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Home>Namibia>What to see | 
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| Namibia: What to see | |||
| Skeleton Coast National Park | |||
>see photographs Best known for This area is renowned for its physical grandeur, solitude and colossal sand dunes. The Park is named after the skeletons of seafarers, their shipwrecks (which number around 100), and whales that have washed onto shore. Sailors that survived to arrive at this shore would then perish in the harsh dry conditions of this region. The dense fogs add to the eerie and mysterious atmosphere of this wild area. Location The Skeleton Coast National Park is located between where the Ugab and Kunene Rivers open into the Atlantic Ocean. This Park is situated in the Namib Desert. Size The Skeleton Coast National Park covers an area of 1,600 sq km but divided into two sections, the northern wilderness and the southern Park - both are about 800,000 hectares each. The narrow strip of coastline is no wider than 40 km. Wildlife The animals have adapted to life in such an arid area but understandably in sparse populations. The northern restricted area is most populated with wildlife and the species found here include: baboon, the rare brown hyena, black-backed jackal, Cape fox, caracal, cheetah, elephant, genet, giraffe, gemsbok, honey badger, kudu, lion, Hartmann's mountain zebra, and Black-faced springbok. The larger animals, such as the lion and desert elephant migrate along the channels in search of food and water. A large Cape Fur seal colony can be found at False Cape Frio on the mouth of the Hoarusib River. The dunes are alive with reptiles and insects including geckos, snakes, spiders, wasps, beetles, and termites. The birds are found mostly along the rivers and some Namibian endemic species can be found in this area including one of the rarest terns in the world. Some 300,000 waders visit annually, mainly flamingos and pelicans. Environment and Vegetation This barren coastal landscape consists of beaches, huge sand dunes, salt pans and gravel plains - a generally inhospitable waterless area. Four major riverbeds, quicksand, deltas, and springs are also found. Over 100 species of lichen can be found on rocky outcrops reached by coastal fog which brings life-sustaining moisture to the desert's flora and fauna. Climate and when to go A misty fog hangs in the air for a lot of the year which cools the days. The National Park is open throughout the year and the climate is typical of a desert, high temperatures by day and very cool by night, often windy. The winter months April to September are best recommended to enjoy cooler days. Activities The Ugab River Hiking Trail is a 50 km trail that includes coastal plain, then ascends the hills passing through the fields of lichen, past natural springs and caves and other unusual geological formations. Exploring dry riverbeds and the 100 or so shipwrecks in the cooler months is another option while fishing off the beaches is renown and gathers enthusiasts from far afield. Visits are conducted to authentic Himba settlements by Skeleton Coast Camp. Accommodation Several exclusive lodges in the area include: Skeleton Coast Camp in the north of the Park - this is the only means of visiting the restricted northern section of the Park. The superb 4 or 5 day fly in safari rivals any safari in Africa for excitement in a wild and remote location. Two basic campsites in the southern Park are at Torra Bay and Terrace Bay - Terrace Bay offers fully catered accommodation. For enquiries please contact us. How to get there The southern part of the national Park is open to the public - the north is closed to the public. One can access the Park by untarred road from Swakopmund and Khorixas. |
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