Safari to Cape Cross

site of a landing by early Portuguese navigators

The section of the Skeleton Coast that contains Cape Cross is known as the National West Coast Recreation Area.

Cape Cross was visited by Portuguese navigators as early as 1484, on their way to discover the Cape and the important route to the Indian Ocean. A replica stone marks the location.

The main point of interest in Cape Cross these days is the large and very stinky seal colony, which can be accessed on boardwalks.

Environmental controls are much lower here and the landscapes are much more heavily impacted by human populations, both in terms of settlements and off-road driving.

All round, this area is relatively unattractive. It is a shame that it shares the same name as the wonderful wild coastlines that lie further north, which we cover under the page Skeleton Coast North.

Cape Cross experiences very little seasonal variation in climate and can be visited year round.

Getting there

Cape Cross tends to feature most commonly in self-drive trips, as a stop between Swakopmund in the south and either Terrace Bay further up the coast or Twyfelfontein to the northeast.

Where to stay

The only decent place to stay is Cape Cross Lodge, which is situated just to the north of the seal colony.

occasionally features in self-drive trips