Around Walvis Bay, the Guano Platform

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Guano Platform


Approximately 9 km north of Walvis Bay, the guano platform is believed to be the only place in Namibia where eastern white pelicans breed. 

The wooden platform bobbles in the sea and acts as a roost for Cape, whitebreasted and crowned cormorants.

The guano collected is used as fertilizer, yielding an annual 1,000 tons.

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Walvis Bay, Flamingos

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Walvis Bay is also home to around 40.000 lesser flamingos and 30.000 greater flamingos.
They generally live around 35 years and mature at around 5 years of age.
They can easily seen in the lagoon.


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It is the color of their beak that separates the two species.
The lesser flamingo juvenile have a black beak and the greater flamingo has a pale pink beak with a black tip.
The greater flamingo will always be seen near the mouth of the lagoon, feeding on invertebrates, while the lesser flamingo feeds on blue-green algae, which gives it their pink feathers.


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The lagoon is also a critical home to the African black oystercatcher.
According to the Coastal Environmental Trust of Namibia, the African black oystercatcher is near threatened, with an estimated 5.000 left in Africa.


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Although a popular site among bird populations, jackals also find home and food here.
Jackals feed upon the birds ans seal pups, continuing the circle of life.
Despite the presence of these predators the lagoon is a safe environment to enjoy a day of up close and personal encounters with the lagoon's wildlife.


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Walvis Bay, Lagoon (2)

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There are around 10.000 cape fur seals resting at Pelican Point and can easily be touched while they are sleeping.
From November to February you can catch sight of the new pups being taken out to sea by their mothers.


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The bird life is abundant.
During the winter months there can be up to 120.000 birds from 40-50 different species.
In the spring several species from the northern emisphere arrive for the summer when the bird population can reach 200.000 birds from 60-70 different species.


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The most prolific of arctic birds is the curlew sandpiper and on any given year can number some 35.000 during the summer months.
The smallest of arctic birds are the little stint, weighing 25 grams, which migrate from northern Siberia on their 15.000 km migratory route.


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Walvis Bay Lagoon (1)

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Walvis Bay's Lagoon is an internationally recognized wetland, one of Africa's most important.
It is a refuge for birds, having different species rest here along their migratory routes.
The wetlands attract terns and great numbers of greater and lesser flamingos, which can be seen throughout the year.


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Sightings of humpback, southern right, and pygmy right whales have been observed.
Also the bottlenose and benguela dolphin are a regular occurrence closer to shore.
Journeying out further to sea you may catch sight of common and dusky dolphins.
The best time to see the Atlantic bottlenose is during low tide in the lagoon, and to see the benguela dolphin your best bet is at Pelican Point if you are on shore.


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Walvis Bay, Places of Interest

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If Walvis Bay does tickle your fancy, some places worth looking for include the Rhenish Mission Church on 5th Street, which was assembled first in Hamburg, Germany, and then reconstructed in Walvis Bay in 1880.
Due to the growing industry trade, the church was moved to its present location.


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You are also able to visit the port but first obtain permission from the railway police at the end of 13th Road, and bring your passport.
The town Museum, open Monday to Friday, gives a quick history overview of the port and its maritime past.
Admission is free.


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Walvis Bay, Informations

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Walvis Bay is an industrious town and falls short of accomodation and catering to visitors.
Although, it is definitely a town worth visiting as there are several sports, outdoor activities and sights one simply should not miss.


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The best way to experience Walvis Bay is to stay in Swakopmund and make a day trip here.
It is easily reached in your own vehicle, a taxi or through a tour operator.
Hitchhiking is also very easy between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The train arrives from Windhoek at 7h15 and departs for Windhoek at 19h00.
Walvis Bay is looking towards a future in tourism so the number of places to stay, activities to partake and restaurants to dine are slowly growing.


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Walvis Bay (3)

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Today, Walvis Bay is Namibia's second largest city after Windhoek.
Only 30 km south of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay is unispiring with an industrial base boasting a tanker berth, a dry dock and container facilities, and infrastructure specializing in salt works and fish processing.
These industries are a large employer to several thousand Namibians.


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It is the only "real" port between Luderitz and Luanda, Angola.
It is a naturally deep water port, making it highly attractive and perfect for the shipping industry.
The towngrid is laid on a rectangle with Sam Nuyoma Avenue, Nangolo Mbumba Drive and the 16th Street East acting as the three main roads, from north to south, running through town.


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