Ugabmund Gate (Skeleton Coast Park southern gate)
Ugabmund Gate
The southern gateway to Skeleton Coast National Park. The skull-and-crossbones motif on its iron gates is the most famous photo op on the entire coast.
Ugabmund Gate lies on the C34 road north of the Ugab River mouth and is the southern entrance to Skeleton Coast National Park. Both sides of the iron gates are decorated with skulls and crossbones. Together with the whale bones and barren sand plains beside them, they make up the photo nearly every self-drive visitor takes. Past the gate you can head north along the coast to Torra Bay and Terrace Bay, or turn east through Springbokwasser Gate toward Damaraland. Entry requires registration and payment of the national park fee. Through-travellers must exit through the other gate within the designated time, usually by 15:00 at the latest for entry. Overnight stays in the park are not allowed without a permit. Ugabmund Gate is about 80 km from Cape Cross, and shipwreck remains can be seen along the way. The road surface is compacted salt, so keep your speed down.
Opening hours
Entry from sunrise to 3 pm (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve
- Terrace Bay
- Hoanib River Valley
- Khowarib Gorge
- Ongongo Waterfall
- Möwe Bay
- Fort Sesfontein
- Skeleton Coast