Africa

The Skeleton Coast

This is an area that covers approximately 16,200 sq. km and is best described as one of the harshest and most inhospitable regions in the world.

It stretches from the Kunene River in the far north of Namibia to the Swakop River in the south and consists of endless miles of windswept sand dunes, colourful rugged canyons and gravel plains.

It is perhaps best known for the scattered remains of ships that lost their battle with the sea and were forced upon these dry and barren shores giving the shipwrecked sailors little chance of survival. Less well known, however, is the fascinating variety of flora and fauna that constantly fight for survival against the harsh, unforgiving climate.

On account of the cold Benguela Current , the coastal waters have one of the highest densities of marine life in the world, which in turn result in the healthy population of Cape fur seals that live along the coast in a number of 'high density' breeding colonies. Other wildlife that can be seen are giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, ostriches and even lion, elephant, and rhino that have gradually adapted over many years to the harsh desert environment. The thick coastal fog caused by the Benguela Current has resulted in a unique ecosystem within which an extraordinary number of plants and lichens have become adapted.

This is an area accessible only by light aircraft and the journey to the Skeleton Coast offers some of the most breathtaking views in Africa. There are two possible ways to visit this area. The first is to do a flying safari with Skeleton Coast Safaris with the emphasis on the flying and some game driving whilst staying at three semi-permanent camps as you head north along the coast. The second type of safari is to fly into and stay at Wilderness Safaris' Skeleton Coast Camp for 3 or 4 nights from where you head out each day on different journeys of discovery.

Either way, the animals, plants and geology of this remote region make it a truly fascinating experience.

Our preferred camp is:

Skeleton Coast Camp