Sandwich Harbour- Guided Self-Drive Tour from Walvis Bay
5
Sandwich Harbour- Guided Self-Drive Tour from Walvis Bay
By Red Dune Safaris
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About
Ages 0-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 5h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- National Park fees
- Two Way radios for commucation
- Recovery equipment
- Guide
What's not included- Gratuities
- Vehicle
- Vehicle insurance ( if a rental vehicle is used,please confirm that it allow sand and sand dunes driving)
- Vehicle insurance (if private owned vehicle, please confirm that it allows sand and sand dune driving)
- Personal insurance
- Fuel (diesel/petrol)
- Travel insurance
- Food and drinks
- Start:
- Flamingo Villas Boutique Hotel, 2FFJ+2WH, Walvis Bay, NamibiaMeet us in the parking area accross the road from the hotel.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 37950P9- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Driver is responsible for his/her own insurance cover and need to have a four wheel drive vehicle( 4×4)
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 37950P9
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 2FFJ+2WH, Walvis Bay, NamibiaMeet us in the parking area accross the road from the hotel.
- 1We visit Africa's largest national park to explore some of the beauty that it holds.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- newyorker19760 contributionsIncredible adventure - highly recommendedBefore coming to Namibia, while researching Sandwich Harbour half-day tours, one name kept coming up: JP. Every reviewer seemed to love this guy. And now I get the hype. JP, who runs Red Dune Safaris, was fun, knowledgeable and exactly the kind of guy you'd want to show you this amazing natural wonder while keeping you safe on the dunes (inexperienced drivers can get stuck). After booking the tour through his easy-to-use web site, we met JP in the lobby of our hotel in Swakopmund. Since my spouse and I were the only ones on the tour, he was flexible with the pick-up time. I was eager to get to the famous lookout point where the "Sea of Sand" meets the Atlantic Ocean. But other stops on this tour turned out to be much more compelling than I had initially thought. For example, the salty pink lake was both fascinating and photogenic. The Namib dune gecko that JP found and let us hold was adorable. And JP's insights into the Afrikaans language and Namibian culture were super interesting. My spouse and I don't normally sign up for tours. But it's pretty tough to do Sandwich Harbour on your own. Plus, JP gave us plenty of private time to take photos at our own pace. He even lent us the best prop: a colorful Namibian flag to pose with. When looking into tour companies, we appreciated JP's easygoing nature; other companies required 3 passengers as a minimum (i.e. even if there were only 2 of you, you would have to pay for a 3rd ticket). I'm also glad JP cleared up a question that had been hard for me to answer before our trip: Sandwich Harbour is indeed part of the Skeleton Coast (even though it's part of the Namib-Naukluft Park and not the Skeleton Coast Park). Overall, I can't recommend Red Dune Safaris highly enough. It's clear that they truly love the wild beauty of Sandwich Harbour, and that comes through and makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable.Written February 7, 2025
- 464JimH0 contributionsBirding and Wildlife!We had a great birding and wildlife tour with Leon. We visited several locations that are noted for the number of different avian species, nearly all of which we had never seen before. Leon was a living guide book, naming all the birds we spotted. We also visited the giant seal colony, had a delicious lunch, and otherwise had a delightful day with Leon. This tour is special for birders. We're grateful to J.P. for making an extra effort to offer it.Written January 28, 2025
- 860wenp0 contributionsMemorable Namibia Shore Excursion with Red Dune SafarisFour of us had a great time with Martin of Red Dune Safaris shore excursion. Martin is very knowledgeable and courteous. He answered all our questions and explained things in details. Owner JP is very responsive in responding to my inquiries before the trip to ensure peace of my mind. I highly recommend booking the trip with Red Dune Safaris.Written December 16, 2024
- Wander687022475370 contributionsSpitzkoppe tourJP was a great tour guide and we absolutely enjoyed this wunderful tour to Spitzkoppe an through the Swakop River ValleyWritten December 15, 2024
- GottaGo5150 contributionsFun OutingWe were very pleased with our tour with Andre - especially after he patiently waited 2 hours for us to get through immigration and disembark from our cruise ship. We climbed to the top of Dune 7, enjoyed watching the flamingos and seals and were amused by the lengthy drive through the sand to reach the lighthouse. The refreshments and champagne were great. I only wish we had stopped at the large pink salt ponds for photos, although I was able to get one as we drove by. Enjoyable day. Thank you.Written December 14, 2024
