Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia » Skeleton Coast National Park Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia The Skeleton Coast is one of the finest and most unusual coastal wildernesses in the world. It stretches between Swakopmund in the south to the mouth of the Kunene River , marking the border with Angola. The strong currents and swirling fogs of this Atlantic coastline had long been a hazard to shipping and when the term Skeleton Coast was first applied to it in 1933 by newspaperman, Sam Davis, the name stuck. Davis had been reporting on the search for a Swiss airman, Carl Nauer, whose plane had disappeared along the coast while trying to break the Cape Town to London solo air record. No trace was ever found. Today it is the elements previously responsible for so much loss of life - the desert, wide-open space, isolation and solitude - that attract the majority of visitors. Ins and outs The park can be entered in the south, from the West Coast Recreational Area , or in the east from Damaraland . Wherever you enter, you must make sure there are sufficient hours of daylight to either travel through the park or reach your camp.

Visitors must enter before 1500 and depart no later than 1700. Two hours is the minimum time it takes to cross the park between the two gates. Day visitors are not permitted to visit or Torra Bay , and if you are staying overnight in these places you will need to show proof of your reservation at the gate. The southern gate, by the Ugab River , is known as Ugabmund and is 207 km from Swakopmund; it is a further 162 km to the camp at Terrace Bay. This gate closes at 1500 each day for traffic going as far as Terrace Bay or Springbokwasser . The eastern gate, Springbokwasser , is 178 km from Khorixas. The quality of the road heading inland from the gate is not as good as the coast road. Torra Bay is 50 km from the gate, Terrace Bay is 98 km. Driving through the park is one-way. You cannot leave and depart through the same gate unless you are staying overnight. The reason for this was explained to us as sheer laziness on the part of the staff at each of the gates.

They fill in a register of vehicles entering the park and at the end of the day simply fax this list to the other gate so staff can check that all vehicles have left the park. If vehicles were allowed to go in and out of the same gate, a lot more work would be involved! No motorcycles are allowed into the park. There are only three places to stay within the national park: Terrace Bay, Torra Bay and the upmarket camp run by Wilderness Safaris in the far north that can only be reached by plane . Accommodation at Terrace Bay is all-inclusive; Torra Bay is a basic campsite only open December to January - you will need to bring everything with you, even the water for the showers has to be trucked in. During the Christmas period accommodation gets booked up quickly, mostly by local fishermen. In order to get the most out of the park it is worth making the arduous journey as far north as Terrace Bay. As in Swakopmund it never gets too hot thanks to the cooling influence of the ocean, but during the winter months it can get cold at night. Petrol is available at Terrace Bay year round and Torra Bay in December-January.

Background For many people the Skeleton Coast is synonymous with shipwrecks - just about every photograph promoting the wild coastline will include a rusting, beached hull. The Portuguese used to call the area the 'Sands of Hell' and before the days of modern communications and transport this 1600-km coastline represented a real threat to shipping. Sailors knew that if they did survive a wrecked ship then their problems had only just begun. The land behind them was a dry desert, and there were very few known natural sources of drinking water. The few places that did occasionally have drinking water (the riverbeds) were home to wild animals such as lion, leopard and elephant, which in turn represented another threat to the sailors' lives. A third factor that added to the dangers for survivors was the remoteness. Before 1893, when the first people were landed at Swakopmund, there was no settlement of note along more than 1000 km of coastline. Which way would you head off if you had survived? Unfortunately the most spectacular wrecks are all found in the areas which are closed to the public in the far north.

A little background to some of the wrecks has been included in the route description below. Wildlife and vegetation Between Ugabmund and Terrace Bay the coastal road crosses four westward flowing rivers: the Ugab , Huab, Koichab and Uniab . These rivers only flow when sufficient rain has fallen in the interior, and even then they only flow for a short period. For the rest of the year they represent long narrow oases that are home to migratory birds, animals and the few plants that can flourish in drought condition. The animals that may be seen in the park have all adapted in different ways to overcome some of the problems the desert creates. The smaller species such as genet, caracal, baboon, springbok, jackal and brown hyena live in the desert all year round; the larger animals, such as black rhino, elephant and lion, tend to migrate along the channels in search of food and water. The lion may well no longer occur along the coast, but when they were roaming the beaches they were known to have fed upon Cape cormorants, seals and the odd stranded whale.

