Skeleton Coast National Park, National park in northwestern Namibia
Skeleton Coast National Park is a protected area along the Atlantic coast of northwestern Namibia with a remote, rugged landscape. The terrain features vast sand dunes, rock outcrops, and scattered shipwreck debris that marks where vessels met the sea over centuries.
The park was established in 1971 to protect this harsh and remote coastal region from development. The name comes from numerous shipwrecks caused by dense fog and powerful ocean currents over many decades.
The northern section of the park maintains the traditions of guided safaris, limiting access to preserve the natural environment of this remote region.
Access to the southern sections requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and most visitors need permits to enter the park. The northern areas are closed to independent travelers and can only be visited through authorized safari operators.
The sea has cast numerous ships onto this coast over time, and some remain visible today as decaying wrecks scattered along the shore. These weathered structures serve as reminders of the treacherous conditions sailors once faced in these waters.
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