Walvis Bay shore excursion: Wetlands, Moonscape & Swakopmund

Flamingos, desert moonscape and a German colonial town in one afternoon

A shore excursion from Walvis Bay port that loops through the wetlands south of town where up to 160,000 birds gather in summer, into the Namib Desert to see the rocky Moonscape, stops at an oasis resort in Swakop Canyon, then ends in the historical town of Swakopmund before returning to the ship. Your guide speaks English or German and covers the history of Swakopmund's colonial architecture and layout. Light refreshments, water and juice are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Walvis Bay and Swakopmund highlights

• Meet at Walvis Bay port
• Visit Walvis Bay wetlands and birdwatch
• Drive along dune belt to Namib Desert
• Visit highest dunes and Moonscape
• Stop at Oasis Goanikontes resort
• Tour historical Swakopmund town
• Return to Walvis Bay port

The experience

The tour starts at the port of Walvis Bay in the morning and heads straight to the wetlands just south of town: a Ramsar Site and one of Southern Africa's richest coastal wetland systems. Depending on the season, you'll see thousands of Greater and Lesser Flamingos alongside Damara Terns, Curfew Sandpipers, Chestnut-banded Plovers and numerous other shore and seabirds. The wetlands are the richest stop on the route, and the guide will point out what each species is doing and why they gather here.

From there the route climbs into a spectacular dune belt and pushes into the Namib-Naukluft Park. You'll drive past some of the highest dunes in the coastal area, then enter the Moonscape: a rugged, rocky terrain that looks like the surface of the moon. The next stop is Oasis Goanikontes in Swakop Canyon, a former farm turned resort where groundwater feeds a lush pocket of trees in the middle of the desert. The oasis has a restaurant and was originally established in 1848 to supply ships in Walvis Bay with food and water. It's a striking contrast to the barren landscape around it.

The final leg returns to the coast and Swakopmund, founded in 1892 as the main harbour for the German Colonial territory. Your guide will walk you through the historical center and explain the distinct German Colonial character preserved in the buildings, then also show you the northern suburbs and townships so you see the full town. The mole and jetty that once served the harbour still stand. You return to Walvis Bay port in the afternoon.

What’s included

• Guide in English or German.
• pickup and return transport from Walvis Bay port.
• light refreshments, bottled water, Coca-Cola and fruit juice.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 85 years) · Youth (7 to 15 years) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Kallisto Tours & Services

Is this one for you?Pickup is from the port itself, so if you're arriving by ship or staying without a car, the excursion starts and ends where you need it to: no separate transport to arrange before or after.

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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: Youth (7 to 15 years); Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

How many birds can you see in the Walvis Bay wetlands?

Up to 160,000 birds are counted during the summer months, including thousands of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Damara Terns, Curfew Sandpipers and Chestnut-banded Plovers, plus numerous other shore and seabirds.

What is the Moonscape and why does it look that way?

The Moonscape is a rugged, rocky terrain in the Namib-Naukluft Park that resembles the surface of the moon. The guide will explain the geology and landscape as you walk through it.

What is Oasis Goanikontes and how did it get there?

Oasis Goanikontes is a former farm established in 1848 in Swakop Canyon that originally supplied ships in Walvis Bay with food and water. Groundwater in the dry riverbed feeds a lush pocket of trees, and the farm has been converted into a resort with a restaurant.

Will the guide explain Swakopmund's history?

Yes, your guide will relate the history of Swakopmund, founded in 1892 by the German Colonial Reich, and explain the distinct colonial character and origin of the historical buildings throughout the town, including the mole and jetty that still stand from the harbour era.

What refreshments are provided during the tour?

Light refreshments, bottled water, Coca-Cola and fruit juice are included.