The Skeleton Coast Park, together with the Sperrgebiet National Park, is the least accessible area found in Namibia.
The park covers an area of 16400 km² and extends northwards from the Ugab River to the border of Angola, demarcated by the Kunene River mouth.
Over hundreds of years the formidable shore line served as a trap for stranded ships and their sailors, whose skeletons littered the treacherous beaches and who also gave the area its name.
For the modern visitor the attraction of this remote area is brought about by the untouched landscapes of windswept dunes, rugged canyon walls, extensive mountain ranges and uniquely adapted animal species such as desert elephant, desert lion, oryx, and hyena as well as countless fur seal colonies.
Sadly most of the shipwrecks that lay along the coastline of the park have been covered by sand or broken up by the rough ocean waves.
The southern parts of the skeleton coast (a term that is used to describe the entire Namibian coastline) still bear witness to the tragedies that occurred here and offer shipwrecks that are more visible.
Attractions
Namibia Craft Centre
Approximately 38 craft stalls from rural communities, ethnic groups and projects sell Namibian handicraft here, which range from jewellery to carved tree roots.
We have the freshest Namibian food and best cheesecake and apple crumble in town! Our Craft Cafe is known all over the world for its stylish and excellent food. It supports Namibian micro and small enterprises, and contribute to increase income through the sale of Namibian craft.
Over 4,000 producers and their families derive an income from sales of their craft. We support Namibian design and product development, which is reflected in our large range of unique and quality products.
We encourage the use of environmentally friendly products and sustainable utilization of Namibian natural resources. Vendors inside the Namibia Craft Centre may stock up to 5% of non-Namibian, but African handi-craft.
No goods from outside the continent may be sold inside the Craft Centre. Some handi-craft and materials are hard to come by in Namibia, which is why we have made this concession. Staff should be able to tell you exactly the origin of most goods.
Katutura Township
Katutura is a township of Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia. Katutura was created in 1961 following the forced removal of Windhoek’s black population from the Old Location, which afterwards was developed into the suburb Hochland Park.
Sam Nujoma Stadium, built in 2005, is located within Katutura. Katutura Community Radio, a community-based radio station, also operates from the township. Katutura State Hospital, one of two State Hospitals in the Windhoek area, is located in the township.
Christuskirche: Windhoek’s best-recognised landmark, and something of an unofficial symbol of the city, this German Lutheran church stands on a traffic island and lords it over the city centre.
An unusual building, it was constructed from local sandstone in 1907 and designed by architect Gottlieb Redecker in conflicting neo-Gothic
The National Museum of Namibia is housed in the old German fort, Alte Feste, (dating from 1890) in the centre of Windhoek.
The museum has display galleries that cover rock art, the history of the liberation struggle, the Namibians who were on Robben Island, the UN’s role in Namibia’s independence process, rock art and social history.
It is likely that there will be some significant changes in the displays once the new Independence Museum (that will form a new addition to the National Museum of Namibia) is opened.
Trans Namib Museum is located in historical Windhoek Railway station building. The museum was officially opened on 1 July 1993.
The exhibition consists of wide range of railway equipment, maps and related items date back to German colonial times and South African administration.
Outside of the museum you can see old locomotives including the first diesel locomotive in the country, one of the first machinery used in the country where first railway lines were built.
The Maerua Mall is a shopping complex in Windhoek, Namibia. Expanded to more than double its original size in 2006, Maerua Mall is now the largest shopping mall in Namibia and contains a number of retail outlets, including Ackermans, at home, FNB, and Total Sports.
Along with Wernhil Park Mall, the two malls are the largest formal shopping venues in Namibia. Maerua mall lies opposite Centaurus High School in Windhoek. It is currently the most popular mall in Namibia.
It is the only mall in Namibia which contains a cinema and a Virgin Active gym. Maerua has various restaurants including Spur, Wimpy, Mugg and Bean and Dulce Cafe.
Where to stay
Shipwreck Lodge
The lodge is located in the famous Skeleton Coast Central Concession between the Hoarusib and Hoanib Rivers in the Skeleton Coast Park, only 45 km north of Mowe Bay.
The lodge is situated on the southern bank of the Huarusib River Mouth, nestled between the dunes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean where the cold Benguela current pushes a refreshing breeze over the shipwreck shaped cabins
Hilton Windhoek is the only 5 star property in town. It was the first International brand to open its doors in Windhoek.
Nestled in Namibia’s capital city, a short distance from the Hosea Kutako International airport, Hilton Windhoek is in close proximity to government and financial institutions, as well as local and cultural attractions.
Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino
Life is all about balance. But sometimes it’s okay to just do more and restless. At Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino with so many great experiences on offer, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is getting enough sleep.
Whether you prefer to see or be seen in Namibia’s cosmopolitan capital, enjoy on-the-go food at Avani Pantry or escaping to dunes and desert canyons, you can rest assured knowing Avani has taken care of the details that matter.
Hotel Pension Palmquell, your oasis of tranquillity in the vibrating city of Windhoek. Our 16 spacious and immaculate rooms in an up-market ambience are suited for holidaymakers and businessmen alike.
Families also feel at home. The informal atmosphere and Austrian hospitality are particularly appreciated by our guests. Palmquell is the ideal accommodation during your stay in Windhoek.
A mere five-minute drive from two shopping centres and ten minutes from the City, we are nevertheless located in the restful surroundings of one of the oldest and most sought-after residential areas in town. Relax in our garden, at the swimming pool, in the lounge & wine bar or the restaurant.
Protea Hotel Fürstenhof – Old-Style Hospitality in a Modern Setting. Experience true Namibian hospitality in the tranquil environment of Protea Hotel Fürstenhof. Friendly people and sunny skies all add to the alluring charm of this town where old meets new.
Situated only five minutes’ walk from the city centre and with easy access to taxis; Protea Hotel Fürstenhof is the ideal base for your Windhoek adventure.
The hotel offers GUESTS pristine comfort in 33 air-conditioned en-suite rooms as well as conferencing and banqueting facilities for up to 120 delegates.
After a busy day at the office or exploring the town, visit the Office Bar and Restaurant or wind down in the comfort of your room with our 18-hour room service. Relax by the pool or if you want to visit places of interest nearby, make sure to use or shuttle service.