Gemsbok, kudu and zebra are occasionally seen inland in the mountainous regions, while at the coast the Uniab Delta is a good location for viewing gemsbok. During low tide, black-backed jackals can be seen on the beach scavenging on dead birds, fish and seals. There is stiff competition for scraps among the hyena, ghost crabs, crows and gulls. Like much of the wildlife, most of the plants growing in the park occur in the four major riverbeds that dissect the park. Two of the most common shrubs are the dollar bush, Zygophyllum stapfii , and brakspekbos, Zygophyllum simplex , both of which can be found in the riverbeds. The former is a semi-deciduous shrub with small leaves shaped like a 'dollar' coin. It will only grow where there is some groundwater as it has not adapted to make use of the sea mist. Brakspekbos, a food source for the black rhino, can be recognized by looking for an off-green carpet in a shallow depression where rainwater would drain. The only other vegetation you are likely to come across is the amazing variety of lichen.

The bright orange lichens, which cling to rock outcrops facing the ocean, add a welcome splash of colour to the grey landscape. More than 100 different species have been recorded in the Skeleton Coast National Park, all dependent upon the coastal fog for moisture; in the moist air the plants become soft and many change colour. Durissa Bay North As you approach the southern entrance to the Skeleton Coast National Park there is a signpost for the wrecked fishing boat, Winston . Do not drive on the salt pans; despite their dry appearance, it is easy to get stuck here. The boundary between the National West Coast Recreation Area and the Skeleton Coast National Park is marked by the Ugab River, which flows into Durissa Bay. The Ugab is one of Namibia's major rivers, rising over 500 km inland, east of Outjo; after good rains it is an important source of water in Damaraland. A skull and crossbones adorns the gate by the Ugabmund park office and this is a good spot to have your photo taken. As you cross the wide river notice the variety of trees and shrubs growing in the sandy bed.

Some of the well-established plants are stunted since they have had to survive in windswept conditions with long periods of moisture stress. Whenever you approach these riverbeds try to be as quiet as possible since there is always a chance of seeing a small herd of springbok resting in the shade or a shy family of kudu browsing the acacia trees. Once across the river the salt road stays close to shore. One of the first shipwrecks you see is the South West Sea on most maps. This is the site of a derelict diamond mine - only a few small diamonds were ever found. Today the legacy of the operations are a few cement slabs which acted as foundations for the buildings and the ruins of the sorting plant. There are a couple more wrecks in the ocean here, but there is little to see. Soon after crossing the Koichab River, which has more sand than vegetation, there is a junction in the road. This is the only other access road for the Skeleton Coast Park, the C39. A here leads to Springbokwasser Gate , 40 km inland.

There are some fine sand dunes along this stretch of road as well as some welwitschia plants growing in the dry riverbeds. Torra Bay Continuing north on the salt road you reach the seasonal fishing resort, Torra Bay. In the 16th century, Portuguese sailors named it 'Dark Hill' after the dark-capped hills that they could see while they were looking for fresh water. Anyone staying here must be totally self- sufficient, though during the holiday season petrol and basic groceries are available. Aside from the solitude, the great attraction of this site is the excellent fishing. Despite restrictions, there has been extensive damage caused by vehicles on the beaches. During the few months the camp is open it is necessary to book in advance . Uniab River Delta Between the temporary camp at Torra Bay and the permanent camp at Terrace Bay is one of the most interesting attractions in the southern part of the Skeleton Coast National Park, the Uniab River Delta. The river has split into five main channels plus a number of reed- ringed pools that are formed by seepage from the riverbed. After good rains this is the perfect spot for birders.

There are a number of walks in the delta, including a trail to a waterfall and a small canyon, which lie between the road and the beach. Check with the parks authorities on the current situation as the amount of rainfall and the size of the flood can change the lie of the land between seasons. If you hear that there is water here, then it is well worth the drive. Within the delta are several hides and parking spaces, each with a different view of the system. Look out for the shipwreck, Atlantic , at the rivermouth. Terrace Bay Having enjoyed the delta it is a short drive to the final destination, Terrace Bay. The camp and all the outbuildings were once part of the mining operation owned by Ben du Preez. When the company was declared bankrupt, the state inherited all the facilities at the camp. There is a grocery shop with basic supplies and petrol is also available. The camp is built next to an old mine dump. There is an airfield to the north of the complex. Visitors to the park are allowed to drive a further 14 km along the coast to Seal Beach , this being the absolute northern limit for private visitors.

