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woods950
US
Visited:
July 2008
Reviewed: Aug 15, 2011
20-35 years of age
Truly unique destination that can only be considered, 'mars-like'
Our trip originated out of swakupmond with a brief visit to Walvis Bay to enjoy the dolphin and oyster cruise (highly recommend if you like oysters and champagne.) We climbed the dunes on foot which was shortly followed by a trip on ATVs. Both exciting in their own right as I've never experienced dunes of that size and that expansive.
We headed north from swakupmond to drive up the skeleton coast on our way to Etosha. We stopped by the Cape Cross seal colony, which was amazing. Definitely make this stop.
One note, this is definitely a trip where the site really is that there isn't much to see. It's so barren a landscape that you're amazed that people live near or around this area. You feel like you're on another planet. As such, make sure you have the right car and spare tires. Set the pressure in your tires correctly. Bring water and food as well; just in case.
Our whole trip was a self-drive and organized by a 3rd party agency.
Sallyrango
Thousands of Cape Fur seals, beautiful coastline and completely deserted
Sidney Crain
US
Visited:
November 2013
Reviewed: May 20, 2014
Email Sidney Crain | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Unique landscape, wildlife and native peoples.
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the country was known as Southwest Africa. We drove to The Cape Cross Seal Colony on the Skeleton Coast were huge numbers of seals could be seen birthing their pups. Many still had their placentas attached! We then flew to Damaraland to see Desert Elephants and other wildlife unique to that very arid land. The lodge again was remarkable and comfortable. A visit to the local boarding school was enjoyable. We then flew to Etosha national Park which is the size of Swizerland!. The lodge had a watering hole outside the fence and a wide range of wildlife came in to drink. Black Rhinos came in at night. White rhinos are also in the park. Game walks were included with rifle armed guides to protect against prides of lions in the area.If anybody would like to use OAT they have a online video of the Nambian tour on www.OatTravel.com. I would recommend this country for touring as it is unique in landscape, wildlife and local tribes.
Sidney Crain
Eric de Milliano
NL
Visited:
May 2024
Reviewed: Jun 4, 2024
Email Eric de Milliano | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
I had somehow expected a bit more of the skeleton coast. It’s special but maybe not for a whole day of driving
Danie
AU
Visited:
September 2013
Reviewed: Jun 1, 2014
50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Endless Scenic Skeleton Coas.
But, this one is exceptional.
Depending on the weather... this can be one of the most awesome photographic experiences you have ever had. Where else can you see a desert with massive sand dunes slipping into the endless deep blue ocean while the sun is setting over the ocean. The shadows cast by the dunes, eery early morning fog and late afternoon colours are such that you just don't know when to stop photographing the scenery in any direction.
This is a National Park and you cannot enter the area on your own without a permit.
Being a desert, here is not much wildlife. But you will see Gemsbok (Oryx) and probably some elephant on your way there.
There are some excellent tour operators in Namibia that can take you anywhere and also give you some interesting stories about the history of the area while you are driving.
The
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best way to see the area is by one of 3 ways.1) Join a self drive tag along 4x4 safari tour operator. For this you would have to a rent a 4x4 vehicle. There are a few companies renting out very well equipped 4x4 vehicles in Namibia. For us this is the most exciting option. Or, if you have your own vehicle, it's even better. Just join the group.
2) Book with a safari operator that has larger 4x4 vehicles that can accommodate larger groups of people. Here you would be a passenger and don't have to do any driving yourself. Just enjoy the ride and scenery, use your camera and relax.
3) If time is a limiting factor, then you can fly over the desert. There are a few companies that would take you on either day trips or fly you between different lodges in the area.
With the first 2 options you have the choice of doing the camping thing or staying overnight in luxury lodges.
We ourselves like to go camping and then spend the last night in a luxury lodge, to spoil ourselves and get rid of all the dust and dirt.
Whichever option you choose, the Skeleton Coast is an experience you cannot afford not to do. It is stunning.
The Namibian people are very friendly. Most of the safari operators speak English, German and Afrikaans. (Afrikaans is very similar to Flemish).
Go an enjoy it!