Skeleton Coast

Although the phrase is commonly used to designate the entire Namib Desert coast, the Skeleton Coast is the northern part of Namibia's Atlantic coast and south of Angola, from the Kunene River south to the Swakop River. The region was originally known by the Bushmen of Namibia's interior as "The Land God Made in Anger," and by Portuguese mariners as "The Gates of Hell." For much of the year, the upwelling of the chilly Benguela current causes dense ocean fogs. The winds blow from land to sea, the yearly rainfall is rarely more than 10 millimeters (0.39 in), and the environment is harsh.

On the beaches, there is persistent, high surf. It was feasible to get ashore through the waves in the days before engine-powered ships and boats, but it was difficult to launch from the coast. The only way out was to go hundreds of kilometers across a marsh that could only be reached via a scorching and parched desert. The coast is mostly soft sand, with rocky outcrops here and there. Gravel plains dominate the topography in the south, while huge sand dunes dominate the region north of Terrace Bay. Skeleton Bay is currently well-known as a superb surfing spot. The Saltyjackal, a surf camp in Swakopmund, Namibia, is the only outfit that offers guided surf tours along the Skeleton Coast at the moment. Baboons, giraffes, lions, black rhinoceros, and springbok live in the riverbeds. So be careful not to go around by yourself, because you may endanger yourself and others. Nonetheless, if you visit Namibia, you must travel to this location.

Location: Skeleton Coast, Namibia