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Skeleton Coast Camp is set in the Skeleton Coast National
Park, one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world, and was built in an
eco-friendly manner with minimal impact on the environment. Its design
blends in with its surroundings, and effective water, energy and waste
management programmes are maintained, such as using water in calcamite
tanks, biodegradable soaps and detergents, and solar energy provides light
and hot water. There are no fences around the camp so that animal movements
are not disturbed; in fact, iconic animals such as the desert-adapted lion
and elephant have returned and thrived in the area.
Freshwater springs and the
early morning mist off the Atlantic Ocean
sustain a surprising amount of life, from
larger mammals to the extraordinary
welwitschia plant.
The camp is built on an
island in the dry Khumib riverbed, about
20km inland from the coastline and comprises
six Meru-style tents with spacious bedrooms
and en-suite bathrooms. A central area is
made up of an open-plan lounge, bar and
dining area with sweeping views of the
desert. Weather permitting, evening meals
may be served in the open-air 'dining room'
under an old, gnarled leadwood tree.
Excursions comprise visits
to the clay castles of the Hoarusib River,
Rocky Point, the roaring dunes, lichen
fields, Cape fur seal colonies, Himba
villages, and birding. Shipwrecks, now fast
being devoured by the salty and vigorous
coastline, can be viewed on request. Secret
water seeps attract wildlife, so guests can
see desert-adapted elephant, gemsbok,
springbok, giraffe, ostrich, brown hyaena,
Hartmann's mountain zebra and occasionally
lion and cheetah.
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