Skeleton Coast

Untouched Coastline, Dramatic Dunes & Mysterious Shipwrecks

Namibia's Skeleton Coast is one of Africa's lesser-known gems. This remote and desolate region is home to spectacular scenery, consisting of sweeping vistas of deserts, ocean and sky, as well as a few hidden surprises.

Much of the coast falls under the protection of the Skeleton Coast National Park, with more flora and fauna thriving here than you'd think possible. Game drives in the region often deliver exciting sightings of Namibia wildlife– making Skeleton Coast Namibia's most mind-boggling safari destination.

There are only a handful of exclusive lodges in Skeleton Coast National Park, affording the intrepid safari traveller a safe, comfortable and luxurious base from which to experience this extraordinary destination. Explore the coastline and its hinterland – dunes, ephemeral river valleys and patches of woodland – by 4X4 or on foot.

Why Is It Called The Skeleton Coast?

The Skeleton Coast in Namibia gets its striking name from the shipwrecks and the remains of whale and seal bones that litter the shoreline, from the beaches north of Swakopmund all the way to the Angolan border. The coast has long been a graveyard for shipwrecked sailors whose vessels fell victim to the Atlantic's treacherous currents, shifting sandbanks and thick fog. The dangers of this deadly coastline also earned it the moniker “The Land God Made in Anger” by indigenous San people.

Where Is The Skeleton Coast?

The exact Skeleton Coast location is in the northwestern region of Namibia. Approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) wide and 500 kilometres (311 miles) long, the stretch of coastline runs alongside the Atlantic Ocean and reaches from the Kunene River down to the Swakop River. It also forms part of the larger Skeleton Coast National Park, a vast expanse of land that takes up over 16,000 square kilometres (6,178 square miles).

1. See Maritime Shipwrecks & Marine Remains

Skeleton Coast's shipwrecks and skeletal remains are not only the inspiration for the region's name but also its biggest attraction. The golden beaches of this notorious coastline make up the world's largest ship cemetery dotted with the remnants of the unlucky vessels that tangled with and lost against the cold and unpredictable Benguela Current of the Atlantic Ocean.

The rusted debris is not the only relics of the sea found on Skeleton Coast. Bleached bones of marine animals (whales and seals in particular) litter the coastline, partly due to the whaling industry that once existed nearby.

Although ominous, the dramatic scenery of Skeleton Coast evokes a sense of mystery and history whose eerie allure compels you to explore the coastline.

2. Spot The Unique Skeleton Coast Wildlife

Despite the harsh environment, the animal populations that make up the Skeleton Coast wildlife are varied and thriving. Bird watchers on a Skeleton Coast safari will be pleasantly surprised by the nearly 250 species in the area while black-backed jackals are among the most seen animals. Hardy antelope species such as gemsbok, kudu and springbok can be seen at freshwater seeps and are sometimes joined by the mega-sightings of the region – desert-adapted elephants and giraffes. And if your luck is in, you might even get to see lions in Skeleton Coast.

The most dramatic wildlife spectacle is in the south of the Skeleton Coast National Park and in the National West Coast Recreational Area. The icy Atlantic is hugely fertile and supports an enormous colony of between 80,000 and 100,000 Cape fur seals at Cape Cross, about 130 kilometres (81 miles) north of Swakopmund. The noise and smell are often overpowering, not least during the November – December breeding season when as many as 200,000 seals gather on the shore. Predators such as brown hyena and black-backed jackal lurk on the periphery to take advantage of any opportunities.

What Wildlife Will You See?

3. Indulge In Adventure & Solitude

One of the best reasons to visit Skeleton Coast is undoubtedly the privacy and exclusivity you'll enjoy during your stay. This hidden gem sees little foot traffic and is one of the most remote places in the world, ensuring unparalleled solitude and immersion in nature.

Beyond the peace and tranquillity, adventure is also on offer. The Skeleton Coast activities available are exciting and varied, from thrilling game drives in a 4×4 and hiking to the top of towering sand dunes to scenic flights over the coast and quad biking through the unique desert landscape.

For those who prefer a slower pace, take your time exploring the many shipwrecks scattered along the coast, visit the Himba communities and learn about their traditional lifestyle, or spend an afternoon deep-sea fishing before visiting the Cape Cross Seal Reserve to see thousands of Cape fur seals play in the water.