- Compass4971620 contributionsFive star tour, fabulous guideFabulous tour, we were picked up at Walvis Bay cruise dock by Ewan, one of the best guides we have ever had, he works with JP who took care of our bookings , very professional. The dunes and the harbour were stunning, and the ride was bumpy and exciting at times but our driver was excellent and made sure we felt safe and comfortable . The guide pointed out local plants and wildlife, gave info and history of the area and Namibia, and provided a delicious lunch on the beach. I would highly recommend Red Dunes for a tour of this nature.Written December 14, 2024
- Trail8001320 contributionsThrilling trip over the dunes with JPThis trip with JP was extremely memorable. He was licenced to take us into the national park and was a great source of knowledge about the dunes, the animals at the general area. Driving up, over and down the dunes was a thrill. We had a lovely lunch on the dunes with a spectacular view and sparkling wine, beer ,water juice or soda. The tour surpassed any expectations that we hadWritten December 14, 2024
- davidmN1271BI0 contributionsUnmissable Walvis Bay tour. Ideal for cruise ship passengers.Fantastic tour from our cruise ship in Walvis Bay. Our guide was engaging and knowledgeable. We saw flamingoes, jackals, springbok and oryx. Four wheel driving along the beach was the prelude to an amazing time in the sand dunes. The guide went to the trouble of providing and setting up brunch and sparkling wine at a high viewpoint on a dune overlooking the bay. Highly recommend.Written December 11, 2024
- annadX7135GM0 contributionsAn absolute must-have experience!An incredible tour with breathtaking views—an absolute must-do! JP is an exceptional guide with a genuine passion for nature around, sharing fascinating stories and details in the most engaging and inspiring way!Written November 27, 2024
- nataliehH2864IR0 contributionsAll day trip to Sandwich Harbour and Pelican Point.We had a fantastic time with JP. He was informative and made sure we were well looked after. We saw geckos, flamingoes, black back jackals, whales next to the beach, ostriches, etc etc and beautiful landscapes and viewpoints . We had a lovely lunch at the bottom of the sand dunes all alone with no outside noise. bliss! Thanks JP!Written November 23, 2024
- Moorfoot610 contributionsDunes with JPGreat fun and interesting outing. Excitement driving over the top of the dunes and sliding down the other side. Picnic among the dunes was great and we were well looked after and entertained by JP. The red salt pans were interesting and the views over the dunes down to the sea.Written November 22, 2024
- nikko_michal0 contributionsSandwich Harbour experience with best guideThe trip with JP was not what we expected - it exceeded all our expectations! JP is a textbook example of a guide who makes a difference, changing the trip into an amazing experience. JP is a great guy with amazing knowledge to talk with, but will make sure that you will still get great chunk of information about the area and its history. You will feel with him like with an old friend telling cool stories about his country, rather than a guide repeating lines about the sights. He will advise you on best photo spots, he will show you real wildlife, he will let you experience the area, will explain the history of local civilization. Cannot imagine better guide and for sure if you choose Red Dune it will be an experience for a lifetime. Thanks JP!Written November 21, 2024
- surreymilly20170 contributionsRed dune safari/JP provided a perfect experienceThank you JP for a fantastic day out. Stunning views of the towering sand dunes and lots of fun driving over them. JP was very informative about the geology, nature and history. A delicious picnic on the beach with great vegetarian options. Lots of great photo opportunities and some time alone at the top of a dune to take it all in. Utterly unforgettable.Written October 28, 2024
- shaunitravelss0 contributionsHappy clients!The kayak trip on the Atlantic was an experience, never to forget! The organisation was well equiped, very friendly and funny guide and kayaking between sea lions was amazing! We got a lot of instructions for our safety! In the afternoon we did the Sandwich Harbour tour with guide JP. Such a friendly and enthousiastic man! We liked the tour a lot, the food was delicious and everything was taken care of. We saw the gecko and a lot of other animals. We had a very nice experience. I recommend this organisation 100%!Written October 26, 2024
- bernardkeppenne0 contributionsPerfect expérience with JP !JP is a great guide who knows everything about the place, he provided plenty of explanations and took the time to show us evrything including the Gecko 😁 The lunch was also great !Written October 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
42 reviews
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Olivier Genix
5 contributions
Jul 2021
Amazing driving experience in a wonderful landscape of dunes and seashore populated of flamingos, sea lions and jackals. Very diversified Tour of 6 hours
Jacques was an excellent guide and skilled driver who trained us to drive up and down the dunes like in a rollercoaster. The area is restricted and requires a permit. Since Jacques is one of the lucky person on earth holding a permit, we could go to very protected places safely. The tour was full day, ad Jacques even extended1 extra hour.
