Visiting Walvis Bay and Mondesa, Namibia
The first port of call on Wendy & Bruce’s Silversea Cruise was Walvis Bay, Namibia! From here, they got the opportunity to do a 4×4 tour of the Namib Desert, as well as make a visit to Mondesa, a suburb of Swakopmund, in Central Western Namibia.
4×4 Tour in the Namib Desert
There were a few excursion options to choose from, but Wendy and Bruce were keen to see the impressive sand dunes of the Namib Desert, and opted for the 4×4 tours out of Walvis Bay. In their 4×4 vehicles they were able to explore the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Namib Desert, including the famous sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the rugged terrain of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. There was definitely some rough and challenging terrain but it was no issue in their specially equipped 4×4 vehicle, allowing them access to areas that would be difficult or impossible to reach in a regular car.
If you are looking for tour options, some popular 4×4 tours in the Walvis Bay area include trips to Sandwich Harbour, a pristine lagoon that is home to a variety of bird species, and the Moon Landscape, a stunning area of barren rock formations that resembles the surface of the moon. Other tours may take you to the Skeleton Coast, a remote and rugged coastline known for its shipwrecks, or to the Kaokoland region, which is home to a number of traditional Himba villages and offers some of the most remote and unspoiled wilderness areas in Namibia.
Look for tours out of Walvis Bay that are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history and culture of the region. They can provide valuable insights and information about the places you visit, helping you to gain a deeper appreciation of the natural beauty and cultural richness of Namibia.
Mondesa Township Tour
Wendy & Bruce spent the 2nd half of their stop in Namibia visiting the Mondesa Township. Historically, Mondesa was established as a township during the apartheid era, and it was designed as a segregated area for black and mixed-race residents. Today, it is a bustling area with markets, shops, restaurants, and various amenities that cater to the needs of the local community.
They spent a moving afternoon touring the Township, learning about its connection to the apartheid era, and what is being done by the Namibian government and various NGOs to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants.
They were quite grateful to have the opportunity to visit a women’s cooperative where they were able to listen to their stories and get a crash course in the beautiful Khoekhoe ‘click’ language.
This tour comes highly recommended if you are interested in learning more about the local cultures, the socio-political history, and language.
Get in touch with a Lloyds Agent and let us help you plan your perfect African Adventure! And for even more inspiration, check out these Africa tours! With everything from safaris, to cycling, and real food adventures – there is something for every type of traveller!