Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland

Venture north into one of the most beautiful and remote corners of Africa, the Skeleton Coast.

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Overview

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.

Himba lady hairstyle

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.

Why We Love It

  • To see a unique landscape quite unlike anywhere else in the world
  • Experience the ‘roaring dunes’
  • Stunning flying experience over the coast
  • Explore the fascinating vegetation and wildlife
  • Visit the villages of the Himba people
  • Enjoy quad biking, walking and nature drives at the Kunene River

When to visit Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland

Summer - Dry and sunny

The Skeleton Coast follows the broad summer rainfall pattern of the rest of Namibia. Except there is hardly any rain in the summer months! The days are mostly dry and sunny and range around 25C as the cold sea winds bring down the temperatures. Inland, or on windless days, the temperatures rises. This is considered the best time to visit as it is a little warmer and the morning fog is not so heavy. You’re more likely to see some wildlife as they tend to be more out and about.
AVG RAINFALL 3mm
MAX TEMP 25 ℃ / 77 ℉
MIN TEMP 15 ℃ / 59 ℉
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Sunny but cooler

The dry season begins. Mornings continue to be foggy especially at the coast, but the sun burns through the fog to bring sunny blue skies. These are cooler months with cold nights and days of approx. 20-22C. It is warmer as you move away from the coast.
AVG RAINFALL .5mm
MAX TEMP 23 ℃ / 73 ℉
MIN TEMP 10 ℃ / 50 ℉
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Gradually heating up

It continues to be dry and sunny but the day-time temperatures increase to up to 22-24C. However the continuing morning fog and cold sea winds keep the daytime temperatures down on the coast. Again it is warmer in Koakoland away from the influence of the sea. This is considered the best time to visit as it is a little warmer and the morning fog is not so heavy. The little bit of rain clears the sky nicely. And you’re more likely to see some wildlife as they tend to be more out and about.
AVG RAINFALL 0mm
MAX TEMP 23 ℃ / 73 ℉
MIN TEMP 12 ℃ / 54 ℉
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Dijanke Jung

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Dijanke, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH