Billed as one of the world’s last wild frontiers, Skeleton Coast National Park’s name alone is full of foreboding. With skull and crossbones signs at times warning you to go no further, the park’s unforgiving nature and desolation do however make for some spectacular scenery. Husks of rusting shipwrecks line the coast and make for an eerie yet strangely picturesque scene. Broken on the coastal sands and partially submerged by the encroaching sand dunes, these ships are the main attraction of the park. The unforgiving climate of the cold and dangerous Atlantic coupled with coastal fogs and devilish currents all made the Namibian coast a treacherous stretch of water to navigate. Although visitors are attracted to the park due to its name and the unforgettable rusting shipwrecks, Skeleton Coast actually has a lot more to offer. The mountain ranges and gaping canyons make for breathtaking trekking and with elephants, rhino, and lions in the park; you’re sure to never be bored when visiting this unique national park.

Size of Skeleton Coast National Park

Skeleton Coast National Park is a national park located in northwest Namibia and has the most inaccessible shores, dotted with shipwrecks. The park was established in 1971 and has a size of 16,845 km² (6,504 sq mi).

Location of Skeleton coast national park

Skeleton Coast National Park stretches along Namibia’s northwestern coast. The fog-shrouded beaches of this sprawling and remote wilderness area are littered with shipwrecks and whale skeletons. In the park’s south, gravel roads lead from the Springbokwasser and Ugab entrance gates to the Torra Bay and Terrace Bay outposts. These bays are popular with fishermen, while the interior desert features dramatic sand dunes.

How to get to Skeleton National Park Namibia

only a handful of vehicles drive through each day the closest entrance gate to Skeleton Coast National Park that’s near civilization is around 3 hours’ drive north of Swakopmund. There is no public transport to or through the park and for the more adventurous, the park makes a worthy scenic transit trip by private vehicle from Damaraland and down the Skeleton Coast to Swakopmund.

Things to do in Skeleton coast national park

Discover the Cape Cross Seal Colony at Skeleton Coast

Just north of Henties Bay is a massive Cape Fur Seal colony that has established itself at Cape Cross. Diego Cao, a Portuguese seafarer, was the first European explorer to get ashore in 1486. He arranged for a cross to be erected to honor the King of Portugal. The passage of time here saw many ships wrecked on the Skeleton Coast in Namibia and the rise and fall of a thriving seal and guano industry.

Fish safaris

The Atlantic coastline of the Skeleton Coast in Namibia is a haven for anglers. Henties Bay is dedicated to angling and deep-sea fishing is a major attraction. There are lots of holiday houses at the mouth of the Omaruru River. The village is a very popular destination during holiday periods and when major competitions take place at the end of the year.

Explore the Skeleton Coast with a 4 x 4 or Light Aircraft

There are different options to choose from. You can only travel as far as Terrace Bay with a 4×4 vehicle to explore the southern section of the park, visiting shipwrecks, ancient river canyons, clay castles, salt pans, the roaring dunes, and rock engravings. A variety of Namib Desert dwelling animals, birds, and marine creatures can be seen.

Fly over the ship graveyard on the Skeleton Coast in Namibia

Flying over the magnificent Skeleton Coast reveals the magnitude of the coastline and the many shipwrecks and animal bones that litter the sands. This Atlantic coast is subject to violent storms and thick fogs – a nightmare for passing ships over the years. Survivors from a wreck would probably have perished in the razor-sharp rocks and rough surf of the Skeleton Coast or walked for miles along the endless beaches without finding water.

Walking and hiking along the Ugab River Trail, Skeleton Coast, Namibia

This is a wonderful experience for experienced hikers. Small groups guided by a Nature Conservation Ranger discover the Skeleton Coast while crossing the Namib Desert gravel plains and by exploring beautiful rock formations of the Ugab River Canyon. The hike continues inland to some natural springs at the foot of the escarpment. Hikers will see flora and fauna that have found ways to survive this harsh environment. This is a winter season hike and takes place over 3 days and 2 nights.

When to visit Skeleton Coast national park

Skeleton Coast can be visited throughout the year, but the ideal time is during the warmer months from October to March. These months see a little bit of rain, which keeps the skies clear. Mornings are less foggy and it’s warmer at night than in the winter months. However, wildlife viewing in Etosha NP is less productive at that time, but this is only relevant if visiting both parks.

Where to stay in Skeleton coast National Park

There are two small settlements in the center of the park: Terrace Bay offers double B& B style rooms for $90pn, open December and January only.  Torra Bay, 50km south of Terrace bay has a decent campsite from $15-$70pppn. In the far north of the park, there are no roads, but there are a few super-high ends, fly-in lodges and some of the lodge to look out includes Terrace bay resort, Hoanib skeleton coast camp, and Shipwreck lodge