- Address: Cunene, Namibia
- Area: 1684500 ha
- Year of foundation: 1971
- Opening hours: Wed, Fri, Sun from 09: 00-20: 00
Namibia has an unusual national park called the Skeleton Coast National Park or Costa dos Esqueletos. This is a dangerous place for sea vessels, because there are large boulders, there are often strong storms and fogs, and also passes the cold Benguela current. All these factors create conditions for frequent shipwrecks.
general information
Answering the question about where and in which part of the world the Skeleton Coast is located, it should be said that it is located in the South-West side of Africa. The territory of the national park begins on the border with Angola near the river Kunene and stretches for 500 km to the Ugab reservoir, while occupying part of the Namib desert .
The reserve is divided into 2 parts:
- South is a popular tourist area on the West Coast, which everyone can visit. There are often organized fishing camps.
- The northern is a protected area, only organized groups can attend it, accompanied by an experienced guide. Here you must adhere to strict rules and follow all instructions. Spending the night in this part is strictly prohibited.
Historical facts
The Skeleton Coast National Park was established in 1971, its total area is 1 684 500 ha. From the geological point of view, this site is considered one of the oldest on our planet. It consists of rocks older than 1.5 billion years old. The name of the reserve was due to the fact that shipwrecks were often near the coast. Remains of more than 100 ships can be seen throughout the territory. Those people who miraculously escaped in the water and landed on dry land perished from thirst - they found only their skeletons.
What to see in the national park?
If you want to make unusual photos of Namibia, then go to the Skeleton Coast. This is a world famous landmark . It attracts visitors to various objects and places, the most popular of which are:
- hulls of ships , for example, Atlantic Pride, it is located on the shore of Torra Bay;
- an abandoned oil rig for oil , located near the small river Guab, where today thousands of Cape cormorants live;
- The only waterfall of the desert , which is in a small canyon and stands out vividly against the background of yellow sand;
- The roaring dunes of Terrace Bay are a unique natural monument located on the coast of the Goarushib River.
In these places you can hear sounds similar to those produced by the engine of an airplane, and ride on a board from the top of the sandy mountains. In the reserve come tourists who want to find a treasure trove of pirates. Especially carefully trying to find a treasure chest Kidd.
Inhabitants of the Skeleton Coast
A large number of fish living in the coastal waters attract many South African eared seals (fur seals). Their number reaches 10 thousand. Here you can also find:
- hyena;
- jackals;
- lions;
- rhinoceros;
- elephants;
- zebras;
- antelopes.
They inhabit the oases and coasts of rivers. Especially there are a lot of mosquitoes in these places, so take repellents with you.
Features of visit
In the southern part of the Skeleton Coast there are places for camping and guest houses. They are 2-storey cottages and work only on holidays. When you are going to spend the night in a park, take with you supplies of food and drinking water. In winter, excursions to the park must be booked in advance, as well as a permit for deep-sea fishing.
How to get there?
You can reach the Skeleton Coast by sea or by car in the desert. The nearest airport is in Windhoek . From it to the reserve there are buses of companies Ekonolux and Intercape. The entrance to the park begins at the gate Springbokwasser, which are located on the road D2302 (C39).