At this point you are more than 380 km from Swakopmund, in the heart of the Skeleton Coast National Park. Skeleton Coast wilderness When reading about Namibia's desert from Oranjemund to the Angolan border, a recurrent theme is fragility of the desert environment and the need to control people's access to the most sensitive areas. When the Skeleton Coast National Park was proclaimed in 1967 the park was divided into two zones, each covering about 800,000 ha. The southern zone is the 210-km-long coastal strip between the Ugab River in the south and the Hoanib River in the north. The boundary of the park extends no more than 40 km inland. Access to the northern zone is tightly controlled and, for the tourist, limited to those who join the exclusive fly-in safaris organized by the sole concessionaire in Windhoek. The northern section of the park extends from the Hoanib River to the Kunene River, which forms the border with Angola - a distance of 290 km. This section of the national park is managed as a wilderness area and is sometimes referred to as the Skeleton Coast Wilderness.

While the government has chosen to allow one private operator, Wilderness Safaris access to this area, there are still tight controls in place on how the operation must be run in order to guarantee minimal environmental impact. Access to the northern section is limited to the area between the Hoarusib and Nadas rivers, a strip of coastline measuring about 90 km long by 30 km wide. This is edited copy from Footprint Handbooks. For comprehensive details (incl address, tel no, directions, opening times and prices) please refer to book or individual chapter PDF Eduard Bohlen/Skeleton Coast - Skeleton Coast Park Forum - TripAdvisor Eduard Bohlen/Skeleton Coast - Skeleton Coast Park Forum Review a place you’ve visited JOIN Mar 13, 2014, 5:18 PM Hi, This summer I am travelling to Namibia for five days as part of a round-the-world trip. The main reason I wanted to visit Namibia is for the shipwrecks on the Skeleton Coast, and the main one (although not the only one) I'd like to see is the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen. My question is: How do I get there?

I'd love to go by myself, but I know it is very remote with little to no access via highways. I figured I would start from Walvis Bay and head out to the wrecks. Can I make a day trip of it from there in a 4x4? If there is really no physical or economic possibility of doing this, is there a tour company or other means of accessing these wrecks? I'd also like to visit some sand dunes in the Namib Desert, visit Kolmanskop, and maybe even go on a safari in Etosha if time permits. Any advice or recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks 2 replies to this topic 1-2 of 2 replies 1. Re: Eduard Bohlen/Skeleton Coast Mar 14, 2014, 9:25 AM I hate to break the news to you, but there's no way you can just drive to the Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck. It lies in a protected area and there's a lot of dune driving involved.

The only way you can get there is if you join a guided 4x4 Tour from Luderitz to Walvis Bay as the shipwreck is one of the stops they do. That said, you need to have your own 4x4 vehicle and the tours only run so many times a year as certain companies hold permits to conduct these tours through the park. The tour however is also 5 days long, so it's not as if you can visit the shipwreck for just one day. The only other way is to take part on a scenic flight into that direction, which flies past the shipwreck, but you will only be able to see the ship wreck for a max of 30 seconds as the planes are very quick. There however is a shipwreck just south of Hentiesbaai that you can go to by yourself. It's been lying there for a few years now, so it's not that old. Clive - Suricate Safaris Namibia 2.

Re: Eduard Bohlen/Skeleton Coast Mar 17, 2014, 6:43 PM I'm of the opinion that trying to see Kolmanskuppe, the Skeleton Coast, and Etosha in five days is ambitious, to say the least. Kolmanskuppe is in the south west, near Luderitz, Etosha is near the north east, and the Skeleton Coast is north west. If you drive the tar roads only you will make good time, but my favorite trip so far has been from Luderitz, up the C13 and 27 to Sesriem , then out to Sossusvlei for some beautiful dunes. Overnite- then on north to Solitaire and through Kuiseb Pass, and in to Walvis and Swapkop. This is a total gravel road, and I've done it in 12 hours non-stop, skipping Sossusvlei, but it was because I had to. My chosen vehicle was a Land Rover Defender 120. Then figure two days leisure trip to Etosha from Walvis/Swakop, stopping overnite around Omaruru.

