It’s always a good idea to jot down travel memories soon after you get back from your trip. Since it’s been a while and I don’t want to forget the details, here are some highlights from our visit to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay in Namibia.
After exploring Etosha Park, we drove to Swakopmund for the next part of our Namibian adventure. On our first day, we visited Moon Valley, a region in the Namib Desert about 30km east of Swakopmund. The landscape truly looks otherworldly, and the views are simply breathtaking. It’s amazing to see how some plants manage to survive in such a hot and dry place.
Swakopmund’s mornings are usually chilly due to the cold mist that covers the town. I left the hotel wearing multiple layers. But as soon as we drove out of the mist and into the desert, the temperature soared, and I wished I had worn shorts and a t-shirt.
For lunch, we stopped at the Goanikontes Oasis, a surprisingly green spot in the middle of the desert. They even had some llamas and a peacock! Further along, we spotted a few ostriches too.
Later that same day, we traveled to Cape Cross Reserve, home to thousands of seals. The sheer number of seals, both on the beach and in the water, is astounding. The noise they make is deafening, and the smell is overwhelming. My cousin even had to retreat to the car because the smell made her feel sick.
By the time we got back to Swakopmund, it was cold again due to the mist. The temperature change throughout the day was dramatic. A winter jacket would’ve been perfect, but I made do with several layers and a light jacket.
The next day, we visited Walvis Bay, where I was captivated by the pink flamingos. They are stunning when they stand, and even more colorful when they fly. They don’t like humans getting too close and will quickly fly away. But if you keep your distance, they stay relaxed, enjoying their time on the beach.
We had an amazing few days in Swakopmund. I’ll share more about our experience in Sossusvlei in my next travel report.
