Skeleton Coast National Park Namibia flag

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Starting from

$500PP

Overview

Skeleton Coast National Park is a unique and rugged wilderness located in Namibia, renowned for its hauntingly beautiful and desolate landscapes. Stretching along the country's northwest coast, the park encompasses both the harsh Namib Desert and the tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, creating a striking contrast of dunes and rocky shores. The park's eerie name derives from the numerous shipwrecks that dot the coastline, adding to its mystique. Despite its harsh environment, Skeleton Coast is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, adapted to survive in this challenging ecosystem.

High Season
June to September and January to February
Best Time to Go
Year-round destination with seasonal variations

Pros & Cons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Beautiful and diverse scenery
  • Professional guided safaris
  • Unique ecosystem and biodiversity
  • Can be crowded during peak season
  • Weather dependent activities

Map in Namibia

Skeleton Coast National Park map

Wildlife & Animals

The wildlife in Skeleton Coast National Park is both diverse and adapted to the harsh desert and coastal environments. One of the most notable species is the desert-adapted elephant, which has developed unique survival strategies to cope with arid conditions. These elephants can travel long distances in search of water and food, and their population in the park is one of the few remaining in Africa.

In addition to the desert-adapted elephants, other prominent wildlife includes desert lions and black rhinos. The lions have adapted to living in the desert, preying on the park's various ungulate species, such as springbok and oryx. The black rhinos, another critically endangered species, are also found in the park, where efforts are made to protect and conserve their population.

Wildlife Highlights

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Birds

Birdlife is abundant in the coastal regions of the park, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The park is home to various species of cormorants, flamingos, pelicans, and other seabirds, which thrive in the marine ecosystem. The diverse coastal environment provides ample feeding opportunities for these avian species, making it a crucial habitat for many migratory and resident birds.

Best Time for Birding

Birding is usually best during the Wet season when migratory species are present.

Best Time to Visit – Skeleton Coast National Park

High Season
Varies by park and activity
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Skeleton Coast National Park.

No FAQs available for this park yet.

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