BTW- +/-1 hour north from Swakop, on the C34, you'll see a victim of the Skeleton Coast, a fishing trawler... 2 destinations mentioned in this post Where to go in Namibia Etosha National Park Etosha National Park , Namibia is a scrubby savannah that defines the western part of the park, while further east, the landscape is made up of mixed woodland. However, the surrounding bush and grasslands provide a home for 114 mammal species and 340 bird species. Meaning ‘great white place’, the salt pans are what defines the Park. A strong contrast to the white terrain is when the flamingos flock to the pan’s edge creating a pink hue only seen in picture books. It is also known as ‘place of dry water’ because the pan is usually very dry, occasionally filling with water for brief periods in the summer, attracting pelicans, flamingos, black rhino and black-faced impala. The Fish River Canyon The mighty Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, leaving you breathless as you take in all its glory. Several mammals, reptiles, insects and fish live in the natural pools of this unusual habitat.

Hiking around this area is a popular sport and well-worth the effort. The Skeleton Coast On the Skeleton Coast you can visit the many shipwrecks that scatter the shores and have given this eerie place its nickname of ‘the land God made in anger’ . When sailors were washed ashore here, they had no chance of survival. To add to this, there’s a misty fog that hangs in the air for most of the year. Here you can see clay castles, experience the salt pans, hike the dunes, view the rock engravings, go on desert walks and drives and take a flight over the coast. The Namib-Naukluft National Park The Namib-Naukluft National Park is bordered by the Namib Desert (considered the oldest in the world) in the west and the Kalahari Desert in the east. The reserve’s dry southern location provides every visitor with exquisite views. It is the most versatile conservation region of Namibia, and is one of the country’s main tourist destinations. This expansive wilderness is bigger than Germany, reaching the size of around 49,768 square kilometres, making it the biggest game park in all of Africa and the fourth biggest in the world.

It also encompasses vital features, including Sossusvlei, Sesriem, the Welwitschia Trail, Sandwich Harbour, the Naukluft Mountains and the Kuiseb Canyon. There is a variety of landscapes in the Park, such as dunes, gravel plains and rugged mountainous regions. The reserve is one of the least populated areas in the country, giving guests a true sense of the nature and enormity of the Park, providing beautiful and clear evening skies. An astonishing assortment of animals inhabits this arid area, such as hyena, gemsbok, jackal, snakes, geckos and intriguing insects such as the Namib desert beetle , a unique insect that collects water on its back. Moisture enters the Park as fog that floats off the Atlantic Sea then falls as rain, giving the region an annual rainfall of approximately 106 millimetres, all between the months of February and April. The winds that help in bringing this fog in are also responsible for forming the Park’s massive sand dunes that show their age with their burnt orange hue.

Sossusvlei’s dunes are amongst the highest in the world, rising in certain areas to heights of over 400 metres above the desert ground. Lagoons, wetlands and mudflats draw in an abundance of birdlife. Namibia Tours Namib means ‘open space’, and the Namib Desert offered its name to help create ‘Namibia’, which means ‘land of open spaces’. The reserve was founded in 1907 after the German Colonial Administration declared the region between the Swakop River and the Kuiseb River a game park. The Naukluft portion completes the other half of the Namib and includes such features as the Naukluft Mountains and huge rock formations that make the region a geologist’s heaven. The reserve contains five different vegetation communities that result in plenty of tree and shrub vegetation, and a wide range of aloes. In addition to the Hartmann’s mountain zebra found here, there are also plenty of kudu, gemsbok, klipspringer, duiker, steenbok, leopard, baboon, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, African wild cat, caracal and aardwolf.

Naukluft’s steep escarpments are the nesting lands for numerous cliff-breeding bird species, including majestic Black eagles. The Naukluft Mountains are located in the northeast of Sesriem, where the primary slope juts out into the desert, creating a range that is known as the Naukluft Mountains. These mountains were guarded within the Park in 1968 in order to protect a rare breeding concentration of Hartmann’s mountain zebra. Briefly following this, land was purchased to the west of the mountains and was joined to the reserve, thus creating a corridor that links the mountains to the Park. This permitted oryx, zebra and other wildlife to migrate between the two regions, and in 1979 the reserves were eventually combined to form the Namib-Naukluft National Park . Though most of the land in the Park tends to be rocky and lightly peppered with plant life, the ravines and valleys are lush. The area boasts an incredible variety of fauna and flora, and is a scenic must-see for anyone preparing a visit to Namibia.

