Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay is a coastal city in central western Namibia, on the bay of the same name. It covers 29 sq km (11 sq mi) and has a population of 85,000 people (2011 estimate). The city has a natural deepwater harbor that is ideal for sea-going vessels. A sand spit protects the harbor from the elements.

Walvis Bay was first reached by Portuguese navigator Diogo Cão in 1485. In his wake came Bartolomeu Dias. The Portuguese did not stake a claim on the area, and left it to the British to claim it in 1878, to forestall similar claim by the Germans. Walvis Bay became part of the Union of South Africa in 1910.

During World War I, Walvis Bay was occupied by Germans until 1915, and it came under the administration of South-West Africa in 1922. When South-West Africa gained independence as Namibia in 1990, Walvis Bay remained under the rule of South Africa until 1994.

Walvis Bay experiences an arid climate. Coldest months are July and August, when the average low temperature drops to 10°C (50°F). Warmest months are January to March, when the average high temperature rises to 22°C (72°F). The area receives just 13 mm (0.51 in) of rainfall annually.

In the past decade Walvis Bay has been developing itself as an upcoming tourist destination. Among its attractions include its sand dunes, salt works and bird life. There is a man-made Bird Island, a platform off the coast that serves as a breeding ground for birds, particularly the Cape Cormorants.

Walvis Bay, Namibia
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Brian McMorrow

Visiting Walvis Bay

You can drive from Windhoek to Walvis Bay, a journey that takes about 5 hours. There are also flights to Walvis Bay Airport from Windhoek as well as from Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Places of Interest in Walvis Bay

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