4. Soak In The Breathtaking, Otherworldly Landscapes

Skeleton Coast is one of the most stunning places to visit in Namibia, albeit not in the most traditional of ways. It's an ever-changing landscape that sees rolling sand dunes melt into vast salt pans that give way to dry riverbeds that, in turn, lead to rocky mountains creating a surreal and haunting beauty akin to another planet.

Its otherworldly terrain coupled with the limited human presence makes this region one of the most remote and unspoiled places on Earth. For the traveller who wants a true wilderness experience where they're able to explore vast, empty landscapes and deepen their connection to nature, it gets no better than the Skeleton Coast.

5. Learn About Namibia’s Rich Cultural History

Namibia's Skeleton Coast not only offers an abundance of natural wonders but also holds a wealth of cultural significance. The northern region of Skeleton Coast is home to the Himba people, one of Namibia's indigenous groups who are semi-nomadic pastoralists. A Skeleton Coast safari affords the rare opportunity to visit a Himba village and learn about their unique way of life, traditional customs, and how they've managed to adapt to the harsh desert environment and thrive for centuries.

Is The Skeleton Coast Dangerous?

Contrary to its ominous name and numerous shipwrecks, the Skeleton Coast is perfectly safe to visit. The coastline is plagued by shallow sandbars, fog and treacherous currents – so as long as they're not planning to sail a ship or go for a swim, travellers won't be in any danger during their visit.

It's highly advised that first-time visitors and those who are inexperienced refrain from a self-drive safari to the Skeleton Coast. Due to its remoteness, rugged terrain and dense fog, we suggest being driven around this area by an expert guide.

How To Get To Skeleton Coast

Because it's so remote and isolated, Skeleton Coast's location makes it a little trickier to get to than other destinations in Namibia. Fortunately, the experts have the logistics down to a science.

When travelling to Namibia by air, you'll fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport in the capital city. Your journey from Windhoek to Skeleton Coast continues with a transfer to a smaller regional airport, like Swapkopmund or Walvis Bay Airports. From there, a charter flight in a small aircraft takes you to Skeleton Coast.

If you're feeling adventurous and prefer to make your way to the coast by car, the road will begin in either Windhoek or Swapkopmund to Skeleton Coast, depending on your itinerary. You will need to make the drive in a 4×4 vehicle as the roads can be rough at certain points.

Skeleton Coast Combines Well With:

Skeleton Coast makes many a feature in Namibia tours and itineraries as it is en-route or easily added on to most of the country's top destinations. Here are some of our favourite places that combine well with Skeleton Coast National Park:

Etosha National Park

Easily one of Africa's biggest and premier wildlife destinations, Etosha National Park is the perfect place to enjoy classic game viewing. Offering a quintessential Namibian safari, guests can enjoy Etosha's salt pans, luxury lodges and camps, and game drives through the conservation area that is home to all the heavy hitters, including elephant, zebra, giraffe, black rhino, lion, hyena and cheetah.

Swakopmund

The coastal holiday town of Swakopmund is the perfect overnight destination to enjoy some downtime between safari destinations. Known for its charm and wide range of adventure and leisure activities, Swakopmund is ideal for a stop-over before or after a visit to the Skeleton Coast (which is only a 2-to-3-hour drive away). While here, take in the beautiful German colonial architecture, oceanfront dining with gourmet meals, and thrilling adventures, like sandboarding, quad biking and scenic flights.

Damaraland

Ruggedly beautiful scenery awaits in Damaraland. A landscape of rocky mountains, gravel plains and flash-flood rivers blend together to create the most breathtakingly gorgeous views. And it's just as beautiful at night, with the dark sky aglow with countless, twinkling stars. Beyond its beauty, Damaraland is also known for its reliable sightings of desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, as well as ancient rock art sites like the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein.

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is arguably Namibia's most popular travel destination. Its towering red dunes are iconic landmarks and have become synonymous with a getaway to Namibia. During your visit, climb some of the world's tallest sand dunes, like Big Daddy and Dune 47, explore the vast Namib Desert on quad bike, and stop by Deadvlei's surreal white clay pan.

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