Walvis Bay, Namibia

Walvis Bay has been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbor, protected by the Pelican Point sand spit, being the only natural harbor of any size along the country's coast. Being rich in plankton and marine life, these waters also drew large numbers of whales attracting whalers and fishing vessels. The Dutch referred to it as Walvisch Baye and the English as Whale Bay, and in its eventual proclamation it came to be called Walfish Bay, and eventually Walvis Bay.

The first European visitors were Portuguese mariners seeking a way to the Indies in the late 15th century. In the mid 1800s, Britain annexed Walvis Bay to thwart the Germans as everyone was scrambling for a piece of Africa and Britain needed a safe route around the Cape for British ships. Towards the end of the 19th century Namibia was annexed by Germany, except for the enclave of Walvis Bay, which was taken in 1878 by the British for the Cape Colony. In 1904, the Herero people (Bantu-speaking cattle herders) launched a rebellion which was brutally put down. Diamonds were then discovered east of Lüderitz and the German authorities branded the entire area between Lüderitz and the Orange River a forbidden area. German rule came to an end during WWI when German forces surrendered to a South African expeditionary army fighting for the Allies. South Africa was given a mandate to rule the territory by the League of Nations. Although the mandate was renewed following WWII the United Nations refused to sanction the outright annexation of the country by South Africa. Undeterred, the South African government tightened its grip on the territory and in 1949 granted parliamentary representation to the white population. Most of Namibia's farmland was parceled into 6000 farms owned by white settlers, while black workers and their families were confined by law to ‘reserves’. Walvis Bay’s location, resources and value in relation to the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope has made this area one of intense interest to many world powers. In 1910, Walvis Bay became part of the Union of South Africa. South-West Africa and South Africa wrested control of the area back and forth until 1990 when South-West Africa gained independence as Namibia. Walvis Bay was finally transferred to Namibia in 1994. Attractions in the area include Dune 7 sand dune (one of the largest sand dunes in the world), salt works, birdlife and a museum.