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.

NamibRand Nature Reserve, part of the Namib Desert

Wild encounters in NamibRand: A sunset dune and an unexpected visitor

NamibRand Nature Reserve,
near Wolwedans Dune Camp, 
Namibia, 2022.

NamibRand Nature Reserve,
4 hours scenic drive, Namibia, 2024.

We are in the NamibRand Nature Reserve with our good friends from Denmark. It´s a vast private conservation area located in southwestern Namibia, near the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It spans approximately 200,000 hectares (2,150 km2), a little less than the size of the island of Funen in Denmark, making it one of the largest private nature reserves in Southern Africa. It was established in 1984 by the late J.A. Brückner.

Our friends on the sand track,
NamibRand Nature Reserve,
Namibia, 2024.

Expansive plains, towering mountain ranges,
iconic red sand dunes and blog authors boots!
NamibRand, Namibia 2024.

When we look around, we see a landscape characterized by expansive plains, towering mountain ranges, and iconic red sand dunes. The contrast between these features creates absolutely stunning vistas, particularly during sunrise and sunset. The reserve is part of the ancient Namib Desert, allegedly one of the oldest deserts in the world. It’s known for its unique and spectacular scenery, much like the rest of our favorite country, Namibia.

Sunrise from dune near our campsite "Venus",
NamibRand, Namibia, 2024.

We are on the lookout for oryx (gemsbok), springbok, zebras, and a variety of smaller mammals, reptiles, and insects. We remember to check for snakes and scorpions, especially after dark. The last time we were here was in 2022, when we walked through the desert for three days following the Tok Tokkie Trail (link post). At night, we slept outside in the "open-air theater" of the sand dunes with a spectacular view of the clear dark sky. In 2012, the NamibRand Nature Reserve was designated Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve. This recognition highlights its exceptionally clear skies, making it a prime location for stargazing. One of the nights, two hyenas walked through our camp. Fortunately, they took no interest in us.

Night sky, Venus Campsite, NamibRand.
Photo taken by blogauthor on Iphone 14 max,
30 sec on tripod.

This time, we are sleeping on top of our Toyota Land Cruiser 79 4X4 camper, which we have hired through Bushlore (YouTube video of the Bushlore Land Cruiser). . We are "parked" in one of the three individual "Family Hideout Campsites," situated in a remote corner of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. It makes us feel a great sense of isolation, and we have completely exclusive access to the pristine desert environment around us. We feel very privileged and blessed to be alone in the middle of nowhere with such stunning views of the Namib Desert’s iconic landscapes. Around us are red sand dunes, rugged mountains, and vast plains.

Sunset over our camp at Venus Campsite,
NamibRand Nature Reserve,
Namibia, 2024. 

Late at night, we are sitting around the campfire with our friends. We listen to all the sounds and talk about nothing and everything. What a joy.

Night visitor at Venus Campsite,
NamibRand Nature Reserve,
Namibia, 2024.

The individual Family Hideout Campsites are equipped with all essential amenities. We are at Venus Campsite which is stunningly located between the dunes in NamibRand. There is a large wooden deck with a table and bench set where you can sit. Outside, there’s a large kitchen sink, and indoors, you’ll find a shower room, a toilet room, and two sinks. Nearby, there’s a grill area and direct access to the sand dunes. Right next to the campsite is the highest dune in the area, which you can climb to watch the sunset. It’s also close to a 4x4 track that you can drive yourself (remember to lower tire pressure, but it’s not difficult). From our camp, we have a direct view of the nearby waterhole!

Nice terrace, Venus Campsite, NamibRand,
Namibia, 2024.

Nearby sanddune, Venus Campsite. 
On the way to watch sunset with G&T.
NamibRand, Namibia, 2024.

The first evening was just about exciting enough! On the small step leading up to our terrace, there was a horned adder, a small but highly venomous snake known for its distinctive horns above the eyes. Thankfully, we didn’t step on it, and during the night, it slithered away. It was a good reminder of the wild nature surrounding us! It reminded us of our scorpion encounter a weeks before (link post)

Horned Adder on our terrasse!!
Venus Campsite, NamibRand, 
Namibia, 2024.