COAST / WHERE THE DUNES MEET THE SEA

Sandwich Harbour.

The sand reaches the Atlantic. Then a wave redraws the boundary. At Sandwich Harbour, the Namib changes its rhythm, light and sound.

Plan your trip

Local weatherForecast for the area

Dunes and the Atlantic

4x4 excursion

Lagoon and birdlife

Worth knowing.

Sandwich Harbour is located south of Walvis Bay, in the Namib-Naukluft. Dunes, beach and wetland form a unique landscape, but Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour lagoons are distinct places. The route changes with tides, swell and sand conditions.

How to experience it.

Allow half a day or a full day with a local operator. Even on a self-drive trip, we choose a guided excursion here: the guide assesses beach access and the route into the dunes. The lagoon is accessible only when conditions allow.

Satellite viewEOxCloudless / Copernicus 2016–2017 · CC BY 4.0

01 / UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEYMORE THAN SIGHTS

In the field.

The point where ocean and desert meet is just the beginning. Also watch what moves at the edge of the water.

Sandwich Harbour dunes overlooking the Atlantic

01 / IN THE FIELD

The itinerary is also decided by the sea

The narrow strip between dunes and waves is not always passable. Your operator may change the route or view the lagoon from higher viewpoints. Leaving room for these changes is part of the experience.

Source

The Sandwich Harbour lagoon and surrounding dunes

02 / IN THE FIELD

A wetland inside the desert

Sandwich Harbour is a Ramsar site – its value doesn't end in the dune landscape. Groundwater, tides and mudflats support diverse environments and numerous shorebirds. It is observed from a distance, without crossing feeding groups or resting areas.

Source

03 / IN THE FIELD

Two lagoons, two moments of the journey

Many excursions leave from the Walvis Bay waterfront and stop at its lagoon before heading south. Flamingo numbers, their presence and the light all vary. Here, photography begins with patience.

Source

Plan your visit.

A rewarding visit starts with the practical details.

When to go: Excursions run throughout the year. Fog, wind and tides matter more than a single 'perfect season': reconfirm the plan with your operator close to departure.
How long to allow: Allow half a day for a dedicated excursion or a full day for a broader programme. Transfers from Swakopmund and any boat excursions require additional time.
How to get there: Most excursions start in Walvis Bay. Tell the operator where you are staying and check the meeting point, pick-up arrangements and inclusions before booking.
What to bring: Bring a windproof jacket, a warm layer, sunscreen, water and a protective bag for sand and sea spray. The coast can feel colder than you expect.
Access and activities: Confirm permits, the route and excursion arrangements. Hiring a 4x4 does not give you permission to follow every track.
Where it fits in your trip: This fits well into a coastal stop between the Namib and northern Namibia. If you are staying in Swakopmund, allow time for the transfer to Walvis Bay.

Before you go 1 ·

03 / WHERE THE DAY ENDSTHREE WAYS TO STAY

Where to stay.

Three Swakopmund bases for a coastal stay that includes Sandwich Harbour. You stay in town; excursions usually leave from Walvis Bay, so the transfer needs to be arranged.

Swakopmund · Photo of the area, not the property. Photographed in 2018.

01 / COMFORT

Swakopmund Guesthouse

Swakopmund · town

A family-run guesthouse offering rooms on a bed-and-breakfast basis. A base for enjoying the town at a relaxed pace.

For travellers who enjoy a small, independent place to stay in town.

Breakfast
Wi-Fi
Air conditioning

Property website Let’s plan your stay

Swakopmund · Photo of the area, not the property. Photographed in 2018.

02 / PREMIUM / LUXURY

Strand Hotel Swakopmund

Swakopmund · coast

An O&L hotel with several room and suite categories. Sea views depend on the category booked, so check the details of your reservation.

For travellers who enjoy hotel comforts between coastal excursions.

Rooms and suites
Seafront

Property website Let’s plan your stay

Swakopmund · Photo of the area, not the property. Photographed in 2018.

03 / CAMPING

Alte Brücke Camp & Caravan

Swakopmund

Pitches with private bathrooms, electricity points and braai areas, according to the operator. An equipped campsite for a coastal stop.

For travellers bringing their own camping equipment and looking for a comfortable coastal base.

Private bathroom
Braai
Electricity

Property website Let’s plan your stay

Comfort, Premium/Luxury and Camping are editorial categories for this selection, not official ratings. These properties are examples: availability, category, facilities, inclusions and any commercial relationship with Redland must be confirmed. No booking is made here.

YOUR PACE, YOUR BASE

Let’s choose where to stay together.

Let’s discuss accommodation

Facts and sources: explore further

04 / A CLOSER LOOKFOR CURIOUS TRAVELLERS

In numbers.

Facts and context, with links to the sources. These describe the place; they are not weather forecasts or navigation instructions.

Recognized wetland: 1995
Ramsar designation year: 23 August 1995.
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Ramsar site area: 16,500 ha
The area of the protected wetland, not just the lagoon itself.
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International recognition: 743
Site number in the Ramsar register.
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Two water systems: Water table + tides
The Ramsar record distinguishes groundwater-fed habitats from areas influenced by the tides.
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Sources and information verified on 6 November 2026. Access, services and conditions are reconfirmed before departure.

NOW MAKE IT YOUR JOURNEY

Can you imagine yourself up there, with a dune under your feet and the Atlantic in front of you?

A place that sparks your curiosity is a good starting point. Let’s decide how to experience it together.

Let’s plan your trip