Skeleton Coast Travel Guide
A lonely shoreline. A unique ecosystem. A remarkable history. Welcome to the enigmatic Skeleton Coast.
Stretching for some 500 kilometres (310 miles) of Namibia’s west coast.
From the Ugab River in the south, to the Kunene River and Angolan border in the north – the Skeleton Coast National Park may, at first glance, seem a barren stretch of wind-whipped coastline.
But a remarkable array of ecosystems and landscapes make it a destination entirely unique in Africa. For adventurous travellers looking to venture off the well-worn tourist trail, the lonely sands of the Skeleton Coast are calling.
The desert itself is central to the charm of the Skeleton Coast, sculpted by relentless ocean winds and shrouded in morning fog. It was this ever-present coastal fog that drove many ships ashore here, the ribs of their broken hulls gifting this treacherous coast its name. Today, many of these ‘skeletons’ can still be visited on daily excursions from the region’s luxury lodges.
But there is life aplenty here too, and expert guides will introduce you to the incredible diversity of plants and animals that thrive on the coast, from hardy reptiles to desert-adapted animals and the ancient Welwitschia plant. In the south, Cape Cross and Mowe Bay are home to some of Africa’s largest colonies of Cape fur seals – a magnet for predators during the summer breeding season – while the coastal bird watching is superb. Prefer geology to gannets? Ask about a visit to the Hoarusib River and the region’s famous ‘Clay Castles’.
At select lodges quad-bike and sand-boarding excursions are available on request, and sundowner drives introduce guests to the marvel of the ‘Roaring Dunes’ of the Skeleton Coast. For the best views of it all, a scenic flight offers an unforgettable snapshot of the sheer vastness of this empty coastline.
It would be an understatement to say that there is little passing traffic in this far-flung corner of Namibia, so you certainly won’t find a Taco Bell or Wendy’s alongside the desert tracks.
But you definitely won’t go hungry, with generous meals created and curated by talented local chefs. Expect hearty buffet breakfasts, lazy lunches – perhaps enjoyed as a picnic out on safari – and elegant dinners served by the fireside.
The Skeleton Coast is a land of extremes, switching from the cool of a foggy morning to the heat of African sunshine in a matter of minutes, so pack for four seasons in one day!
The solution is a succession of layers: light cotton clothing for warm afternoons, and thermal layers to ward off the morning and evening chills. In winter, a woollen hat and gloves will be welcome, and a windbreaker is always a good idea on the Skeleton Coast.
Lodges in the region typically offer a small on-site boutique stocking personal hygiene basics, branded clothing and souvenirs, but be sure to take along your camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and specific charging cables.
Due to the remote location of these lodges, ensure you have sufficient supplies of any required medication before arrival.
While the sea mists that blanket this coast are common year-round, winter (May to October) is usually the best time to visit the Skeleton Coast, with little chance of rain and mild daytime temperatures. Mornings and evenings can be cold, but that only adds to the coastal allure of this remote destination.
Temperatures spike in summer (November to April), but are moderated by the cool Atlantic Ocean breezes. There is the occasional summer rain shower, but rarely enough to affect your exploring.
The Skeleton Coast is not a malaria area, and no anti-malarial medication is required.
Get a handle on the vastness of the Skeleton Coast with our useful travel maps…
Accessing this remote coastal wilderness takes time, and you’ll save valuable vacation hours by opting for a private charter flight. Local aviation companies provide seamless access by light aircraft from Swakopmund, Windhoek, Sossusvlei and other key destinations across Namibia. Alternatively, self-drive or road transfer options are available on request.
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