Unpaved roads are often inaccessible during rainy season, so its best to avoid traveling here between november and early february. Visit the skeleton coast in namibia, a remote and little visited place. Thousands of cute baby seal cubs are born on the skeleton coast of africa. The 2nd half of my safari in namibia was another long drive through the worlds oldest desert and the skeleton coast of namibia. Choose to explore some of the largest dunes in the world at sossusvlei, where an. Its probably as close as we get to the mythical end of the earth.
We plan to do a daytrip up to the seal colony from swakopmund, then drive from swak to spitzkoppe, then mowani is it feasibleworth it to then drive from mowani back to the coast and enter the park via ugab river. A barren stretch of shore in namibia maintains a reputation as one of the harshest places on earthand it has an ominous name to match. Visit the skeleton coast, namibia tailormade trips. Take a road trip along namibia s dramatic skeleton coast, where the bleached bones of whales and humans are eerie reminders of the past. Spectacular namibia and botswana in 4k uhd discovering the deserts african relax video duration. The skeleton coast park, is now acknowledged as one of namibias greatest treasures, in that it is one of the worlds last great wildernesses. Whether you are traveling on a selfdrive holiday to namibia or part of an organised safari tour through namibia it is recommended that you include a visit to the skeleton coast in your itinerary the skeleton coast is the northern part of the atlantic coast of namibia and south of angola. Skeleton coast, luxury holidays in namibia imagine. It was time to leave etosha national park and make our way to swakobmund.
Interior namibian bushmen called it the land god made in anger and portuguese sailors the gates of hell. Borne of a book written in the 1940s to chronicle one of dozens of shipwrecks near its shores, the name is now even used on maps to depict a large chunk of the namibian coastline. Skeleton coast safaris is a small, familyrun operation that has organized trips here for 20 years. Skeleton coast safaris are wellregarded amongst safari addicts as providing one of the best safari experiences in all of africa, let alone just namibia. Explore a new side of africa on the daunting skeleton coast. Well, it turned out the skeleton coast wasnt quite what i was picturing. Seals, swakopmund, and the skeleton coast never ending. Venture to namibias skeleton coast and you get the sense that nature is warding you off right from the start. Kaokoland lies inland from the skeleton coast and is the most remote region of namibia that is perfect for those looking to. The true story of the wrecking in 1942 of the british refrigerated cargo liner dunedin star and the eventual rescue of all her 106 passengers and crew, at the cost of a tug, an saaf aircraft and the lives of two rescuers. Born and bread in namibia, a country with endless gravel roads leading through a picture perfect landscape, where camping is part of a normal lifestyle, wildlife is addictive, braaivleis is a tradition, where sand dunes meet the ocean, and where we are locals at one of the longest barreling waves in the world. Day 5 fishing along the skeleton coast north of henties. Choose to explore some of the largest dunes in the world at sossusvlei, where an endless sea of sand rises and falls. Day 4 fishing along the skeleton coast between swakopmund and henties bay with campsite stops.
Skeleton coast beach camping sites skeleton coast hotels. Persistent toxic gas eruptions plague waters off namibian coast. The forbidding nature of namibia s skeleton coast has left it one of the. Wilderness safaris also run their skeleton coast camp in the area and offer similar experiences as the schoemans, albeit based at and operating from the main lodge rather than flying between. Scenic flight over namib desert and sossusvlei part i unesco world heritage site duration. We fly east over the moon landscape, along the swakop and khan river.
Skeleton coast, situated on namibias remote western coastline, it is named after the many ships that sank here over the past few centuries. The epic landscape that you fly over to reach namibias skeleton coastmiles and miles of desert untouched by man or beast. When i planned my trip to namibia, there were two big things that i wanted to see. Feb 07, 2018 namibia s skeleton coast one of the most dangerous places in africa duration. This documents our amazing african trip from cape town sa, through namibia s skeleton coast, across the desert into the caprivi and finishing in zambia victoria falls. The outstanding landscape of gravel plains, yellow sand dunes and mountains enhance the beauty of the region. All the big wrecks that you have probably seen pictures like eduard bohlen and otavi are actually south of. Far more prolific is the bird life occurring along the coast. A slim nomans land between life and death, it is known to the khoisan bushmen.
