The Skeleton Coast National Park is a land of dramatic contrasts and rare wildlife, a place of haunting beauty that’s truly one-of-a-kind. The indigenous San Bushmen once described it as ‘the Land God Made in Anger’, and it’s easy to see why. The coastline is littered with bleached whale bones and the rusting remains of over a thousand ships, while the interior is a barren expanse of endless sand dunes. Despite its harsh environment, the Skeleton Coast is a magical destination that’s sure to captivate visitors from around the world.
Within the park, there are irreplaceable habitats for species of the highest conservation importance, including the elusive brown hyena and desert-adapted elephants that can be spotted digging for water deep beneath the sand. The park also hosts the only other viable lion population in Namibia outside of Etosha National Park, making it a vital location for conservation efforts.
While wildlife sightings are rare in the Skeleton Coast, when they do occur, they are truly unforgettable. Visitors may spot giraffes, baboons, and even brown hyenas making use of the wells left behind by the elephants. The cold fog that drifts inland from the ocean provides the moisture necessary for thousands of plants and insects to flourish in the sand. Marine life also thrives in the nutrient-rich Atlantic waters, with Cape fur seals lining the rocky coastline in large colonies. Bird enthusiasts should bring their binoculars to spot Rüppell’s korhaans and Benguela long-billed larks, tractrac chats, and jaegers and skuas around the seal colonies. The Skeleton Coast is a destination that’s not to be missed