The Skeleton Coast is the northern part of the Atlantic coast of Namibia and south of Angola from the Kunene River south to the Swakop River, although the name is sometimes used to describe the entire Namib Desert coast. The Bushmen of the Namibian interior called the region "The Land God Made in Anger", while Portuguese sailors once referred to it as "The Gates of Hell".
On the coast, the upwelling of the cold Benguela current gives rise to dense ocean fogs (called cassimbo by the Angolans) for much of the year. The winds blow from land to sea, rainfall rarely exceeds 10 millimetres (0.39 in) annually and the climate is highly inhospitable. There is a constant, heavy surf on the beach...
The Skeleton Coast is the northern part of the Atlantic coast of Namibia and south of Angola from the Kunene River south to the Swakop River, although the name is sometimes used to describe the entire Namib Desert coast. The Bushmen of the Namibian interior called the region "The Land God Made in Anger", while Portuguese sailors once referred to it as "The Gates of Hell".
On the coast, the upwelling of the cold Benguela current gives rise to dense ocean fogs (called cassimbo by the Angolans) for much of the year. The winds blow from land to sea, rainfall rarely exceeds 10 millimetres (0.39 in) annually and the climate is highly inhospitable. There is a constant, heavy surf on the beaches. In the days before engine-powered ships and boats, it was possible to get ashore through the surf but impossible to launch from the shore. The only way out was by going through a marsh hundreds of miles long and only accessible via a hot and arid desert.
The coast is largely soft sand occasionally interrupted by rocky outcrops. The southern section consists of gravel plains, while north of Terrace Bay the landscape is dominated by high sand dunes. Skeleton Bay is now known as a great location for surfing.
Half way between Namibia's top two attractions, Swakopmund is the natural base from which to explore the Skeleton Coast - a fog-shrouded desert wilderness of ferocious seas, apparently lifeless interior and its own fare share of visual oddities.
Dunes meet sea at the Skeleton Coast and there is a lot to see and do here that makes Swakopmund an ideal break to the vast distance between Sossusvlei and Etosha.
Desert tours, sea kayaking and scenic flights are complimented by a host of adventure activities including quad biking, paragliding, sandboarding and skydiving. Get close to nature and closer to your loved ones in a single day. There's nothing like an adrenalin rush to sort life's priorities from life's trivialities.
This bleak and evocatively named area is one of the most unusual coastal wildernesses on the planet, protecting about a third of Namibia’s long coastline.
After visiting one of the ...
Upon checking in at Walvis Bay we start our day with a morning catamaran cruise around the Walvis Bay lagoon. Common sightings here include the bottlenose and ...
Perhaps the most emotional moments of your whole adventure in Namibia, will be driving between the crashing ocean and ancient sand dunes of the Namib, or perhaps when you get ...
We will encounter and learn more about the fascinating wildlife of the Namib Desert with the help of a local expert. We will look for geckos, scorpions, snakes, lizards, birds ...
A dramatic flight over the Namib Desert, see how the seldom present waters of the Kuiseb River stop the advance of the red sands of the Namib, experience ...
This is a unique ‘must do’ Swakopmund experience. You get to experience the breathtaking scenery of the oldest desert in the world and of Namibia’s famous dunes from which you ...
Okakambe Horse Stables is situated on the banks of Swakopriverbed, twelve kilometres outside of Swakopmund. “Okakambe†takes its name from the native Herero and Shivambo languages which translates to Horse. ...
Located in the famous Skeleton Coast concession between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in the Skeleton Coast National Park, Shipwreck Lodge is only 45 km from Möwe Bay. The shipwreck-shaped ...
In a remote area of the Kaokoveld, with gravel-strewn plains and dry riverbeds that draw fascinating wildlife, lies Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. Game drives explore this isolated area, moving along ...
Literally metres from the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cross Lodge presents a unique and serene stop for travellers along this vast untamed and seldom explored wilderness on the Skeleton Coast.
The Lodge ...
A Luxury Guesthouse situated in the heart of Henties Bay, Namibia.
For the tourist and holiday maker we offer stylish, modern and friendly facilities. Come relax and be spoilt after a ...
Terrace Bay is an angler’s paradise offering an exceptional coastal experience inside the famous Skeleton Coast Park in Northwest Namibia. The resort is located on the coast, set in an ...
Between Kaokoland and the Skeleton Coast, where the flat-topped Etendeka mountains and the carpet of rich red rock greet the tributaries of the Uniab River, lies Palmwag Lodge. Amid swaying ...
Our popular 8-Day Classic Namibia Safari will take you to many of Namibia’s must-see natural wonders. We will visit the vast Namib Desert, a UNESCO ...