David and I have really been enjoying our condo here in Swakopmund and it really takes much to  convince us to go out on some kind of an excursion!  Honestly, people pay good money to go on vacation and have a view like we have.  We decided after being “holed up” in our condo all day Saturday that we need to get out and stretch our legs.

We headed out of town for Dune 7.  I read somewhere that Dune 7, according to the Namibian Department of Tourism, is the tallest sand dune in the world.  It sounded like a good challenge and would provide good exercise, seeing we were not real motivated or did much activity on Saturday.

Dune 7

We arrived around 1:00 in the afternoon and with our heads down and water bottles in hand, we started our hike.  We started on the sloping side rather than tackle the dune straight on.  To my amazement,  20 minutes later, we were at the top of it…see that little pointed peak in about the center of the photo?  That is where we made it to.

I was surprised because it didn’t seem as challenging as Big Daddy at all.  Big Daddy took around 45 minutes and it was a real struggle.  In the beginning, Dune 7 was a little challenging but once we arrived at the top, where it levels out, it was easy-peasy!  I always try to research any facts that I put in this blog as I do not want to give any misinformation.  When I got back to our condo, I again checked and there it was “Dune 7 is the tallest in the world” statement.  Today, before writing, I rechecked it again…something just didn’t seem right.  I am glad that I rechecked.  In Wikipedia under “Sossusvlei” I discovered that the Namib Desert has two Dune 7s!!!  In the article, under Big Daddy Dune, it says that Big Daddy is the second largest dune and Dune 7, which is also in the same region, is the largest dune in the world.  In parenthesis, it says that this Dune 7 is not to be confused with Dune 7 located in Swakopmund.  That makes sense now.  David and I commented that Big Daddy looked taller than the Dune 7 we were looking at on Sunday and now we know that Big Daddy is taller.  As I write this, I am wondering why climbing Dune 7, the tallest dune in the world, was not offered when we visited Sossusvlei last December.  All we heard about was tackling Big Daddy and/or Big Mama.  Heck, from what I have read, Dune 7 is only 200 ft taller than Big Daddy….I could have made it to the top of that!  Now, I want to go back and try!

Looking back to where we just walked.

This dog was having fun but bet he slept well Sunday night!

At the top of Dune 7 looking towards the west and seeing the ships and offshore oil rigs of Walvis Bay

Looking north from Dune 7

Sadly, there was trash blowing around the dunes and in the picnic area below.  It looked as though the trash bins were too full and the wind was carrying the loose trash away.  David and I picked up as much as we could and placed it more securely in the bins but I felt as though that was just a “band-aid” for the time being.

From Dune 7 we drove into Walvis Bay to find the quaint restaurant area that someone told us about.  As I have mentioned in previous post, Walvis Bay is mostly a shipping and fishing town due to the natural deepwater bay.  We had been there a couple of times and saw the flamingos but not the picturesque waterfront that was described to us as having the feeling of a European village!  In Walvis Bay???  This I had to see, to believe!!!

Walvis Bay Waterfront

We drove past the Yacht Club to this charming area.  There were gift shops, coffee shops and several restaurants.  We decided to have lunch at Anchors@the Jetty Restaurant.  It had a very casual and welcoming atmosphere with rustic wooden tables and benches.  We both decided to have the seafood platter for one.  It was very, very tasty.  

I love the “dish” that it was served in.  The fish selection was kingklip fillet, prawns, mussels and grilled calamari.  Served with delicious homemade bread and a side of salad.

Walvis Bay Waterfront is a great place to spend an afternoon.

Not far from the Waterfront area is the Lagoon Promenade where you can see quite a few flamingos.  The promenade has a park that follows the waterfront and across the street are some high-end homes. The main attractions, though, are the flamingos.  

There is another area of Walvis Bay that is a bird sanctuary.  We were there last year on a tour.  I want to go back and revisit it.  Now that we know a great place to get lunch, we will have to plan a trip to Walvis Bay soon.