Set in the remote northwest of Namibia, this battered coastline spans some 300 miles in total from the south of the country and into Angola. In terms of wildlife, the harsh desert environment means that there are few mammals to see here, but marine life off the Atlantic Coast is abundant with seals and sea birds and the waters that are touched by the icy Benguela current are filled with fish. Some of the inland riverbeds are nonetheless home to giraffe, black rhino, baboons and springbok.
The true natural wonders of the coast lie rather in the astonishing scenes – the mists caused when the cool coastal airs hit the sun-baked sands or the other-worldly rock formations that hint to an area that has remained largely unaltered over millions of years.
There are generally two feasible ways to explore the Skeleton Coast. Driving north up the coast from Swakopmund will take you through some of the stark landscapes of the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area before reaching the seal colonies at Cape Cross. Further north and six hours from Swakopmund you will be immersed in wilderness of the National Park, with Terrace Bay being the last feasible place to stay.
The second popular option is to explore through fly-in safari through the Schoeman family-owned Skeleton Coast Safaris who have operated tours here since 1977. Through a thrilling combination of light aircraft flights with birds-eye views over the coast and Land Rovers that take you to the desert-based camps where you will stay in the heart of the unique natural environment. Fly past flamingo, over weaving patterns of ancient rivers and waterways, bright multi-coloured swathes of sand that peak and trough, and mountain ranges that etch into the distant horizon – this is for many the most breathtaking way to explore.
Whilst this area is undoubtedly a photographers dream, the images can only capture minutiae of what is an unfathomably vast place that must be experienced in person to fully appreciate its grandeur. Speak to us today to find out how we can tailor the perfect itinerary for you.
Due to the crashing waves that unrelentingly pound the region, the Skeleton Coast is also renowned for its innumerable rusting shipwrecks which total over 100, each of which casts its eerie silhouette over the coast that it is confined to.
