Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Namib Desert

Namibia

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The Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp overlooks the rugged landscape of the Kaokoveld, a land of mountains, vast plains, and dry riverbeds inhabited by fascinating wildlife.

Early morning fog created by the cold Benguela Current from the Antarctic meets with the hot desert air as it drifts inland, providing much-needed water for the local plant life. Underground water and some springs help ensure vegetation grows along the Hoanib River course, which only flows seasonally after heavy rain.

It is magical to be in such true wilderness, and with luck, you should see some of the desert-adapted wildlife while out on game drives: elephant, giraffe, and antelope, as well as lion and on rare occasions, brown hyena and mountain zebra.

There are plenty of things to do. Game drives into the surrounding areas and guided walks allow you to discover the smaller creatures and plants that have adapted to the desert. Back in camp, the Research Centre offers insights into the area and its wildlife.

A full-day excursion to the Skeleton Coast is an option for those staying at the camp for three nights or more. The drive takes 4 - 5 hours exploring the Hoanib River and floodplain, the dune fields, and Klein Oasis before reaching the Skeleton Coast with its rocky coastline, Cape Seal colony, and shipwreck remains. Weather permitting, a scenic flight back to camp offers a breathtaking perspective of your journey from the air.

About This Area

Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia’s Kunene Region runs along the country’s north-west coastline for 500 km. It is a place of stark, haunting beauty. This remote wilderness features dramatic dunes, sandy riverbeds, rugged mountains, and the fog-shrouded beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is home to many fascinating desert-adapted species, such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. Desert Elephants, survive on seasonal rivers, such as the Hoanib and Hoarusib. The Himba people continue their traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyle, their skin and hair covered in a red-ochre that affords protection from the sun.