Reviews: Coast and Sandwich Harbour

"We were in excellent hands. This small company clearly knows the area and cares about the environment. We shared our vehicle with one other couple and our guide.

The guide knew the area and the wildlife and was an excellent driver. He knew where to go in order to be alone on the dunes. The water was high and he knew when to risk the beach and when to retreat inland. A lovely lunch of homemade (hot) lasagne and salad. On our return journey we passed perhaps 30 vehicles all heading out to Sandwich Bay. The beach was crowded for them but we had the place all to ourselves.

Highly recommended." Read more about this whole safari

"Rudy was our excellent guide. Friendly and very knowledgeable.

He arrived bang on time and drove us down to Walvis Bay where we stopped to look at the birds and go to a hotel where we could use the loos. Then on down the coast where we went along the beach (with jackals eating a seal) then up into the dunes for a Birds Eye view of Sandwich Harbour.

We had a lovely lunch on the beach away from any other tourists the drove back along the dunes. We thoroughly enjoyed this relaxed day rather than the rushed half day we saw others doing.

Rudy was a very good driver and had a laidback informative style which made for a great day out." Read more about this whole safari

"Brilliant day out, very knowledgeable guide, loved the very scary dune bashing, much better than in Dubai.

Who knew we'd have oryx lasagne for lunch? It was delicious as was the rest of the food." Read more about this whole safari

"We were lucky enough to be picked up by the unassuming boss of Turnstone Tours - Bruno. He was certainly the most interesting individual we met throughout the month - and possibly ever!

The tour to Sandwich Harbour involved driving approx 50 miles along the beach just below the towering dunes, lunch at the edge of the harbour (nothing there) then a seemingly impossible climb up the dunes before returning most of the way up and down the dunes. Bruno was a skilled driver and made me feel my exploits across the Sahara many years ago were very tame." Read more about this whole safari

"We had such a good time on this tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable. We saw many flamingoes. We had an exhilarating ride in the sand dunes, including a steep drop to the ocean. Lovely lunch at the ocean. Learned more about the dessert animals and plants." Read more about this whole safari

"Life changing experience - and the best guide anyone could ask for - Rudy was beyond amazing!

This tour should NOT BE MISSED - can’t say anything bad about it and can’t say enough good things about it either! WOW!" Read more about this whole safari

"Rudy made a huge effort for us to have a great time !" Read more about this whole safari

"We had a fun informative day on this tour with guide Rudy.

He is passionate and informed about the area, the country, and we had a wonderful time exploring beach and dunes. The tide was just right. And there were lots of flamingoes.

We chose the whole day tour but half a day would have been fine.

It helps if you enjoy driving up & down the dunes, as that's a significant part of the trip." Read more about this whole safari

"Loved the tour. Bruno is a deeply experienced guide / tracker and dune driver who is happy to share his extensive knowledge of any aspect of Namibia.

And he produced an excellent lunch too - homemade lasagne and apple cake.

We would highly recommend this tour." Read more about this whole safari

"This was a fantastic day out. Expert Africa had booked us with their preferred tour operator and we would recommend them without hesitation.

We were picked up at 0830 from the guesthouse by Rudi along with another couple also staying there and then driven to Walvis Bay where we collected another guest. We felt 5 was rather too many for the vehicle and it was a bit squashed but fortunately we all go on together and it worked out ok.

Walvis was awash with flamingos and we spent some time watching them before driving on towards Sandwich Harbour. Rudi needed to kill time to allow the tide to go out which would allow safe access to Sandwich Harbour so we were able to stop a lot to take pictures of the salt evaporation pans and all the birds (pelicans, spoonbills...) we found along the way. We also stopped to look at some interesting beaches with pink sand and Rudi was able to explain everything.

Eventually Rudi thought it was safe to get through and we continued on. We could see where the dunes came down to the sea leaving a small strip of safe, hard sand to drive on. Using a professional team such as the one EA booked for us is essential for this. We witnessed a nasty accident just ahead of us where a driver misjudged it. There were several cars around but no-one had a mobile signal to call for help. Rudi was the only one who had a Sat Phone and so was able to summon help and an ambulance. As we had helped the occupants of the vehicle out of their car, we lost an hour and a half while we waited for help for them but as soon as it arrived we were able to make our way through easily. Rudi drove us up into the dunes overlooking the harbour, dropped us off to come down by ourselves and drove down to set up lunch on the beach.

The views from the top were amazing and it was fun running down the dune. Lunch was lovely with a warm lasagne, cake and fruit. It was disappointing there were only a few birds in the lagoon but at a different time of year it must be a wonderful sight.

After lunch Rudi drove us back through the dunes, up and down, which was exhilarating before taking us all home again. It was a good day and we can recommend it." Read more about this whole safari