A Complete Travel Guide to Sandwich Harbor

9 Best Things to Do in Sandwich Harbor

1. Drive on Sand Dunes for the First Time

One of the best things you can do at Sandwich Harbour is learn how to drive on sand dunes! You can join a self-drive guided 4x4 tour with your own vehicle, or opt for one of their provided 4x4s, which come equipped with all the tools you need to conquer the ever-shifting landscape of Sandwich Harbour.

With the self-drive tour, you'll drive your own 4x4 while the guide leads the way around Sandwich Harbor. They’ll communicate with you via radio as you navigate the sand dunes, providing instructions on how to get around certain obstacles.

You’ll be driving along the beach, up and down massive sand dunes as high as a six-story building, learning how to navigate the shifting sands, skills you’ll surely appreciate if you ever find yourself driving in a desert. I can't think of a more beautiful or memorable place to learn how to drive on sand dunes than here!

2. Drive Along the Beach by the Ocean

Another epic thing to do here is to drive along the beach while being sandwiched (get it? 😂) between massive sand dunes and the vast ocean. How often do you get to drive between towering sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, right?

That said, please be aware of the tides when driving along the beach. You don’t want your car to come into contact with the seawater, even for a brief moment, as it can lead to corrosion, rust, and other structural damage, particularly to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and brake components.

That’s why I recommend joining a guided tour. The guide is very familiar with the area's tides and can help you navigate around them. Sometimes, you might drive one way, only to find that you need to take a different route on the way back due to rising tides.

When I was there, some trails were completely submerged by seawater, even when the tide wasn’t particularly high! Our guide had to find an alternate route until the tide receded further. Seawater is no joke, so don’t risk it, especially with a rental car!

3. Conquer the Giant Sand Dunes with a 4x4

The sand dunes at Sandwich Harbor are massive, and what better way to make this trip even more rewarding than by conquering them with a 4x4 as you drive! With the self-drive guided tour, your driver will constantly warn you of steep climbs and descents of these sand dunes, and they will help you overcome them.

Since you’ll be constantly going up and down the dunes, your guide will instruct you on how to maintain momentum as you descend one dune and climb the next, while also making sure you keep your speed in check so you don’t accidentally overshoot and fly off into the sky 😂.

Some of the sand dunes, like the viewpoints I’ll be mentioning next, are incredibly high and steep, with some reaching over 100 meters (300 feet) in height. So, if your dream is to drive up a building-tall sand dune, there’s no better place to do it than here.

4. Enjoy the View from Dune Colby

One of the first viewpoints you’ll stop at is Dune Colby, a massive dune offering a fantastic vantage point to take in the beauty and true scale of Sandwich Harbor. From here, you can see Sandwich Bay in its entirety, along with the vast, deep blue Atlantic Ocean running parallel to it. How often do you get to witness that?

From the viewpoint, you'll also be able to spot many hidden gems that might have been missed from the ground, such as a surprisingly green pocket of vegetation in an otherwise barren, desolate landscape that stretches along the coast of Sandwich Bay.

On the other side, you'll be able to appreciate the vast rolling sand dunes you just navigated to get there, giving you a true sense of how massive they really are. It’s also a perfect spot to stop for a quick lunch, often provided by the tour.

Most of the food provided consisted of barbecues and finger foods, which made sense given the wind and sand blowing all around. And honestly, there’s no better place to have lunch in Sandwich Harbor than on top of one of the highest sand dunes here.

5. Take the Iconic Photo at Kodak Point

Another viewpoint you’ll stop at in Sandwich Harbor is Kodak Point, named for how photogenic the spot is. You can tell it was named quite some time ago, back when Kodak was still a relevant camera brand 😂. I wonder if kids these days even know just how popular Kodak was back in the day.

Much like Dune Colby, Kodak Point offers breathtaking views, where you can witness the stunning blend of desert and ocean, a sight you don't get to see every day. This viewpoint is particularly popular during sunrise and sunset, when the lighting casts long shadows across the sand dunes as the sun hovers over the horizon. However, if you'd like to experience it during these magical times, you'll need to book a private tour.

6. Wildlife Watching in Sandwich Harbor

Despite the barren landscape, Sandwich Harbor is home to a surprising amount of wildlife. First and foremost, you'll spot plenty of seabirds as you drive around. The seagulls here seem to love racing with your car, and you'll often see them right outside the window, trying to catch up!

