A Brief History of the Walvis Bay Lagoon

Website design By BotEap.comWalvis Bay is a Namibian town located on the western coast, the name Whalefish is derived from when it was a main whaling station in that part of the world. The bay has a natural deep-water harbor, making it a frequent destination for seagoing vessels. This part of the Atlantic Ocean is rich in marine life, which attracts many whales during certain times of the year. The area was discovered by Diego Cao in 1485 when he landed at Cabo Cruz, which is to the north of the bay. He was followed by Bartholomeu Dias in the year 1487; however, the Portuguese did not claim the area. Although it was discovered in the late 1940s, it was not until the late 19th century that commercial development took place at the site, when the British colonized much of Africa and annexed Walvis Bay to the Cape Colony. The British joined Walvis Bay, Cape Colony, and several other areas to form the Union of South Africa, to provide safe passage for British ships. As is the case with most African territories, Walvis Bay has had its share of settlers.

Website design By BotEap.comGood fishing opportunities have allowed many fishing industries to make a name for themselves in the area. Fishing is one of the main sources of livelihood for many people in the area. Another major import product in the city is sea salt, as Walvis Bay has salt pans covering an area of ​​approximately 3,500 hectares, producing around 400,000 tons of sea salt. There are around 50,000 people residing in the city.

Website design By BotEap.comSince the Walvis Bay Lagoon is rich in plankton and marine life, it is a common destination for some of the largest whales, making it a frequent destination for whale watchers as well. The Walvis Bay Lagoon has provided the citizens of the city with not only good fishing, but also other avenues to earn money. Tourism in the city is also booming due to the scenic beauty of the place and the abundance of seabirds next to the lagoon. These birds come in a variety of breeds, many being pelicans and flamingos. There are more than 120,000 birds in the area, making the place a special attraction with the birding fraternity.

Website design By BotEap.comFar from its colonial history, the city of Walvis Bay is now independent in its own right. It is relatively easy for citizens to earn a living in the area. If the settlers have done anything to help the country of Namibia and its cities, it is to introduce commercial development in the area that allows citizens to be independent and earn a living on their own. While the number of tourists in the area is not that great compared to other African places, Walvis has done quite well. There are many activities to participate in and many places to go. The bay is located approximately 35 kilometers south of Swakopmund.