Highlights in the Swakopmund surrounds
This page provides an overview of activities, highlights and sights in the Swakopmund surrounds. In the Namib Naukluft Park the traveller finds the Sandwich Harbour, a place where ocean and dunes meet in a very special way. In this region there are uncountable specimen of the Welwitschia Mirabilis and there is an exciting desert research station. Furthermore one of the largest seal colonies is also situated in the Swakopmund Surrounds region.
Dorob National Park
The Dorob National Park is a National Park close to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and was proclaimed in August 2010.
Gobabeb Desert Research Station
The Gobabeb Research Centre forms a joint venture with the Desert Research Foundation Namibia (DRFN) and the Ministry for Environment and Tourism. The main aim of the Gobabeb Training & Research Center is the research about arid ecosystems and their diversity, i.e. desertification, water catchment and adaptation of the fauna to the desert.
Cape Cross
Cape Cross offers two highlights: Firstly a historical landmark where Diego Cão set foot on land in 1485 as the first european. Secondly a very large cape fur colony including deafening shouts und heavy smells.
Sandwich Harbour
42 km south of Walvis Bay Sandwich Harbour is situated. The name Sandwich Harbour refers to the former harbour as well as the lagoon. Sandwich harbour is only accessible by 4x4. Guided tours from Walvis Bay are offered.
Welwitschia Mirabilis
The Welwitschia Mirabilis is a plant which is endemic to the Namib desert in Namibia and Southern Angola. Named after Friedrich Welwitsch who "discovered" the plant in 1859, some of the specimen are estimated to be between 1000 and 1500 years old.