Namibia’s Best Coastal Attractions
Namibia's Coastal Attractions

A lot is said about Namibia’s desert, its cities and its wildlife parks, but much of its coastline tends to remain a little bit of a mystery to travellers, a destination that is so off the beaten track that many prefer to stick to better-known places rather than take on the dusty coastal roads.

But to miss much of the coast would be to miss out on a lot of what makes Namibia so special.

Namibia’s coastline stretches over 1,500 kilometres along the South Atlantic Ocean. The coastal area was first explored by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century, who left behind significant landmarks such as the cross at Cape Cross. Later, German colonial influence left an indelible mark on towns like Swakopmund and Lüderitz, where the architecture and cultural heritage is still predominantly German. And then there is the Skeleton Coast, a place of shipwrecks and bleached whale bones, scattered along the shores, a warning about the treacherous conditions faced by sailors in the past.

Today, Namibia’s coastline, while still wild and unforgiving, is a treasure trove for tourists looking for both adventure and peace.

Whether you’re exploring historic towns, engaging in thrilling outdoor activities, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Namibia’s coastal attractions are sure to leave an impression on every visitor. And we have just the guide to help you plan your trip to the coast of Namibia.

 

Namibia’s Must-See Coastal Attractions

Swakopmund 

 

Swakopmund from above

  • Distance from Windhoek: 352 km

  • Travel Difficulty: Easy (via B2 highway, paved roads)

 

If you are looking for a more urban escape, you simply have to go to Swakopmund.

A city (but it’s more like a small town) on the western coast of Namibia, squashed between the cold Atlantic Ocean and the dry Namib, Swakopmund has everything an urban-minded traveller could want.

This popular place is full of German-inspired architecture and is home to wonderful eateries and all sorts of luxury accommodations. Aside from being the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a craft beer or grab something delicious to eat from one of the waterfront’s many restaurants, Swakopmund is often called Namibia’s adventure capital making it the ideal launching point for some action-packed activities like sandboarding down the nearby dunes or taking a motorbike ride through the Namib sands.

Things to See in Swakopmund 

  • Take in the German colonial architecture (Woermannhaus and Hohenzollern in particular)
  • Take a walk along Swakopmund Jetty.
  • Go to the Swakopmund Museum
  • Spend an afternoon at the National Marine Aquarium
  • Visit Kristall Galerie (a literal showroom full of crystals)
  • Visit the Living Desert Snake Park

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Walvis Bay

 

Walvis Bay Namibia Tours

  • Distance from Windhoek: 393 km

  • Travel Difficulty: Easy (via B2 highway, paved roads)

 

Walvis Bay (pronounced “vahl-fis bay”) is just the place to go if you are looking for a laid-back sort of destination. The town has several bars and restaurants, all looking out towards the ocean and its nearby pans are home to stunningly beautiful flocks of flamingos, which can be seen at various times throughout the year.

Walvis Bay is the only natural harbour Namibia has and back in the day, it was a bustling port, and a strategically important stop for colonialists and seafarers as they travelled to and from South Africa.

Things to See and Do in Walvis Bay

  • Go to Walvis Bay Lagoon, just the place to see flamingos, pelicans and all sorts of other bird life.
  • Visit Dune 7, which is famous for its sandboarding and hiking.
  • Go on a dolphin or seal tour
  • Visit the Salt Works, which supplies about 90% of South Africa’s salt.
  • Spend some time at Walvis Bay Museum
  • Visit Bird Island
  • Visit Rhenish Mission Church. The church was constructed in Hamburg, Germany and reconstructed in Walvis.

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Skeleton Coast National Park

 

Namibia's Skeleton Coast Shipwrecks

  • Distance from Windhoek: 500 km to Ugab River Gate

  • Travel Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (gravel roads and if you are driving yourself a 4×4 vehicle is recommended)

 

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast will always be an intriguing place to visit.

It is one of the most remote and hauntingly beautiful places on Earth, named for the numerous shipwrecks and bleached whale bones that litter its shores. The park stretches from the Kunene River in the north to the Ugab River in the south.

This desolate landscape, with its rolling sand dunes, jagged mountains, and fog-shrouded shores, is just the place for those who have adventure in their hearts. The roads are fun to tackle and its utterly remote vibe means that just for a little while you can feel as though you are all alone in the world.

Despite its harsh environment, the park is full of life, and when travelling here you can catch sight of the massive Cape fur seal colonies at Cape Cross and see those resilient desert-adapted elephants as well as all sorts of unique plant species like the ancient Welwitschia.

Things to See in Skeleton Coast National Park 

  • Spot the shipwrecks along the coast.
  • Visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve which is home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Cape fur seals.
  • See unique desert flora and fauna, including the Welwitschia plant and the desert-adapted elephants.
  • Go to the Skeleton Coast National Park entrance at Ugab River. The park entrance itself is a sight to behold, with stunning views of the Ugab River and surrounding desert landscapes.

