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Best 5 Top Accommodations In Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is a National Park in the Northwestern part of Atlantic coast of Namibia that stretches from the Kunene River to the Swakop River with the Best 5 Top Accommodations as Shipwreck lodge, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Cape Cross Lodge, Terrace Bay Resort, Mile 108 Campsite.
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Shipwreck Lodge In Skeleton Coast
Shipwreck lodge in Skeleton Coast is a luxury hotel and one of the best 5 top accommodations in Skeleton Coast located between the Hoarusib and Hoanib River in Skeleton Coast National Park, offering guests an immersive experience in the heart of the desert as they explore the mysteries of the coastline. The lodge features stylish chalets designed to resemble shipwrecks, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
It offers eight double rooms and two family tents with solar power, contemporary lounge, bar and restaurant with an incredibly wraparound deck offering spectacular sweeping views across the ocean.
Shipwreck lodge is open throughout the year with different season i.e. green season that starts from 11th January to 13th March, shoulder season beginning from 1st April to 30th June and then 1st November to 10th January
The easiest way to reach Shipwreck lodge is to fly either from Windhoek or Swakopmund to Mӧwe Bay via light aircraft where one arranges a private transfer to the lodge which is 45 kilometers away.
Highlighting the activities and experiences available, one can go for guided tours, wildlife safaris, cultural excursions, water sports, and hiking trails.
2. Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
The luxury tented and solar powered accommodation in the Hoanib valley is situated in the Northern parts of the exclusive Palmwag stretching from the Palmwag concession to the renowned Skeleton Coast National Park.
The Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a true desert oasis in a land that seems uninhabitable with their open design and color palette reflecting the surrounding desert and it’s only accessible by a light aircraft transfer from Doro Nawas in Damaraland, Namibia.
It features eight luxurious tented suites each elegantly designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The suites offer panoramic view of the desert landscape and provide all comforts of a five star retreats from plush bedding and en-suite bathrooms to private verandas and outdoor showers.
The camp mainly serves as a central hub for relaxation and socializing, featuring a comfortable lounge, bar and dining area with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. Guests can unwind by the fireplace with a refreshing drink or meal prepared by the camp’s talented chefs, all this making it one of the top 5 accommodations in Skeleton Coast.
The Coast camp offers a variety of activities like nature drives to search desert adapted wildlife like desert lions, giraffes, desert safaris, cultural encounters, scenic flights, exploring the ancient river valleys and towering dunes.
3. Cape Cross Lodge In Skeleton Coast
Cape Cross Lodge in Skeleton Coast is a mid-range hotel presenting a unique and serene stop for travelers along this vast untamed and rarely explored wilderness on the Skeleton coast.
The lodge has eighteen sea view standard suites and two sea view semi-suites. All bathrooms are en-suits with the first floor balconies offering a private space for one to view the scenery and the ground floor balconies providing direct access to the beach.
The restaurant in the lodge offers indoor or alfresco dinning on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, an extensive Ala carte menu consisting of large array of fresh seafood, game, meats and salads as well as a breakfast buffet served around open flame fires.
Cape Cross lodge offers a variety of activities and experiences for guests to enjoy, ranging from leisurely walks along the beach to guided excursions to nearby attractions. It also offers a comfortable lounge area where guests relax, unwind and socialize with panoramic views of the ocean hence it appearing in one of the top 5 accommodations in Skeleton Coast.
4. Terrace Bay Resort In Skeleton Coast
Terrace Bay in Skeleton Coast is an angler’s paradise mid-range hotel offering an exceptional coastal experience inside the famous Skeleton Coast Park in Northwest Namibia. The resort is located along the peaceful spot at Namibia’s northern coastline surrounded by the majestic dunes of the desert.
The resort has two beach chalets amidst the dunes and twenty double rooms with comfort, convenience and providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration along the coast. The main lodge serves as a central hub for relation and socialization, featuring a restaurant, bar, kiosk and lounge area with sweeping views of the ocean.
It as well offers a variety of activities and experience for the guests to enjoy from leisurely walks along the beach to adrenaline-pumping fishing excursions in the Atlantic Ocean which are highlights during a safari..
5. Mile 108 Campsite
Mile 108 Campsite is a mid-range accommodation located 108km north of Swakopmund and occupies a prime spot along the Skeleton Coast offering an idyllic escape for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast.
It offers a range of camping facilities to suite every traveler’s needs from spacious tent sites to fully equipped self-catering chalets with en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, and private verandas overlooking the ocean.
The campsite also offers a variety of activities and experiences both on land and sea for example guided hikes, self-guided walks, marveling at the beautiful flora and fauna, boat trips, and fishing excursions arranged to explore the rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean, home of seals, dolphins, and a variety of sea birds.