Sossusvlei Sossusvlei is a salt and clay pan amid towering red dunes in the southern part of the Namib desert, which is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Rust-red dunes mark this territory by rising 300 metres above the valley floor, a spectacular sight to see. The Spitzkoppe The Spitzkoppe is very popular with rock climbers all over the world due to their granite peaks, with the highest outcrop being 1784 metres above the desert floor. The peaks are for seasoned rock climbers, but despite this there are many conquests of these rocky outcrops. So if you are looking for adventure and a good challenge, why not try your hand (or feet!) and conquer one of these peaks. Swakopmund Swakopmund is a seaside resort with a difference, since it’s surrounded by the harsh Atlantic Ocean, a strip of foggy coastline, windswept dunes and barren gravel plains. There are plenty of action-packed activities for adrenalin junkies such as skydiving, hot-air ballooning, paragliding over the dunes, quad biking and sandboarding.

However, there are also leisurely safari drives, tranquil fishing spots, an interesting museum to visit, the national Aquarium, or a boat cruise to visit the dolphins and seal colonies. Windhoek The capital and largest city of the Republic of Namibia, Windhoek is the social, economic and cultural hub of the country. It is a very vibrant city with much to see and do. Many African safaris begin here, so make sure to spend some time exploring the city before you head off into the desert. The Caprivi Strip The Caprivi is a narrow strip of land north-east of Namibia and has considerably more rain than the rest of Namibia, hence the Okavango and the Kwando rivers. This changes the landscape and vegetation slightly and you have extensive floodplains, floating papyrus swamps and lush riverine forest. Damaraland Damaraland has a dramatic landscape of red-hued mountains, enormous granite koppies (hills) and wide, open, sandy plains. It lies south of Etosha National Park and north of Swakopmund . Some of the highlights are the bushman paintings in Twyfelfontein , and learning more about the way they used to live off of the land.

15 shipwrecks visible from land - Matador Network 15 shipwrecks visible from land by Sarah Park August 20, 2011 As it turns out, you don’t actually need a scuba suit to visit many shipwrecks around the world. When I think of shipwrecks, my thoughts immediately drift toward images of treasure chests, jugs of rum, and the Kraken. I don’t tend to think of shipwreck sites as being particularly convenient places to visit: there are diving lessons, boat charters, and submarines that all need to be sorted out first. And I don’t even own a set of swim fins. Then, I stumbled across a photo of the Peter Iredale. Over 100 years old, full of maritime history, and easily accessible on the beach in Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon, this wreck showed me that you can visit some famous wrecks without even getting your toes wet. Take a look at these shipwrecks that have become a part of their surrounding landscapes. 1 Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon, United States The remains of the Peter Iredale can be found on a stretch of sand in Fort Stevens State Park.

The wreck site has been a tourist attraction since the day it ran aground in 1906 after hitting windy weather coupled with strong currents. Over the last century, much of the remains have deteriorated, but a large piece of the ship is easily accessible during low tide. 2 Aral Sea, Uzbekistan Once a major fishing port, Moynaq is now 150km away from the shore of the present-day Aral Sea. The ships whose remains make up this landscape didn't crash here. Rather, the water receded beneath them when two rivers that fed the sea were diverted for irrigation. In one of the largest ecological disasters caused by man, the once 4th-largest in-land sea shrank by 90%, leaving the fishing economy of Moynaq in ruins. 3 Homebush Bay, Australia Known mostly for being the site of the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Homebush Bay/Sydney Olympic Park is also home to several visible shipwrecks. Once used as a ship-breaking yard, the bay houses two main wrecks that can be easily seen and accessed, especially during low tide.

4 Rhossili Beach, Wales The coast of the Gower Peninsula is scattered with the remains of over 250 shipwrecks in varying stages of decay. At least three such wrecks can be found on Rhossili Beach, including the remains of the Helvetia, a Norwegian vessel that washed ashore in 1887. 5 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Several shipwreck sites can be found in the waters off the coast of Punta Cana and are popular dive spots for tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of some Caribbean sea critters. A few of these wrecks, including the famed Astron, can be spotted from the comfort of your reclining beach chair. 6 Vila Nova de Milfontes, Odemira, Portugal Exhaustive Googling found no information about this abandoned tug boat beached near the Vila Nova de Milfontes in Odemira other than the fact that many have been pleasantly surprised by its presence on one of the area's most attractive beaches. 7 Point Reyes, California, United States Point Reyes National Seashore in California has a history of being a magnet for boats.

