Skeleton Coast 4×4 expedition
Posted by the author on January 31st, 2012
Exploring one of the most beautiful places that Southern Africa has to offer, the Skeleton Coast Expedition is something not to be missed. This desolate Coastline is exceptionally special and scenic with some famous sites to be seen along the way. With tales of shipwrecks and stories of narrow escapes, heroic rescues and tragedy, this area is a fascinating and intriguing place to visit. Access to this route has previously been closed to the general public, but has recently opened to allow a handful of expedition parties to visit and share in the natural history and rare beauty that it has to offer. The route makes its way up to the Kunene River Mouth from Swakopmond taking in the towering yellow sand dunes and the emerald waters of the Kunene River carving its way through massive black rock gorges and enjoying the rich wildlife along the way.
If you are an explorer at heart, an avid adventurer, a photographer or an admirer of natures’ wonders, joining in one of these off road trips is just the thing for you. A kit list is supplied to you which includes items like bedding, crockery and cutlery, your own drinking and washing water and other personal items. A guide, two meals a day and various other necessities are provided by the organizers. The route is all planned out and includes scenic river routes, driving a 65km stretch of undulating sand dunes through the Namib desert and crossing vast grasslands teeming with indigenous wildlife.
It is almost as if each day the expedition crosses into new terrains and new experiences to enjoy. The route begins out of Swakopmund and heads out 500km to Rocky Point. Traveling in convoy with radios for each vehicle, communication is possible as drivers navigate various terrains and natural hazards. The route is kept to as closely as possible with only factors such as tides, weather and vehicle limitations forcing changes along the way. Fuel is an important factor and various planned stops are made for refueling. Petrol vehicles require at least 250ltrs of fuel for this section and Diesel vehicles need 220ltrs.
When the official road ends 4 hours into the journey at Move Bay the vehicles hit the beach. Moving north of the Bay, the first stop is made and setting up camp on the beach is what is in store for night number one. The next 150km are interesting as the party travels along the beach passed Hoarusib River Mouth and stops at the wreckage of the Ventura Bomber. This craft was involved in the rescue of stranded passengers of the Dunedin Star. Enough stops are planned en route to satisfy any nature or history buffs. Night two is spent at Angra Fria, either on the beach or in the lava hills, depending on the weather.
Traveling this inhospitable coastline is a treat from all sorts of aspects. Investigating the wreck of the Dunedin Star and driving over huge salt pans to passing through wetlands with over 70 different species of birds is not something most people get to experience. There are days on this trip where swimming is forbidden due to areas inhabited by the Nile crocodile and where walking about the camp at night is not recommended due to the resident elephants! The vehicles that are recommended for this trip are not normal aspirated Diesels or underpowered vehicles. There are places that only specialized vehicles can access.
Hearty breakfasts are a great start to the day and are provided by the tour operators. Much time is allowed for stopping at magnificent view sites along the way and swimming in spectacularly clear rock pools. After traveling along the Kunene River for two days, the drive heads down the Hartman Valley. The driving is challenging and slow moving and the wildlife in this part of the trip can be enjoyed to the fullest. Through the Marble Quarry and on towards the Hoarusib River lushly vegetated with Mopani trees and Makalani palm trees, this part of the trip is called the Elephant day. The last stretch of the route takes the adventurers to Sesfontein/Palmwag where everyone is then off to continue their adventures to a number of other exciting sites within Namibia. With an adventure in store never to forget, make sure you get in on this limited offer to places few people have ever stepped. Visit Echo 4×4 for all your 4×4 trailer needs.