Other Accommodations In Skeleton Coast
besides the top 5 accommodations in Skeleton Coast, their are other accommodations in Skeleton Coast and they include the following:
- Torra Bay Campsite
Torra Bay Campsite is a mid-range accommodation located within the Skeleton Coast Park on the Atlantic coast. It is famous in the angling circle due to the variety and quantity of fish that come down the Atlantic current. Torra Bay is only open in December and January due to its remote location and the challenging environmental conditions of the area, these months coincide with the Namibian summer which generally brings warmer temperatures and more favorable weather conditions making it safer and more accessible for visitors.
Other activities done at Torra Bay include bird watching, photography, relaxation, nature walks and walking along the beach with facilities and amenities like shops, filling station and ablution facilities, campsites and barbecue.
- Puros Campsite
Puros Campsite is a mid-range accommodation located in the northern part of Skeleton Coast National Park near Hoarusib River in Namibia known for its stunning desert landscapes and unique wildlife including desert adopted elephants, giraffes, lions and various species of birds. Puros is a great base for exploring the park’s rugged beauty and observing its diverse ecosystem.
It is a remote and wilderness camping experience providing a rustic atmosphere allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of the park. Because of its remoteness visitors should be well-prepared with ample water, food, and supplies as there are no shops or facilities nearby. As well, it’s essential to have a sturdy 4*4 vehicle for accessing the campsite as the road can be so rough and challenging. The campsite is also a starting point for guided tours and excursions into the surrounding desert.
- Sorris Sorris Lodge
Sorris is a luxury accommodation located on a hill near the southern boundary of Skeleton Coast National Park facing towards the Ugad River where the desert elephants migrate. It’s easier to get their by helicopter because the road is extremely bumpy, containing stretches of sand as well as a river fording. The rooms are very nice, bright and modern and guests can enjoy activities such as game drives, guided nature walks, guided tours to the Brandberg massif, hot air balloon and cultural experience.
How To Get To Skeleton Coast National park
From Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH), one can access the point of entry of the park that is about 40km east of Windhoek that is over 8hours using a self-driven means or an organized travel tours.
As well, one can access the park from the south that is 200km from the town of Swakopmund hence the drive taking over 3 to 4hours.
It is as well possible to access the park by driving from Etosha in the North of the country of which the distance is about 620km and the driving time is 8hours.
Best Time To Visit The Park
Between July and August is the best time to visit Skeleton Coast National Park because the chances of rain is totally low and the temperatures are pleasant averaging to 21C.However during this time the season is dry hence making the wildlife congregates around water sources high and thus making it better for game viewing.
Additionally, the skies are clear, making it ideal for photography and enjoying the stunning landscape. With this stunning landscape, I advise travelers to visit Skeleton Coast during this period of time.
Animals In Skeleton Coast National Park
- Desert Elephants
Desert elephants are a unique subspecies of African elephants found in the Namibia and Sahara deserts. They are not a genetically distinct species but have made their home in the Namib Desert in Namibia, Africa and have adapted to the extreme temperatures and terrain making them a fascinating and resilient species. They have longer legs and larger feet than other elephants to traverse sandy terrain as well as relying on water sources that are scarce, their structure and behavior are similar to other African Elephants
2. Desert –adopted Giraffes
The daily movement of these desert-adopted giraffes exceeds that of other giraffes in more temperate climates as they survival strategy requires them to constantly search for moisture and nutrient-rich seasonal food in the park. They are also called the Giraffa Camelopardalis.
3. Desert-adapted Black Rhinos
Desert-adapted black rhinos are subspecies of black rhinoceros that have evolved to survive in arid environments including deserts and semi deserts. They have unique physiological and behavioral adaptations that enable them to thrive in these harsh conditions for example ability to obtain moisture from plants with high water content and to withstand long periods without drinking water.
4. Desert Lions
Skeleton coast is also a home to unique population of desert-adopted lions, they have adopted to survive in arid environment with sparse vegetation and limited water sources hence playing a significant role in Namibia’s ecosystems and are an iconic symbol of the country’s wildlife.
Activities In Skeleton Coast.
- Scenic Drives
The park’s scenic drive is a 00km route that takes the guest along the coast from Ugab River to the Hoanib River
These drives offer a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastline and the desert landscape, making a tourist to keep their eyes out for the unique geological formations including the clay castles and the organ pipes.
The dive can be done on a 4*4 vehicles and it is recommended to drive slowly and carefully due to the rough terrain. Additionally there are several viewpoints and picnic spots along the way where guests can stop and take in the views while enjoying their snacks.
2. Shipwreck Exploration
The coastline, marked by treacherous current and dense fogs, has claimed numerous vessels over the years with the most famous Shipwreck as the Skeleton Coast Shipwreck. However, there are more than a thousand vessels of various sizes littered at the coast.
When exploring the guests must be sure to respect the sites and any remaining artifacts and make sure not to disturb the surrounding environment.
