Safari to Skeleton Coast Park

endemic plants, shipwrecks and dunefields

The truly remote Skeleton Coast North area lies beyond this area and is only accessible to guided safaris with special government permits.

This relatively modest Skeleton Coast National Park is the only section of this remarkable foreshore that is open to self-drivers and is able to provide a good general impression of the place.

The national park starts 200 km from Swakopmund and continues north for another 250km. It is generally a rather spartan place, but with some elements of significant interest.

The reliable desert fogs for which the area is famed have led to the evolution of a huge range of endemic plant and animal species.
Occasional freshwater springs provide sustenance for a decent range of desert wildlife.

Of course this coast is famous for its shipwrecks, although they are modest along this stretch. Even more intriguing are the various remains of prospecting activity for diamonds and other minerals.

In the far north of this area, above Terrace Bay, the coast road is lined by vast dune fields, where there are also some rather remarkable soda lakes.

The majority of the trickle of self-drive visitors simply transit through this area between stops in Swakopmund and Twyfelfontein.

Where to stay

There is a government rest camp at Terrace Bay, but it really is very utilitarian.
There are also some very grim campsites for hardy sport fishermen who gather here in huge numbers.

On the rare occasion that we pass through this area, we usually push on further north and set out a bivouac camp in the wilderness, or head inland to a lodge in the Twyfelfontein area.

rather unattractive accommodation options