Shipwrecks and Diamond Camps, Safari2Go

Itinerary

This three-day camping adventure will provide guests the experiences of driving through some of the most spectacular dune areas

Day 1

Walvis Bay - Conception Bay

We depart Walvis Bay at 09h00. Heading South we pass through the Kuiseb Delta on our way to Sandwich Harbour. We proceed southwards on a route through the dunes and along the beach, stopping at various spots along the spectacular Sandwich Harbour lagoon. We pass historical Topnaar cultural sites and drive on narrow stretches of beach where the majestic dunes of the Namib desert roll into the sea. Namibia’s coast’s rough seas, roaring winds and strong ocean currents are primarily ... responsible for a number of shipwrecks strewn along the Namibian coast. One of these is the Shawnee, a transport tug that ran around in mysterious circumstances on the 6th of February 1976. Now wedged on a narrow stretch between the ocean and the dunes, it is home to a variety of seabirds and black-backed jackals. We spend some time at this wreck and also enjoy a lunch here. From here we make our way along the beach or through the majestic dune belt (depending on tides and weather) until we reach the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, which hit a sandbank 500 metres from shore near Conception Bay on the 9th of September 1909 and lies now about 400m inland. This 310 foot, 2,272 tonne ship was travelling from Swakopmund in Namibia to Cape Town. After a refreshing stop, we make our way to our overnight stay at Meob Bay via Conception Bay. It is here that we will set up camp for the next two nights. Accommodation will be in tents. You will sit under the stars gazing at the universe, while our guides will prepare dinner over a fire.

All included

Day 2

Kolmanskop

Early after breakfast on day 2 we will depart to visit Fischersbrunn, a source of fresh water during the diamond rush at the beginning of the last century. Our excursion further takes us to Meob Bay and then we proceed along the beach for 7 km and then head inland to visit the – now abandoned - mining settlements of Holsatia, Charlottenfelder and Grillenberger. The discovery of diamonds in 1908 around Kolmanskuppe resulted in an uncontrollable diamond rush forcing the ... Government to establish a no-entry area, the “Sperrgebiet”, between 26-degree S and the southern border of the country, stretching 100-kilometer inland. Prospectors were forced to turn northwards beyond the Sperrgebiet. This resulted in the discovery of diamonds at Spencer Bay in December 1908 and between Meob and the Conception Bay area (Diamond area no 2). In the area between Conception Bay and Meob Bay the mining settlements of Holsatia, Charlottenfelder and Grillenberger was established and no form of engine-driven transport was available during the first 15 years. One sample of an oxwagen fitted with special wide iron bands to make transportation in sandy areas is visible north off Grillenberger. In November 1914 all persons in this area were requested to stop operations and to proceed to Swakopmund up country. This order came as a result of an expected invasion of allied troops. After a long day of exploring the abandoned mining settlements and surrounding area, we head back to our Meob camping site for the night. Dinner is again prepared over the fire.

All included

Day 3

Back to Walvis Bay

We commence our homeward journey during the morning of day three. Passing ‘Langewand’ where massive dunes end in the sea, given a very limited time span to negotiate this stretch of beach. After Langewand the trail once again leads into the dunes, circumnavigating the Salt Pans ‘extensions’ of Sandwich Harbour. The dunes are ... still getting progressively larger to offer an ever-changing new experience of ultimate dune driving. We regularly stop for photographs along the route and take in beautiful sceneries, while spotting wild animals that have made the area’s inhospitable terrain their home. We arrive back in Walvis Bay around 17h00.

All included

Dolphin Cruise

A dolphin cruise around the Walvis Bay Lagoon

Historian Quad Bike Edu-Desert Tour

Excellent guiding and stunning scenery make this an experience not to be missed

Kayaking & Sandwich Harbour Combo

An eventful day trip combining kayaking on the lagoon with a 4x4 trip through the Namib Desert dunes ending in Sandwich Harbour

Marine & Dune Day Trip

A cruise on the lagoon followed by a thrilling drive to the natural harbour

Sea Kayaking

Kayaking on the Walvis Bay Lagoon

Eco Marine Kayak Tours

We offer a magical kayaking experience with Cape Fur Seals on the beautiful lagoon and in the surrounding water of Walvis Bay, Namibia

Dune Lark, Kuiseb Dunes & Walvis Lagoon Tour

Out of the 16 near-endemic birds of Namibia the Dune Lark is the only true endemic.

Catamaran Charters

We hoist the sails of our four sailing catamarans whenever possible, switch off the engines and let our guests experience true sailing.

Half Day Sandwich Harbour 4x4 Excursion

After a short break at the Walvis Bay Lagoon to see masses of flamingos, the drive initially takes us to the Kuiseb river delta, a dry riverbed where the odd springbok may still be seen.

Marine Dune Day - Sandwich Harbour 4x4

The Marine Dune Day gives you the ultimate combination of a leisure cruise on the Atlantic Ocean and a 4x4 ride in the breath-taking Sandwich Harbour Area of the Namib Naukluft Park. The day starts with a Marine Sailing Cruise with o

Topnaar Cultural Excursion

This afternoon tour will provide an insight into the way of life of “Namibia’s forgotten people” – the Topnaar.

Kayak Combo

The day starts with a kayaking excursion in the calm waters surrounded by Cape Fur Seals at Pelican Point

Walvis Bay Wetlands Half-Day Birding Tour

ver 150,000 migrant birds spend the summer months in Walvis Bay and non-breeding palearctic and intra-African species dominate.

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