Vanishing kings the desert adapted lions of namibias kaokoveld. Skeleton coast animals wildlife in skeleton coast national park. Jun 16, 2016 the skeleton coast is far from uninhabited in fact, the himba people, population 50,000 live both in the northern part of namibia, and across the border in angola. The main attraction of the skeleton coast is the fact that the entire coastline here is so utterly different from anywhere else in the world. Discover the wonders of namibias famed skeleton coast on a scenic safari that combine small aircraft flights and land excursions. Namibias skeleton coast national park is a lonely and windswept place. Secrets of the skeleton coast in namibia, africa bbc. The family business was founded by his father, louw schoeman, a south african lawyer who came up to namibia to work for a mining company, and fell in love with the skeleton coast. It is the launchpad for adventures to the skeleton coast and dune escapades into the namib and holds a happy holiday vibe, charming most that pass through its streets. Its location on the coast of namibia in the west sea. The namib desert is a picturesque semiarid and arid desert, so breathtaking it was chosen as.
Skeleton coast scenic flights sossusvlei scenic flights. Bbc travel the ghostly shore of namibias skeleton coast. They take up to eight passengers, using light aircraft to hop between remote beaches and private airstrips. He invited friends and family to his little patch of beach and they named the area henties bay. The skeleton coast is the northern part of the atlantic ocean coast of namibia and south of angola from the kunene river south to the swakop.
Skeleton coast is a novel by clive cussler that uses the shifting sands of the. Flying southwards we pass walvisbay airport and the kuiseb river which is also the natural border for the dune formation. Nov 20, 2014 the epic landscape that you fly over to reach namibias skeleton coastmiles and miles of desert untouched by man or beast. The lions did not inhabit the coast permanently but used the river courses that cut through the namib to move between the coast and the interior. Many attractive campsites are found close to attractions on private and communal land like lodges, farmsteads and. Flights from swakopmund to hoanib skeleton coast camp can also be arranged. Camping in skeleton coast, namibia my guide namibia. To protect from the blistering sun, they apply an ocherandbutter mix that gives their skin its characteristic reddish hue. If you want to see wrecks then a scenic flight from swakopmund is your best bet. All the big wrecks that you have probably seen pictures like eduard bohlen and otavi are actually south of swakopmund and you wont be able to drive there. The bushmen of the namibian interior called the region the land god made in anger, while portuguese sailors once referred to it as the gates of hell.
You will be staying in the northern part of the palmwag concession, set close to tributaries of the hoanib river. The skeleton coast is on namibias bleak and savagely inhospitable northern seaboard, and is part of the namib desert. If you have a lot of money, try to travel to the skeleton coast dubbed the hell gate in namibia, africa. Set in the remote northwest of namibia, this battered coastline spans some 300 miles in total from the south of the country and into angola. Initially proclaimed in 1971, in its present form in 1973, extends from the ugab river in the south for 500 km to the kunene river in the north and about 40 km inland. The skeleton coast of namibia book your namibia safari today. Namibias desert beaches on skeleton coast tcs world travel. Aug 25, 2011 venture to namibias skeleton coast and you get the sense that nature is warding you off right from the start. Featured skeleton coast safari lodge maps damaraland camp map. From here, head inland to the pronamib to visit the spitzkoppe granite hills before heading on to the erongo mountains. However the location is wonderful and the activities really gave an insight into the arid, harsh landscape. For more information, pictures, rates and bookings please see namibia skeleton coast andkaokoland skeleton coast shipwrecklodg. Skeleton coast beach camping sites skeleton coast namibia.
