- Address: Cape cross, Namibia (120 km from Swakopmund)
- Opening hours: 08:00 - 17:00 (from November 16 to June 30), 10:00 - 17:00 (from July 1 to November 15)
Namibia attracts travelers with its unique nature and historical places. One of the most popular attractions in the country is the reserve Cape Cross (eng), Kaap Kruis (Afrik), Kreuzkap (it) or abbreviated Krace.
What is the nature reserve famous for?
Cape Cross is on the south-western coast of Namibia, on the Cape Cape. The distance from the southernmost tip of the continent to the sights is more than 1600 km. Here in 1485 (the Age of Great geographical discoveries) the Portuguese expedition of Diogu Cana landed.
The captain mistakenly took Cape Cape Point for the southern point of Africa. The researcher set a memorable pillar of stone at the highest mark of the coast, in the form of a cross, called padran. This meant that this territory now belongs to Portugal.
The obelisk was here for 408 years. Then he was discovered by the colonialists and sent back to his homeland, and on the coast an exact copy of the padran was installed. By the way, the name of the area Cape Cross went on behalf of the monument, which translates as "Cape of the Cross."
What else to see in Cape Cross?
The main feature of the reserve is the rookery of Cape fur seals located here. They are considered to be the largest representatives of eared seals.
This is one of the largest colonies on our planet, which is famous throughout the world. The bodies of animals sparkle in the sun, they cover the rocks and the coast of the reserve, and everywhere there is a roar and a squeal of seals. Annually about 100 thousand pinnipeds gather on the cape. Here, tourists can see:
- as adult males are fighting for a better place or for females;
- as small fur seals play with each other;
- how the females feed their babies;
- as young learn to swim and fish.
During the mating season (November to December) males surround themselves with a large harem and arrange ritual games. This period is the most interesting to visit. At this time, various scientists and researchers come here who monitor the behavior of pinnipeds, as well as photographers and filmmakers.
Features of visit
Every year, up to 30,000 babies are born in Cape Cross. On them and on adults, but sick seals attack hyenas and jackals. The conditions of the reserve are as close to natural as possible, so no carcass removes the carcasses of dead animals. Therefore, on the cape is a specific smell, which is absorbed into the clothes and skin of visitors. Tourists need to be prepared for this factor. The cost of admission is about $ 4.5. The Cape Cross Reserve is open every day:
- from the middle of November until the end of June - from 08:00 to 17:00;
- from July 1 until November 15 - from 10:00 to 17:00.
How to get there?
The nearest town is Swakopmund . From it to the cape can be reached by car on the road C34. At the entrance there is an index. The distance is about 120 km.