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Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay (Afrikaans Walvisbaai, German Walfischbucht or Walfischbai, all meaning "Whale Bay"), is a city in Namibia and the name of the bay on which it lies.

The town is situated in the Kuiseb river delta and lies at the end of the TransNamib Railway to Windhoek, and on the B2 road. The Walvis Bay Export Processing Zone is an important facet of the local economy.

The bay has been a haven for sea vessels because of its natural deepwater harbour, protected by the Pelican Point sand spit, being the only natural harbour of any size along the country's coast. 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.

A succession of colonists developed the location and resources of this strategic harbour settlement. The harbour's value in relation to the sea route around the Cape of Good Hope had caught the attention of world powers since it was discovered.

Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walvis_Bay

Recent city comments:

  • 2SAI, Derek Lawler wrote 9 years ago:
    Yes that is the old 2 SAI mess, it was converted to a church and it's the only part of the old base that's left.
  • Old 2 SAI Athletics track, Steven Ceronio wrote 9 years ago:
    Correction friend! In 1970 the walls were constructed with IBR sheeting which made a hell of a noise when wake-up call was sounded and the PF's ran down the side rattling a pick handle on the IBR!!
  • 2SAI, Rynier (guest) wrote 10 years ago:
    Well 45 years ago it looked totally different, but I think you could be right. I seem to recognize the parade ground area (to the right), as well as the area where the troop bungalows use to be (open sandy area to the left). These bungalows were all mounted on poles. The stores and vehicle park buildings all seem to have dissapeared. You are certainly bringing back some very old memories --- God bless and regards Rynier mwrynier@mweb.co.za
  • 2SAI, Stephen Heyns wrote 10 years ago:
    I was there Alpha Company 1979
  • 2SAI, Derek Craig (guest) wrote 10 years ago:
    Yes Bruce - He still drives his bicycle - seen at Blue Route often.- I now live in Worcester but get to Tokai often. Regards - I have not been on this site for so long. dercra@gmail.com
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22°57'10"S   14°30'44"E
Walvis Bay on the map.

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