Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Train
Trans-Namib
( 061-2981111)
trains operate throughout the day and night (from
N$100), though they're not very convenient or popular, especially given the ease of bus
travel.
The plush
Desert Express
'rail cruise' runs to and from Windhoek.
Walvis Bay
064 / POP 65,000
Walvis Bay (vahl-fis bay) is pleasant enough, particularly around the new waterfront de-
velopment and along the esplanade. The town is not so compact and having your own
wheels makes life easier. It's a good alternative to staying in Swakopmund if that city is
all a bit glitzy and urban for you - Walvis Bay has a far more relaxed feel to it and the ac-
commodation options and food choices are excellent.
Unlike Swakopmund, Walvis Bay was snatched by the British years before the German
colonists could get their hands on it. As a result, the town is architecturally uninspiring,
and lacks the Old World ambience of its northerly neighbour. In marked contrast, the area
around Walvis Bay is home to a number of unique natural attractions, including one of the
largest flocks of flamingos in the whole of Southern Africa.
Walvis Bay is situated 30km south of Swakopmund, and is the only real port between
Lüderitz and Luanda (Angola). The natural harbour at Walvis Bay is the result of the sand
spit Pelican Point, which forms a natural breakwater and shelters the city from the strong
ocean surge.
History
Although Walvis Bay was claimed by the British Cape Colony in 1795, it was not form-
ally annexed by Britain until 1878 when it was realised that the Germans were eyeing the
harbour. In 1910 Britain relinquished its hold on Walvis Bay, and it became part of the
newly formed Union of South Africa.
When the Germans were defeated after WWI, South Africa was given the UN mandate
to administer all of German South West Africa as well as the Walvis Bay enclave. This
stood until 1977, when South Africa unilaterally decided to return it to the Cape Province.
The UN was not impressed by this unauthorised act, and insisted that the enclave be re-
turned to the mandate immediately. In response, South Africa steadfastly refused to bow.
