Henties Bay: Coast, Dunes and History

Henties Bay combines a distinctive layout with coastal scenery and a range of ways to spend time outdoors. The Valley, an old branch of the Omaruru River, divides the town into North Dune and South Dune. Other landmarks include a historic freshwater spring near the coast, the Henties Gallows, and activities ranging from hiking to golf. These geographical and historical points of reference can help you decide which experiences will shape your stay.

The Valley and the town’s history

In 1929, Major Hentie van der Merwe discovered the freshwater spring in the Valley, close to Henties Bay beach. The Valley is therefore not only a geographical landmark, but also part of the town’s history. Another story is told by the Henties Gallows: in 1978, early residents Frank Atkinson and Willie Cilliers erected it as a friendly but firm warning to keep the town and beach clean. The spring and the gallows represent different local stories—one about the discovery of fresh water, the other about how people care for the town and its beach.

Coastal scenery and activities

South of Henties Bay, in the surrounding area, lies Solitude Bay, with its rocky shores and hummock dunes. Coastal desert plants adapted to harsh conditions help stabilise the dunes. The combination of coast and resilient vegetation gives the bay its distinctive landscape.

If you enjoy exploring on foot, you can hike the Omaruru River walking trail from Henties Bay and experience the local flora and fauna. Quad biking is possible in the dunes around Henties Bay, and visitors can play a round of golf at the Henties Bay Golf Course. Anglers are welcome on the wide beaches with their four-wheel-drive vehicles. Fishing permits and regulations apply.

The fishing trawler Zeila ran aground early in the morning on 25 August 2008 near Die Walle, a popular fishing spot about 14 km south of Henties Bay in the surrounding area. The approximate distance and exact date help place this event in the landscape and its history.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Henties Bay, you can first decide what you want your stay to focus on: coastal scenery, a hike with opportunities to see local flora and fauna, golf, fishing, or quad biking in the surrounding dunes. North Dune and South Dune are the names of the two areas into which the Valley divides the town; your planned activities offer another useful guide for your search.

Erongo as a regional setting

Within the wider travel destination of Erongo are Henties Bay and Swakopmund, as well as the settlement of Wlotzkasbaken, located within Dorob National Park. Fishing, camping and hiking are listed there as tourist activities. Check current access arrangements and campsite operations before setting out.

The regional natural and cultural setting also includes Cape Cross Seal Reserve, a protected area for the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals. During the breeding season in November and December, up to 210,000 animals are found there; this maximum is an estimate and can vary from year to year. A walkway makes it easier to observe the seals. Check the facility’s current status before travelling.

Portuguese navigator Diego Cão landed at Cape Cross in 1486 and erected a stone padrão. A replica is visible today; the area, including a second replica, is designated a National Heritage Site. The Erongo region thus adds natural and cultural sites to Henties Bay’s local setting, without equating them with experiences in the town itself.

Discover more destinations: Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Usakos, Langstrand, Rand Rifles, Omaruru, Cape Cross, Uis.

View the wider travel overview: Erongo.