Sperm Whale
marine life of Namibia
Introduction: The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) has the largest brain of any animal. The name is derived from the milky-white waxy substance resembling semen, spermaceti, found in the animal's head. It is one of the living species in the sperm whale super-family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale. Adult males are capable of diving for 2hr and can reach depths in excess of 2,000m. All toothed whales, including this one, are capable of echolocation.
Hundred of whaling ships voyaged the planet's oceans in search of the sperm whale, best remembered in Herman Melville's legendary Moby Dick, based on his own experiences of hunting the sperm whale. Thousands of them were hunted in southern African waters until the 1970's and today estimates that there are some 32,000 of them left in this area. They were hunted to obtain spermaceti and other products, such as sperm oil and ambergris (a fixative in perfumery). Spermaceti found many important uses such as candles, soap, cosmetics and machine oil.
Distribution: Coastal regions of Namibia.
Diet: Deep-sea squid, fish, skate and sharks.
Colouring: A uniform dark grey blue over the entire body with lighter, sometimes white lips.
Breeding: Calves are born about 4m long and born around March time after a gestation period of 15 months.
Size: An adult bull can grow up to 20m in length and the head can take up to one-third of the total length.
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
