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Shipwreck Lodge
Unravel the mystery
Unravel the mystery
Welcome to Shipwreck Lodge and unravel the mystery!
Shipwreck Lodge is the only accommodation facility located on the desolate and world-renowned Skeleton Coast, steeped in history. Situated in the far north-west of Namibia, a short distance from the cold Atlantic Ocean, the lodge offers ultimate luxury and unparalleled service to our guests while they explore the mysteries of this coastline.
The history of the Skeleton Coast is harsh and dramatic, and as you traverse these shores, you can imagine why the Portuguese sailors of old dubbed it “The Gates of Hell”. Over a thousand wrecks scatter the coastline, but only a few are visible to us, slowly breaking up or rusting away under the relentless assault of sea mists and saltwater over the years.
Stories abound of the wrecks and their crew and passengers being stranded on these unforgiving shores. From ships to diamond mines, this coastline has a dramatic and colourful history. The bones and carcasses of animals litter the shores, another testament to its unyielding nature.
The wildlife in this uninhabited landscape flourishes despite the harsh conditions. You can hope to see lion, elephant, brown hyena, jackals, gemsbok, and any number of smaller game on excursions. Our guides offer fascinating insights into the lives of these animals as they take you out and about.
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The lodge is a luxurious haven in the wilderness, with unique
architecture resembling that of a stranded vessel buried in the sands.
Staff are on hand to deliver personalised service, catering to your
every need. The welfare and continued efforts to preserve the area are
of the utmost important to us, and we are proud to be eco-friendly in
every aspect possible.
The route to this spectacular area,
shrouded in fog and mystery, are through the Ugab Gate near the small
town of Uis, or the northern Sprinbokwasser Gate near Sesfontein.
Planning, permits, reliable 4x4 vehicles and organisation in advance
with Shipwreck Lodge is essential. Even with self-drive clients, we
insist on guides collecting our guests from Möwe Bay.
Safety is
of utmost importance when traveling in these remote areas, where limited
or no cell phone reception, lack of shelter, and absence of fresh water
are prevalent. To ensure both personal well-being and environmental
preservation, it is strictly prohibited to wander from the main roads.
With a distinctive design, the cabins capture the imagination. Two family and eight twin rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, will provide a restful retreat for visitors to this remarkable place. From your private deck, protected against the elements, a hot cup of coffee can be enjoyed as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean. The dining area and lounge, with unrestricted views of the Skeleton Coast, is the perfect place for a superb meal and enjoying drinks with fellow travellers. From the sheltered deck, watch the waves crashing onto the lonely beach and experience a surreal sense of being suspended in time as the mist curls in from the ocean, covering the dunes in white.
Please note that flying a drone in this area is strictly prohibited.
With its rich history as one of the most inhospitable, stormy parts on the planet, Skeleton Coast is steeped in mystery. Strong currents, unpredictable weather and thick fog make this part of the Namibian coast one of the most feared spots for sailors and pilots alike. Yet this daunting landscape is home to a wide variety of animals, most notably the desert lion and elephant.
Guided excursions by vehicle will take you to Oasis water point where an unexpected paradise awaits hidden amongst the towering dunes. Wildlife converges here to quench their thirst and find respite from the harsh conditions. Often elephant, gemsbok, and desert-adapted lion can be spotted. Birds swarm to this green paradise and brighten up the scene with their songs. The drive ends at the Roaring Dunes where air trapped between sand grains emits a low rumble when disturbed. Visit the Clay Castles, a natural geological formation, and perhaps you will even spot desert elephants and lions. Find remnants of the San People’s ancient campsites in the Hoanib River Delta where wildlife flourishes. Discover remnants of the wrecks that mark this stormy shoreline, listen to the silent stories they have to tell, and solve the mysteries of the Skeleton Coast.
Marvel at the Namibian sunset on top of the roaring dunes with your favourite drink in hand
A thrilling adventure, sliding down a dune on a sandboard.
Join one of our guides on a scenic drive over the roaring dunes to the valley.
The Möwe Bay Seal Colony and Coastline
Spend your morning exploring the Hoarusib River. Visit the Clay Castles and learn more about the geology of the area.
A wonderful lunch wets the appetite of the nature lover who has the senses rushed by the crisp air of the sea breeze, the ebb and flow of the ocean. This activity is weather permitting.
