Skeleton Coast.
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0845 838 2450
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0800 981 420
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Other +44 1932 268230
The stretch of coastline from the Ugab River northwards as far as the Kuene River on the Angolan border is known as the Skeleton Coast.
It gets its name from the huge number of shipwrecks that have happened on the treacherous rocks over the centuries since the early Portuguese and Dutch explorers attempted find a route around Africa to India.
Today, this eerie coastline of sand dunes and fog has been preserved as a National Park, but the more pristine and remote northern area can only be visited by joining an exclusive fly-in safari or tour.
Click here to ask us to plan an itinerary for you including the Skeleton Coast as part of your trip to Namibia.
The Southern Skeleton Coast Park
The southern area stretches from the Ugab River up to the Hoanib River, and is the area of the Park which it is possible to visit as a day visitor travelling between between Swakopmund and Damaraland.
A permit allows you to drive up the coastline as far as Torra Bay, then head inland and exit from the Springbokwater Gate by 3pm.
It is an extremely long drive, and many visitors leave feeling disappointed as the coastline is basically the same as that outside the Park between Swakopmund and the gate.
It is possible for the independent traveller to stay overnight in the southern area of the park at either the campsite at Torra Bay or in self catering chalets at Terrace Bay, just slightly further north. Torra Bay is only open December to January, but Terrace Bay is open all year round.
Accommodation is basic and has to be booked for and paid in advance, and confirmation must be shown at the Park gate. The shore based fishing here is excellent, so often your neighbours will be avid anglers.
The Skeleton Coast Wilderness
Most of the shipwrecks are in the northern area of the Park, from the Hoanib River up to the Angolan border.
Known as the Skeleton Coast Wilderness, access to this area is tightly controlled to avoid any damage to the environment and the fly-in safaris to this remote corner of Namibia offer an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most pristine wilderness areas.
There are towering sand dunes, deep canyons and remote mountains, desert elephants, shipwrecks and huge seal colonies.
Click here to find out more about the fly-in safaris and tours that we can organise for you.
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