Our 2 teens loved the experience as well and would do it again anytime. We ill surely come back
We highly recommend you this Self-drive tour, you will be taught technics to get out of sand when your car is stuck :-)
Jacques was an excellent guide and skilled driver who trained us to drive up and down the dunes like in a rollercoaster. The area is restricted and requires a permit. Since Jacques is one of the lucky person on earth holding a permit, we could go to very protected places safely. The tour was full day, ad Jacques even extended1 extra hour.
Our 2 teens loved the experience as well and would do it again anytime. We ill surely come back
We highly recommend you this Self-drive tour, you will be taught technics to get out of sand when your car is stuck :-)
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear fellow adventurers,
Firstly, THANK YOU for booking your adventure with us and SECONDLY, THANK YOU for writing this review!
We really appreciate your kind words and lovely comments about your experience. It was our pleasure to show you our beautiful desert.
Stay safe and see you next time for more adventures in Namibia :)
Kind regards
Jacques & J.P
Written July 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlotte W
19 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The ONLY excursion to do in Walvis Bay! JP did an amazing job of guiding us through the dunes to ensure we were safe, but still with the thrill of dune driving. He pointed out lots of interesting facts about the region and natural history. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to get out and explore the gorgeous dune landscape but also have the fun of navigating with your own vehicle. I could not recommend JP and his services more and would recommend his guiding for any of the excursions he offers. We will be back and we will definitely use his services again.
Written June 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Charlotte!
Thanks so much for writing this awesome review. I am so glad that you enjoyed the tour.
Hope to see you next time!
Written July 29, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oarabile B
Gaborone, Botswana2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Simply world class! JP Koch and his partner, Andre, who guided us on Sandwich Harbour were amazing. Starting from the booking stage, he clarified all enquiries and was prompt with communication. On the day of the tour, he was punctual and greeted us with an enthusiastic face. He explained what to expect on the tour before leaving and whenever we made a stop, he gave detailed information about points of interest and allowed time for pictures. The view at Sandwich Harbour is breathtaking and its a must do. We had a picnic at the harbour under the desert heat but close to the ocean, the feeling is unexplainable. The guide showed us lots of desert animals like geckos, jackals, ostrich, Oryx and springbok before safely driving back to our pick up point. I highly recommend Red Dune Safaris.
Written December 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LeeAnn H
High Wycombe, UK27 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Sandwich bay on its own was fab, especially with a guide like JP who knew his stuff. Beautiful views, lots of wildlife, interesting stops. But the 4x4 driving over dunes was exhilarating and so much fun. He was such a calm and fun guy to take us from novices to confident on dunes, definitely an experience to look back on. We ended up driving to Pelican Point (and Soussesvlei) too, which I don't think we'd have been brave enough to do if not for this tour.
Written September 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey LeeAnn!
Wow! Thanks for the great review! It was a pleasure to meet you and your family and share some adventurous moments together. I hope you got some great pictures?
See you all next time
Kind regards
JP
Written September 26, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucian
Alicante, Spain66 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The highlight of our trip. We did the selfdrive in Sandwich Harbour and it was incredible. JP was fantastic, explaining everything, having patience with everybody, it was an experience that we will not forget. Actually, it´s very likely to go back to d it again, maybe a private trip so I could drive more time on the dunes, that´s how much iwe liked it. Thanks JP
Written September 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Lucian!
Thanks so much for booking my tour and for making time to write your review.
Hope to see you next time!!
Written September 30, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tvotran
Cape Town, South Africa4 contributions
Oct 2021
I was traveling to Namibia alone and it was difficult to find a tour. Communication from JP was very good and he was very accommodating in trying to help me find a tour as a solo traveler which I appreciated. I was able to join a couple who were on a self-guided driving tour of the dunes and sandwich harbour. Jacques and Rammie were great guide/driver. They were very knowledgeable, professional, and fun. Rammie who was instructing the couple doing the self driving through walkie talkie was very clear and patience with the instructions and making them feel comfortable driving on the sand. The drive out there was long and a bit bumpy cause of the sand but the views were amazing. If you can't make it to skeleton coast, this is a great alternative because here you drive along the shore with the dunes dropping into the ocean. I was scared driving on the dunes would be like a roller coaster, but when driving down a dune they go slow so it's reallly fun! The tour exceeded my expectations and the landscape was amazing! I would definitely recommend Red Dune Safaris and this tour. Thank you for an amazing experience!
Written October 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good morning Tien!
Thank you so much for making the time to write this detailed review of our services, we really appreciate it :)
We are very happy to know that you enjoyed our tour and both Jacques and Rammie said they had a good day together with you.