Where there's algae in the water, you will also spot plenty of flamingos, although the most concentrated area is likely Flamingo Lagoon, which is located in Walvis Bay, a bit before you enter Sandwich Harbor. There is also a massive seal colony at Pelican Point, which is a place I highly recommend you visit.

As you drive, you'll also spot plenty of bushes where you might catch a glimpse of Oryx here and there. As Namibia's national animal, it's no surprise that they thrive in this environment. There are many more animals to be seen at Sandwich Harbor, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!

7. Get close to Flamingos at Flamingo Lagoon

As you make your way to Sandwich Harbor, be sure to stop by Flamingo Lagoon located not too far from Walvis Bay. This is where most of the flamingos in the area tend to congregate. I’m not sure why they choose this spot, perhaps it’s the algae they find delicious, but you’ll have the chance to get pretty up close and personal with them here.

There are 2 types of flamingoes here, the Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, and you can usually differentiate by their colors. The ones you will see here are the Lesser Flamingoes which are smaller, but have much more vivid pink colors than their greater counterpart.

The lagoon is located right off a public road, and there are several free parking spots available for you to use while you visit the flamingos. It's definitely a great stop right before you enter Sandwich Harbor proper.

8. Take Photos with the Pink Lake at Walvis Bay Salt Works

One of the most popular Instagrammable spots here is the Pink Lakes, often depicted as a magical natural lake with vivid pink water. However, much like many things on social media these days, the picture-perfect scenery isn’t the magical place it’s sometimes portrayed to be by influencers.

The striking color actually comes from residues created by the largest solar sea salt producer in sub-Saharan Africa. While it’s a great spot to stop for a few photos, it’s not as picturesque as it may seem. Still, it’s worth a quick stop on your way from Swakopmund to Sandwich Harbor, as it’s along the route.

Just don’t get your hopes up, and definitely don’t step into the lake like some influencers do. It’s private property, and doing so would be considered illegal trespassing. Since you will be passing through here as you make your way to and from the Sandwich Harbor, it is worth a few minutes' stop before you continue your journey.

9. Be Blown Away by the Number of Seals at Pelican Point

Pelican Point is another impressive wildlife spot you should see while you explore Walvis Bay. This stunning sandy peninsular is also part of the national park and can only be accessed via the Sandwich Harbor with a 4x4 as you will have to once again drive through sandy beaches to get here.

It’s well worth the trip, though, as this area is famous for its large population of Cape fur seals, giving you the chance to observe these playful creatures up close. There are so many seals here that even my local guide mentioned it has more than the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, located much farther north from Swakopmund.

I was planning to visit the seal reserve the next day, but my guide told me that if you have seen Pelican Point, there is no need to go to the reserve since there are more seals here, and it smells much better thanks to the sea breeze.

Pelican Point is also a prime location for birdwatching, with opportunities to see various seabirds and migratory species. We even saw an African penguin, which is extremely rare in this part of Namibia as they often stay further south. Apparently, it was brought here by the current and was unable to get back, so my guide had to call in the ranger to transport it back.

Here, you'll also find a massive lighthouse that has been converted into a lodge, offering luxury accommodations with panoramic ocean views. The lodge provides guided tours, including boat excursions to observe marine life and scenic drives along the peninsula, although I’m sure it’s extremely expensive and quite difficult to access. We didn’t see a single soul when we were there.

Since Pelican Point is quite far up the peninsula, the tour often visits this spot at the end of the day before heading back to Swakopmund. I can't think of a better way to end a perfect day trip around Sandwich Harbour than here!

Where to Stay near Sandwich Harbour?

Although Walvis Bay is closer to Sandwich Harbour, I would recommend staying in Swakopmund instead. This beautiful colonial city, about 30 minutes away from Sandwich Harbour, is livelier, more beautiful, and historically richer than Walvis Bay. Here are some of my recommended accommodations in Swakopmund:

Budget

Salty Jackal Surf Camp

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

The Delight Swakopmund

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Strand Hotel Swakopmund

$$$ | Double Room

See Availability

View More Hotels

When to Visit Sandwich Harbor?

