Africa

[Visited: July 1999]

It had been on my mind for years, to go to Sandwich Harbour. But since this place is not easily accessible (only 4WD), and since I had never been around long enough, it had always escaped me. This had the added advantage that when I finally arrived, I was double excited. Quite soon after leaving the inhabitated areas of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, it became clear how the desert slowly but surely moves north.
A former settlement (not even so long ago) Sandwich Harbour is an example of how a desert can actually advance, and how it can encroach upon bigger settlements and towns. It is a bird sanctuary now, with a fresh water lake, and it marks the beginning of the desert and the end of the ocean. Or the other way around. When you finally reach the top of a dune (and you always underestimate the distance!), you only see more dunes, as far as your eyes can see.
Two days before we arrived here, a French couple had attempted to drive themselves. They got stuck, and had to walk nearly 40 km. back to get assistance. We went with a skillful driver and had a great time arriving at Sandwich Harbour. Let's hope no-one will make this place more accessible...

Around the World in 80 Clicks

Personal travel impressions both in words and images from Sandwich Harbour (Namibia). Clicking on the pictures enlarges them and enables you to send the picture as a free e-card or download it for personal use, for instance, on your weblog. Or click on the map above to visit more places close to Sandwich Harbour.
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