Skeleton Coastal National Park

The Skeleton Coast is a windswept strip of desert covering almost 500km/310mi of Atlantic coast. This spooky park is often shrouded in fog. Its name comes from the numerous shipwrecks lying on the shore. A big draw for visitors is the fascinating Cape fur colonies. The most visited colony being at Cape Cross, located south of the park.

Pros & Cons

Interesting desert coastline environment
Big seal colonies
Off-the-beaten-track wilderness destination
Excellent birding opportunities
Very remote and inaccessible
Low animal densities and little variety

This coastal park is home to a variety of marine wildlife. Cape-fur seals are abundant. The most accessible colony is at Cape Cross, outside the park to the south. Up to 100,000 animals can be seen here at any time. Wooden boardwalks make for easy viewing and vantage points. Be prepared for an overpowering stench and high noise levels.

Wildlife Highlights

It is not unusual to see the otherwise very shy, but handsome, brown hyena trotting along the beach searching for beached seal carcasses. It is also worth looking out into the sea for a glimpse of the rare Heaviside's dolphins. The mouth of the Uniab River attracts some wildlife coming in from Kaokoland, further inland. This includes oryx, springbok and greater kudu.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Skeleton Coast can be visited year-round as the seal colonies are always present and other wildlife is hit-and-miss throughout the year. April and May are the least favorable months, since it tends to be very foggy with cold winds and animals usually take cover. November to April is the summer season – temperatures tend to be higher with less fog.

Wildlife Viewing

There aren’t many dangerous animals in the park, but the river system sometimes attracts safari animals from further inland, such as lion and desert elephant. Caution should always be exercised when getting out of your vehicle. If you are on an organized tour, you should make it a practice to always observe the directives given by your guide. If you’d like additional information, please consult our ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.

Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

• General Travel Safety Precautions

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

• Safety & Security – Namibia

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Namibia

The Skeleton Coast is a rewarding birding destination. Marine birds, as well as wetland birds that inhabit the river deltas, are the specialty here. However, accessibility in the park is limited and most species can be found more easily south of the park. Jaegers and skuas are a common sight around the seal colonies and the gracious Cape gannets can be seen diving into the sea to catch their meal. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

(E) endemic = only lives in Namibia
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Best Time for Bird Watching

Summer (November to April) is an ideal time for a visit to Skeleton Coast with birding in mind. This is when the migratory birds arrive from Europe and northern Africa; thus, many more species can be seen compared to the rest of the year.

Skeleton Coast can be visited throughout the year, but the ideal time is during the warmer months from October to March. These months see a little bit of rain, which keeps the skies clear. Mornings are less foggy and it’s warmer at night than in the winter months. However, wildlife viewing in Etosha NP is a less productive at that time, but this is only relevant if visiting both parks.

Best Timev October to March (Warmer nights and less fog)

High Seasonv July to October (The park gets busy and high-season rates apply in the lodges)

Low Seasonv November to June (Low-season rates may apply)

Best Weatherv October to March (Warmer nights and less fog)

Worst WeathervApril to September (Cold nights and foggy mornings with strong winds)

May to October –Dry Season – Winter

It usually stays cool in the middle of the day (October can be warmer)
There is virtually no rain
It gets a bit chilly in the early morning
It is often windy and misty
Animals tend to seek cover when there is a cold wind

It doesn’t rain much and mornings are less foggy
This is the best time for birding as migrants are present
It can get hot in the middle of the day
If you also plan on visiting Etosha NP, wildlife viewing is more productive there from June to October

The Skeleton Coast is characterized by heavy fog and a desert climate tempered by cold sea breezes. Early mornings tend to be very misty, but this often clears by mid-morning. Aside from the fog, it is mostly sunny and precipitation is low

Dry season–May to October – Winter

This is the coolest time of the year. Rainfall is practically absent. These winter months experience heavy fog and strong westerly winds, coming off the ocean and cooling things down.

May, June, July & August – Mornings tend to be foggy, but it is mostly sunny in the afternoon. There is almost no rain. These are the coolest months and the average afternoon temperature is 21°C/70°F. It is cold in the early morning with temperatures averaging 12°C/54°F.
September & October – It is dry and sunny with early morning fog. This is the end of winter and daytime temperatures average 22°C/72°F, but it can get increasingly hot during the day. Early mornings see temperatures of around 14°C/57°F.

Wet season–November to April – Summer

The Wet season falls in the warmer summer months. The fog and cold sea winds usually prevent searing conditions. Although this is the Wet season, rainfall is very low. Early morning temperatures reach about 17°C/63°F.

November & December – The morning fog and cold sea winds keep average daytime temperatures to a low 24°C/75°F, but they will soar once there is less wind and the sun breaks out. It only rains occasionally.
January, February & March – There is more rainfall during these months, but it’s still quite low. It is mostly dry and sunny. Daytime temperatures average 25°C/77°F, but will be higher when the cold sea winds are less and the fog clears.
April – There is a rapid decrease in precipitation in April. Average afternoon temperatures of around 24°C/75°F are typical.

