Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland

Skeleton Coast Safaris

North of Swakopmund lies the Skeleton Coast National Park. However only the less interesting flatter plains in the south are accessible to normal cars. The real Skeleton Coast is a very fragile environment and access is severely restricted so it is only easily accessible by safari plane.

Life on the Skeleton Coast is an ongoing struggle for survival. This a coast of mammal skeletons, shipwrecks, roaring dunes, windswept plains, seal colonies and wild desolation. The attraction of this coast lies in the colours, changing moods and untouched profile of its landscape. Its aura of mystery is largely due to the dense coastal fog and cold sea breezes caused by the cold Benguela ocean currents. Shipwrecks scattered along the coast bear witness to many ships that have come to grief on these desolate shores.

Unusual wildlife inhabitants, like the infamous lions of the Skeleton Coast, have been spotted. They have become uniquely adapted to utilize scarce resources. The lions don’t stay on the coast but use the dry river beds to easily move between the coast and the Kaokoland interior.

Fly-in or Drive-in?

Now you can semi-drive into two of the Southern Camps, Shipwreck Lodge and Hoanib Valley Camp. You can self-drive to Mawe Bay and then they will collect you from there. Plus Fly Namibia is planning to offer a 'seat in plane' option which will make exploring this area much more accessible.

Kaokoland & Kunene

The remote Kaokoland/Kunene region lies inland from the coast. Here the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air generates early morning mists which drift along the rivers and canyons, providing sustenance to wildlife and flora alike. Along the northern edge of the Kaokoland, on the lush Kunene River, birds and animals not only survive but flourish.

The inhospitable Kaokoveld is a remote but stunning region of mountains and dry riverbeds. It is home to the last nomadic tribe in Namibia, the Himba people with their tiny settlements of beehive huts.

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in the far north lies the Kunene region with the Epupa Falls. If you have the time- and you DO need time - you can drive all the way up to the Angolan border.

Note: We have no set tours to the Skeleton Coast but we can easily add some of the southern camps into an adventurous self-drive. Or you can enjoy a fly-in safari.