Shipwreck Lodge (Skeleton Coast)

Shipwreck Lodge is a unique safari lodge in the remote Skeleton Coast National Park. It is the only lodge in the park which falls under the Kaokoland region of Namibia. You’ll find it in the Central Concession Area, 45km north of Mowe Bay, on the mouth of the Hoarusib River. A short distance from the cold Atlantic Ocean.

The lodge offers ultimate luxury and unparalleled service to guests while they explore the mysteries of this coastline. This raw and rugged African wilderness boasts towering dunes and wind swept plains along the icy Atlantic seas. From desert fauna to enchanting flora, beach-combing for relics, and marveling at the Clay Castles. There’s nowhere quite like the Skeleton Coast.

In the center of camp, you’ll find lounge and restaurant with a wide, wraparound deck and uninterrupted views across the sand all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. The interiors of both the main lodge and cabins are an exquisite blend of warm woods, hand crafted furniture, and classic finishing touches by local designers and artists. The focus when creating this wondrous space was elegance and comfort amidst the harsh environment surrounding it.

Skip to Shipwreck Lodge Rates or Specials and Packages

Shipwreck Lodge Accommodation

The lodge and cabins are ‘one of a kind’ in the world, resembling the stranded ships that litter the shores and waters of this coastline. Each of the 10 rooms are spread out along the dunes, looking out over the desert towards the ocean. Wooden walkways and sand paths connect the lodge to the accommodations.

There are 8 twin or double rooms, and 2 family units suitable for four people. All en suite,  solar-powered and water is retrieved from a borehole. Electronic items can be charged in your cabin. Although there is no kettle,  flasks of hot water are on request at any time of day for the coffee station. Hairdryers can be supplied on request as well. In the event of bringing your own, please ask staff if it is possible to use them.

The rooms feature luxurious furnishings, distinctive decor reminiscent of a ship’s cabin, ample storage space, and a safe for your valuables. The spacious bathroom boasts elegant hand basins, a toilet, and a refreshing shower. A cozy fireplace and complimentary port provide warmth and comfort during foggy evenings. And a turn-down service is offered so you can return to a warm haven when you’re ready to.

Expansive windows offer a picturesque view of the desert. So you can awaken to the gentle glow of dawn and the waves crashing on the shores in the distance. It is well worth waking up early on one of your mornings, so you can sit on your private deck and absorb the dawn of a new day with a hot drink in hand.

Children of all ages are welcome.

Shipwreck Lodge Activities

The Skeleton Coast is a mysterious and eerie place. Stretching roughly 500 kilometers along the Atlantic Coast, the National Park is littered with shipwrecks and whale bones. A a must-see spot within the park.

The Skeleton Coast is an area known for its extraordinary landscapes. The area contains irreplaceable and vulnerable wildlife habitat for species of the highest conservation importance. Including black rhino, elephant, brown hyenas, black faced impala and the Hartmann’s mountain zebra. This area is also home to one of the only viable lion populations in Namibia outside of Etosha National Park.

Although wildlife sightings are rare. But when do you spot something, it’s a magical experience. First up are the desert adapted elephant, digging deep beneath the sand for the last vestiges of water. Then, making use of the wells left behind by the pachyderms are giraffe, lion and baboon. And perhaps even a brown hyena or two.

There are also thousands of plants and insects that flourish in the sand, surviving from the moisture of the cold fog that drifts inland from the ocean. Incredible stuff, but that’s not all! Marine life positively thrives, feeding off the nutrients in the Atlantic, and the most iconic species are the Cape fur seals that line the rocky shoreline in large colonies.

Bird life is also prolific and you should most certainly pack your binos for Rüppell’s korhaans and Benguela long-billed larks. Further toward the coast, you should also be able to spot tractrac chats. As well as jaegers and skuas around the seal colonies.

These are the activities offered from Shipwreck Lodge (year round):

Nature Drives

What could be more exciting than a game drive around the dramatic landscape of the Skeleton Coast National Park. Exploring the Hoarusib River and marveling at the magnificent scenery. Guests can also enjoy sun downers on the dunes or a beach lunch (weather permitting).

A highlight is a day excursion to Mowe Bay to see the Cape fur seal colony. Possible stops along the way include the fascinating Suiderkus and Karimona shipwrecks. You might even spot the elusive desert-adapted elephants, brown hyenas and lions en-route.

Children of all ages welcome. Private vehicles are required for families with children under 10.
Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours

Nature Walks

Unearth the hidden gems that carry secrets about this shipwreck strewn coastline as you walk from the lodge to the seashore. Comb the beach looking for treasures, amongst the driftwood and the pebbles, whale bones and debris washed up from the many ships that lie beneath the waves. You’ll discover unusual plants and lichens that survive in the cold fog that rolls off the ocean, this truly is a memorable beach walk.
Children of all ages welcome. Private vehicles are required for families with children under 10.
Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours

Sand Boarding

Climbing the dunes of this remarkable desert is a wonderful experience. After all that hard work, enjoy the thrill of whizzing down the dunes on a sand board, as you are rewarded with refreshments once getting to the bottom. This one is for the fun seekers, not only the kids!

