Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland

North of Swakopmund lies the Skeleton Coast National Park, one of Africa’s most beautiful and inhospitable landscapes. While the southern-most (flatter) section is accessible by road, the heart of the Skeleton Coast is a fragile and tightly protected environment to the north. This is best reached by light aircraft.

This is a place shaped by extremes. Roaring dunes meet the cold Atlantic Ocean, dense fog drifts inland from the Benguela Current, and windswept plains stretch seemingly without end. Shipwrecks scattered along the shoreline bear witness to the many vessels lost in these treacherous waters.

The Skeleton Coast is not about abundance or comfort. Its appeal lies in its mood, scale and isolation. So visiting here feels raw, cinematic and profoundly untouched.

Life on the Skeleton Coast

Survival here is hard-won. This a coast of mammal skeletons, shipwrecks, roaring dunes, windswept plains, seal colonies and wild desolation.

Despite the harsh conditions, life persists in remarkable ways. Seal colonies thrive along the coast, while inland, desert-adapted wildlife uses dry riverbeds as lifelines through the landscape.

Occasional sightings of desert-adapted lion, elephant and giraffe are a testament to nature’s resilience. These animals do not live permanently on the coast, but move between the interior of Kaokoland and the shoreline via ancient river systems.

Access: Fly-In or Limited Drive-In

Much of the Skeleton Coast National Park is inaccessible to independent travellers, and this restriction is central to its preservation.

• Fly-in safaris remain the classic and most immersive way to experience the Skeleton Coast, offering extraordinary aerial views of dunes, shipwrecks and river systems.
• Limited semi-drive-in access is now possible to a small number of southern camps, including Shipwreck Lodge and Hoanib Valley Camp, via a guided road transfer after self-driving to a remote designated meeting point.
• Hopefully in future seat-in-plane flights will further improve access while retaining the region’s low-impact approach.

Kaokoland 

Inland from the coast lies the remote Kaokoland:  a stark yet beautiful region of mountains, gravel plains and dry riverbeds. Here, early-morning mists generated by the clash of cold ocean air and warm desert temperatures provide vital moisture to plants and animals. Along the northern edge of the Kaokoland, on the lush Kunene River, birds and animals not only survive but flourish.

This is also the homeland of the Himba people, Namibia’s last semi-nomadic pastoralists, whose traditional way of life continues in small, scattered settlements of traditional beehive huts.

Note: You can self-drive through the Kaokaland area to get to Opuwe which is the gateway to the Kunene River. Allow you need to allow plenty of time if you want to include Kaokaland and Kunene into your itinerary eg at least 3 nights in the area, plus time in Damaraland to the south. (There is also a Himba village further south in Damaraland near Kalmanjab.)

Kunene Region & Epupa Falls

In the far north, the Kunene Region follows the lush Kunene River along the Angolan border. With time - and good preparation - it’s possible to travel as far as Epupa Falls, one of Namibia’s most scenic and remote natural highlights.

This is an adventurous extension rather than a core Skeleton Coast experience and requires a generous time allowance.

Note: We have no sample tours to the Skeleton Coast as we generally tailor a fly-in safari to add to other parts of Namibia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I self-drive the Skeleton Coast?
Only limited southern sections are accessible independently. Most of the park is visited by fly-in safari or guided touring (in adapted vehicles).

Is there much wildlife on the Skeleton Coast?
Wildlife is sparse but fascinating. The experience focuses more on landscape, atmosphere and adaptation rather than frequent sightings.

How long should I stay?
Two to three nights is ideal at each camp. If you have time, we recommend combining a more coastal camp such as Shipwreck Lodge with one that’s a little inland such as Hoanib Valley Camp

Let us plan a Skeleton Coast journey that reveals Namibia at its most raw and remote.