The world's largest ship cemetery

The Skeleton Coast is immensely startling with the roaring Atlantic Ocean to the west and stark desert to the east. The area is renowned for its shipwrecks and animal skeletons strewn across the shores, giving the region its ominous name. The strip of coastline is divided into northern and southern sections; the southern region stretching roughly from Swakopmund to the Ugab River is more accessible to tourists. The magnificence of this land can only truly be understood through experience as the area is famous for its adventure offerings, unique plants and wildlife, world-class surfing breaks, and great fishing.

Highlights

1
Visit the largest colony of Cape fur seals at Cape Cross.
2
Shred some of the grandest and most powerful surfing breaks on Earth.
3
Head into the desert on a self-drive or guided safari tour in search of desert-adapted wildlife.
4
Try your hand at fishing as the area is famous for its tough but rewarding angling opportunities.
5
Explore coastal plains, rock formations, and natural springs on the guided Ugab River Hiking Trail.
6
Experience the abundant marine life from water on a guided kayaking trip.

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Best time to go to Skeleton Coast South

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The Skeleton Coast can be visited year-round. However, it is best experienced during the warmer months from October to March. These months mark the passage of spring into summer and are characterised by good weather, sunny days, clear skies, and little wind. Additionally, this time is the best for spotting wildlife! This area can be a rewarding birding location with migratory birds present from November to April. Travellers looking for the best weather should avoid the months between April and September due to the colder evenings and strong winds.