The best time to visit Sandwich Harbour in Namibia is during the dry winter months, from June to mid-September. This period offers cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, which makes for an ideal condition to enjoy the outdoors. You will also be able to see more animals out and about, as well as clear skies, which makes it great for photography.

If you're looking for the best conditions for photography, consider visiting during sunrise. The light at this time casts long shadows across the sand dunes, creating the perfect golden hour conditions for incredible landscape photos. To do that, you will have to shell out for a private tour which you can organize here.

Tides play an important role when visiting Sandwich Harbor, so it's best to stick to the low tide period. Many tour operators schedule excursions around these times to avoid the risks associated with high tides, so you shouldn't have any problems if you go with a guided tour.

How to Get to Sandwich Harbor?

Getting from Windhoek to Swakopmund

There are several ways to get to Sandwich Harbor, but first, you’ll need to make your way to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. You can find plenty of flights on platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia.

Once you’re in Windhoek, you can choose to base yourself in either Walvis Bay or Swakopmund. While Walvis Bay is closer to Sandwich Harbor, it doesn’t offer much to do and lacks the charm of Swakopmund. Swakopmund, on the other hand, is a better choice, with its rich history, beautiful colonial buildings, museums, and a livelier vibe. Although it’s about 30 minutes away from Sandwich Harbor, you won’t have any trouble finding organized tours departing from Swakopmund, as it is considered the adventure capital of Namibia.

To get from Windhoek to Swakopmund, you have 2 options: you can do what I did and rent a car to drive to Swakopmund as part of a larger trip, or you can take advantage of the daily shuttle bus services offered by Carlos Shuttle or Welwitschia Shuttle, both of which are excellent operators.

Keep in mind that the pick-up locations are often in Windhoek city center, not at the airport. This means you’ll either need to stay one night in Windhoek or take a taxi to the city center. The shuttles typically operate twice a day, at 7 AM and 2 PM for Carlos Shuttle and at 1 PM for Welwitschia, and the journey takes around 4.5 hours. The cost is approximately 350 NAD (19 USD) per person.

If you prefer to rent a car in Namibia, you can learn more about it here: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Experience and Things I Wish I Knew Before Renting and Driving a Car in Namibia.

For more things to do in Swakopmund, check out:A Guide to Swakopmund: 10 Best Things to Do and More

Getting from Swakopmund to Sandwich Harbor

Traveling from Swakopmund to Sandwich Harbour requires careful planning due to the challenging terrain and tidal conditions you will be facing. There are no roads in Sandwich Harbour; the landscape is made up entirely of sand dunes and ocean.

Driving along the beach can be particularly unpredictable, as the tides and terrain constantly shift. You might get stuck in the sand dunes or, even worse, accidentally flip your car, as my guide mentioned happened once to inexperienced drivers.

Not to mention, navigation in this area is nearly impossible for inexperienced drivers. Beyond the national park entrance sign, there are no directional markers, and without an experienced guide, it’s difficult to identify key landmarks or navigate safely.

That’s why I highly recommend joining one of the organized 4x4 tours to visit Sandwich Harbour. These tours run daily from Swakopmund, with the option to pick you up in Walvis Bay if you’re staying there. They’ll take you on an epic day trip around Sandwich Harbour and beyond.

The tour includes an experienced guide/driver who is highly familiar with the area’s unique dynamics. They will share valuable insights into Sandwich Harbour’s ecology, history, and much more. I went with this tour and Winton, our guide, was awesome. Highly recommended!

Which tour to get for Sandwich Harbor?

I went with this tour and they were awesome. I highly recommend you check them out. The company that organizes it, Desert Dunes and Dust Tours, is one of the first companies here that offers a 4x4 tour around Sandwich Harbor, and they have been in operation for decades. They are also the only company that offers a self-drive 4x4 guided tour around Sandwich Harbor, which is great for those who want to learn how to drive on sand dunes.

Winton, our guide, was awesome. He knows everything about this place, having grown up here and driven around Sandwich Harbour when he was younger. He knew the area like the back of his hand! He’s also incredibly knowledgeable about driving 4x4s on sand dunes, which was great because I also wanted to learn more and feel confident enough to drive myself someday 😂.

He knows a ton about the ecosystem and wildlife in Sandwich Harbour as well, which added another layer of immersion as we explored the area, learning all about this incredible natural wonder. I highly recommend you check out the tour and be sure to ask for Winton!

