A Day Trip to Sandwich Harbour – Where the Desert Meets the Ocean

After our two-day stay in Walvis Bay, we drove a short distance to Swakopmund, which would serve as our home base for the next leg of our Namibian adventure. Swakopmund instantly felt like the kind of place we could easily envision calling home.

It boasted all the allure and charm you’d expect from a coastal gem without the pervasive fishy smell that seemed to linger throughout Walvis Bay.

Upon our arrival, I could easily see the difference between both cities and why most travellers gravitate towards making Swakopmund their base for exploring this stretch of Namibian shoreline.

While Walvis Bay is more of an industrial port city, Swakopmund has a different vibe, with its atmosphere geared more towards tourism and leisure.

Indeed, we spent most of our time in the city quite leisurely, taking casual strolls along the coastline and the city centre. We saw the German colonial influence immediately apparent in Swakopmund’s architecture, with charming buildings lining the streets, giving the city a unique character.

Walking Tour Swakopmund

We found ourselves wandering down palm-fringed avenues, popping into quaint cafes and restaurants that offered breathtaking views of the coastline. These spots provided the perfect vantage point for watching the sunset, as we enjoyed the freshest seafood.

Swakopmund Ocean View
Swakopmund Oceanfront Restaurant

On our second day in Swakopmund, we eagerly signed up for a half-day tour of Sandwich Harbour. Namibia boasts an array of breathtaking landscapes, and just as we’d been awed by the stunning red dunes and eerie dead marshland in Sossusvlei, we were thrilled at the prospect of witnessing another natural wonder with our own eyes.

Dune bashing Sandwich Harbour
desert meets ocean namibia

A Day Trip to Sandwich Harbour

We began the tour by driving down to the meetup point in Walvis Bay. There, we parked our rental car and waited a few minutes for the rest of the tour group to join us. When they did, we hopped into the carpool and proceeded towards Sandwich Harbour.

Along the way, we made several stops, including one at the salt pans, famously known as the Pink Lakes of Walvis Bay.

We ventured onwards to Sandwich Harbour, making more stops to soak in the area’s unique ambience. Our guide, Alex, punctuated the journey with fascinating tidbits about the National Park and Namibia’s rich heritage.

Picnic by the Beach…

Later on, we stopped at a picturesque spot on the beach for a delightful picnic. The spread was wonderful with plenty to eat and drink for everyone. The gentle sound of waves and the expansive coastal view provided a perfect backdrop to our outdoor feast.

After our picnic, it was time to head into the dunes. Despite the overall excitement of our journey, I approached the upcoming dune-bashing portion with some trepidation.

My past experiences with similar adventures had left me less than enthusiastic, and I found myself bracing for what I expected to be a jarring ride across the sandy landscape.

Swakopmund Sandwich Harbour

To my delighted surprise, the ride turned out to be an absolute blast, filled with exhilarating moments that had us all erupting in belly laughs and joyful squeals as we bounced across the sandy waves!

Where Namib Desert Meets Atlantic Ocean…

Our journey paused at two strategic vantage points, each offering views so magnificent they left us awestruck.

The panoramic vistas stretched out before us, an enchanting blend of desert and sea that literally stole our breath and etched itself into our memories.

After a while, it was time to head back to the city before the tides rolled in. We raced along the shoreline, trying to outpace the incoming waves while catching glimpses of seals and birds that dotted the beach. And with that, our visit to Sandwich Harbour came to an end!

Swakopmund Weekend Trip

It was a fantastic half-day adventure, and I have to say, if you’re in the area and thinking about checking it out, definitely go for it! You won’t regret it. The experience was totally worth it, and I can’t recommend it enough!

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
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Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
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This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
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As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
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Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
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Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
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The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘

This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
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The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
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Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
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