once served as a harbour) to create spectacular coastal scenery.

Sandwich also ranks as one of the most important coastal wetlands in Africa. It is accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle only and is open to day visitors.

Entry permits to visit the harbour can be obtained from the Police Offices at the Harbour Entrance on 13th Road. Organised visits are undertaken every two weeks, usually on Thursdays.

Dune 7, on the outskirt of the town is the tallest dune in the area.

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