Visit The Skeleton Coast in Namibia

THE SKELETON COAST

- The Skeleton Coast -
One of most remote, desolate, and least populated areas in the world!

Stark. Haunting. Utterly beguiling. The Skeleton Coast , is one of most remote, desolate, and least populated areas in the world. Civilization has simply not made it there, full stop. Even the Bushman (who thrived in the inhospitable Kalahari!) baptised this stretch of coastline “The Place God Made in Anger”!

The Skeleton Coast takes its name from the hundreds of ships that have wrecked there over the centuries, as well as the countess whale skeletons littering the coastline. Measuring in at 40km wide and 500km long, this ghostly coast stretches from just north of Swakopmund all the way to the country’s Angolan border in the far north of Namibia.

So after this introduction, you’re probably asking yourself, why would anybody possibly want to go there? Please let us stress this point, the Skeleton Coast is not a destination for everybody. If you love the city and like your nature in small doses, stay as far away as you can! The Skeleton Coast is quite possibly the most “off the beaten track” destination you might ever venture to.

However, if you love being surrounded by “endless stretches of nothing”, the Skeleton Coast offers the most incredible adventure you will ever experience.

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By “nothing”, of course, we mean landscapes out of this world, soaring towering sand dunes, shimmering in every hue under the sun, plunging into the Atlantic Ocean (which is particularly wild and angry along the Skeleton Coast). Expect to see noisy colonies of Cape fur seals chilling on the beach, while desert lions and hyena prowl the beaches in search of a seal cub that has strayed too far from its parents.

Since the Skeleton Coast is so very remote, most travellers opt for fly-in adventures, which is somewhat costly. But for true nature lovers, we guarantee that this will be the experience of a lifetime.

One of the main sights to visit along the Skeleton Coast is Cape Cross, home to a Seal Reserve with a breeding colony of around 200,000 Cape fur seals. This raucous – and decidedly smelly – colony makes for a seriously impressive side as they jostle for prime position in the sun along the rocky shore, and frolic in the crashing surf. Cape Cross is also steeped in history as the first spot on the Namibian coast where European explorers set foot. Portuguese navigator Diego Cão erected a stone cross on the site now known as Cape Cross, and two replicas of the cross can still be seen today.

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-Best time to go to The Skeleton Coast-

Like with the rest of Namibia, the Skeleton Coast is a great all-round destination and there really are no “bad” months. That said, each season brings its unique advantages and disadvantages, and we definitely have a favourite time when to visit the Skeleton Coast.

Spring (September-November) and Autumn ( April – May): Our favourite time to visit the Skeleton Coast is during spring when the days are warmer, the evenings less chilly and the frequent spells of fog dissipate. Daytime temperatures climb to about 30°C / 85°F.

While this is not a definite science, November is usually the month where seals give birth. A few days after giving birth the mother has to return to the sea to feed. During this time the youngsters are very vulnerable and are hunted by jackals and hyenas and even lions in search of an easy meal. Although this can be a bloody spectacle, it is all part of the circle of life, and seeing the prowling predators is very memorable.

Winter (June to September): Our second favourite time to visit the Skeleton Coast is during winter, especially when combining this region with other parts of Namibia or a safari in Etosha. Chilly nights are offset by beautiful sunny days that push the mercury as high as 30°C / 85°F. Rain is very rare during this time, but the Skeleton Coast is often covered in thick fog during winter when warm wind from the desert meets the frigid waters of the Atlantic. This fog is both a blessing and a curse – a blessing for the little critters and plants that call the desert home who gratefully receive the life-giving moisture, and a curse for visitors who often can’t see a few metres ahead of them. Still, for us the fog just add to the surreal appeal of the Skeleton Coast, and the region is definitely worth a visit during winter.

Summer(December to March). Although summer is technically the Skeleton Coast’s rainy season, precipation is preciously rare. We are talking about one of the driest places in the world afterall. Due to its true desert conditions, the heat can soar to temperatures up to and beyond 45 °C /113°F. If you do decide to traverse the Skeleton Coast during your self-drive, make sure to stock up on enough water for emergencies. Also start with a full tank of petrol. You can spend days without encountering another human being, so running out of gas is the last thing you want to happen. One advantage of summer is that days are less likely to be foggy, but temperatures can change rapidly and cold snaps are not uncommon, so layered clothing is recommended.

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