Skeleton Coast National Park

Skeleton Coast National Park is a gloriously remote and windswept strip of desert stretching nearly 500 kilometers along Namibia's Atlantic coast. This otherworldly wilderness is often shrouded in fog, creating an ethereal and mysterious atmosphere that defines the landscape. The park's name derives from the numerous shipwrecks lying on its shores, remnants of vessels that fell victim to the treacherous coastal conditions. The conflict of temperatures where the sea meets the desert creates a layer of almost permanent fog, which gives life to more than 100 different species of lichen, revealing a mosaic of colors and shapes when viewed closely. The park protects a narrow strip of barren desert coast characterized by dramatic contrasts between the cold Atlantic Ocean and the hot Namib Desert. A major draw for visitors is the fascinating Cape fur seal colonies, especially at Cape Cross to the south of the park, and larger, less-accessible colonies within the park itself, including a huge colony at Torra Bay farther north. These seal colonies attract scavengers such as brown hyenas and black-backed jackals. The Skeleton Coast is not a prime wildlife destination for traditional game viewing, as big game is scarce due to the harsh, barren desert environment. However, desert-adapted wildlife like gemsbok and springbok can be spotted. Marine wildlife includes Heaviside's dolphins and green turtles. The park is popular for 4WD expeditions, and some remote upmarket lodges offer quad biking and hiking. Birding can be excellent in this area, and the coast is a popular place for Namibians to go recreational shore fishing.

Remote, windswept desert strip along the Atlantic coast featuring barren desert landscape, permanent fog layer, shipwrecks on shore, dramatic temperature contrasts between sea and desert, and narrow coastal strip with rising dunes.

The park is a remote wilderness area with limited local community presence. Nearby towns like Swakopmund serve as access points.

Best light during early morning and late afternoon. Fog creates atmospheric conditions. Shipwrecks and seal colonies offer compelling subjects. Bring protective gear for harsh coastal conditions.