8.9
Elegant boutique hotel right on the lagoon — watch flamingos from the terrace over breakfast. Stylish rooms and excellent service.
Best for: Couples, lagoon views
Check prices on Trip.com →
Accommodation
Where to stay for Sandwich Harbour
Flamingo-view guesthouses on the Walvis Bay Lagoon or seafront hotels in Swakopmund — our hand-picked places to sleep before your desert adventure.
There is no accommodation at Sandwich Harbour: it lies inside a national park and is only accessible by day. Instead, visitors stay in Walvis Bay (about 1 hour from the lagoon by 4x4) or Swakopmund (35 km further north). Both towns have excellent guesthouses and hotels, and most tours include pickup from either.
We recommend at least two nights on the coast — one full day for Sandwich Harbour and another for Pelican Point, Swakopmund’s activities or the Living Desert tour.
Walvis Bay or Swakopmund?
| Walvis Bay | Swakopmund | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Sandwich Harbour | ≈55 km (closest) | ≈90 km |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, lagoon & harbour town | Lively resort town, colonial old town |
| Highlights nearby | Flamingos, Pelican Point, kayaking, cruises | Jetty, sandboarding, quad bikes, Living Desert |
| Restaurants | Good, mostly at the Waterfront | Excellent choice |
| Best for | Early tours, birders, cruise & kayak trips | Longer stays, dining, adventure sports |
Our tip: if Sandwich Harbour and marine tours are your priority, stay in Walvis Bay near the lagoon. If you want more atmosphere in the evening, choose Swakopmund and book a tour with pickup.
Best hotels in Walvis Bay
Look for places in the Lagoon and Meersig areas for flamingo views and easy access to the road south, or near the Waterfront for cruise and kayak departures.
The Rez Guesthouse
★★★★Exceptionally rated guesthouse in a quiet residential area, with spacious modern rooms and warm, helpful hosts who can book your tours.
Best for: Great value, top service
Check prices on Trip.com →Modern Marriott hotel on the Walvis Bay Waterfront, steps from the tour and cruise departure jetties and harbour restaurants.
Best for: Cruise & kayak departures
Check prices on Trip.com →Langholm Hotel
★★★Friendly, well-run small hotel a short walk from the lagoon promenade, with a good breakfast and secure parking.
Best for: Families, self-drivers
Check prices on Trip.com → 8.0
Contemporary boutique hotel with a restaurant and bar, convenient for the town centre and the road south to Sandwich Harbour.
Best for: Comfort in town
Check prices on Trip.com →Reliable central hotel on Sam Nujoma Avenue with restaurants and shops nearby — a practical base for early tour pickups.
Best for: Business & short stays
Check prices on Trip.com →Lagoon Chalets
★★★Self-catering chalets and camping in the lagoon area, ideal for families and road-trippers on a budget.
Best for: Self-catering, road trips
Check prices on Trip.com →Bella Luna B&B
★★★Cosy, highly rated B&B in the Meersig neighbourhood near the lagoon, with personal service and a hearty breakfast.
Best for: Budget-friendly B&B
Check prices on Trip.com → 8.9
Popular bed & breakfast with hundreds of positive reviews, simple comfortable rooms and easy access to the lagoon and town.
Best for: Value, solo travellers
Check prices on Trip.com →Best hotels in Swakopmund
Stay in the town centre or along the beachfront near the Mole and the jetty to walk to restaurants, cafés and tour pickup points.
9.0
Swakopmund’s landmark seafront hotel beside the Mole, with ocean-view rooms, several restaurants and a lively beach promenade.
Best for: Sea views, luxury
Check prices on Trip.com → 9.2
Historic, beautifully kept grand hotel in the heart of the old town, famous for its fine dining and old-world charm.
Best for: Classic elegance
Check prices on Trip.com →Stylish suites a block from the beach and the jetty, with contemporary design and generous breakfasts.
Best for: Design lovers, couples
Check prices on Trip.com →Bright, modern hotel close to the beach, known for one of the best breakfasts in Namibia (oysters and bubbly included).
Best for: Breakfast, location
Check prices on Trip.com → 8.4
Comfortable mid-range hotel in a quiet street near the centre, with a pool, sauna and friendly staff.
Best for: Mid-range comfort
Check prices on Trip.com → 9.0
Well-reviewed hotel on Sam Nujoma Avenue, walking distance to the beach, cafés and tour pickup points.
Best for: Central location
Check prices on Trip.com → 8.9
Self-catering apartments directly opposite the historic jetty — wake up to the sound of the waves.
Best for: Self-catering, beachfront
Check prices on Trip.com → 9.4
Excellent-value apartments with kitchenettes and a very helpful host, a short walk from the beach.
Best for: Budget, longer stays
Check prices on Trip.com → 7.9
Good-value guesthouse on the edge of the centre, with simple rooms and easy access to the B2 highway.
Best for: Budget, road trips
Check prices on Trip.com →Hotel links go to Trip.com. Ratings are Trip.com guest scores and may change. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Booking tips
- Book early for December–January and Easter, when Namibian and South African holidaymakers fill the coast.
- Check parking if you are on a self-drive trip — most guesthouses have secure parking.
- Heating matters: nights on the coast are cool and damp year-round. A room with a heater or fireplace is a bonus.
- Breakfast timing: if your tour leaves at 7:30–8:00 am, ask for an early breakfast or a packed breakfast.
- Cruise passengers don’t need a hotel — tours pick up at the port.
Accommodation FAQs
Can you stay overnight at Sandwich Harbour?
No. Sandwich Harbour lies in a protected area of the Namib-Naukluft National Park and overnight stays or camping are not permitted.
How many nights should I spend in Walvis Bay or Swakopmund?
Two to three nights is ideal: one day for Sandwich Harbour, one for Pelican Point or Swakopmund’s adventure activities, and some buffer in case weather or tides change plans.
Is Walvis Bay safe for tourists?
Yes, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund are among the safest towns in Namibia. Use normal precautions: don’t leave valuables in cars and use taxis recommended by your hotel at night.