In an attempt to reduce the high number of shipwrecks along the rocky coastline, the US Lighthouse Service built the Point Reyes Light Station in 1870. Despite their efforts, over 50 ships have been lost in this area. The SS Point Reyes, pictured here, can be found on a sandbar in nearby Inverness. 8 Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain One of the most famous shipwrecks still in existence, the American Star can be found off the coast of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands. After a decades-long career, the ship encountered stormy weather while being towed to Thailand in the early 1990s, where it was meant to be retired and converted into a 5-star floating hotel. Over the years, the wreck has been deteriorating slowly back into the sea. Only parts of the bow remain above water today. 9 Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece Also known as Smuggler's Cove, Navagio Beach in Zakynthos is one this area's most popular tourist attractions. Traditional stories regarding the wreck maintain that the boat was smuggling cigarettes and alcohol while being pursued by the Greek Navy.

In a storm, the boat was forced into this sandy cove, where the crew allegedly fled, evading capture. 10 Skeleton Coast, Namibia The Eduard Bohlen ran aground on Namibia's Skeleton Coast in 1909 due to heavy fog. After attempts to tow the ship back to sea failed and a brief stint as a hotel for workers in a nearby diamond mine, the ship was finally abandoned. Its remains can now be found several hundred meters inland in the Namib Desert. 11 Grytviken, South Georgia Grytviken's whaling station closed in 1966, leaving behind the remnants of a once successful whaling industry. Today, the shipwrecks and abandoned facilities are a popular stop for tourist ships visiting Antarctica. Pictured here, the Petrel was once a key whale-catching vessel. Two sealing vessels, Albatross and Dias, are also decaying nearby. 12 Laconia, Peloponnese, Greece The wreck of the Dimitrios can be seen off the shore near the town of Gythio. Rumors indicate the ship was caught carrying drugs into Europe and had been impounded before being abandoned.

Others say that the boat ran into poor weather conditions and the crew fled. Until verifiable facts about the Dimitrios surface, this shipwreck remains a mystery. 13 Fraser Island, Australia Built in 1904, the Maheno had a successful shipping history -- even serving as a hospital ship in WWI -- before being sold for scrap in 1935. While being towed to a Japanese scrapyard, the ship hit an unusual out-of-season cyclone and ended up beached on the shore of Fraser Island. After several unsuccessful attempts to return the ship to the sea, it was ultimately abandoned. 14 Nouadhibou, Mauritania With over 300 wrecks scattered around the harbor, the Bay of Nouadhibou is one of the largest boat graveyards in the world. No maritime tales of scallywags or sea monsters here. Just a few corrupt harbor officials who allowed ships to be discarded here for a cheap price. 15 Aran Islands, Ireland The Plassey was thrown against the rocks of Inis Oirr, the smallest of the Aran Islands, in 1960 during a severe storm.

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Relax and enjoy the facilities at one of the many resorts, play a round of golf, shop or even try your hand at deep sea fishing. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face and behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast - Skeleton Coast Park Forum - TripAdvisor Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast - Skeleton Coast Park Forum Review a place you’ve visited JOIN Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 23, 2013, 12:25 AM Hello Kind Namibian Forum, Is it possible to drive from Walvis Bay, stop in Cape Cross for the scent of the fur seals and onto the Skeleton Coast with 1 night at Terrace Bay in a day ??? I yearn for the wild coast and the site of a shipwreck ... knowing we will probably never see this again, please advise in realistic terms, need to put an itinerary together ... We are renting a 4x4 and like it rough .... Ha! Coastal weather in late November ??? Then onto Etosha Park ... and more questions ... Many gracious thanks !!

