Skeleton Coast National Park
The Skeleton Coast is a remote and rugged stretch of Namibia’s northwestern coastline, running for about 500 kilometers in length and 40 kilometers in width. It’s a place of stark beauty, where the cold Benguela Current from the Atlantic Ocean meets the dry desert and rolling sand dunes of northern Namibia. Though often described as hostile and desolate, the area holds a powerful fascination for those who visit.
The name “Skeleton Coast” likely comes from the many whale bones that once covered the beaches, remnants of the whales that died offshore. These bones were even used by the Ovahimba people, who live in the far northeastern regions of Namibia, as construction material for their huts. The coast also became notorious as a graveyard for ships. Thick ocean fog, violent waves, strong currents, and sudden storms caused countless vessels to wreck here. Sadly, sailors who made it to shore often died of thirst, unable to survive in the unforgiving desert.
Despite its harsh environment, the Skeleton Coast supports a wide range of wildlife. Desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, lions, jackals, brown hyenas, giraffes, oryx, zebras, and kudus can all be found in the region. The coastline also teems with Cape Fur Seals, especially at places like Cape Cross, where visitors can witness one of the largest seal colonies in the world. Remarkably, several plant species have adapted to survive using only the moisture from the dense morning fog that rolls in from the ocean. These include the famous welwitschia plant, !Nara melons, tiny lithops (also known as “living stones”), pencil bush, and colorful lichen fields.
Park Zones and Access
Skeleton Coast National Park is divided into two zones. The southern section, between the Ugab River and Torra Bay, is open to the public. However, travelers must obtain a permit to enter beyond the gates at Ugabmund or Springbokwasser. These can be purchased in Windhoek, Swakopmund, or directly at the park entrances. The northern section, stretching from Torra Bay to the Kunene River at the Angolan border, is much more restricted. Access is only allowed through specialized tour operators with official permission. This northern area is considered the most beautiful and untouched part of the park.
Just south of Skeleton Coast National Park lies the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area. This 180-kilometer stretch of coastline, running from the Ugab mouth to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, was incorporated into the Dorob National Park in 2010. It is freely accessible to visitors and is especially popular with anglers due to the abundance of fish in the waters. Seals also thrive along this coast, feeding off the same rich marine life that draws fishing enthusiasts from all over.
From haunting shipwrecks to desert wildlife and surreal foggy landscapes, the Skeleton Coast offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those drawn to wild, remote places.
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