The Skeleton Coast of Namibia: An Exploration of History, Amazing Facts, and Things to Do
Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is a remote and wild stretch of coast along the Atlantic Ocean, and is one of the most unique and captivating places in the world. With a long and fascinating history, a wealth of incredible facts, and plenty of activities to explore, this stretch of coastline is a must-visit for any traveler.
History of the Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast of Namibia has a long and fascinating history. The area was first explored by Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão in 1485, who named the region “The Gates of Hell”. The name was due to the treacherous conditions of the coastline, with strong winds and currents making it a difficult place to navigate.
The area was also known as the “Land of Fog” due to the thick fog that often blanketed the region. This fog made it difficult for ships to navigate, and a number of shipwrecks have occurred in the area. The most famous of these is the Dunedin Star, a British cargo ship that ran aground in 1942.
The Skeleton Coast was also home to a number of diamond mining operations in the early 20th century, with the first diamond discovered in 1908. This led to a rush of prospectors to the area, and the establishment of the Namibian diamond industry.
Amazing Facts About the Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is home to a variety of incredible wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and the rare and endangered African wild dog. It is also home to the world’s largest colony of Cape fur seals, with more than 1 million seals living in the area.
The Skeleton Coast is also home to a variety of unique landscapes, including the largest sand dunes in the world. The dunes are over 1,000 feet tall, and cover an area of over 250 square miles.
The area is also home to a variety of unique plants and animals, including the Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant that is thought to be over 2,000 years old.
Things to Do at the Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast is an ideal destination for any traveler looking to explore the unique and wild landscape of Namibia. There are a variety of activities to explore in the area, including:
• Exploring the shipwrecks: The area is home to a number of shipwrecks, and visitors can explore the remains of these ships.
• Wildlife watching: The Skeleton Coast is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and the rare African wild dog.
• Exploring the sand dunes: The area is home to the world’s largest sand dunes, and visitors can explore the unique landscape.
• Diamond mining: Visitors can explore the diamond mines of the area, and search for their own diamonds.
• Camping: There are a variety of campsites in the area, offering visitors the chance to camp in the wild and explore the area.
• Fishing: The area offers some of the best fishing in the world, with a variety of species to be found.
• Kayaking: The area is home to a variety of rivers and lagoons, and visitors can explore the area by kayak.
The Skeleton Coast of Namibia is an incredible destination for any traveler looking to explore the unique and wild landscape of the region. With a long and fascinating history, a wealth of incredible facts, and plenty of activities to explore, this stretch of coastline is a must-visit for any traveler.