Although the entire coastline of Namibia was formerly called The Skeleton Coast, more commonly today it refers only to the Skeleton Coast National Park. The park stretches from the Kunene River for approximately 500km to the Ugab River in the south. The landscape includes sand dunes, canyons and mountain ranges all of which are synonymous with Namibia. The climatic conditions are not necessarily what you would expect in a desert country like Namibia, due to dense fog and cold sea breezes, this is caused by the cold Benguela Current which flows offshore meeting with the extreme heat of the Namib Desert.

The Skeleton Coast is normally associated with its famous shipwrecks and stories abound of sailors walking for hundreds of kilometres through this barren Namibian landscape in search of food and water. For the best views of these shipwrecks you would need to visit the Skeleton Coast Park either on a fly-in safaris or alternatively on a scenic flight. Springbok, oryx, ostrich, hyena and ostrich are fairly common, while Namibia's famous desert elephant, black rhino, lion and giraffe are found in the dry river beds which flow from the interior of Namibia, through the Namib Desert to the Skeleton Coast.

The fishing along the Skeleton Coast is spectacular and during the December vacations the campsite at Torra Bay is packed with fisherman. There are only 2 places to stay in the park boundaries, the campsite at Torra Bay and for those seeking more comfort, Terrace Bay which has bungalows. Both of these places requires prior booking and are very popular during the summer holidays.

Day visitors to the Skeleton Coast Park are only allowed in the park between sunrise and sunset, and permits are available at the two entry gates (the Ugab River in the south and Springbokwasser in the east). The ecologically sensitive area north of Terrace Bay is inaccessible to the general public and entrance to this area is restricted to a few operators who operate fly-in safaris around Namibia. Accommodation is available outside of the park south of the Ugab River at miles 108 & 172, but these camps are very bleak and we recommend you push on to either Henties Bay or Swakopmund. On your drive pay a visit to the Cape Cross Seal Colony which is defiantly the smelliest place in Namibia. For visitors entering or leaving the the park through Springbokwasser there is plenty of accommodation in Damaraland.

A Skeleton Coast Fly-In safari is the highlight of any trip to Namibia - and if you are serious about visiting this spectacular area we highly recommend booking yourself on one of these amazing trips.