101 Reasons to visit Namibia: A Love Letter to Sandwich Harbour

It is about 8:30 in the morning and the sun has not yet made its appearance. The misty 
clouds fold her cold arms around the desert – a scene so classically Swakopmund! As 
we drove past the Dorob National Park fence, it feels like we are leaving civilization 
behind. In front of us lie the mighty dunes stretching far and beyond what we know.
Sandwich Harbour is a love story between sand and sea.

Everything in Namibia goes beyond the usual. About 50 km from Walvis Bay the Namib
Desert meets the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean at a place called Sandwich 
Harbour. At first, it is difficult to believe that a place like Sandwich Harbour exists. The 
harbour forms a natural bay that opens to the north and is roughly 4.2 km long and 4 km 
wide. A shallow lagoon just south of the bay makes for a spectacular sight. In August 
1995 the harbour was declared a Ramsar Site.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

But the most intriguing part of the harbour is the mystery behind the name. There are 
few debated theories, but none are definitive - leaving the true reason open to the 
imagination. Some debate that the name originates from an English whaling ship, the 
Sandwich, or maybe it was a corruption of the German word “sandfische” which is a 
species of shark found in the area. In the end the theory that sounds the best might be 
true version.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Historically, the bay was a commercial port based on whaling and small-scale fishing,
but the harbour was considered inferior to Walvis Bay, and no development took place.
Today, the harbour is a sanctuary for birds and animals that have adapted to the life in 
the desert. As we entered the Dorob National Park a few brave seals entertained us with 
a pose or two as we drove between the small sand dunes looking for a gecko. After a few 
failed attempts our guide managed to find the little Namib sand gecko. This is truly a 
magnificent find. The little guy is about 13 cm long and is nearly translucent with 
webbed feet, which allow it to burrow and walk in the sand.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Sandwich Harbour lies untouched in the desert waiting to be explored. Our passionate 
tour guide from Far and Beyond shared the hidden treasures of the harbour with us, 
making this an unforgettable tour. His words still echo in my ears: “The best way to 
connect with a place is to go beyond the usual.” Exploring Sandwich Harbour definitely 
requires time, a sense of adventure and a willingness to go beyond the usual. This 
destination brings silence and solitude to the traveler. Even those romantic travelers will 
find this love story about the sand and sea kissing under the setting sun to be the most 
beautiful ending of all.

Author: Janke Murray