Sandwich Harbour Tour: Flamingos, Pink Lakes & Dunes

Stroll along sandy shores framed by ocean waves and towering dunes, then unwind with snacks overlooking vast wilderness.

A half-day tour from Walvis Bay visits the flamingo-filled lagoon, the vibrant pink salt evaporation ponds, and Sandwich Harbour: a RAMSAR site where sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean. The route includes a scenic beach drive, a 4x4 ride over high dunes, and a return cruise along the shore. Pickup is included and the guide speaks English or German.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Walvis Bay and Sandwich Harbour

• Visit Walvis Bay Lagoon and see flamingos
• See Pink Lake and salt evaporation ponds
• Drive along sandy beach with ocean views
• Explore Sandwich Harbour Lagoon and surroundings
• Enjoy snacks and beverages with landscape views
• Experience 4x4 ride over high dunes
• Relax on cruise back along the beach

The experience

The tour starts at Walvis Bay Lagoon, where flocks of flamingos and coastal birds gather in the shallow water. From there you move to the Salt Works, where the pink lakes (colored by salt-loving microorganisms in the evaporation ponds) create a landscape unlike anywhere else. The drive between stops runs along the beach with the Namib Naukluft dunes rising on one side and the ocean on the other, a stark contrast that photographers find hard to leave.

Sandwich Harbour is the centerpiece: a coastal area inside Namib-Naukluft National Park where massive sand dunes slope directly into the Atlantic. If tides allow, you'll access the lagoon itself. If not, lookout points and a stroll along the shore still frame the view. The operator provides snacks and beverages at a scenic spot partway through, so you can rest and take in the landscape without breaking the day.

The return is the part most people remember: a 4x4 ride over high dunes that feels more like play than transport, followed by a relaxing cruise back along the beach. The whole outing runs about four hours. The vehicle is air-conditioned, pickup is included from your accommodation, and the guide speaks English or German. Let the operator know if you need a specific language when you book.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Walvis Bay accommodation.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• live guide in English or German.
• snacks and beverages at a scenic stop.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by True Travel Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to combine lagoon, salt works, and dunes in one morning: the 4x4 section crosses active sand rather than staying on packed beach, so it suits travelers who enjoy a rougher ride over terrain.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds will I see on this tour?

Flamingos are the main draw at Walvis Bay Lagoon, along with diverse coastal birds. Sandwich Harbour is also home to pelicans and occasionally desert-adapted oryx, though wildlife sightings depend on the season and time of day.

Can I visit Sandwich Harbour if the tide is too high?

If high tides restrict direct access to Sandwich Harbour Lagoon, you can still admire it from lookout points and enjoy a leisurely stroll in the area, so the stop is not skipped. Just experienced differently.

Is the 4x4 dune drive rough, or is it more of a scenic ride?

The operator describes it as an exhilarating 4x4 ride over high dunes on the return journey, so it is more active than a standard drive. The vehicle is air-conditioned and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What is included in the snacks and beverages stop?

The operator provides snacks and beverages at a scenic spot partway through the tour, with views of the landscape. Special diets are catered for on request.

How long is the whole tour?

The tour runs about four hours from start to finish, including all stops and the return journey.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the starting point?

Pickup is included, so the operator collects you from your accommodation in Walvis Bay. The vehicle is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.