Why is it called Skeleton Coast?
Why is it called Skeleton Coast?
The Skeleton Coast, part of the Namib Desert, is named for the whale bones and the hundreds of broken ships that litter its beaches. Many a sailor lost his life after being run aground in the Skeleton Coast’s thick fog. Those who made it to land often succumbed to starvation and exposure in the coast’s harsh climate.
Can you swim in the Skeleton Coast?
Treacherous coastline Sweeping up from Antarctic waters, the cold Benguela Current flows beside the coast, stoking strong currents and high-energy beaches. Not the best conditions for swimming.
Why is Skeleton Coast a tourist attraction?
A Remote Tourist Destination The Skeleton Coast is both bleak and inaccessible and yet it continues to fascinate foreign visitors. As one of Africa’s great untouched wildernesses, it offers travelers the chance to experience nature in all its unspoiled grandeur.
Who discovered Skeleton Coast?
Cape Cross marks the point where Portuguese explorer Diego Cao landed on the Namibian coast and raised a giant cross in the 1600s. Today, it houses hundreds of thousands of Cape Fur Seals that breed along its rocky shores.
What is Skeleton Coast known for?
Skeleton Bay is now known as a great location for surfing. The Saltyjackal, a surf camp located in Swakopmund, Namibia, is currently the only group that runs guided surf trips along the Skeleton Coast.
Is the Skeleton Coast safe?
Skeleton Coast National Park is very safe to visit in our opinion. It is however very remote and in-depth exploration of the park is not recommended for inexperienced self-drive visitors.
How many ships are wrecked on the Skeleton Coast?
Namibia has several thousand shipwrecked vessels strewn across its vast coastline. The Skeleton Coast’s rough seas, roaring winds and strong ocean currents are primarily responsible for many of these beached ships’ fate.
How do you explore the Skeleton Coast?
10 experiences to have along the Skeleton Coast
- Braving the swell on a surfing trip. Chris Ross | Credit: Russ Ord.
- Explore the ghostly Kolmanskop.
- Near vertical descent down massive sand dunes.
- Discover the coast from the water.
- Hike the Ugab River Trail.
- Camp in the remote Hoanib Valley Camp.
How hot is the Skeleton Coast?
Due to the fog-belt which is often present, the temperatures at the coast vary considerably from 6-36°C (42-97°F), but never drops below freezing point. Even in summer, cool rather that hot temperatures are to be expected, so appropriate clothing is necessary.
Can you swim in Namibia?
Whilst Namibia does have a huge coastline with the Atlantic Ocean, the coast is unsuitable for a beach holiday. The cold currents which make the waters rich in sea life, do not make for pleasant or safe swimming, and regularly create heavy and cold coastal fog.
Why is the Skeleton Coast so dry?
On the coast, the upwelling of the cold Benguela current gives rise to dense ocean fogs (called cassimbo by the Angolans) for much of the year. The winds blow from land to sea, rainfall rarely exceeds 10 millimetres (0.39 in) annually and the climate is highly inhospitable.
