Skeleton Coast

• Spectacular desolate scenery
• Reserves with desert-adapted animals
• Great fishing

The Skeleton Coast is a region of extraordinary beauty, situated on the coast between the Kunene and Ugab rivers and covering about 500km of desolate, picturesque coastline. Ancient seafarers feared this infamous stretch of coast for the vicious storms that threatened their vessels and because of the inhospitable desert coastline that awaited any stranded sailors.

The coast was named after the many shipwrecks lining the coastline, which for most of the year, are shrouded in a picturesque and atmospheric fog due to the cold Benguela current, which runs along the Atlantic Ocean. The northern part of the coast is a mostly restricted area of dunes, while the southern end is more accessible, with game parks and attractions for visitors. It is a dry and barren landscape that ranges from scraggy mountains with gorges to desert dunes and sweeping plains.

The region is also known for unique animals like the desert elephant, prowling jackals and hyenas, giraffes, black rhino and gemsbok as well a rich and varied birdlife.

Special features include:

• Skeleton Coast Park
  This park is found between the Ugab River and the Kunene River in the north. Parts of the park are restricted and visitors need to get permits for day trips. Those wanting to come on longer stays in the more controlled areas have to book through fly-in operators who have been granted licences for tourism purposes. No independent travellers are allowed in the northern regions. The landscape is desolate and atmospheric and animals found here are desert elephant, rhino, giraffe and lion
  
• National West Coast Recreation Area
  This reserve is situated between Swakopmund and the Ugab River. It is known especially among anglers for blacktail, galjoen and steenbras
  
• Cape Cross
  Visitors to the Skeleton Coast usually visit the country’s biggest fur seal breeding colony at Cape Cross. Although it really is a commercial industry, seeing thousands of seals up close is quite fascinating