Skeleton Coast National Park

The Skeleton Coast National Park is the name given to the 16 000km² stretch of Atlantic Ocean coastline that runs from Namibia's border with Angola in the north and down to Swakopmund in central Namibia. The area has also been referred to as 'The land God made in Anger' by Namibian bushmen, and as 'the Gate of Hell' by Portuguese sailors which is understandable as it is almost impossible to imagine the extreme contrasts found where the desert meets the ocean.

The area is named Skeleton Coast after the large number of sun-bleached whale and seal bones that are found scattered along the shore as a stark reminder of the years of the whaling industry; and, the rusted and crushed remains of more than a thousand shipwrecks caused by the sharp rocks that are hidden just off-shore when thick fog engulfs the coastline for most of the year.

There are only two places to stay in the park area; a campsite at Torra Bay and bungalows at Terrace Bay. Day visitors can enter the park and purchase their permits from one of two gates (the Ugab River in the south and the Springbokwasser in the east).

Visitors are required to exit the park by sunset and are advised to be cautious as the road can be very dangerous especially due to the fog Private visitors can only explore the southern part of the park - up to Terrace Bay, as the northern part of the park can only be visited with a private safari company. Alternatively visitors can view the park from the air on a fly-in safari.

The area is also a highly popular fishing destination providing excellent angling at Henties Bay, amongst other towns.