Walvis Bay, which means “Bay of Whales” in Afrikaans, has a long and complicated history. The Portuguese sailor Diaz, who sailed into the bay for the first time in 1487 while exploring the West African coast from 1482 to 1489, made the discovery.
Because of the large number of fish and whales, the area became a popular fishing spot for fishermen from North America and Europe starting in the early 18th century.
Dutch settlers from the Cape (South Africa) founded the town in 1793, but a British warship took control a few years later. Walvis Bay started to grow slowly after 1850 because of trade.
In 1878, the British Crown officially took control, as many British fishermen and guano traders had settled there. The bay was also important for sea travel routes.
In 1884, when Germany claimed the area around the bay as a protectorate, Walvis Bay became a British enclave surrounded by German territory.
When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, Walvis Bay became part of the Cape Province. German forces briefly occupied the town at the start of World War I.
In 1922, the South African Parliament decided to give Walvis Bay to South West Africa after German South West Africa was placed under South African rule in 1919 under a League of Nations mandate.
In 1977, the town was moved back to the Cape Province, which many saw as another act of annexation, especially since Namibia had been working toward independence since the early 1970s. Namibia became independent in 1990.
According to a United Nations resolution, South Africa was supposed to return Walvis Bay to Namibia, but it did not happen right away. The Walvis Bay area was only handed over to Namibia in 1994, after the end of apartheid.
Why Visit?
- Cape Cross Tour: A half-day tour in the morning or afternoon to visit the seal colony at Cape Cross.
- Quad Biking: A two-hour guided trip into the 50 km dune belt near Swakopmund, reaching areas that cannot be accessed by foot or vehicle. No experience needed.
- Swakopmund & Walvis Bay Tour: A half-day tour that includes visits to historical buildings, landmarks, and the wildlife of Walvis Bay Lagoon.
- Coastal Fishing: Excellent fishing opportunities along the coast.
