It was only in 1994 that Walvis Bay and its offshore islands were incorporated into the Republic of Namibia after being held by South Africa. Walvis Bay is now Namibia’s major port and the town is dominated by its fishing industry.
Even though it is fairly industrial and can smell a bit fishy at times, it is not an unpleasant place. The delightful lagoon is Namibia’s most important wetland with thousands of flamingos wading in the shallows like a pink mist, and rare white pelicans working in formation to scoop up fish in their great bills.
Also along this stretch are a couple of holiday resorts with caravan and camping sites, swimming pools, beaches and cafés, perfect for families.
The Raft restaurant perched on stilts at the edge of the lagoon is a superb vantage point from which to enjoy your own seafood meal. On the outskirts of town towards Swakopmund is Dune 7 – the highest dune in the area – which is wonderful to climb barefoot.