11 replies to this topic 1-10 of 11 replies 1. Re: Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 23, 2013, 2:11 AM yes, you can do it in one day, its 360km. but dont expect to see any shipwrecks at terrace bay, at this moment people go there for fishing. you will see a wreck, close to Hentiesbay. 2. Re: Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 23, 2013, 3:38 PM Thank you Chris !!! Can I make it from Sossousvlei to Hentiesbay in daylight or is that pushing it ??? I read that permits and a place to stay are required if going to Terrace Bay ??? True ?? I have noticed some sites are not as up to date as much as others, so not sure what to believe. Anything to see besides the fishing people, ie, ragged cliffs, etc. We are not into the big cities, its about the seeing the sea whilst we are there and before going inland. I appreciate your advice.

Cheers from middle.America (no ocean here) Karen + David 3. Re: Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 23, 2013, 4:26 PM Hi Karen/David, I agree most of the websites are not very up to date but you may wish to look at these sites which I had found useful. Hasten to add that I have not been to any of these places. Heintes bay tourism web site : hentiesbaytourism.com/…OLDER_SHIPWRECKS_ A good description here. According to this site you need to obtain a permit from Swakop or Windhoek to enter the southern section and the access to northern section is pretty restricted ( probably not relevant to you). Lots of restrictions on visiting Terrace bay as a day visitor. Have a look at the bottom of the page. Which guide book are you using and I hope you are seeking the assistance from a,local travel agent. Sossusvlei to Heintes Bay in one day : you area really pushing it too much IMHO.

I'm not including this area in my first planned visit as I think this too far off the main tourist circuit for a first timer but i'd love to experience the desolate beauty one day. Happy planning. 4. Re: Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 23, 2013, 6:08 PM Yes, you can do it in one day but if you really wish to go exploring, you may want more time, you could consider overnighting in Henties Bay. My Grandfather built the first brick house in Henties so I am a little nostalgic about the place but it is an "interesting" little town and is less tourist and more local then say Swakop. Yes, you can drive from Sossus to Henties in one day but I would definitely not advise it for two reasons. It is too far, you will miss too much along the way, and actually a third one too, you would miss Swakopmund and Walvis Bay which are both worth seeing. Whatch out for the Gaub Pass between Sossus and Walvis, it can sneak up on you and has a couple of tight bends. It also is VERY scenic and deserves a little walk around.

Chris Liebenberg - owner - Piper & Heath Travel 7. Re: Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 24, 2013, 11:28 AM I have to say I am with you all the way there Peter! It all sounds very romantic when people describe the desolate, barren Skeleton Coast......but I just find it quite a long, rather dull drive really. there is only so much barren I can do before it gets a bit too samey. Also people tend to be under the impression you can see the sea all along, and it is littered with the big shipwrecks you see in the photos...it isn't. You really have to be into your 'barren scenery' to get excited about this route...and some people really are. each to their own, the world would be a dull place it everyone agreed. I personally think you get a better idea of the Skeleton Coast from the air...and as Peter has mentioned a Sandwich Harbour trip is great for scenery and birdlife. If you are driving that way in anycase though I certainly would take Chris's advice and stay rather at Cape Cross. Henties Bay isn't that nice to stay at. 8.

Re: Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 24, 2013, 2:34 PM Different strokes.... for sure. I will concede that the coastline is not going to be interesting to everyone. It is unquestionably one of the most unique coastlines and if you allow the time, has plenty to offer from rough ocean to lagoons filled with an astounding variation of birdlife, to the lichen flats which are probably one of the most interesting features around (read more here from an older blog of mine: The beauty of the coast though is not obvious and if you are on a tight schedule then some may consider this a waste of time. If you are a real desert rat though and barren landscapes thrill you no end, then this will thrill more than tundra, Atacama or many other desolate destinations, if you have the time. If you are the kind of person who stands in the middle of nowhere and smiles at the thought that nobody else is doing this same thing at this same time... then you get it. I will warn you that you have to get quite far North out of Swakop these days to find the solitude.

Please do not venture off road to the east of the salt road, this is a very fragile environment and despite the tracks you will see everywhere, this area is not for off road driving. I would suggest that somewhere north of Henties (not as boring as it looks if you allow yourself time to meet the locals, promise) you follow one of the tracks west of the road and drive toward the beach. Stop well above the high tide mark and then allow yourself an hour or so to just walk the coastline, you will be amazed at what you find. A tip for driving in soft sand if you do not know is to deflate your tires a bit, not too much, especially if you do not have a compressor with you. Remember to fill them up at the next petrol station. Chris Liebenberg - owner - Piper & Heath Travel 9. Re: Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 24, 2013, 7:50 PM Chris L. Having been to the Atacama, and Henties Bay yada yada yada, and now reading posts on these forums, I agree with you.

