“The Land God Made in Anger” is remote, and for the most part, untouched by humans. Spanning over 16 000 km2, it runs from the Ugab River to the Kunene River and is the sixth largest protected area in the world.
Inhospitable, desolate and hostile, it appears at first glance to be devoid of life. But within this desert live an abundance of African wildlife that is sustained by freshwater springs. Desert lions, brown hyenas, giraffe, cape fur seal, rhino, desert-adapted elephants, zebra and antelope, including Oryx and kudus roam the barren terrain. The endless dry landscape is interspersed with iconic welwitschia, Nara melon, pencil bush and lithops succulent plants.
Despite the harsh environment, the northern part of Namibia is also home to the Himba people. Statuesque, dignified and rather crowd-shy, this indigenous tribe live as they have lived for hundreds of years.
Deriving its name from the skeletal remains of whales, seals and shipwrecks, this unique nature reserve is broadly divided into two parts; the freely accessible southern part, and the northern region, which can only be accessed via qualified, concession-holding tour operators.
Light, airy and often partly open to the elements, accommodation can be found in luxury tented camps, luxury lodges and luxury eco-lodges. Rising out of the sand like a mirage, these lodgings are an oasis of serenity and solitude.
Limited to only 800 visitors per year, visitors to the Skeleton Coast park can be assured of a tranquil, fascinating, and dare we say, life-changing experience.