Children of all ages are welcome, however, it is not advised for children 0-4.
Duration: Approx. 1 hour

Quad Biking

For some adventure filled desert fun, go on a guided quad bike over the ever changing desert dunes. Here you’ll feel total freedom as you trek across this vast and ancient landscape on your bike, wind in your hair. Desert sand at your heels.

Children from 4 years must ride with a parent. Children 12 – 15 years can operate ‘kiddies’ quad bike alone.
(All ages are at the discretion of the guide/manager/parent)
Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours

Hoarusib Clay Castles Excursion

This adventure takes visitors through the stunning landscapes of the Skeleton Coast and Hoarusib River to witness the unique geological formations known as the Clay Castles. These towering rock formations have been eroded over millions of years, creating fantastical shapes and textures in the desert landscape. The stark beauty of the landscape, combined with the solitude and silence of the desert, makes for a truly memorable and otherworldly experience.

Children of all ages welcome. Private vehicles are required for families with children under 10.
Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours

The best time to visit

Shipwreck Lodge is open all year. The nice thing about this region and being close to the Atlantic Ocean, is that it stays quite cool throughout the year.

As you move from what is locally known as Kaokaveld into the hyper-arid Namib Desert, annual rainfall decreases but fog increases. Even though this is the second driest desert in the world, fog has created a unique climate where you will find an extraordinary array of micro flora and fauna that are endemic to the Namib Desert.

The summer season is November to March in the Skeleton Coast area. This is also called the green season as it is when there may be rainfall. But it is totally unpredictable. However, in the desert, rainfall patterns are never guaranteed. The rain does help keep the air clear and crisp and the mornings are less foggy. This is an excellent time of year for birders to visit as the migrants are out in force.

The winter months are from about April/May to October. Day time temperatures hover around a very pleasant 21 to 25 degrees Celsius. But be warned, the mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially on an open game drive. Rain is practically non-existent at this time of year so the desert is at its iconic, splendid best.

The main thing to remember throughout the year is that temperatures can fluctuate throughout the year so it is always best to be prepared.

How to get to Shipwreck Lodge

Light aircraft fly to Mowe Bay, or there are road transfers available. Alternatively, self drivers can also make their way to Mowe Bay. From there it is a 45km transfer north to Shipwreck Lodge in a closed game drive vehicle. This takes about 1½ hours.

The pick-up times from Mowe Bay to Shipwreck Lodge is at 11am OR 3pm.
Departure time from Shipwreck Lodge to Mowe Bay is at 9am.

To drive from Puros to Shipwreck is 70km. This takes about 3 hours (need an advanced 4×4).
The drive for guests between Hoanib Valley Camp and Shipwreck Lodge will take approximately 5 hours.

Shipwreck Lodge Accommodation Rates

NB: *Single Supplement Waiver: 10th January – 31st March and 1st November – 19th December.

Child Rates:
0 – 5 years are free of charge. 6-18 years pay 50% of the per person sharing rate per night when sharing with an adult. Guests of 19 years and over are charged the full adult rate.

Rates are per person per night and include:
Accommodation,
All meals & beverages,
WiFi,
Guest laundry,
Daily activities,
Airstrip transfers,
Guiding,
Park entry fees and VAT
Return road transfers from Mowe Bay.

Rates Exclude:
Premium brand drinks,
Community, Conservation and Reserve Fee,
Gratuities and fully comprehensive personal travel insurance.

Shipwreck Lodge Special Offers

Take advantage of these Shipwreck Lodge extra discounts valid all year 2025 and 2026 (except where otherwise mentioned).

Stay 3, Pay 2 Offer

Book 3 nights at either Hoanib Valley Camp or Hoanib Elephant Camp, in combination with at least 3 nights at any other Natural Selection Namibia property (including Shipwreck Lodge) get 1 of the nights at the Hoanib camp for free.
Excluding Peak Season: 1st July – 31st August 2026.

Natural Selection Namibia Lodges:
Shipwreck Lodge, Skeleton Coast,
Safarihoek Lodge, and Etosha Mountain Lodge in Etosha National Park,
Kwessi Dunes in Sossusvlei,
Nkasa Linyanti in Kavango-Zambezi Conservation Area (ex-Caprivi Strip),
Hoanib Elephant Camp, and Hoanib Valley Camp in Kaokoland.

Kaokoland and Skeleton Coast Accommodation ↓

Shipwreck Lodge (Skeleton Coast)

Posted: January 23, 2024

Shipwreck Lodge is a unique experience for a Skeleton Coast stay in Namibia. The cabins resemble the stranded ships that litter this coast

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