Sei Whale
marine life of Namibia
Introduction: The Sei Whale (Balaenoptera borealis), is a baleen whale and the third-largest rorqual after the blue whale and the fin whale. They have a slender, streamlined and powerful body with small, pointed flippers and a dorsal fin set about two thirds down the body. They had led a comparatively quiet existence, not important to whalers until the 1960's, when the populations of fin and blue whales had declined.
Estimates are that at least 100,000 sei whales were killed between 1961 and 1979 probably because they are shallow divers who rarely stay submerged for more than periods of 4min. Swimming speed is usually 10km/hr although speeds of up to 30km/hr have been estimated when it has been disturbed.
Distribution: It moves northwards from the Antarctica from April to November, where it can be seen in deeper waters off the coast of Namibia.
Diet: Sei whales skim krill close to the surface.
Colouring: Head and back is dark grey to black or bluish and can appear mottled. The belly is pale grey to white.
Breeding: A single calf is born 4.6m long around May/June time after a gestation period of 11 to 12 months.
Size: Maximum length is 20m. Weight: 5 tons.
Alternative Space
An art gallery turned guest house - the Space is truly alternative and worth a visit if you are interested in philosophical conversation, innovative thinking and staying somewhere out of the norm.
Atlantic Villa
Offers a variety of suites, luxury rooms and self catering units. Ideal for the business traveller or holiday maker
Brigadoon Cottages
Very centrally located, includes traditional guest house accommodation as well as two separate self catering flats
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Meike's Guest House
A well established owner managed guesthouse where empahsis is placed on environmental issues
Organic Square Guest House
Fairly centrally situated accommodation offering healthy organic breakfast options
PebbleStoneHouse Bed & Breakfast
Fresh, light & airy bed and breakfast in an upmarket and fairly centrally located area
Sams Giardino
Perennial popular choice, good quality accommodation with occasional wine tasting nights
Sea Breeze Guest House
A very popular choice, offers excellent rooms at extremely reasonable prices. Possibly best value for money in Swakopmund
The Stiltz
Absolutely unique! Built on stilts into the Swakop River - many units offer great views. Feels more like a traditional country lodge rather than an establishment in a busy tourist town.
Villa Margherita
A newer addition, situated in an old historic building near the town center. Expect attention to detail and Italian flair.
Vogelstrand Guest House
A family operated establishment which prides itself on offering guests both personal attention and privacy
