Skeleton Coast
A fog-shrouded, desolate coastline strewn with shipwrecks and whale bones, home to a seal reserve of 100,000 seals. The northern section is open only to flying expeditions, making it Namibia's most mysterious landscape.
The Skeleton Coast refers to the roughly 500 km stretch of desolate coastline in northern Namibia, running from north of Swakopmund to the Angolan border. Dense fog, strong undercurrents and shifting sands have caused many shipwrecks, and the beaches are strewn with wrecks and whale bones, which gave the coast its name. Portuguese sailors called it the 'Gates of Hell'. The southern section can be explored by self-drive along the C34 salt road heading north. About 80 km north of Henties Bay, Cape Cross Seal Reserve is the largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals in the southern hemisphere, with more than 100,000 seals in peak season. The smell is strong, but the sight is spectacular (entry about N$100). About 130 km further north, the Zeila shipwreck (run aground in 2008) is the easiest to reach and the most photogenic wreck. North of the Ugab River mouth (Ugabmund) gate, you enter Skeleton Coast National Park. With a day pass you can drive to Terrace Bay for overnight accommodation, passing the desert landscape of Springbokwasser and occasionally desert elephants. The northern section, north of Möwe Bay, is closed to self-drive vehicles and can only be accessed on flying safari tours (Skeleton Coast Safaris, 3 to 4 days, tens of thousands of RMB). These tours visit shipwrecks, the Roaring Dunes and the Himba people. Driving from Swakopmund to Cape Cross takes about 1.5 hours, so it can be done as a day trip. Staying deeper in the national park requires overnight accommodation at Terrace Bay or turning east toward Damaraland. Note: the salt road is slippery in fog. There are no petrol stations (except at Terrace Bay) and no mobile signal inside the park. You must pass through the park gate before 3 p.m. Do not swim in the sea.
Opening hours
National park gate open from sunrise; last entry 15:00
Nearby sights
- Möwe Bay
- Hoanib River Valley
- Purros
- Hoarusib River Valley
- Terrace Bay
- Fort Sesfontein
- Cape Frio Seal Colony
- Ongongo Waterfall