3. Fishing Adventures
The teeming waters of the Atlantic ocean with marine life offer anglers a unique opportunity for fishing adventures. The fishing here is essential to practice catch and release fishing to help conserve the marine life.
Some of the fish caught include galleon, kob and shark at several fishing spots along the coast including the Ugab River mouth, the Hoanib River mouth and the rocky shores around the shipwreck
4. Desert Adapted Wildlife Safari
This is a unique and fascinating experience offering a chance to explore the park’s incredible desert landscape and spot the remarkable wildlife that has adopted to this harsh environment
Skeleton coast national park is a home to a surprising array of desert adopted wildlife for example the elephants, lions, giraffes, gemsbok and springbok all navigating the harsh terrain with an almost surreal elegance.
Other Tourism Destinations In Namibia
- Etosha National Park.
Etosha National park is one of Africa’s most iconic destination located in North-western Namibia, and about a 4 hours drive from Windhoek. One can access the park using one of the 4 gates that is Anderson gate in the south close to Okaukuejo, Von Lindequist gate from the east past Tsumeb, Nehale lya Mpingana gate in the north on the edge of Adoni Plain and Galton gate reached via Outjo and Kamanjab in the south west.
Etosha means Great White Place and is a home to an immense salt pan that is visible in space, it is also the stomping ground of a great variety of fascinating lifeforms. Flamingos flock here during the rainy season in thousands, the waters of the rainy season can be twice as salty as seawater. There are no hippos, buffalos or crocodiles and only one species of fish is found in the park.
2. Swakopmund.
Swakopmund is a German name meaning “Mouth of the Swakop.” It is a popular beach resort on the coast of western Namibia, 352km west of the Namibian capital. The town is the fourth largest population center in Namibia denoted by 19th century Germany colonial architectures with buildings like Altes Gefangnis, a prison designed by Heinrich Bause in 1909 and Woermannhaus, built in 1906 with a prominent tower.
There are activities like quad biking, camel rides, sky diving, paragliding and desert day trips here.
3. Fish River Canyon
The Fish River Canyon is located in the south of Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa as well as the second most visited tourist attraction in Namibia. The fish river is the longest interior river in Namibia usually flooding in late summer and for the rest of the year, it becomes a chain of long narrow pools.
There are activities like hiking (Fish River Canyon hiking trail is one of the more popular hiking trails in South Africa), scenic drive, photography, bird watching, cultural visits, nature walks, sunset/sunrise viewing. Due to flooding and extremely hot summer temperatures reaching 48⁰C during day and 30⁰C at night, permits to hike are only issued between 1st May and 15th September.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Skeleton Coat famous?
The coast is littered with the remnants of countless shipwrecks especially the Dunedin Star and a variety of Skeletons of both animals and very now and again human due to the loss of thousands of souls.
How much is entry to Skeleton Coast National Park?
The entrance fee for Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia are N$20 per adult, N$1 per child and N$20 per car. However, these prices keep changing and therefore to get the most accurate price, visit the website of Skeleton Coast.
Why are there so many Shipwrecks in Namibia?
The coast is known for its treacherous conditions including dense fog, strong ocean currents and shifting sand dunes along with the unpredictable weather patterns make the coastline extremely dangerous for the sailing ships.
How do I get to Skeleton Coast?
Self-drive visitors start their journey with a 4×4 in Windhoek (Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)), from there one can head east to the point of entry located just 40Km/25mins from Windhoek.
What animals are in Skeleton Coast?
Skeleton coast is known for its diverse wildlife despite its harsh and rugged terrain. Some of the animals one can encounter include the desert adopted lions, black rhinos, elephants, giraffes at the river courses. As well there are springboks, ostriches and gemsbok in the plains.
How safe is Namibia for tourists?
Namibia is generally considered a safe destination for tourists with petty crimes like pickpocketing, purse snatching and these can be over come by taking common precautions to ensure safety like being aware of your surroundings, avoiding displaying valuable items openly, and following any local guidelines or advice from authorities.
What time is convenient to visit Skeleton coast?
The best time to visit the coast is between July and August because during this time the chance of rain is low and the temperatures are pleasant averaging 21⁰C.
Conclusion
For an exceptional experience for travelers seeking accommodations in Skeleton Coast National Park, please contact Kubwa 5 Safaris because the lodging options provided not only showcase luxurious amenities but also immerse guests in the pristine beauty and unique environment of the park. From exclusive tented camps to well-appointed lodges, each accommodation choice ensures comfort and relaxation after a day of exploration in one of Namibia’s most captivating destinations. With commitment to providing top-notch service and memorable experiences, Kubwa 5 Safaris elevates the stay of visitors in Skeleton Coast National Park making it an unforgettable journey into the heart of Namibia’s wilderness.