Sandwich Harbour 4x4 drive

Sandwich Harbour 4x4 Tour, Namibia, 2024.

Blog author, Sandwich Harbour,
Namibia, 2024.

We are heading for Sandwich Harbour, located approximately 64 kilometers south of Walvis Bay. Sandwich Harbour is renowned for its dramatic scenery, where giant sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean.

This is not a place where you want to drive on your own! No car insurance covers accidents in this area. Therefore, we are on an organized 4x4 tour with our guide from MC Tours, who is experienced in navigating the challenging dunes and tough driving conditions.

Sandwich Harbour was first named Port d’Ilheo by the Portuguese explorer Diego Cão in 1486. It later became known as Sandwich Harbour, possibly named after the HMS Sandwich, or derived from the German word "sandfisch."

Historically, the harbor was an important stop for early seafarers due to its supply of fresh water. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it developed into a hub for industries such as whaling, fish processing, and guano collection. It also played a role in the German colonial period as a supply harbor until its decline due to natural silting and harsh conditions. By the 1930s, commercial activities ceased, and the area was eventually incorporated into the Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Sandwich Harbour wetland, Namibia 2009.
Wetland supporting large populations of birds

Today, Sandwich Harbour is renowned for its striking natural beauty and biodiversity. The harbor is a Ramsar site (protected wetland), recognized for its importance as a wetland supporting large populations of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and a variety of migratory waders. The combination of towering sand dunes meeting the Atlantic Ocean creates a unique and breathtaking landscape, attracting many tourists and nature enthusiasts like us!

The last time we visited this place with our children was in 2009.

On our way to Sandwich Harbour, Namibia 2009

On our way to Sandwich Harbour, Namibia 2009

Son & daugther, playing in dunes
Sandwich Harbour, Namibia 2009

This time, we are driving a Toyota Fortuner with tire pressure at 0.9 bar! It's so low that you can’t make sharp turns, or the tire will come off the rim, but low enough to climb the steepest dunes. You need steady nerves here, especially when tackling the wildest ascents and descents, but our guide seems very confident! For the past 2.5 years, he’s been running tours to Sandwich Harbour up to twice a day! 

Break in desert, wife climbing dune,
Fortuner and guide below,
Namibia, 2024.

You shouldn’t bring your own car, even though it’s possible. The tides have claimed quite a few vehicles, and insurance doesn’t cover it! 

Our guide preparring lunch in the desert,
Sandwich Bay Tour, Namibia, 2024.

We're having an absolutely fantastic day with spectacular views of the dunes and the impressive coastline. Lunch is served with a tablecloth and wine glasses on top of a large dune! Quite extravagant

Wife explooring beach near Sandwich
Harbour, Namibia, 2024.