Skeleton Coast by Dana Allen

Namibia:
Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast, once referred to as 'The Gates of Hell' by Portuguese sailors, is a stretch of coast in northern Namibia, famous for the numerous skeletal shipwrecks embedded in the shores and the almost inhospitable, yet incredibly beautiful, desert that surrounds them.

The region is, quite simply, stunning. The landscape is dominated by vast sand dunes, windswept plains, towering canyons and sweeping salt pans, and lends itself perfectly to avid photographers; pause anywhere, and you’ll be presented with a stunning view.

A surprising number of animals and plants manage to eke out an existence in this harsh environment as fresh water springs permeate through the desert to create oases. Springbok, gemsbok, elephant, ostrich, jackal, and brown hyena and plants such as welwitschia have adapted to the harsh conditions. Other wildlife includes seals, bottlenose dolphins, whales and fantastic seabirds including African penguins, pelicans, petrels, gannets, cormorants and flamingos.

In and around the Skeleton Coast
There are a very limited number of lodges in the Skeleton Coast, enhancing the air of untouched wilderness. Access is also limited, and only possible via fly-in safari.

Most camps will offer both walking and driven safaris. Excursions to see the seal colonies and other attractions such as Rocky Point, Hoarusib River and local Himba villages are also popular and recommended.

Accommodation in Skeleton Coast (Namibia)

Skeleton Coast Camp

Skeleton Coast Camp

Skeleton Coast Camp is a six-roomed luxury tented camp situated in the heart of Skeleton Coast Park. It is built on an island in the dry Khumib riverbed, about 20km inland from the coastline.

Skeleton Coast Safaris

Skeleton Coast Safaris has been run by the Schoeman family for over 25 years and specialises in taking guests to the most remote wilderness areas of Namibia.

Other regions in Namibia

Birding is amazing in the Caprivi

Caprivi

The Caprivi in the north-east of Namibia is a narrow strip of land, 450km long and 100km wide.

Himba Children

Damaraland and Kaokoland

Damaraland is one of the most scenic regions in Namibia with stunning landscapes ranging from expansive sand dunes to soaring mountain peeks, ancient valleys, boulder strewn floodplains and curious rock formations.

Loin and cub at Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park

Like all of Namibia's landscapes, Etosha National Park is immense. It is the third largest national park in the world.

The ghost town of Kolmanskop

Fish River Canyon

Fish River Canyon is famous for its stunning geographical features. The Canyon, one of the largest in the world, meanders and corkscrews for almost 160 kilometres.

Shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast

Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is a stretch of coast in northern Namibia, famous for the numerous skeletal shipwrecks embedded in the shores and the almost inhospitable, yet incredibly beautiful, desert that surrounds them.

NamibRand Nature Reserve

Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei’s apricot dunes, the largest in the world, are one of the main highlights of any trip through the Namib Dessert.

Quad biking near Swakopmund

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is Namibia’s largest coastal town and traditional 'summer capital'.

Meerkats in the Central Kalahari

Waterberg and Bushmanland

Looming 150 metres above the plains below, the Waterberg is a spectacular sandstone plateau, 50km long and 16km wide. The area is extremely lush and fertile with a mosaic of trees and savannah supporting an abundance of wildlife including many rare and threatened species.

Meerkats in the Central Kalahari

Windhoek and Central Region

Windhoek, Namibia's busy capital, is a brilliant tourist spot with impressive architecture, lots of good restaurants, and easy access to nearby reserves.

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Accommodation in Skeleton Coast (2)
Other regions in Namibia (9)
Shipwrecks on the Skeleton CoastNamibia Map

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