The skeleton coast is known for being an area that is not particularly hospitable and welcoming. This is due to the fact that the desert stretches for tens of kilometers, and the sea is difficult to approach as a result of the strong waves caused by the Benguela current. Because of this, the coast was named by the bushmen as ‘the land that God made in anger’ and named by the Portuguese ‘the sands of hell’ (as Areais do Iferno). Its present name originates from the countless wrecks stranded along the coast.
However, for those who want to get off the beaten track, the Skeleton Coast is the most remote part of Namibia, with only a few visitors that allow you to experience some of Namibia’s most dramatic landscapes. For you to be among the few visitors that will be given access to the Skeleton Coast, you have to obtain special permits in advance and can go into the natural park only on well-equipped 4×4 vehicles.
A visit to the Swakopmund and the Skeleton Coast provides the opportunity to explore Namibia’s most fascinating coastlines. It also offers various activities and adventures to try out in order for your experience to be unforgettable. Exploring the Skeleton Coast with a 4×4 and Light Aircraft is surely one of the best activities to try out at Skeleton Coast in Namibia.
Under this activity, there are numerous available options to choose from. You can choose to travel with a 4×4 vehicle to explore the southern area of the park, but you can only travel as far as Terrace Bay. You can visit the shipwrecks, ancient river canyons, salt pans, clay castles, roaring dunes, as well as rock engravings. During this trip, a variety of species in the Namib Desert, such as animals, birds, and marine creatures, can be seen.
An exclusive fly-in exclusion will have to be taken for those who might want to get to the remote Northern Interior. It combines aspects from the southern and northern sections of Skeleton Coast Park.
You can also explore the ancient Ugab and Huab riverbeds by walking carefully on the gravel plains and stopping off at the shipwrecks route. Animals that may be seen in the Skeleton Coast, Namibia, include many coastal bird species, Black-Backed Jackal, Cape Fur Seals, and Brown Hyena. The driving distances are vast, so if you intend to leave the park before sunset, then day trips should be properly planned.
You can also fly over the ship graveyard on the skeletal coast of Namibia. Flying over the magnificent skeletal coast unveils the magnitude of the coastline and the many shipwrecks and animal bones littering the sands. For years, this Atlantic coast has been subject to violent storms and thick fogs, causing a nightmare for passing ships over the years. Many survivors from a wreck are claimed to have been killed by the razor-sharp rocks and rough surf of the Skeleton Coast.
Top attractions to visit on a Skeleton Coast tour by 4×4 and light aircraft
One of the top attractions is the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, which is home to a colony of over 100,000 Cape fur seals. Visitors can watch the seals bask in the sun, feed their young, and play in the water. Another must-see attraction is the shipwreck-strewn coastline, where rusting hulks of vessels that ran aground on the treacherous shores are scattered along the beach. These eerie relics of maritime history are a photographer’s dream.
The Skeleton Coast is also home to diverse wildlife, including desert-adapted elephants, lions, cheetahs, and giraffes. A 4×4 tour allows visitors to track these animals in their natural habitat, observe their behavior, and learn about their adaptations to harsh environments.
Finally, a light aircraft flight over the Skeleton Coast offers a bird’s-eye view of the region’s stark beauty, from the rugged coastline to the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei. The aerial perspective allows visitors to appreciate the vastness and emptiness of the landscape and to marvel at the intricate patterns formed by the wind and the sand.
Overall, the Skeleton Coast offers a unique blend of natural and cultural attractions, and touring the region by 4×4 and light aircraft is the best way to experience all that this rugged and remote destination has to offer.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time of year to visit the Skeleton Coast by 4×4 and light aircraft?
A: The best time to visit the Skeleton Coast is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. The weather is cooler, and there is less chance of rain, making it easier to navigate the rugged terrain.
Q: Are there age restrictions for the 4×4 and light aircraft tours?
A: Most tour operators have age restrictions for their tours, and children under a certain age may not be allowed to participate. It is best to check with your tour operator beforehand.
Q: What should I pack for a Skeleton Coast tour by 4×4 and light aircraft?
A: Pack comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes for the 4×4 tour, and bring a camera, binoculars, and sunscreen. For the light aircraft tour, pack light and avoid bringing any heavy or bulky items.
Q: Is it safe to travel to the Skeleton Coast by 4×4 and light aircraft?
A: Yes, it is generally safe to travel to the Skeleton Coast with a reputable tour operator. However, visitors should be aware of the risks associated with traveling in a remote and rugged environment and should follow the safety guidelines provided by their tour operator.
Q: Can I see desert-adapted wildlife on the Skeleton Coast tour?
A: Yes, visitors may have the opportunity to see desert-adapted wildlife, such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, on a 4×4 tour of the Skeleton Coast.
Q: How long do the tours of the this Coast typically last?
A: Tour lengths vary depending on the tour operator and itinerary, but most tours range from 2-7 days.
Q: Can I book a private tour of the Skeleton Coast by 4×4 and light aircraft?
A: Yes, many tour operators offer private tours of the Skeleton Coast that can be customized to your specific interests and needs. However, private tours may be more expensive than group tours.
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