Thrilling Exploration of the Skeleton Coast
Shipwreck Lodge Extension
Overview
Along the northern Atlantic Coast of Namibia, hot desert sand dunes meet the cold Benguela Current creating thick banks of fog that have caused countless shipwrecks over the years. The hulls of wrecked vessels give this coast its unforgettable name—the Skeleton Coast. Explore this haunting realm from an extraordinary lodge, the Shipwreck Lodge, designed to immerse you in this utterly remote location. Witness Cape fur seals that line the rocky shorelines, walk along beaches and dunes strewn with whale bones and the remnants of shipwrecks, and venture into the richly colored desert terrain by 4WD—a thrilling adventure in one of the most secluded and surreal landscapes on the planet! This extension can be enjoyed pre-, post-, or mid-trip (Namibia Private Safari only), and the number of nights can be customized to suit your preference.
Arrive: Windhoek (or Damaraland), Namibia
Depart: Windhoek (or Damaraland), Namibia
Highlights
- See the dramatic landscape during a scenic drive or from the air on a shared light aircraft flight
- Explore the fascinating Skeleton Coast by 4WD along the Hoarusib River
- Stay in the atmospheric Shipwreck Lodge, the only accommodation in this remote region
Itinerary
From Windhoek (or Damaraland if this is a mid-trip extension), make your way to the remote stretch of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast to Shipwreck Lodge, an absolutely unique accommodation set in a slice of remote wilderness where relics of ships and towering dunes are swept by the ocean breeze. Skeleton Coast Park, covering about a third of Namibia’s coastline, stretches from the Ugab River in the south to the Kunene River in the north. The subtle but stunning variation in the colors of the desert are striking, and the aura and mystery shrouding the landscapes are legendary. Enjoy sundowners on the dunes this evening and a cozy overnight in your private cabins, heated by wood burning stoves. Overnight at Shipwreck Lodge...BLD
Activities at Shipwreck Lodge are weather dependent and include a scenic 4WD excursion in Skeleton Coast National Park, heading up the Hoarusib River to see the improbable “clay castles” and surreal roaring dunes, or quad biking excursions using all-terrain vehicles. A stay at Shipwreck Lodge reveals the astonishing desert-adapted wildlife, plants, and birdlife of the area. Cap off your day with sundowners overlooking misty, golden dunes. Overnight at Shipwreck Lodge...BLD
After an early breakfast, depart via Windhoek (or continue on your journey if this is a pre- or mid-trip extension)...B
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
Review Trip Level Details
The climate is typical of a semi-desert country. Days are warm to hot and nights are generally cool. Temperatures are modified by the high plateau in the interior and by the cold Benguela Current that runs along the Atlantic coastline. Except for the first few months of the year, the region is generally dry with very little rain.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.