Sandwich Harbour

Sandwich Harbour is a coastal wetland covering approximately 16,500 hectares where tall sand dunes reaching heights of 330 feet (100 meters) meet the cold Atlantic Ocean waters, creating extensive tidal mudflats and lagoons that support diverse bird populations and marine life.

Explorer Diego Cao originally named the location D'llheo in 1486, and during the 19th century it served as a port for fishing, whaling, and salt collection until a sandbar broke in 1890, making the bay too shallow for ships and leading to the relocation of port activities to Swakopmund.

The area has been inhabited for around a thousand years, with archaeological sites containing artifacts from early human settlements, and the indigenous Topnaar people continue to maintain their traditional presence in the region, offering visitors cultural tours that explore their historical lifestyles and local practices.

Access to Sandwich Harbour requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle due to rugged terrain, and guided tours departing from Walvis Bay or Swakopmund are recommended for safe exploration, with the best visiting period being the dry winter months from June to mid-September when cooler temperatures and clearer skies prevail.

Sandwich Harbour was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance on August 23, 1995, and serves as a crucial stopover and breeding ground for migratory wading birds, with over 40,000 individual birds representing numerous species, including eight endangered ones, making it a significant site for ornithological research and conservation efforts.