The most important thing to note about this area is that, although it includes beaches, the ocean and a spectacular dune belt of the Namib desert, it is often overcast and misty. Yet, that forms part of the appeal of its three quaint towns, namely Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Henties Bay. 

Each town has a distinct vibe. Walvis has the charm of an old sailor’s town, with a world-class harbour, fish factories and a lagoon dotted with pink flamingos stretching as far as the eye can see. Swakopmund has an artsy, alternative vibe to it. Naturally the surfers congregate here and so do foodies, hippies, and everyone keen on the soft life. Henties Bay is the angler’s hub and has morphed over the decades to be the perfect little beach town for Namibians to retire. If you had to pick just one, I would recommend Swakopmund. But if you have the time, spend it on a few lazy days on the Namibian coast, hopping from one slow town to the next. 

Walvis Bay

Supposedly the world’s longest palm-tree-lined avenue welcomes you to the sailor’s town of Walvis Bay. Here, industry, food and the social scene revolves around the ocean. The harbour is ranked one of the best in Southern Africa and services our land-locked neighbouring countries. On the outskirts of Walvis Bay is the largest producer of solar sea salt in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also one of four Ramsar sites in the country, a birding paradise of international importance and a great attraction for birders and just about everyone else. 

The Walvis Bay Yacht Club, an old, charming and uncertified national monument, is the home of local water activity. If ever you fret about sailors being a dying breed, or mollycoddling your own children, spend a Saturday on the deck at the yacht club. Kids of all ages venture out onto the water, some in two-person training boats, others on bigger catamarans. Did I mention the adults sit at bay and supervise from afar? It’s ridiculously refreshing, both the food and drinks served by the restaurant, and witnessing a fraction of this generation being so brave, disciplined and simply outdoors.

While catamaran tours are widely available in Walvis Bay, an extra special experience is kayaking at Pelican Point. The peninsula stretching around the lagoon is home to a large colony of cape fur seals. Kayaking tours transport guests from Walvis Bay to Pelican Point, from where you will paddle out amongst the mammals, which will likely swim and splash in the water around you, or lazily lie on the beach. Catamarans cannot possibly get you this close to the animals. However tempting it may be, please do not touch the seals.