The Skeleton Coast is the name given to the Atlantic Coast of Namibia, south of the Angolan boarder stretching 500 km long and 40 km wide. It is made up of vast sand dunes with strong currents/winds and sand banks close to the coast which is often shrouded in fog. Originally the name came from the large number of whale bones on the coast but has subsequently become known for shipwrecks caused by the hostile conditions. Once shipwrecked, any surviving crew would feel relief only to suffer a long lingering death from lack of food and water while getting lost in the miles of uninhabited dunes. Estimated at over a thousand, a few of the shipwrecks remain visible.
The area is now a vast and remote national park with strict regulations and only one lodge within the park, Shipwreck Lodge, a new venture run under a concession requiring that the structures (a main lodge and ten cabins sunk into the sand on stilts) can be removed with no impact on the environment. The solitude and remoteness are a major appeal for guests, although a challenge for management – guests have to be collected from a drop off an hour away and food and drink arrive weekly from 500 km away, with the last hour on sand tracks. It is a very magical place and best to explore the solitude of the dunes on a 4WD or a quad bike.
Shilli-Fully Travels 