This Swakopmund and Namib Desert shore excursion is designed around cruise ship calls at Walvis Bay, fitting the coastal town and the nearby desert highlights into a single day ashore.
About This Swakopmund and Namib Desert Shore Excursion
The guide meets passengers at the pier with a name board, so ship name and docking time should be shared when booking. The route runs north past Bird Island, a man-made guano platform, to Swakopmund for a walk on the Jetty and a drive past its colonial buildings. It then heads inland to lichen fields, the Moon Landscape and the Goanikontes oasis, and on to the Welwitschia plains, before passing Dune 7 and stopping at the Walvis Bay lagoon flamingos on the way back to the port. Brunch and lunch drinks are included.
Why Choose This Experience
- Timed around cruise ship arrivals at Walvis Bay
- Swakopmund Jetty and old town
- Moon Landscape, Goanikontes and Welwitschia plains
- Flamingos at the Walvis Bay lagoon on the return
What to Expect
After meeting at the pier, the group drives north along the coast to Swakopmund for a short walk and a look at the town before heading onto the gravel plains of the Namib.
The desert section covers the lichen fields, several Moon Landscape viewpoints, Goanikontes and the Welwitschia plains. On the way back there is a view of Dune 7, although there is no time to climb it, and a final stop at the lagoon before the return to the harbour. This is a shared tour; private use of a vehicle requires paying for the extra seats.
Duration
This Swakopmund and Namib Desert shore excursion runs for approximately 7.5 hours. Guiding is offered in German and English, as listed by the operator.
What Is Included
- Lunch: Bottled water, Cola , Juice, Beer and cider
- Brunch
Meeting Point and Pickup
Travellers can either use the operator's pickup service, where their accommodation falls within the pickup area, or meet at the departure point in Walvis Bay. Both options are shown on Viator when booking.
Good to Know
- This is not listed as a private tour, so other travellers may join the same departure.
- Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
- Bookings are limited to a maximum of 25 travellers per booking.
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap.
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
- We need at least two people to start the tour.
Allow a margin between the scheduled return and the ship's all-aboard time, and bring sun protection for the desert stops.
Cancellation and Booking Information
This listing uses Viator's standard cancellation policy: a full refund applies when cancelling at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time, with no refund for later cancellations or changes. Always confirm current cancellation terms and availability on Viator before booking.
Operator Information
This experience is operated by Desert Dunes and Dust Tours, an independent operator, not by Namibia Travel Guide. Booking, payment and customer support are handled through Viator; Namibia Travel Guide does not process payments, control availability or manage cancellations for this activity. The photograph shown on this page is an illustrative destination image and does not depict this specific tour.
Plan More of Your Walvis Bay Visit
For more ideas, see our Walvis Bay travel guide, browse other Walvis Bay Tours, or use Travel Planning for the wider trip. Read our affiliate disclosure for how this listing works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this Swakopmund and Namib Desert shore excursion last?
Approximately 7.5 hours.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is available within the operator's pickup area; travellers can also meet at the departure point instead.
Is this a private tour?
No. It is not listed as private, so you may share the departure with other travellers.
Can I cancel this booking?
Yes, with a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time under Viator's standard policy.
Who operates this experience?
Desert Dunes and Dust Tours runs the experience, and booking is completed through Viator.
