Beset on the one side by the shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, and on the other by the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the little seaside port town of Walvis Bay is a charming and laid-back stop-off on Africa’s western seaboard, a fine alternative to the bustling, rowdy and overtly Germanic streets of Swakopmund. Since time immemorial it’s been a tactical refuelling and relay point for ships making the treacherous journey around the Cape, boasting a safe and protected harbour. Modern visitors though, have focussed more on the wondrous natural surroundings and unique makeup of marine life that flourishes in the plankton-rich waters out at sea. For one, there are oodles of whale spotting opportunities here (hence the name); along with that Walvis Bay tour guides eagerly offer dolphin cruises, kayaking at Pelican point, fishing expeditions and seal watching trips out in the waters. The land sights are also as wondrous, and travellers can head for the soaring ridges of Dune 7 (a colossal shifting dune), 4X4 drives to Sandwich Harbour, and the wildlife-spotting sites of Bird Island, all between rugby games at the local stadium.