The skeleton coast is considered by many to be the most pristine stretch of coast in the world. If you are looking for skeleton coast holiday accommodation, safarinow has a selection of lodge, tented camp, hotel holiday accommodation in skeleton coast and surrounds. We plan to do a daytrip up to the seal colony from swakopmund. Discover namibias skeleton coast lonely planet video. Haonib camp in skeleton coast national park, namibia. Namibias skeleton coast blows away preconceived notions about what africa should be. Traveling namibias skeleton coast conde nast traveler.
Day 1 and 2 casa piccolo, klein windhoek to swakopmund 20 and 21 sep 20. Adrian gauts incredible photos reveal the skeleton coasts otherworldly landscapes. Hoanib skeleton coast camp is stylish and luxurious but in my opinion lacked the atmosphere and hosting of the smaller bush camps. Namibia s skeleton coast blows away preconceived notions about what africa should be. Early mornings tend to be very misty, but this often clears by midmorning. Skeleton coast national park is located northwest of windhoek in the kunene region. Midway through her recent breaking the cycle skeleton coast expedition, explorer, educator and humanitarian, dr kate leeming, talks about. For starters, the wrecks arent nearly as accessible as id imagined. The skeleton coast is the northern part of the atlantic coast of namibia and south of angola from the kunene river south to the swakop river, although the name is sometimes used to describe the entire namib desert coast. Marvelling at the predators success here given the paucity of sustenance for their prey. On the edge of a forgotten horizon, on the other side of of the world, where time stands still, find out how the desert lions are still king of the land amidst the death that surrounds them. Skeleton coast selfdrive namibia forum tripadvisor.
For the best experience please update your browser. In terms of wildlife, the harsh desert environment means that there are few mammals to see here, but marine life off the atlantic coast is abundant with seals and sea birds and the waters that are touched by the icy benguela current are filled with fish. Arrivalarrival, pickup and transfer to exclusive 5 accommodation. Namibias desert beaches on the skeleton coast on namibias northern coastline the stark beauty of one of the worlds oldest deserts meets an atlantic current rich with sea life. Skeleton coast called the most dangerous regions in africa and tough touched by humans.
Skeleton coast park ministry of environment and tourism. Aug 01, 2017 the treacherous skeleton coast of namibia. Misty mornings, hot days and cool nights desert typical landscape. Discover its coastal sand dunes and desertadapted wildlife. Head north along the skeleton coast to the breeding seal colony 80000 10 0000 at cape cross, stop over at the lichen fields as well as a salt pan. The skeleton coast is far from uninhabited in fact, the himba people, population 50,000 live both in the northern part of namibia, and across the border in angola. There really isnt much to see in the skeleton coast national park. Even in namibias hinterland one will find adequate camping facilities which are a great, adventurous way of exploring a very diverse country by car. The skeleton coast is in the northern part of namibia and is so called due to the heavy fogs, which often descend upon the area due to cold atlantic ocean wind meeting hot desert air this has caused many a ship to sink, so causing. Drivers should do their final fuel up at the petrol station in khorixas. The stark coastline is famous as the eerie graveyard for huge whale bones, left behind from the days of whale hunting. It is often considered namibias adventure capital and as it stands sandwiched between the atlantic ocean and the namib desert there is plenty for outdoor lovers to pursue. Initially proclaimed in 1971, in its present form in 1973, extends from the ugab river in the south for 500 km to the kunene river in. Swakopmund to skeleton coast national park swakopmund forum.
Dr kate leeming on the skeleton coast, namibia for the. In summer the sun beats down mercilessly, while each morning a. The attraction of this remote area lies in the colour, changing moods and untouched profile of its landscape. Close on 300,000 hectares 660,000 acres of the national park has been set aside as an exclusive safari experience for those who want to really get away. Namibias skeleton coast one of the most dangerous places in africa duration.
Take a road trip along namibias dramatic skeleton coast, where the bleached bones of whales and humans are eerie reminders of the past. Here your ground agent will meet with you and run through your trip. The skeleton coast is characterized by heavy fog and a desert climate tempered by cold sea breezes. Skeleton coast can be visited yearround as the seal colonies are always present and other wildlife is hitandmiss throughout the year.