Can you Self-Drive Around Sandwich Harbor?

Yes! There was a guy from Switzerland in our group of three who was driving a 4x4 himself while our guide led the way and radioed him as we navigated the sand dunes, giving instructions on how to get around certain obstacles. The 4x4 was provided by the company as part of the self-drive guided tour, and the only company offering this experience is Desert Dunes and Dust Tours, the company I went with.

If you've always wanted to drive around massive sand dunes but never had the chance to learn how, this is the perfect place to do it. You can book Sandwich Harbour's self-drive guided tour here, and they’ll provide everything you need, including the 4x4. Super convenient!

How much does it cost to visit Sandwich Harbor?

For a regular Sandwich Harbor's 4x4 guided tour that will also take you to Flamingo Lagoon, Pelican Point, and Pink Lake, the tour should cost about 175 USD per person. You can book this tour here.

For a self-drive guided tour with your own 4x4, the cost is 150.45 USD for 2 people. If you prefer to rent a 4x4 from the tour company, the cost is 250.75 USD per group of up to 2 people. You can book the self-drive tour here.

How Long does it take to visit Sandwich Harbor?

With the tour, you can choose to spend the entire day, from 8:30 AM starting in Swakopmund to 4 PM at Sandwich Harbour, or divide your time between there and other local attractions like Pelican Point, Flamingo Lagoon, and Pink Lake. For most people, the tour takes no more than 8 hours.

On my trip, we started at 8:30 AM and were back in Swakopmund around 3:30 PM, which was great because it gave us some time to explore the city at our own leisure at the end of the tour. I recommend dedicating an entire day to this tour and spending the rest of the day exploring Swakopmund, just as I did.

Is it Safe to Visit Sandwich Harbor?

If you go with a guide, you’ll have no problem navigating Sandwich Harbour. However, if you choose a self-drive tour without much 4x4 experience, you’ll need to take it slow and listen to your guide. If you get stuck in the sand, don’t worry, your guide will be there to help you out, as they’re well-prepared for any situation that may arise.

I would not recommend driving here yourself without a guide, especially if you don’t have the proper permit. For one, you could face heavy fines if caught. Secondly, the tides can make the path impassable, and you’ll need to know where to go to avoid flooded areas. More importantly, no one will know where you are or how to help if you get stuck. There is no cell service inside, and no facilities nearby. If you want to drive yourself, consider joining a guided self-drive tour instead.

What to Pack for Sandwich Harbor?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Sandwich Harbor, Namibia:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Sandwich Harbor, Namibia while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Namibia

If you are looking for more articles about Namibia, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:

• For a complete itinerary to Namibia, check out: 2 Weeks in Namibia: A Road Trip Itinerary.
• Feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning your trip to Namibia? Check out this easy-to-follow guide: Namibia Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Experiences.
• Planning to visit Southern Namibia? You gotta stop by Luderitz! Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Luderitz.
• Who wants to visit an abandoned ghost town in Namibia? Kolmanskop is the famous ghost town often featured in many mainstream media and here is A Complete Guide to Namibia’s Ghost Town.
• Out of all the cities I visited in Namibia, Swakopmund is hands down my favorite. To get the best out of it, be sure to check out: A Guide to Swakopmund: 10 Best Things to Do and More
• You can’t visit Namibia without exploring Sossusvlei, home to the surreal sand dune landscapes the country is known for. To help you plan your trip, check out: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sossusvlei.
• Spitzkoppe is one of the most surreal places to visit in Namibia, and it would be a shame to come all the way to Namibia without seeing it. Here's a complete travel guide to Spitzkoppe.
• Have you ever dreamed of going on a self-drive safari in Africa? Well, you can do that in Etosha National Park in Namibia. Here's A Complete Self-Drive Safari Guide to Etosha National Park.
• If you want to see a real authentic Himba village and interact with the Himba people, here's a travel guide for you: Visiting the Himba Tribe: A Complete Guide.
• Planning to rent a car and drive in Namibia? You might wanna check this out: 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Driving in Namibia.
• Not sure which car rental company to choose in Namibia? Here's my experience with Namibia2Go: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Review.
• To see all articles about Namibia, be sure to check out our Namibia travel guide page.
• Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You will find more over at our Africa page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.