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Lüderitz

 

Lüderitz

  • Distance from Windhoek: 700 km

  • Travel Difficulty: Moderate (via B1 and C13 highways, mostly paved roads)

 

Lüderitz is a quaint coastal town nestled between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, known for its culture and natural beauty. Like many of the other coastal towns, this one was founded during the German colonial era, and as such as a rich heritage which can be seen in its well-preserved German Art Nouveau architecture and its local traditions.

The town serves as a gateway to fascinating attractions like the ghost town of Kolmanskop and the ruggedly beautiful Lüderitz Peninsula, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Namibia’s southern coast.

Things to See and Do in Lüderitz

  • Spend the day at Kolmanskop Ghost Town
  • Go to Lüderitz Peninsula (Diaz Point)
  • Visit Bogenfels Rock Arch
  • Spend some time at Lüderitz Harbour

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Cape Cross Seal Reserve

 

Cape Cross Seal Reserve

  • Distance from Windhoek: 420 km

  • Travel Difficulty: Moderate (via C34 and gravel roads, 4×4 recommended)

 

The Cape Cross Seal Reserve is the dream destination for all kinds of nature enthusiasts and those who just want to be outdoors.  This reserve is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world, with thousands of seals congregating along the rocky shores of the coast. The cold Benguela Current makes this section of the coast the perfect habitat for fish, which in turn attracts all those fur seals.

The site also holds historical significance as it marks the spot where the Portuguese navigator Diego Cão first set foot on Namibian soil in 1486, erecting a stone cross that gave the area its name.

Things to See and Do at the Cape Cross Seal Reserve

  • See one of the largest seal colonies in the world and get to hang out with them for a bit.
  • Visit the historical cross erected by Portuguese navigator Diego Cão.
  • Take a hike to the Hinterland and see the wildlife which includes gemsbok, springbok, brown hyena and black-backed jackal.
  • Stop at the Messum Crater.
  • Take a look at the shipwrecks along the coast.

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Henties Bay

 

Henties Bay

  • Distance from Windhoek: 390 km

  • Travel Difficulty: Easy to moderate (via C34 highway, gravel roads)

 

Known for its excellent fishing opportunities and stunning natural beauty, Henties Bay is a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist hotspots. The town’s unique character and attraction has a lot to do with its serene beaches, abundant marine life, and the warm and welcoming hospitality of its residents.

Whether you’re casting a line into the Atlantic, enjoying the sights and sounds of the abundant birdlife, or spotting the shipwrecks that lie along the rough coastline, Henties Bay is a fantastic coastal attraction and well worth visiting.

Things to See and Do at Henties Bay

  • Go fishing! Henties Bay is hugely popular for its fishing opportunities.
  • Spot the birdlife.
  • See the fascinating shipwrecks along the coast.
  • Go for a beach walk. With its safety and mild climate, there’s nothing better than going for a relaxed beach walk or to take a more demanding hike up to Omaruru River.

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Sandwich Harbour

 

Sandwich Harbour

  • Distance from Windhoek: 420 km

  • Travel Difficulty: Difficult (requires a 4×4 vehicle, experienced drivers recommended)

 

Tucked away almost unseen within the Namib-Naukluft National Park, this secluded lagoon is where the huge sand dunes suddenly and rather dramatically plunge into the Atlantic Ocean, creating what is arguably one of the most stunning landscapes in the country.

Famous for its rich birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans, Sandwich Harbour is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike, and since it is just south of Walvis Bay, it is the perfect place to add to your Namibia tour itinerary.

Sandwich Bay is only accessible only by 4×4, something to keep in mind if you are doing a self-drive tour.

Things to See and Do at Sandwich Bay

  • Visit the lagoon between the desert dunes and the ocean.
  • Go bird watching (you will see flamingos and pelicans here).
  • See the spectacular landscapes.

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Torra Bay

 

Torra Bay

  • Distance from Windhoek: 470 km

  • Travel Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (gravel roads, 4×4 recommended)

 

Torra Bay is a seasonal campsite in Skeleton Coast National Park and a destination that is a must-visit for those planning a Namibia tour.

Known for its exceptional fishing opportunities, Torra Bay attracts eager anglers from around the world who spend their holiday casting their lines into the fish-rich Atlantic waters. This remote and untouched destination is simply magnificent, with its natural beauty being a big attraction too.

Accessible only during certain times of the year, a visit to Torra Bay promises a real adventure, one filled with serene beaches, abundant marine life, and the peaceful joy that comes with being able to visit one of Namibia’s most secluded coastal treasures.

Things to See and Do in Torra Bay

  • Stay at the seasonal campsite.
  • Go fishing. Torra is one of the best places in Namibia to fish.
  • Take long walks on the remote and almost desolate beach.

 

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