Shipwreck Lodge

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Freedom, beauty and solitude

Designed around the enigmatic shipwrecks that line Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, Shipwreck Lodge is utterly unique. The Skeleton Coast is a raw, rugged and impossibly remote slice of African wilderness, where towering dunes and wind-swept plains roll as far as the eye can see, buffeted by the icy Atlantic seas. The National Park begins at the Uqab River and runs roughly 500 kilometres up the Atlantic Coast to the Kunene River and the lodge sits within the park roughly 68 kilometres from Mowe Bay. The area contains irreplaceable and vulnerable wildlife habitat for species of the highest conservation importance, including elephant, the elusive brown hyena and the only other viable lion population in Namibia outside of Etosha National Park.

To match the remarkable scenery of the Skeleton Coast, each of the 10 rooms have been constructed to resemble the shipwrecks that line the beach. All are en-suite and fully solar powered except for the wood burning stoves which are a welcome addition on chilly mornings. In the centre of camp an innovatively-designed lounge and restaurant boasts a wide, wraparound deck and uninterrupted views across the sand, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Described by the San Bushmen as ‘the Land God Made in Anger’, the beaches of the skeleton coast are strewn with bleached whale bones and the wrecks of over a thousand ships, and the interior is an uninhabited desert of rolling, endless sand. Spend your days beach-combing for whale bones and debris from centuries old shipwrecks, marvel at the geologically-remarkable Clay Castles and visit the Suiderkus and Karimona shipwrecks. Head out on game drives along the Hoarusib River to track desert-dwelling elephant and desert lion, visit the Mowe Bay seal colony and discover the enchanting desert flora that flourishes in the sand, surviving from the moisture of the cold fog that drifts inland from the ocean. Finally, sit atop the dunes as the sun sinks below the horizon, soaking up the hauntingly beautiful isolation.

A stay at Shipwreck Lodge is your gateway to one of Africa’s most mysterious and enchanting landscapes complete with enigmatic history, astonishing wildlife and the solitude of silence.

You will love

  • Beachcomb centuries old shipwrecks & whale bones
  • Elephants, lions and brown hyenas
  • Unique architectural design
  • The hauntingly beautiful isolation

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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