The Skeleton Coast is the most remote and atmospheric coast of Namibia. Atlantic fog, shipwrecks, seals, desert that meets the ocean. It is not a destination for everyone, but for those looking for it is an impossible experience to forget.
What is the Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is the coastline of Namibia, extending from Swakopmund to the Angolan border. The name comes from the ship wrecks and whale bones and seals that constellated the beaches. It was one of the most dangerous coasts in the world for sailors, known for thick fog, dangerous currents and absence of safe landings.
Today it is a national park that includes free access zones in the south and protected areas in the north that require special permits or charter flights.
Cape Cross: the seal colony
Cape Cross is the first stop on the Skeleton Coast. It houses one of the largest colonies of fur seals (Cape fur seal) in the world: up to 100,000 specimens in high season.
The experience is visually extraordinary and olfactory... very intense. Bring yourself and your nose prepared.
Cape Cross is located about 120 km north of Swakopmund, on an almost entirely asphalted road. It is accessible by self drive.
Naval wrecks
Several ship wrecks are visible along the Skeleton Coast. The most photographed is the Zeila, a fishing vessel near Henties Bay. Other relics are located in the northernmost area, in less accessible areas.
The landscape of the Skeleton Coast
The landscape is what makes the Skeleton Coast unique: coastal dunes that descend directly to the ocean, Atlantic morning fog, desaturated colors, silence. It is a landscape that does not resemble anything else in Namibia.
Benguela's current brings cold and nutritious waters: this feeds the marine ecosystem that supports seals, which in turn attracts lions and hyenas of the desert along the coast.
When to visit the Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is open all year round. It doesn't have an ideal season like Etosha. The coast is always fresh (even in summer it never really heats), the fog is present in any month and the landscape always has its character.
How to visit the Skeleton Coast by self drive
The south of the Skeleton Coast (until the Springbokwasser gate) is accessible by a 4x4 self drive. Take the coastal road north from Swakopmund, passing through Henties Bay and Cape Cross.
The north of the Skeleton Coast National Park (north of Springbokwasser) is accessible only by special permits or by exclusive lodges and charter flights. It is not accessible to ordinary self drive.
Redland Council
The Skeleton Coast is not for those looking for a classic safari or a colorful and tropical landscape. It is for those looking for something harsher, quieter, more strange. If you feel the call of a fog-and-mouthed coastline and nothing else on the horizon, the Skeleton Coast will give you exactly that.
Want to include the Skeleton Coast on your itinerary?
Write to us. We help you understand how to integrate it into the process at the right times.
FAQ:
What is the Skeleton Coast?
The Skeleton Coast is the northern coast of Namibia, known for its remote and austere landscape, seal colonies, ship wrecks and Atlantic fog.
Why is it called the Skeleton Coast?
The name comes from the ship wrecks and whale bones and seals that were located on the beaches. It was a dangerous area for sailors.
When to visit the Skeleton Coast?
It can be visited all year round. It doesn't have an ideal season like Etosha. The coast is always cool, windy and with morning fog.
What to see on the Skeleton Coast?
Foche columns in Cape Cross, shipwrecks, desert landscapes that meet the ocean, coastal dunes, adapted fauna and the characteristic misty landscape.
How do you get to the Skeleton Coast?
You can get from Swakopmund to the north along the coast, or from Damaraland. Some areas require special permits, especially the Skeleton Coast Park in the northern sector.
Is the Skeleton Coast suitable for self-drive?
The southern area is accessible by self drive. The northern area of Skeleton Coast Park is more limited and requires lodges or charter flights.
How much time does Skeleton Coast need?
At least one night to experience the atmosphere. Two nights allow you to explore the landscape more calmly.
Is there wildlife at the Skeleton Coast?
Yes. In addition to seal colonies, you can spot jackals, hyenas, oryxes and occasionally desert lions. The fauna is adapted to the coastal conditions.
