A Complete Guide to the Skeleton Coast
Written by Megon Venter
Did you know that there’s an entire ocean lining the Namib desert? That’s what you’ll witness when touring the endless Skeleton Coast.
You might be wondering why this area of Namibia has such an ominous name. That’s because the Atlantic’s strong currents and rough seas have caused thousands of ships throughout history to run aground or sink near this coastline. Nowadays, this area is better known for its views of vast and beautiful landscapes that many travellers have likened to reaching the end of the earth. Keep reading our complete guide to uncover everything you need to know about the Skeleton Coast in Namibia.
Location
The Skeleton Coast region can be found in the Northern part of Namibia’s Atlantic Coast but the coastline itself spans 40 km wide and is 500 km long, joining the desert dunes with the Atlantic Ocean. From Southern Namibia, you can travel all the way up to Terrace Bay as a regular day visitor but the northern reaches are home to private game lodges which require booking.
Seasonality
The wonderful thing about Namibia is that it’s actually a year-round destination. However, as the Skeleton Coast is nearer to the ocean with the desert nights already quite cold, going between October and March will be warmer and there will be more animal sightings.
Main Attractions
The Skeleton Coast National Park
The Skeleton Coast National Park is open from 9 am to 8 pm every day and is accessible via the Springbokwasser and Ugab entrance gates. In terms of wildlife, the Skeleton Coast is home to some rare and interesting species but wildlife in general is fairly sparse, so keep an eye out.
Cape Cross Seal Colony
The most abundant animal life in the area is the Cape fur seal at Cape Cross Seal Colony. There are over 200.000 seals here! As a visitor, you can view them from the walkway that spans along the beach while also absorbing the thundering waves and orange sands that make up the backdrop.
Activities in the Area
Open to the public
Quad-biking
Fishing
4x4 Self-drive
Birdwatching
Boardwalk at Cape Cross Seal Colony
Safari at a private game reserve
Guided walking safaris
Interacting with the local Himba tribe
Stargazing
Game drives
Desert sundowners
Nearby
440 km from Swakopmund
Swakopmund is a little coastal village that was first established by German colonists in the 1800’s. If you’re coming from Southern Namibia, this is a great little place to stay over in, if only for the throwback German architecture. Read our Complete Traveller’s Guide to Swakopmund to add this to your tour.
730 km from Windhoek
The capital city of Namibia, and probably your first port of call if flying in, is the closest major center to the Skeleton Coast. You’ll likely only stop here to find items you may need for your trip and then head out on further adventures.
Wildlife & Safari
Larger mammal sightings are very rare on the Skeleton Coast with little to no larger animals calling the area home. You’ll be lucky to spot a brown hyena or black-backed jackal.
The area is best known for its colonies of fur seals which are the area’s most abundant wildlife. Other marine animals (to a much smaller extent) include Heaviside's dolphins and green turtles.
Further north, you’ll find spectacular wildlife in the Hoanib Valley. One of the most magical things to see here is the rare desert elephant and, if you’re lucky, the protected desert-adapted lion. There is also a massive conservation effort in this region to protect these desert-adapted animals, which has resulted in a flourishing ecosystem.
Accommodation
Basic
Cape Cross Lodge
The hotel is very helpful in planning day tours to the Cape Cross Seal Colony and provides a great stopover for friends travelling together. Plus, this lodge has a view of the ocean. There is also an onsite restaurant where you can swap stories and snaps after a long day out in the desert.
NWR Terrace Bay Resort
This collection of seaside chalets is a great option if you’re looking to stay a night or two before making the journey up into Skeleton Coast National Park or the Hoanib Valley. Cosy up as a couple in a single room chalet or stay in a five-bedroom chalet with all of your friends. Either way, you can enjoy your caffeine kick with a magnificent ocean view in the morning.
Fancy
This luxury safari lodge is made up of ship-like asymmetric cabins that are lavishly decked out inside. Each cabin is ensuite with a wood-fire heater for the colder desert nights. Expect local cuisine galore, swims in the onsite pool, magical starry nights as well as G&Ts and game drives through Skeleton Coast National Park.
In the Kaokoveld area of Skeleton Coast National Park, this lodge is a wonderful luxury option. With eight tented suites, this completely solar-powered tented camp is certainly not anything like your grandpa’s memory of camping. The camp offers an amazing pool, day and night safari adventures, walking safaris and caters delicious meals.
How to include the Skeleton Coast on your Namibian adventure
The fastest (but most expensive) way to reach Skeleton Coast National Park is by charter flight from Eros Airport, landing at one of the park’s airstrips. For this you will also need to be booked into one of the luxury lodges found in the most Northern reaches of the park.
Another way to enter Namibia nearest Skeleton Coast National Park is from Hosea Kutako International Airport. From here, you will take an 8-hour 4x4 drive through to the park from Windhoek. Check out our blog on how to self-drive Namibia for more info.
Alternatively, you can also add it on to your time spent in Etosha, which is also an 8-hour drive between the two regions.
Insider Tips
Look out for mysterious shipwrecks hidden beneath the dunes, only revealing themselves as the dunes shift with the wind.
Rent a 4x4 for your trip as even ‘the beach’ is not a typical one and needs to be treated as rugged terrain.
See the Cape Fur Seals – the largest population of this species in the world.
The Skeleton Coast is a once-in-a-lifetime sight, combining ocean and desert views in one place. Venture to the end of the world, a place full of hidden shipwrecks, seals and other desert-adapted creatures. From the brilliantly vast landscapes of the Skeleton Coast National Park to the more abundant wildlife of the Hoanib Valley, this is definitely one of the most unique destinations in the world.
Want to check out more places in Namibia? Here is our complete guide: The Namibian Pocket Guide.
