Walvis Bay, located at the Namibian western coast found along the Atlantic Ocean is becoming the most visited and most loved tourist place because of the richness of sandy dunes and blue clear waters. Walvis Bay, translated from "Whale Bay" has the natural beauty and owns the habitat for the sea creatures, which is attracting many visitors and tourists.
Technically discovered by the Portuguese explorer and discoverer Bartolomeu Dias on December 8, 1487, it was on Walvis Bay itself that he anchored his ship Sao Cristovao. He was on an expedition to find a way to the East by passing through the Cape of Good Hope. However, he did not make any official proclamation of discovery, although he named it "O Golfo de Santa Maria de Conceicao".
The profused plankton in the water proved to be the good habitat for the whales. In 1700s, when this was discovered European and North American whalers flocked the bay to hunt the whales. The hunters continued with their ruthless activities of hunting whales till 1900s. Europeans saw this bay area as the important sea route, especially in providing a viable sea route through Cape of Good Hope. So in early 1670sthe Europeans settled in Walvis Bay. In January 1793, the Dutch hoisted their flag here to declare their rule over the territory but it did not last long.
It was Britain that anchored Walvis Bay to African territory in 1840 after taking control of the Cape, first and foremost, to ward off the Germans who seemed to be interested in conquering the beautiful bay area. It was also done to serve as safe passage for British ships through to the Cape of Good Hope and for better administration. Incidentally, Britain was the dominant seafaring country during that time. Walvis Bay officially became a part of the Union of South Africa in the year 1910. Although there was initially a squabble with the Germans regarding boundaries and territorial issues, in 1911, Walvis Bay was finally given its own allocation of land with an area of 1124 square kilometers.
In the First World War, Walvis Bay was invaded by the persistent Germans but was overpowered by the South Africans Forces and in 1915, when a new martial rule was enforced in Southwest Africa, Walvis Bay also embraced it. In 1919, after the Treaty of Versailles was signed, The League of Nations annexed Southwest Africa to South Africa. In 1921, Southwest Africa enjoyed the civilian rule and Walvis Bay was also a part of it.
Over the course of some 50 years, the situation remained much the same. But with South Africa seeing its influence over Southwest Africa fall into decline, the Cape Province gained authority over Walvis Bay in 1971. This proved to be a precursor to Southwest Africa's long-term aspirations for formal political separation, which it achieved as the newly independent nation of Namibia in 1990. Walvis Bay remained under South African rule until February 28, 1994, when it was formally ceded to Namibia.
For the tourists who are enthusiastic and love to sun bathe Walvis Bay is the apt place to go since it has a sunny weather. Tourists who want to fish, surf, golf and sand-board are visiting Walvis Bay now a days, since they get all these in one place. These multiple activities available here make tourists all over the world yearn to come here. Walvis Bay is the proud owner of a variety of exotic plants, marine creatures and natural scenes.
Technically discovered by the Portuguese explorer and discoverer Bartolomeu Dias on December 8, 1487, it was on Walvis Bay itself that he anchored his ship Sao Cristovao. He was on an expedition to find a way to the East by passing through the Cape of Good Hope. However, he did not make any official proclamation of discovery, although he named it "O Golfo de Santa Maria de Conceicao".
The profused plankton in the water proved to be the good habitat for the whales. In 1700s, when this was discovered European and North American whalers flocked the bay to hunt the whales. The hunters continued with their ruthless activities of hunting whales till 1900s. Europeans saw this bay area as the important sea route, especially in providing a viable sea route through Cape of Good Hope. So in early 1670sthe Europeans settled in Walvis Bay. In January 1793, the Dutch hoisted their flag here to declare their rule over the territory but it did not last long.
It was Britain that anchored Walvis Bay to African territory in 1840 after taking control of the Cape, first and foremost, to ward off the Germans who seemed to be interested in conquering the beautiful bay area. It was also done to serve as safe passage for British ships through to the Cape of Good Hope and for better administration. Incidentally, Britain was the dominant seafaring country during that time. Walvis Bay officially became a part of the Union of South Africa in the year 1910. Although there was initially a squabble with the Germans regarding boundaries and territorial issues, in 1911, Walvis Bay was finally given its own allocation of land with an area of 1124 square kilometers.
In the First World War, Walvis Bay was invaded by the persistent Germans but was overpowered by the South Africans Forces and in 1915, when a new martial rule was enforced in Southwest Africa, Walvis Bay also embraced it. In 1919, after the Treaty of Versailles was signed, The League of Nations annexed Southwest Africa to South Africa. In 1921, Southwest Africa enjoyed the civilian rule and Walvis Bay was also a part of it.
Over the course of some 50 years, the situation remained much the same. But with South Africa seeing its influence over Southwest Africa fall into decline, the Cape Province gained authority over Walvis Bay in 1971. This proved to be a precursor to Southwest Africa's long-term aspirations for formal political separation, which it achieved as the newly independent nation of Namibia in 1990. Walvis Bay remained under South African rule until February 28, 1994, when it was formally ceded to Namibia.
For the tourists who are enthusiastic and love to sun bathe Walvis Bay is the apt place to go since it has a sunny weather. Tourists who want to fish, surf, golf and sand-board are visiting Walvis Bay now a days, since they get all these in one place. These multiple activities available here make tourists all over the world yearn to come here. Walvis Bay is the proud owner of a variety of exotic plants, marine creatures and natural scenes.
About the Author:
Cecelia Owens loves travel and she does freelance writing for the top South African travel comparison website, BestFlights.co.za offering Flights to Walvis Bay.
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