Skeleton Coast

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Overview

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 seal colonies. The most visited colony being at Cape Cross, located south of the park. The Skeleton Coast is not a prime wildlife destination. Most people visiting this area stop prior to reaching the national park at Cape Cross seal colony. Similar, less accessible colonies can be found inside the park, including a huge colony at Cape Fria further north. They attract scavengers like brown hyena and black-backed jackals. Other marine wildlife includes Heaviside's dolphin and green turtle.

Skeleton Coast Travel Seasons

Scenery : The park protects a narrow strip of barren desert coast. The conflict of temperatures where the sea meets the desert creates a layer of almost permanent fog, which makes the scenery even more mysterious. The fog gives life to more than 100 different species of lichen, which reveal a mosaic of colors and shapes when looked at closely.
Weather & Climate : The Skeleton Coast is subject to a dry winter (May to October), with minimal rainfall. The winter months are also characterized by cool winds blowing in from the west, and heavy fog, particularly in the morning. Summer (November to April) sees a continuation of the fog, though it diminishes slightly. There’s also increasing rainfall and warmer temperatures.