Shipwreck Lodge Skeleton Coast

By Air: Fly-in safaris are common—small charter flights from Windhoek, Swakopmund, or Etosha land at Mowe Bay airstrip. From Mowe Bay, the lodge provides a scenic 4×4 transfer (approximately 1–2 hours) through the Skeleton Coast Park to the lodge.

By Road: You can self-drive or arrange a guided road transfer to Mowe Bay, though a permit is required to enter the Skeleton Coast National Park. From Mowe Bay, you’ll still need to transfer with the lodge’s 4×4 vehicles, as private vehicles aren’t allowed beyond that point.

Children of all ages are welcome at Shipwreck Lodge, making it an excellent choice for families seeking a unique and adventurous safari experience. Due to the remote and rugged nature of the Skeleton Coast, it is best suited for older children who can fully appreciate the activities and environment.

Shipwreck Lodge is committed to sustainability and conservation. Here are the key points of their sustainability policy:

• Solar Power: The lodge is entirely solar-powered, minimizing its carbon footprint and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
• Water Conservation: Water is a precious resource in the desert, and the lodge implements strict water-saving measures to ensure sustainable usage.
• Waste Management: The lodge practices responsible waste management, including recycling and proper disposal of waste to reduce environmental impact.
• Local Community Support: Shipwreck Lodge is a joint venture with local Namibian companies and communities, ensuring that tourism benefits the local economy and supports community development.
• Wildlife Conservation: The lodge supports conservation initiatives such as the Desert Lion Early Warning Conflict Mitigation System, which helps protect the unique desert-adapted wildlife in the area.

• Desert-adapted elephants: These remarkable elephants dig deep beneath the sand for water and are often seen traversing the arid landscape. They have adapted to the harsh desert conditions, making them a unique sight.
• Lions and hyenas: The Skeleton Coast is home to desert-adapted lions and the elusive brown hyena. While sightings are rare, encountering these predators in such a remote environment is a thrilling experience.
• Giraffes and baboons: Giraffes and baboons can be spotted making use of the wells left behind by elephants. Their presence adds to the diverse wildlife encounters in this rugged terrain.
• Cape fur seals: The rocky shoreline is lined with large colonies of Cape fur seals. These marine mammals thrive in the nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic, providing a fascinating spectacle.
• Birdlife: The area is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with species such as Rüppell’s korhaans, Benguela long-billed larks, tractrac chats, jaegers, and skuas around the seal colonies.
• Unique desert flora and fauna: The Skeleton Coast is home to thousands of plants and insects that flourish in the sand, surviving on the moisture from the cold fog that drifts inland from the ocean.