A port city and natural harbour on Namibia’s west coast, Walvis Bay’s strategic position has resulted in a complicated political history. Today it is an important area for wildlife and tourism.
Walvis Bay is situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, has a relaxed atmosphere, and is protected by Pelican Point sand spit from strong ocean currents.
The bay is rich in plankton and marine life, which in turn, historically, attracted large numbers of southern right whales, hence its name, which comes from the Afrikaans, meaning ‘Whale Bay’. Boat trips from Walvis Bay can be rewarding as it is possible to see a number of cetacean species, including Heaviside’s dolphin, and even Cape fur seals.
Because of its strategic location on the sea route to the Cape of Good Hope, Walvis Bay has been occupied at various times by a succession of colonists, including the British during the 19th century ‘Scramble for Africa’.
Walvis Bay is one of the driest cities on Earth – it has a very rare climate which is classified as ‘cold desert’ and receives only 13.2 millimetres of precipitation a year.
Namibia is one of Africa's last great wilderness areas and offers some truly magnificent desert scenery, a bird-rich coastline, one of Africa’s finest wildlife reserves, and some of the most dramatic dunes in the world. This comprehensive itinerary is a great way to experience this fascinating country. Find out more about Skeleton Coast & Etosha
Join Wildlife Worldwide Director Nick Joynes on a small group luxury wildlife adventure in Namibia, an unforgivingly and unapologetically beautiful country that touches your heart like nowhere else. Experience a land of remarkable diversity, with chances to observe wildlife at close quarters amid ancient living landscapes. Find out more about Z) A Living Desert
Lagoon Lodge offers a warm welcome to guests, and its facilities include a swimming pool and a roof deck facing the lagoon. The spacious rooms are all individually decorated with care, and the lodge’s gardens provide a homely setting on Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, by Walvis Bay. Find Out More about Walvis Bay Lagoon Lodge
