Skeleton Coast Road
Namibia, africa
500 km
50 m
moderate
Year-round (May to October for wildlife)
The Skeleton Coast Road runs along Namibia's haunting and desolate Atlantic coastline through the Skeleton Coast National Park, from Swakopmund north to the Kunene River on the Angolan border. The roughly 500-kilometer route takes its name from the whale and seal bones that once littered the shore, along with the bleached remains of shipwrecks claimed by the treacherous currents, dense fog, and violent surf that characterize this unforgiving coastline.
The landscape is one of Earth's most otherworldly: towering sand dunes meet the crashing Atlantic surf, seal colonies numbering in the tens of thousands bask on rocky outcrops, and the rusted hulks of grounded ships slowly dissolve into the sand. The Bushmen called this coast 'The Land God Made in Anger,' and Portuguese sailors knew it as 'The Gates of Hell.' The southern section from Swakopmund to Terrace Bay is accessible by regular vehicle on a salt and gravel road, while the northern section requires special permits and is among the most remote and pristine coastlines on the planet.
Where is it?
Skeleton Coast Road is located in Kunene, Namibia (africa). Coordinates: -20.5000, 13.5000
Driving Tips
The northern Skeleton Coast requires a fly-in safari permit and is very expensive. The southern section to Terrace Bay is self-drive accessible with a park permit. Carry extra fuel, water, and food. Dense fog is common, especially in the morning. Visit the Cape Cross seal colony with over 200,000 seals. The salt road surface can be slippery. Do not drive on the beach—vehicles get stuck in the soft sand.
Road Surface
Salt and gravel
Road Details
- Country
- Namibia
- Continent
- africa
- Region
- Kunene
- Length
- 500 km
- Max Elevation
- 50 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Salt and gravel
- Best Season
- Year-round (May to October for wildlife)
- Coordinates
- -20.5000, 13.5000
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