We wish you many happy travels and let us know if you visit Walvis Bay again, so we can plan another tour for you :)
Kind regards,
JP, Jacques & Rammie
Written October 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nathan l
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
My wife and I did a half day guided self drive from walvis bay to sandwich harbour. We drove on the beach, and then back in the dunes.
It was an amazing experience. First because the landscape is just wonderful, with the dunes falling into the ocean. Second because JP and Jacques are very professional. I had never driven in the sand before, and I felt very safe. They assisted me all the time with patience and care. And third of all the tour is very well organized by theses brothers: warm welcome, clear explanation of the game plan, ongoing assistance, explanation along the way, photo stops.
We have been delighted by this experience and would recommend to any person going to swakopmund / walvis bay to go on a self drive tour with JP and Jacques. It’s a MUST DO activity
It was an amazing experience. First because the landscape is just wonderful, with the dunes falling into the ocean. Second because JP and Jacques are very professional. I had never driven in the sand before, and I felt very safe. They assisted me all the time with patience and care. And third of all the tour is very well organized by theses brothers: warm welcome, clear explanation of the game plan, ongoing assistance, explanation along the way, photo stops.
We have been delighted by this experience and would recommend to any person going to swakopmund / walvis bay to go on a self drive tour with JP and Jacques. It’s a MUST DO activity
Written April 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Nathan and Dorothea!
Firstly, thank you for choosing to book your adventure with us, we are very grateful for the business :)
Secondly, thank you for the fantastic day in the dunes, you drove like professionals and we had a great time talking with you two.
Thirdly, thank you so much for making time to write this review, it will definately help us as well as future travellers- thank you!
Enjoy the rest of your holiday in Namibia.
See you next time in the dunes
Regards and best wishes
JP & Jacques
Written April 23, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tobias M
Zurich, Switzerland10 contributions
Trust me when I'm telling you that this the best way to spend your money! The trip was worth every last penny. JP is an amazing guy and we loved every minute with him. He and the trip was the perfect combination of fun, entertainment, adventure and information.
We spend 5 hours driving down the coast, observed many animals and plants and drove back trough the dunes. It was a blast!!
He helped us with great photos and never seemed to be in a hurry.
Many thanks JP for this amazing day you provided us with!
We spend 5 hours driving down the coast, observed many animals and plants and drove back trough the dunes. It was a blast!!
He helped us with great photos and never seemed to be in a hurry.
Many thanks JP for this amazing day you provided us with!
Written December 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Tobi and Rakha ( apologies for the incorrect spelling!)
It was awesome to have you guys on tour with me. Thanks also for sharing your route through the Khan trail, I really appreciate the info and I am planning to do the drive as well :)
See you guys next time when you are in Namibia!
Cheers for now
Written December 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alain P
19 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We did the Self Drive trip to Sandwich Harbor with JP as our guide.
If there was only one outing to do in Walvis Bay, it would be this one.
Driving SelfDrive with our rental vehicle is done in complete safety by following the advice of JP who speaks perfect English. What a pleasure to drive along the beach but especially in the dunes.
He is a true lover of these dunes, which he knows by heart.
The outing is done at our own pace with as many stops and breaks as we wish.
Without doubt one of the best memories of our trip to Namibia.
If there was only one outing to do in Walvis Bay, it would be this one.
Driving SelfDrive with our rental vehicle is done in complete safety by following the advice of JP who speaks perfect English. What a pleasure to drive along the beach but especially in the dunes.
He is a true lover of these dunes, which he knows by heart.
The outing is done at our own pace with as many stops and breaks as we wish.
Without doubt one of the best memories of our trip to Namibia.

Written May 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
king-of-afterbang
5 contributions
If you want to reach Sandwich Harbour driving your own vehicle but don't want to lose it in the ocean or roll it in the dunes, Red Dune is the solution you're looking for.
Our guide Jacques was fantastic, always giving precious tips on how to manage difficulties, and sharing its knowledge on the environment and its history with passion.
It's definitely the perfect way to have fun without compromising on safety.
Our guide Jacques was fantastic, always giving precious tips on how to manage difficulties, and sharing its knowledge on the environment and its history with passion.
It's definitely the perfect way to have fun without compromising on safety.
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Mathieu,
Firstly thanks so much for booking your tour with us, and secondly thank you for the awesome review! It was a pleasure to meet and guide you. Enjoy the rest of your travels through Namibia, and hope to see you next time!
Kind regards
JP & Jacques
Written November 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.