Day Trips From Swakopmund: Seals and Dunes

October 31, 2026

Day trips from Swakopmund run in three directions: south to Walvis Bay and the dunes, north along the coast to the seal colony at Cape Cross, and east into the gravel plains. Distances below are approximate. Roads are mostly good tar along the coast, with gravel on the inland routes, and you drive on the left. Fill the tank in town, carry water and a warm layer, and check your spare tyre.

Walvis Bay lagoon and Pelican Point

Walvis Bay is about 35 km south of Swakopmund. The lagoon holds flamingos and pelicans, and a seal colony lives at Pelican Point at the end of the spit. Colony figures quoted run from 50,000 to 100,000 animals, so think of it as tens of thousands. The point is reached by 4x4 or by boat on a tour, and boat cruises leave from the Walvis Bay Waterfront. Dune 7, the big dune you can climb, is close to Walvis Bay, and the steep walk to the top takes about 25 to 50 minutes.

Sandwich Harbour

Sandwich Harbour is about 55 km south of Walvis Bay, so it is a full day from Swakopmund and about half a day from Walvis Bay. It is a Ramsar wetland site, number 743, with about 16,500 ha of lagoon, dunes and beach. A concession has run it since 1 April 2026, and visitors must go with a registered operator from Walvis Bay. The route along the beach follows the tide, so the guide decides the timing.

Cape Cross seal reserve

Cape Cross lies about 120 km north on the C34. Expect a large Cape fur seal colony and a strong smell. Opening hours are roughly 10:00 to 17:00, so check before you go. Keep to the walkways and do not cross the low barrier.

Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive

Both sit inside the Namib-Naukluft Park, about 30 km east of town on gravel. A permit from the MEFT office in Swakopmund is needed. The marked Welwitschia trail takes about 3 to 4 hours, and some of these desert plants are estimated to be well over 1,000 years old. Take water and sun protection.

Spitzkoppe

The granite peaks of Spitzkoppe are roughly 150 km away, about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, and the last stretch is gravel. The site is community run and charges its own entry and camping fees. It makes one long day, or an overnight stay at the community camp.

Park fees

The ministry (MEFT) sets park fees, and they changed on 1 April 2026. For Cape Cross, the Dorob National Park and the Namib-Naukluft Park, including the Moon Landscape and Welwitschia Drive, the totals are as follows.

Adults: N$60 for Namibians, N$180 for SADC nationals, N$280 for other foreign visitors.
Ages 9 to 15: free for Namibians, N$100 for SADC nationals, N$180 for other foreign visitors.
Ages 8 and under: free.
Private vehicle up to 10 seats: N$60.

Sandwich Harbour has its own lower scale, and operators may add their own charges. Check the NWR fee schedule before you set out.

Too far for one day

Sossusvlei is about 345 to 400 km away, around 5 to 5.5 hours with much of it on gravel, and Etosha is well over 500 km, about 6 to 8 hours. Treat both as separate trips with overnight stops.

Booking

Look at organised day tours on Viator if you would rather not drive.