Skeleton Coast National Park 
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.
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
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Want to Visit Skeleton Coast National Park?
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
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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
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Best Time to Visit – Skeleton Coast National Park
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
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Activities
Explore popular activities available in and around Skeleton Coast National Park.
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No FAQs available for this park yet.