Namibia's Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast stretches 500 kilometers along Namibia's Atlantic coastline, where the ancient Namib Desert meets cold ocean currents. This harsh but hauntingly beautiful landscape earned its name from whale bones and shipwrecks scattered along the shore. Despite its forbidding appearance, the area supports specially adapted wildlife in one of the world's most pristine coastal wildernesses. Desert-adapted elephants, lions, and rhinos survive in this arid landscape, while the coast supports massive Cape fur seal colonies numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Brown hyenas patrol the beaches, and rare desert-dwelling animals like the Hartmann's mountain zebra thrive. The cold Benguela Current brings rich marine life, supporting diverse seabirds and marine mammals. Conservation protects this unique ecosystem through Skeleton Coast National Park and private concessions. Strictly limited tourism ensures minimal environmental impact while providing sustainable income. Local Himba communities maintain traditional lifestyles while benefiting from conservation initiatives. The region demonstrates successful conservation in extreme environments.

Water Features

Atlantic Ocean, seasonal rivers

Ecosystem

This destination features a desert ecosystem.