Cape Cross Seal Reserve
The Cape Cross Seal Reserve hosts the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape fur seals. This headland situated along the coast of Namib is spread about 23 square miles consisting of flat gravel plains and a rock outcrop where the seals gather.
Situated close the coastal towns of Henties Bay and Swakopmund, travellers can stroll along the edge of the colony and explore these interesting animals and unique history of Cape Cross. Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus, the Cape fur seal, is the largest of the nine fur-seal species found in the world.
The rich concentrations of fish in the cold Benguela Current, helps the seal population to grow in plenty. The sight of more than 100,000 seals lazing on the beach and larking in the surf is definitely a striking sight to behold.
During the breeding season, you can see up to 210,000 of these animals gather at Cape Cross at any one time.
During November and December, you can find gigantic sea bulls fighting for beach territory and the right to mate. While females breed in sync and spend their days fishing in the Benguela Current returning to the shore amongst thousands of pups.
Best Time to Visit
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve is open for tourists all year round.
- The reserve is open from 8:00 to 17:00 from 16 November-30 June
- While the reserve remains open for visits from 10:00 to 17:00 during 1 July- 15 November.
How to go
Cape Cross Seal Reserve is a small headland in the South Atlantic in Skeleton Coast. It is well connected by roadways.
- It is located about 122 km north of Swakopmund, which is around 1-2 hours driveway.
- While it is located some 60 kilometres north of the Henties Bay.
Things to do
During your visit to Cape Cross Seal Reserve, you can do a number of activities, such as:
- Watch the seals basking and frolicking on the beach
- Hiking
- Spot Wildlife
- Visit the Museum Carter
- Photography
- Buy salt mine souvenirs from creepiest souvenirs stand along the way.
What To See & Highlights
- Undoubtedly, the large colonies of the seals are the main attraction of the park.
- You can also take a see the modern replica of Diego Cao’s historical cross.
- You can also visit the Museum carter and the Skeleton Coast Park.
- You can see the shipwrecks dotted along the coast.
Overview Type Tour: Day Tour Duration of Tour: 1 Day (Half Day) Tour Details: This 1 Day (Half Day) Carnivore Feeding Tour includes the opportunity for clients to see baboons, caracals, lions,...
Overview Type Tour: Day Tour Duration of Tour: Half Day Tour Details: This tour is a combination of the Okapuka Game Drive and Cheetah Feeding tour which is just 15km from Windhoek. Once the client...
Overview Type Tour: Duration of Tour: 1 Day Tour Details: 1 Full day San Tribe Wildlife Carnivore Feeding tour is a great getaway for a client that has a free day to visit the ancient San Tribe and...
Overview Type Tour: Day Tour Duration of Tour: Half Day Tour Details: This half-day Game drive trip takes you to Okapuka Game Ranch Tour which is just 15km from Windhoek. Once the client is pick up...
Overview Type Tour: Camping Duration of Tour: 2 Days / 1 Night Tour Details: This 2 day Tour starts in Windhoek at 08h30 and takes you to Etosha National Park where you will be camping and have Game...
Overview Type Tour: Camping Duration of Tour: 2 Days / 1 Night Tour Details: This 2 day Tour starts in Windhoek at 08h30 and takes you to the Sossusvlei Safari tour where you will be camping:...
Overview Type Tour: Accommodated Duration of Tour: 2 Days / 1 Night Tour Details: This 2 days Safari takes you to Swakopmund Activity, the coastal city in Namibia, its sandy beaches face the...
Overview Type Tour: Accommodated Duration of Tour: 2 Days / 1 Night Tour Details: Join us on an exceptional expedition where we discover the lifestyles and traditions of Namibia’s oldest cultural...
Overview Type Tour: Camping Duration of Tour: 2 Days / 1 Night Tour Details: This 2 days Tour starts in Windhoek at 08h30 and takes you to Sossusvlei Safari where you will be camping: Sossusvlei is...
Overview Type Tour: Camping Duration of Tour: 2 Days / 1 Night Tour Details: This 2-day safari takes clients to Okonjima lodge. Where clients can experience the wildlife of animals such as cheetahs...
Overview Type Tour: Lodging Duration of Tour: 7 Days / 6 Nights Tour Details: 7 Days Northern Namibia Safari self-drive is to visit around the main highlights that Namibia has to offer in Africa. In...
Overview Type Tour: Lodging Duration of Tour: 10 Days / 9 Nights Tour Details: 10 Day Highlight Namibia Safari’s self-drive is to visit around the main highlights that Namibia has to offer in...
Load More