Skeleton Coast Holidays | Tailor-Made | Far & Wild Travel (US)

The perfect safari holiday on the Skeleton Coast

Remote, wild, desolate but beautiful stretch of coastline

Unusually named and eerie to visit, the Skeleton Coast runs for over 500kms from the Swakop River all the way north to the Kunene River, which marks Namibia’s border with Angola. The coastline is the point where the hot desert air meets the cold ocean currents, often resulting in a thick shroud of mist, adding to the other-worldly feel to a visit here.

Indeed, it is these mists that have contributed to the name ‘Skeleton Coast’, as it is littered with wrecks from ships that strayed too close to the shore when making their passage along the African continent. These shipwrecks, along with bleached whale skeletons, led to the name being coined in 1944 by John Henry Marsh as he wrote a book about the Dunedin Star, one of the vessels that met her fate along the coast. Other prominent wrecks include the Eduard Bohlen, Benguela Eagle and Otavi.

One of the most unique features of a Skeleton Coast holiday is that, despite its foreboding location and an almost complete absence of rainfall (just 10 millimetres a year), it is home to an amazing array of wildlife. Whilst not common sights, visitors may be fortunate enough to see elephants strolling across the coastal dunes and lion or hyena feeding on dead seals along the wild, surf-lashed beaches.

Despite its fame, there has been little opportunity to visit the Skeleton Coast until relatively recently, with just a handful of simple coastal resorts found at its southern tip and the exclusive flying safaris operated by the Schoeman brothers being the only way to see it. That has all changed, with two luxury desert camps, as well as a unique offering perched on the coastal dunes, now open and welcoming visitors to this incredible area for a luxury Skeleton Coast tour. The whole area really is a microcosm of Namibia as a whole: wild, remote, with few people, incredible landscapes and desert-adapted wildlife that, despite all the odds, thrives in an area where few humans have ever set foot. This really is a true bucket list destination, and however you choose to experience it, you will be utterly captivated by the dramatic landscapes and hardy wildlife.

Our favourite Skeleton Coast accommodation

Best places to stay in Skeleton Coast

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One of the most innovative and eco-friendly lodges anywhere in Africa

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A rare chance to explore the breathtaking Skeleton Coast

Shipwreck Lodge Skeleton Coast Namibia Wetu115

A luxury lodge on Namibia's foreboding Skeleton Coast

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Hoanib Valley Skeleton Coast Namibia Wetu18

A stunning safari camp in the heart of the Namib Desert.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025

Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024

Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024

Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024

Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024

Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024

Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024