Experience Skeleton Coast
Named by early Portuguese explorers as As Areias do Inferno (The Sands of Hell), the Skeleton Coast is a graveyard for thousands of ships and countless whales whose bones once littered the shore.
Explore on Map
Iconic Highlights
1
Shipwrecks: Iconic remains like the Dunedin Star and Eduard Bohlen offer a somber glimpse into the coast’s maritime history.
2
Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Home to one of the largest colonies of Cape Fur seals in the world (located just south of the park).
3
Roaring Dunes: High sand dunes that produce a low-frequency hum or "roar" when sand slides down their leeward slopes.
4
Uniab River Delta: A rare freshwater source where desert-adapted elephants and oryx often congregate.
5
Scenic Fly-in Safaris: The best way to witness the sheer scale of the coastline, where desert meets the ocean in a dramatic display of color.
Photo Gallery
Climate & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Monthly Averages
| Month | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Aug | 24°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Dec | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Feb | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jan | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jul | 24°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jun | 24°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Mar | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| May | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Nov | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Oct | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Sep | 25°C | --°C | -- mm |
Travel Requirements
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months with 3 blank pages.
Visa: Per 2025/2026 regulations, citizens from countries like the UK, USA, and EU require a visa. Travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport or apply for an E-visa online (approx. NAD 1,600).
Permits: Entry into the Skeleton Coast National Park requires a permit, which must be obtained at the gates (Ugab River or Springbokwasser).
Logistics: The northern section is strictly fly-in only. For the southern section, a high-clearance 4x4 is essential due to salt roads and soft sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the Skeleton Coast?
The name refers to the bleached whale and seal bones that once littered the shore during the whaling industry era, as well as the skeletal remains of over a thousand shipwrecks scattered along the coast.
Can I drive the entire length of the Skeleton Coast?
No. Self-drive is only permitted in the southern section up to Terrace Bay. The northern half is a protected wilderness area accessible only via licensed fly-in safari operators.
Is it always cold on the Skeleton Coast?
The coast is generally much cooler than the Namibian interior due to the Benguela Current. Mornings are often foggy and damp, but afternoons usually clear to become sunny and pleasant. Layers are essential.