Namibia's major harbour town
Central Namibia, Namibia
Nestled between the stunning sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, Walvis Bay is Namibia’s major harbour. The lagoon is home to prolific birdlife and the town is a popular destination for Namibians wanting a beach holiday.
Background
The history of Walvis Bay dates back many thousands of years to the Khoikhoe and Aoni people, the western world first discovered the area in 1487 when Bartholomeu Dias, the Portuguese navigator, dropped anchor whilst searching for a route to the east. In the 18th century the town became popular with whalers from as far a field as America and whaling continued in the area well into the 20th century.
Walvis Bay was claimed by the Dutch in 1793 but subsequently occupied by the British who seized control in order to facilitate the safe passage of ships heading for the Cape. In 1910 Walvis Bay was incorporated into the Union of South Africa, then in 1922 into the administration of the South West African Administration. In 1978 the United Nations called for the area to be returned to Namibia. When Namibia gained independence in 1990 South Africa refused to relinquish control of the area, and only after much international and local pressure was the Bay finally returned to Namibian rule in 1994.