Henties Bay was named after one Major Hendrik 'Hentie' Stefanus van der Merwe. In 1929, during a hunting expedition, he found a natural spring here after running low on water. Recognising it to be a great spot for relaxation, he later returned and built a wooden hut in the riverbed. As friends and family got wind of the place, they began to join him and the place became known as Henties Bay and ultimately developed into a tourist destination. Much of the early attraction was due to the abundance of fish at this spot. In fact, when Portuguese explorer, Bartolomeu Dias, sailed down this coast back in 1488 he named it Praia das Sardinhas or Coast of Fish for the very same reason. These days fishing is just one of the things that draws people to this small coastal town.

This is a popular holiday destination for Namibians, especially those who are keen on 4x4ing and/or fishing. Although the municipal area of Henties Bay is excluded from the recently-proclaimed Dorob National Park, you should take note of restricted roads outside the town. The town is a gateway to adventures like horse riding, 4x4 routes and quad biking in the adjacent Namib Desert, but you need to book these through tour operators. From Henties Bay you can visit the Cape Cross seal colony to the north or Swakopmund to the south. And, don’t forget the 9-hole golf course, where the fairways are desert sand!

ACCOMMODATION:
Besides two campsites, guest houses and B&Bs, many holiday houses are available for rent.

FESTIVAL:
Every August, the Hentiesfees is celebrated here, featuring a music festival, angling competition, beer tent and various sporting events.

FUEL:
Take note: Garage or Petrol cards will no longer be accepted as a legal tender for purchase of fuel, spares or repairs in Namibia.
Cash, Debit and Credit cards are legal payment instruments, but many fuel stations choose NOT to accept Debit and/or Credit cards. But generally credit cards are accepted at garages in bigger and touristy towns. Take extra cash with still in case!

HEALTHCARE:
There is only a clinic in town +264(0)64 500 020.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
The town is well populated with small shops, a pharmacy and restaurants.
There is a Laundry service at the Spar centre. The Spar has a Butchery and Bakery. There is a dentist.

WIND:
Henties Bay is often misty and windy, so remember to take a wind shield if you choose to camp here.

“Hentiesbaai is the anglers paradise of Southern Africa. We enjoyed a wonderful seafood meal in Henties on our way to Swakopmund. <a href="http://www.linx.co.za/tripreports/swakopmundsophiadale/index.php" target="_blank">Read a Trip Report to Swakopmund via Hentiesbaai in Namibia.</a>” - Pieter Theron, 2009/05/10

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