There are people on the South American forums who want (only) to see - Iguazu Falls, Atacama desert, Machu Pichu and Rio.....in a week (2 nights in each). And then wonder why the airlines don't make their life easy, by flying direct between these spots! I'm sure, having been brought up in a windy coastal town, that if I had lingered longer in Henties Bay, I would have enjoyed its charms. But that trip, I had foolishly arranged to be hundreds of miles away by nightfall. I post on these forums in the hope my stupidity might benefit someone who is contemplating a similar itinerary. Don't do it! SLOW DOWN, and enjoy Namibia . Not just the landscapes and wildlife, but the special corners that take time to appreciate...... 10. Re: Drive from Walvis Bay to Terrace Bay, Skeleton Coast Sep 28, 2013, 2:49 PM Thank you for all of your advice and replies !!! I truly appreciate them. We live in middle America ( Missouri ), having grown up on the California Coast, I miss the beach and solitude of the crashing waves.

We will stop on the coast, breath in the beauty and take the time to appreciate this unique coastline before heading inland and Etosha Pan. Walvis Bay (looks less touristy than Swakopmund) with birdwatching, Sandwich Harbour dunes. Leaving Walvis early 8AM should get us to Terrace Bay and spend the night ??? with stops in Henties Bay and the fur seals of Cape Cross Or is that rushing it ??? Cheers !! Scenic flight (Skeleton Coast/Dunes) from Swakopmund - Namibia Forum - TripAdvisor Scenic flight (Skeleton Coast/Dunes) from Swakopmund - Namibia Forum Review a place you’ve visited JOIN Which Namibia hotels are on sale? dd/mm/yyyy dd/mm/yyyy Scenic flight (Skeleton Coast/Dunes) from Swakopmund 27 July 2011, 07:15 After yet more advice! We would like to do a scenic flight from Swakopmund, mainly to see the Skeleton coast, but it would be a bonus to see the Sossusvlei dunes as well.

I've read various posts on here and looked on the recommended operators' websites, but I'm confused about these triangular flights which seem to take in both sights. I thought the Skeleton coast was north of Swakopmund, but the flight routes only seem to go south. Which route should I be looking for to see the best all-round combination of scenery? Many thanks! Travellers interested in this topic also viewed... Show Prices 1. Re: Scenic flight (Skeleton Coast/Dunes) from Swakopmund 27 July 2011, 07:43 Technically speaking the Skeleton Coast is from Swakop north to the Kunene River. The triangular flights you mention take in Sossusvlei and Deadvlei and then come back over Conception Bay where you will see the shipwrecks of the Shaunee and Edoard Bohlen. It is a good trip if you want to see the dunes from the air and also the desolation of the coast.

Most companies also do a Skeleton Coast trip which goes north from Swakop over the coast, you will see some shipwrecks and the Cape Cross seals and they usually come back over Brandberg, but these trips don't include Sossusvlei. Hope that makes thins a bit clearer! Gemma Dry - Owner - Discover Namibia Safaris One attraction mentioned in this post 2. Re: Scenic flight (Skeleton Coast/Dunes) from Swakopmund 27 July 2011, 07:48 I'm not aware that there is a defined area called the "Skeleton coast". I thought (and I could well be wrong having never looked into this) that the whole coastline was generally dangerous to early explorers and shipping because it had no harbours and frequent fogs. Plus, when ships did run aground, survivors often perished because the coastal area is so inhospitable. Hence many skeletons of people, whales and ships. I have been on two flights - one, south-east to Sossusvlei, then west across the sand dunes and abandoned diamonds mines, to the coast and then north along the coast of giant sand dunes.

The other was similar except it was northeast from Swak., back to the coast and then south. (Just about) All the dunes are south of Swakopmund. North is gravel plain. I didn't think the first flight could be bettered, but the second has amazing scenery as well, although the coast is less interesting. If you want dunes, go south. You will see shipwrecks, too. I don't think you will be disappointed. Report inappropriate content

Question: What nickname is applied to the Western coast of Namibia, home to many shipwrecks?
Answer: The Skeleton Coast