Day 110 – Walvis Bay, Namibia

After such an incredible evening last night, the ship was very quiet this morning. Tim and I still managed to get up in time for our included excursion, “Walvis Bay Lagoon and Dunes,” described this way:

Discover the prolific biodiversity and rugged beauty of Walvis Bay during an excursion to its lagoon and dunes. The Walvis Bay Lagoon is a sheltered wetland that is home to around 80,000 wading birds, including a large population of greater and lesser flamingos and rare white pelicans. It is one of the most important wetlands in southern Africa, and a vital stopover point for flocks of migratory birds making their way to Etosha and Botswana. Spend time watching and photographing the abundance of wildlife around you—perhaps including whales, dolphins and seals frolicking in the nearby ocean—before setting out for Namibia’s famous sand dune belt. Stop for photos of this magnificent sight; the rust-colored dunes reach up to 1,250 feet in height. Afterward, make the return journey to your ship.

We drove from the port to the Walvis Bay Lagoon, where we had free time to see the pelicans and beautiful flamingos. Although they remained at a bit of a distance from us, we still enjoyed them, especially the flamingos, known by the locals as “strawberry chickens.” Our guide told us that the area is home to 200,000 of these birds.

Flamingos

Pelicans

Flamingos with Viking Sky in the Background

We learned that what makes Namibia unique is its vast open space, which is wild and mostly unspoiled. It is this type of landscape that is very appealing to me.

We then drove out to get a closer look at the sand dunes and passed rows of palm trees along the way. Although palms were initially planted for aesthetic purposes, it was soon discovered that they make an excellent shield from the blowing sand. Many more are now being planted.

Lots of Palm Trees

We pulled into the parking lot for Dare Devil Adventures, where people can book quad or dune buggy rides on the sand dunes. We only had time to wander around the dunes, although a few people in our group did climb to the top of one. I likely would have been more impressed with the sand dunes here if I hadn’t seen the larger dunes last night.

Frolicking at the Sand Dunes

We set sail from Walvis Bay in the early afternoon, and I could see the sand dunes in the distance. I tried to spot the site where we had stopped earlier today, but we were too far away from shore by that time. 

Sailing Away from Walvis Bay

Later in the day, I watched Russell Lee’s lecture on “The Legend of the Flying Dutchman,” the mythical ghost ship that is doomed to roam the seven seas for all eternity.

The Legend of the Flying Dutchman

It was then time for dinner, and Tim and I enjoyed the Thailand menu at The Chef’s Table. The menu was described as “Modern Thai Cuisine: Tastes from Four Regions,” and it was another winner.

Thailand Menu, with Descriptions of the Five Courses Pictured Below

Amuse Bouche, First Course, and Soup (left) and Main Course and Dessert (right)