The west coast recreation area is the 200km stretch of coastline extending from swakopmund to the ugab river, and regionally recognized for its excellent angling potential. Continue reading our full report on skeleton coast safaris. Skeleton coast and the namib desert expedition hobo. Swakopmund to skeleton coast national park swakopmund.
Wed really like to see some shipwrecks and whale skeletons on the coast. Once the graveyard of unlucky ships and the men who sailed them, the skeleton coast now offers fantastic and striking landscapes, heartstopping adventure and fun in the sun for the intrepid visitor who breaches her shores avid photographers simply have to experience the. Namibia, in southern africa, is the closest thing to mars on earth. The forbidding nature of namibias skeleton coast has left it one of the. It is only accessible using a 4x4 vehicle or flyin safari. The skeleton coast a journey through the namib desert 1997 named after the bleached bones and scattered remains of shipwrecks washed up on its shore, the skeleton coast is where the namib desert meets the atlantic ocean in southwestern africa. Scenic skeleton coast safari namibia safari andbeyond. Skeleton coast in namibiathe gates of hell youtube. With 21 listings in skeleton coast, our handy skeleton coast map search and great low prices, its easy to book the perfect holiday accommodation for your skeleton coast visit. The skeleton coast owes its appellation to the whalebones.
Skeleton coast, welcome to the gates of hell in africa. Sep 16, 2016 this feature is not available right now. Damaraland camp is a rare venture which integrates communities, the environment and sustainable wildlife skeleton coast camp map. One was deadvlei in the namib desert check out that vlog if. Ship wrecks and animal bones litter the shoreline, where crashing waves meet brutal desert. Hoanib skeleton coast camp is an oasis of unexpected luxury in a surreally astounding landscape. Running some 500km from the kunene river in the north to the ugab river in the south, the mysterious, misty skeleton coast national park is one of the worlds great natural wonders. Bordered by the atlantic ocean, the region extends southwards from the angolan border to just north of the coastal town of swakopmund a distance of some 300 miles500 kilometers. The result is a temperate desert coastline unlike anything else on earth. Skeleton coast safaris run by the schoeman family namibia.
It is such a unique place that it is actually very difficult to explain the appeal. This coastline has been a maritime graveyard for unwary ships over the centuries. The skeleton coast is a mustsee for any namibia itinerary. The skeleton coast scenic flights rundflug, departs from swakopmund airport. Home destinations namibia skeleton coast national park hoanib skeleton coast camp. Aside from the fog, it is mostly sunny and precipitation is low. This area also offers access to many sites of interest, such as. The skeleton coast is the northern part of the atlantic ocean coast of namibia and south of angola.
Namibias skeleton coast is about as far off the beaten track as its possible to get. To protect from the blistering sun, they apply an ocherandbutter mix that gives their skin its. The skeleton coast is as menacing as its name suggests. Although one of the most desolate places on earth and notorious for. Skeleton coast and kaokoland the skeleton coast refers to the bleak coastline stretching 500km north of swakopmund that is synonymous with the ships wrecked along it and the sailors who have perished over the centuries. Oct 11, 2019 a barren stretch of shore in namibia maintains a reputation as one of the harshest places on earthand it has an ominous name to match. Vanishing kings the desert adapted lions of namibia s kaokoveld. In terms of wildlife, the harsh desert environment means that there are few mammals to see here, but marine life off the atlantic coast is abundant with seals and sea birds and the waters that are touched by the icy benguela current are filled. Nov 26, 2017 scenic flight over namib desert and sossusvlei part i unesco world heritage site duration. On our last days in the bush we exit the goantagab river and follow two elephants down the ugab and then make our way to the skeleton. Ministry of environment and tourism namibia skeleton coast park. Moreover, even as the poisonous patch of water moved offshore, a second distinct hydrogen sulfide emission event occurred closer to the coast.
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