When entering from the south, the Skeleton Coast National Park is located 200km/124mi from the town of Swakopmund and 485km/300mi from Windhoek.

Most people who want a taste of the Skeleton Coast drive up as close as Cape Cross seal colony, which is about 100km/62mi south of the park entrance.

Self-drive visitors, and most organized tours, start their journey via 4x4 in Windhoek. Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), your point of entry, is located just 40km/25mi east of Windhoek. An alternative is to arrange a trip which reaches different destinations via chartered flight.

It is also possible to drive to the Skeleton Coast from Etosha in the north of the country. The distance is about 620km/385mi and the driving time about eight hours.

Safety

Skeleton Coast National Park is very remote with almost no facilities. In-depth exploration of the park is not recommended for inexperienced self-drive visitors. Driving in convoy of at least two fully-equipped 4x4 vehicles is recommended and an excess of water and fuel should always be carried. A satellite phone can be rented in Windhoek and is a good backup for remote areas.

Skeleton Coast NP is a malaria-free zone, but if you are visiting other destinations in the country where malaria poses a threat, it is recommended to take anti-malarials. It is also important to apply mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective) and wear protective clothing. You will get further information on such topics at your travel clinic, which you should definitely visit before your trip. There are several vaccinations you will need prior to your departure.

Nambia is a very safe, politically stable country. In our opinion, visitors have little cause for concern regarding personal safety. This is especially so when traveling on an organized trip and staying at lodges and camps.

Below are tips on staying safe in Namibia.

Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities

Your safari guide will ensure your safety at all times – listen carefully to instructions and follow the park’s rules at all times. When on a self-drive safari, don’t drive too close to wildlife and only leave your car in designated areas where it is safe to do so. For additional tips:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Staying Safe in Cities and Towns

Namibian cities are relatively safe; most crime issues are minor, such as petty theft and pickpocketing. You will mostly be sheltered from these risks when looked after by your guide on an organized tour. When venturing out in the city unguided, you can easily reduce being at risk by following simple safety precautions: get advice at your hotel before taking a walk in the city; don’t carry any valuables and only take limited money with you; don’t walk after dark, rather take a taxi. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

Other Tips on Staying Safe

Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Namibia and general travel safety precautions.

• Namibia: Malaria & Vaccinations

• General Travel Safety Precautions

Malaria & Vaccinations – Namibia

The information on this page is just a general guide and should not be used to replace a consultation with your travel doctor. The government organizations and travel clinics below are trusted resources for complete and up-to-date info about travelers' health in Namibia.

Malaria Risk

Medium risk in northern Namibia, especially Etosha National Park and the Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip), and low to no risk in the rest of the country. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season from October to May.

Wildlife viewing is generally very safe in our opinion. A professional guide will ensure your safety on a guided safari. Self-drive safaris are safe as well, as long as you treat animals with respect and follow all park rules. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur. Below are some general safety guidelines and tips.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines
Always keep your voice down when close to animals
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out
Don't stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari and back off if the animals seem disturbed
Don’t drive between elephants in a herd, especially females and their young
Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file
Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack
Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked
Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife
Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water
Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume – especially on walking safaris
In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies
Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles

African safaris are generally safe in our opinion. Especially if your visit is primarily an organized tour. Your tour operator and guide will ensure your safety at all times. Self-drive safaris are generally safe as well, but it is recommended to seek advice about the safety of the areas you intend to visit. Below are some general safety tips:

Buy good travel and health insurance
Check the passport and visa requirements for your destination
Get all the required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and insect repellent (those containing DEET are most effective)
Lock all your travel bags and keep all valuables in your hand luggage
Make duplicates of important travel documents or keep copies online
Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the sun, mosquitoes and to stay warm on open vehicle game drives
Check luggage restrictions on all your flights (including domestic flights)
Don't drive at night
Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel
Always be polite and respectful to police officers and military personnel. In the rare instance that you might get asked for a bribe (on a self-drive safari only), a light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.

Travel in Africa is generally safe in our opinion. Especially if on an organized tour or safari. However, as is the case all over the world, there is an increased risk of crime in large cities and urban areas. Visitors on guided activities are mostly shielded from these risks and their guide will ensure their safety. When unguided, normal safety precautions and common sense should keep you safe. Below are some general tips:

Ask at your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area; when new in a place it’s always good to seek local advice on safety issues
Don’t wear jewelry when walking in cities and leave all valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel
Avoid walking alone in a large, unfamiliar city
Don’t walk around at night; take a taxi
Avoid getting engaged with people approaching you in the street
Be careful when drawing money from an ATM; go elsewhere if you suspect people hanging around
Always lock your car doors and close windows when driving in busy towns
Never leave a car unattended with valuables or luggage visible