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The Skeleton Coast, located in the northwest region of Namibia, is a stunning and rugged coastline that is rich in history and natural wonders. It is a very remote location with harsh conditions, and it’s not the easiest destination to reach. But for adventurous travelers looking to explore a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, it’s well worth the effort.
Despite its challenges, the Skeleton Coast is a popular destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience. In this blog post, we will cover the top things to do and see on the Skeleton Coast, the best time to visit, how to get there, and tips for exploring this incredible landscape. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime!
Table of Contents
What is Skeleton Coast?
The Skeleton Coast is a rugged and remote stretch of coastline in the northwest region of Namibia. It stretches for over 500 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean and is characterized by towering sand dunes, jagged rocks, and treacherous surf.
Despite its harsh conditions, the Skeleton Coast is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including desert-adapted lions, hyenas, elephants, and seals. The area gets its name from the many whale and seal skeletons that litter the shoreline, in addition to the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred there over the years. While the Skeleton Coast may be challenging to access, it is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the raw beauty and wilderness of Africa.
Where is Skeleton Coast?
The Skeleton Coast starts just north of Swakopmund and extends northward beyond Namibia’s borders into Angola. The Skeleton Coast is hundreds of kilometers long. About 200 kilometers north of Swakopmund is the entrance of the Skeleton Coast National Park. This is a protected area where some of the best shipwrecks can be found.
How to Get to Skeleton Coast
The easiest way to get to Skeleton Coast is to first get to Swakopmund. Skeleton Coast begins as you drive north of Swakopmund. The road along Skeleton Coast is paved until you get into the Skeleton Coast National Park. If you wish to drive toward the beach to see the shipwrecks, you will need at least an SUV, preferably a 4×4. Once you are inside the national park, you will need a 4×4 to travel on the sandy paths.
Best Time to Visit Skeleton Coast
The best time to visit Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is during its wet season, which runs from October to March. Although there is a little bit of rain during this time, it is still a desert and does not experience too much rain. In addition, there is less fog during this time, which makes it the best time to see wildlife.
Things to Do Along the Skeleton Coast
While there is plenty to see and do along the Skeleton Coast, here are our recommended top 5!
Visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve
The Skeleton Coast is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world, with over 100,000 seals residing in the area. Visitors to the Cape Cross Seal Reserve can witness the seals basking in the sun, feeding, and even fighting. The reserve also has an informative museum where visitors can learn more about the history and biology of the seals. Entry to the reserve costs 150 NAD ($8.30 USD) per foreign adult, and 50 NAD ($2.77 USD) per vehicle.
Go fishing
While exploring Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, you’ll find yourself in a remote and isolated environment. However, it’s not uncommon to come across the locals who rely on fishing as their primary source of livelihood. As you journey along the rugged coastline, you might catch a glimpse of these skilled fishermen hard at work, casting their lines into the Atlantic waters in search of their next catch. Join in on the action by booking a fishing charter and witness firsthand the thrill of catching some of the abundant fish species found in these waters, such as kabeljou, steenbras, and even sharks!
Take a scenic flight
Taking a scenic flight is a popular activity on the Skeleton Coast, offering visitors a unique perspective of the stunning landscape. Flying over the rugged coastline and towering sand dunes provides a breathtaking view of the area’s natural beauty. It’s also an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife and shipwrecks from the air. Several companies offer scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast, ranging from short flights to extended tours that cover a wider area.
Check out the shipwrecks
One of the main draws of Skeleton Coast is the numerous shipwrecks that dot the coastline. The waters on Skeleton Coast have strong currents that have caused numerous ships to run aground over the years. Some of the rusted and battered wrecks remain, offering a glimpse into the area’s maritime history. The Zeila, pictured above, ran aground in 2008. Other famous wrecks include the Eduard Bohlen, which is currently 800 meters inland and half-buried in sand.
Spot desert-adapted wildlife
The harsh and rugged terrain of the Skeleton Coast has given rise to some of the world’s most unique and fascinating animals, including desert-adapted lions, elephants, and hyenas. These creatures have evolved to survive in the arid environment, and spotting them in the wild is a truly unforgettable experience. Visitors can join guided safaris to explore the area and increase their chances of spotting these incredible animals. However, seeing these animals is pretty rare, and you are much more likely to find various small mammals and lizard species.
Where to Stay Along the Skeleton Coast
When visiting Skeleton Coast, most people choose to stay in Swakopmund. This is the largest city near the coast, and visitors can easily access both the famous coast and the national park from this location. However, you can also stay in Skeleton Coast National Park, but options are limited.
Swakopmund
There are numerous accommodation options, including for budget travelers, in Swakopmund. If you’re on a tight budget, you can find hostels for around $15 USD/night by using apps like Hostelworld, Airbnb, or Dorms.com. I stayed in a dorm room for $13.60 USD/night.
Shipwreck Lodge
If you feel like staying inside Skeleton Coast National Park, Shipwreck Lodge is a great option. This eco-friendly lodge is designed to resemble the shipwrecks that dot the coastline, giving guests a truly immersive experience. The lodge offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms with all the necessary amenities, as well as a range of activities and experiences that showcase the beauty and ruggedness of the area. This is a popular destination so book in advance!
Tips for Visiting the Skeleton Coast
Before your trip to Skeleton Coast, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Refuel your vehicle whenever you pass a gas station
There is only a gas station in Swakopmund, maybe another one in a small town off the main paved road, and another in the national park. Don’t risk skipping the chance to refuel your vehicle when you have the chance. This is not the place that you want to get stuck. Depending on where you run out of gas, it could be hours before someone finds you.
2. Bring plenty of food and water
Skeleton Coast is a remote destination with significant changes in weather and temperature throughout the day. You will not find any kind of stores that sell food or water along this lonely road. Bring more than you think you will need, just in case of emergencies.
3. Download a map of Skeleton Coast offline
There is only one paved road that goes up Skeleton Coast, so it’s unlikely that you will get lost. However, an offline map is handy if you need to see how much further a specific destination is. Having the ability to anticipate distances will allow you to judge if you have enough gasoline, food, water, etc.
4. Bring warm clothes to wear at night
If you plan on camping overnight, you will need to bring warm clothes. No matter how warm it is during the day, the temperatures will drop dramatically at night. Even if you have a reservation to stay in a hotel or lodge, bring enough warm clothes just to be safe. Come prepared.
5. Travel with somebody
This is not the kind of place you want to travel alone. If you are in a vehicle and you get a flat tire, or another emergency happens, you will want at least one other person with you. The best way to travel through the more isolated areas is with an experienced guide.
