SWAKOPMUND (SKELETON COAST)
Swakopmund is a tourist attraction for people all over the world. With its beautiful old historic buildings, white sandy beaches, hundreds of curio shops and German Restaurants. However, it is very commercialized but there is still tons to do.
Read more about the destinations I would recommend for an epic photographic tour below.
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MORE ABOUT THE SKELETON COAST
The Skeleton Coast is normally associated with famous shipwrecks, and stories abound of sailors walking for hundreds of kilometres through this barren Namibian landscape in search of food and water.
The name came from the bones that lined the beaches from whaling operations and seal hunts, but more than a few of the skeletons were human. The Bushmen called it The Land God Made in Anger and the Portuguese knew it as The Gates of Hell.
Ever since European navigators first discovered it, ships have wrecked on its off-shore rocks, or run aground in the blinding fog. While small boats could land, the strong surf made it impossible to launch, hence the stories of sailors walking through the murderous terrain.
LOCATION OF SWAKOPMUND
The city is situated in the Namib Desert and is the fourth largest population centre in Namibia.
Shipwrecked, The Zeila
The Zeila got stranded on 25 August 2008 near "Die Walle", a popular fishing spot about 14km south of Henties Bay.
The fishing trawler that was sold as scrap metal but got stranded after it came loose from its towing line while on its way to India, shortly after it left Walvis Bay. It seems that they were only able to rescue no more than a few usable items from the stranded ship.
Swakopmund Lighthouse & Restaurant
Swakopmund Lighthouse was opened in July 1902. It is 21 years older than Walvis Bay Lighthouse at Pelican Point. A further 10 m was added in 1910. The original beacon erected at The Mole was washed away by strong current. The Lighthouse is still in operation, guiding ships with its light seen as far as from 35 nautical miles. It also houses one of Swakopmund's most prominent restaurants.
Cape Seal Colony
The best-known breeding colony of Cape fur seals along the Namib coast is at this reserve, where the population has grown large and fat by taking advantage of the rich concentrations of fish in the cold Benguela Current. The sight of more than 100,000 seals basking on the beach and frolicking in the surf is impressive to behold. Bring a handkerchief or bandana to cover your nose – seriously.
Dune 7
Dune 7 is the highest dune in Namibia. The dune has been measured at over 1,256 feet (383 meters) and is named Dune 7 because it is the seventh dune one encounters after crossing the river Tsauchab.
Wondering how it was formed: A dune is a mound of sand formed by the wind, usually along the beach or in a desert. Dunes form when wind blows sand into a sheltered area behind an obstacle. Dunes grow as grains of sand accumulate. Every dune has a windward side and a slip face.
Desert Dwelling Animals
The Namib desert is the oldest and one of the driest in the world. In its brutal environment, temperatures can range from hot to very cold.
Often nothing but sand can be seen for miles, and yet, the Namib desert is home to some of Africa’s most striking wildlife. These animals have evolved and adapted over the years to survive this unforgiving desert, and thus form a unique part of the Namibian experience.