Skeleton Coast National Park Safaris

Experience the true wilderness of the planet at the Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia. This 16,390 km² park features a desolate but mesmerizing coastline, towering dunes, and vast gravel plains. Spot shipwrecks scattered along the beaches, as thick fog from the icy Benguela ocean current collides with the African sun. The fog is a crucial water source for many desert inhabitants, and succulent plants offer water for wildlife.

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More About the Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast in Namibia is an exciting and unique destination for safari-goers due to its rugged and remote landscape, rich wildlife, and fascinating history. This stretch of coastline is named after the countless shipwrecks that have occurred here over the centuries, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the area.

With luxury lodges and desert-adapted wildlife, this is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Embark on a tailor-made Skeleton Coast holiday and enjoy exciting and unique activities such as game drives and wildlife viewing. Discover the last areas of true wilderness on the planet and witness one of the most stunning ecosystems with its other-worldly landscapes.

Activities on the Skeleton Coast

Unlike other safaris, the Skeleton Coast offers sightings of desert-adapted wildlife like elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, kudus, hyenas, jackals, and sometimes even lions. These iconic species can't be found in such unusual settings anywhere else in Africa, making sightings unique and incredibly interesting.

You can arrange a 4x4 game drive through your accommodation or experience a self-drive safari in a hired vehicle. Nature walks are also a fantastic way to experience a holiday on the Skeleton Coast, providing an opportunity to see small desert lifeforms like lizards and desert plants that are often missed on a 4x4 safari. Imagine the thrill of seeing an elephant while out on foot!

In addition to wildlife viewing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the Skeleton Coast National Park. Marvel at the ghostly remains of former vessels protruding dramatically from the sandy shores, visit huge colonies of Cape fur seals, and explore the otherworldly rock formations that rise starkly from the desert floor. For adventure seekers, fishing, sandboarding, and desert quad-biking excursions are available from some lodges.

If you want a bird's-eye view of the incredible landscapes, scenic flights over the Skeleton Coast National Park depart from Swakopmund and fly over the Moon Landscape as well as the Swakop, Kuiseb, and Khan rivers. Wildlife can also be seen from above during flights.

Self-driving holidays in the Skeleton Coast National Park are possible and easy to arrange. Contact us to discuss which of the Skeleton Coast accommodation options best suits the experience you are after.

Best Time to Visit

Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. While the area can be visited throughout the year, the best time to explore its unique beauty is during the warmer months from October to March. During this period, the skies are clearer, and there is much less fog than in the cold winter months, making it an ideal time to enjoy scenic flights and take in the park's stunning landscapes.

The months of May through October are also great for a trip to Skeleton Coast National Park, as the cooler temperatures and lush flora provide a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts. However, this is also the busiest time of the year for tourists, so it's important to book accommodations and plan ahead.

If you're visiting one of the more wildlife-rich parks in the area as part of your safari package, the winter months should be considered, as wildlife viewing is less productive during the warmer months. Additionally, December through March can get a bit wet with all the rain, but this is the ideal time to visit for the adventurous traveler. The rains transform the dry desert into green blankets, and the park becomes a gourmet buffet for the wildlife.

The Skeleton Coast is known for its many shipwrecks along the coast, and while it can be notoriously foggy, the summer months are surprisingly warmer, and the rain clears the mist like a drop curtain – making it an ideal time to visit.

Month-by-Month Guide to Weather

Here is a month-by-month guide to the weather in the Skeleton Coast National Park:

January:

This is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It is also one of the wettest months of the year, with occasional thunderstorms and rain.

February:

The weather in February is similar to that of January, with hot temperatures and occasional rainfall.

March:

March marks the end of the rainy season, but some areas of the park may still receive occasional showers. Temperatures start to cool down, with an average high of 28°C.

April:

April is a transitional month, with temperatures starting to drop and the humidity decreasing. The average high temperature is around 25°C.

May:

May is one of the best months to visit the park, with mild temperatures and little rainfall. The average high temperature is around 22°C.

June:

June marks the start of winter in Namibia, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 24°C. It is also one of the driest months of the year.

July:

July is the coldest month of the year, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 21°C. It is also a dry month, with clear skies and minimal rainfall.

August:

August is similar to July in terms of temperature and rainfall. It is a good month for wildlife viewing, as many animals congregate near water sources.

September:

September marks the start of spring in Namibia, with temperatures starting to rise again. It is a dry month with little rainfall.

October:

October is a transitional month, with temperatures increasing and occasional thunderstorms. The average high temperature is around 28°C.

November:

November marks the start of the summer season. Temperatures begin to rise, with daytime temperatures averaging around 75°F (24°C) and nighttime temperatures around 60°F (16°C).

December:

December is the start of the summer season in the Skeleton Coast National Park, and temperatures can get quite hot during the day, with averages around 80°F (27°C). Nighttime temperatures are still relatively mild, averaging around 65°F (18°C). December is also the beginning of the rainy season, with occasional thunderstorms and scattered showers throughout the month.

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