The Skeleton Coast, Namibia
The shipwreck-shaped cabins are nestled between the dunes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean where the cold Benguela current provides guests with a refreshing breeze. Our exclusive clients can look forward to appreciating the harshness of the desert and the beauty of these solitary landscapes filled with geological history. Learn about the fauna and flora adapted to survive in these harsh conditions — all from the comfort of the restaurant deck.
Located in the famous Skeleton Coast concession between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in the Skeleton Coast National Park, Shipwreck Lodge is only 45 km from Möwe Bay.
Our 10 chalets, cleverly designed to resemble shipwrecks, are spread out along the sand dunes. Wake up to spectacular desert views with the sound of waves crashing in the distance and fall asleep to a crackling fire in the stove. Eight cabins come with double or twin beds; two cabins are family units. All cabins have private bathrooms and are equipped with a safe and a wood-burning stove. Each of them has its own deck to enjoy the serene scenery. The design of the lodge was inspired by the many ships that have been wrecked on the Skeleton Coast. We emphasise a light footprint by eco-friendly water and waste management and by using solar-power.
It is crucial for us to offer a sustainable getaway with a low footprint to our visitors. The lodge has received the
Our exclusive clients can look forward to appreciating the harshness of the desert and the beauty of these solitary landscapes filled with geological history. Learn about the fauna and flora adapted to survive in these harsh conditions — all from the comfort of the restaurant deck. There are 8 twin/double chalets and 2 family chalets. Internet/Wi-Fi is available in the reception area. Please note that due to our remote location connectivity cannot be guaranteed.
Due to the Benguela Current and the Atlantic Ocean, the Skeleton Coast is known to offer misty and foggy weather pattern. With the mist and the fog setting the mood for the skeleton coast, it also means that some activities are weather depended Sundowner drives, beach lunches, excursion to Möwe Bay and the Seal Colony, excursion of the Hoarusib River, guided beach walks, quad biking and sandboarding.
Either on your way to the lodge from Möwe Bay or returning from the lodge, you will see what is left of the victims of this treacherous coastline: Decaying ships, the remains of a Ventura Bomber and the abandoned Westies Diamond Mine bear witness to the unforgiving nature of this arid landscape. You will also visit the seal colony.
Join one of our guides on a scenic drive over the Roaring Dunes. This excursion will only be conducted in an area specifically allocated for the purpose by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to minimise the effects on the environment. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and is for one guest per quad. As a safety precaution the minimum age is 16 years.
In days gone by, the entire coast of Namibia was known as the Skeleton Coast. Today it is the name of the northern stretch of coast from the Ugab River up to the Kunene River. Skeleton Coast Park, now a national park, was proclaimed in 1971. Covering 16,845 km2, it protects nearly a third of Namibia’s coastline. It is notorious for its treacherous waters, rough surf, shifting shores and changeable weather.
Yet, life flourishes in this seemingly hostile desert. Elephants, lions, brown hyenas, birds and other desert-adapted wildlife are at home in this unforgiving land. Famed for its shipwrecks estimated to number in the thousands, its daring rescues and stories of brave survivors, the Skeleton Coast exudes a sense of danger. Thick fog, gale-force winds and the strong Benguela Current make this a difficult part of the ocean to safely navigate. To this day the Skeleton Coast still claims its victims. Among the best-known ships that met their fate on this coast, are the Eduard Bohlen, Dunedin Star, Cawdor Castle, Suiderkus, Sir Charles Elliot and Karimona.
The partner conservancies of Shipwreck Lodge are the Puros Conservancy, established in May 2000, and the Sesfontein Conservancy, established in July 2003. Together, the two conservancies cover more than 6,000 km2. The majority of the population are Ovahimba and Ovaherero people.
Shipwreck Lodge recruits lodge staff from these conservancies, thus helping to support multiple households. The company has also purchased 4×4 vehicles to assist the conservancies with wildlife and environmental management. In their capacity as landlords, the conservancies are paid monthly fees, i.e. 8% of the turnover of the lodge business. Therefore the conservancies themselves have a vested interest in the overall success of the lodge and the support they provide to the tourism business.
The lounge, restaurant and dining area are the heart of the lodge. It is a cosy and welcoming environment that also offers an opportunity to interact with our staff who keep the ship sailing. Enjoy morning coffee or an evening sundowner on the outdoor deck, or retreat to the inside and marvel at the starkly beautiful landscape.
Discovering the Skeleton Coast, visiting nearby conservancies