Unique Stay: Shipwreck Lodge

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  • Namibia
  • Unique Stays
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Tour Description

Shipwreck Lodge is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary set amidst the raw and rugged beauty of Namibia's Skeleton Coast National Park.

The Skeleton Coast is a place like no other on earth. Known as 'the Land God Made in Anger' by the San Bushmen, this region is defined by its haunting beauty. Towering dunes, mist-enshrouded coastlines, and a desolate interior make up this uninhabited desert. The landscape is dotted with the remains of over a thousand shipwrecks and bleached whale bones, creating a surreal atmosphere that is both magical and otherworldly.

Designed to resemble the shipwrecks scattered along the coast, this lodge offers an unforgettable experience in one of Africa’s most remote and mysterious landscapes.  Located in the Skeleton Coast Central Concession Area, between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers, within the Skeleton Coast National Park, the lodge is about 45 kilometers from Mowe Bay, offering an unparalleled sense of solitude in this eerie and enchanting wilderness. The lodge is accessible via a scenic light aircraft flight from Windhoek, followed by a guided drive through the desert.

The lodge features ten uniquely designed rooms, including eight twin or double rooms and two family cabins, all constructed to resemble the shipwrecks that line the coast. Each room is solar-powered, with en-suite bathrooms and wood-burning stoves to keep you warm during the chilly desert nights. The main lodge area includes a creatively designed lounge and restaurant, offering uninterrupted views of the sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean.

Activities: Shipwreck Lodge offers a variety of extraordinary activities that allow guests to explore the stark beauty of the Skeleton Coast.

  • Year-Round Activities: Embark on day excursions to the Mowe Bay seal colony, stopping at historic shipwrecks like the Suiderkus and Karimona, and visiting the remains of Westies Diamond Mine and the Ventura Bomber. Experience thrilling 4×4 drives along the Hoarusib River, exploring the geologically remarkable Clay Castles, and searching for desert-adapted wildlife like the elusive brown hyena. Enjoy sundowner drives to the roaring dunes, quad biking (available in the mornings for guests aged 16 and over), and sandboarding across the dunes.

  • Green Season (November – April): During these months, the mornings are less foggy, and this is an excellent time for birdwatchers to spot migratory species. The rain keeps the air clear and crisp, making it an ideal time to explore the region’s unique flora.

  • Dry Season (May – October): Experience the desert at its iconic best, with clear skies and cool temperatures. Although the mornings and evenings can be chilly, the days are perfect for exploring the Skeleton Coast’s dramatic landscapes.

This lodge offers a truly unique experience, combining the eerie beauty of the Skeleton Coast with the comfort of innovative, shipwreck-inspired accommodations. Whether you’re exploring the dry riverbeds, searching for rare desert-dwelling fauna, or simply soaking in the vast, untouched wilderness, Shipwreck Lodge provides an unmatched connection to this remote corner of Africa.

Top Tip: Shipwreck Lodge combines perfectly with a stay at Hoanib Valley Camp, offering a seamless transfer through the ever-changing and dramatic landscapes of Namibia. Speak with our Africa Specialists to incorporate this one-of-a-kind lodge into your Namibian adventure for an experience you’ll never forget.

Video Highlights

Viva's Best Bits...

While wildlife is elusive, spotting desert-adapted species like the brown hyena is a magical experience.

Situated in one of Africa’s most remote and mysterious regions, offering unparalleled solitude and tranquility.

From quad biking to guided nature walks, the lodge offers tailored activities that showcase the best of the Skeleton Coast.

Tour Itinerary

Customisable ? This tour can be customised to suit your tastes and timing. Enquire here for more information.
Day 1-3
Shipwreck Lodge Shipwreck Lodge

Shipwreck Lodge offers one of Africa's most unique and captivating experiences, set within the eerie and mystical landscape of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast. The lodge, designed to resemble the shipwrecks scattered along this desolate coast, provides a perfect blend of adventure and solitude. What initially seems like a barren, inhospitable desert soon reveals its hidden wonders, guided by the lodge's expert team.

From exhilarating 4x4 drives along the Hoarusib River to serene walks across the vast, windswept plains, your stay at Shipwreck Lodge will uncover the Skeleton Coast's raw beauty and haunting allure.

You may choose to explore the roaring dunes on a quad bike, search for desert-adapted wildlife, or delve into the history of the ancient shipwrecks that give the lodge its name.

Experience the magic of a sundowner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean as the fog rolls in, creating an atmosphere that is both surreal and breathtaking.

As night falls, gather around the fire at the lodge, sharing stories of your day’s adventures under a starry sky, before retreating to your cozy, shipwreck-inspired cabin for a peaceful night's sleep.

Shipwreck Lodge offers an unparalleled combination of solitude, adventure, and a deep connection to one of Africa’s most remote and enigmatic regions. Your stay includes all meals, drinks, daily activities, laundry services, and park fees, ensuring a seamless experience in this extraordinary location.

A Typical Day at Shipwreck Lodge

Morning:
Your day begins with the cool, misty air of the Skeleton Coast, as the fog slowly lifts to reveal the vast, untouched landscape. Wake up in your uniquely designed cabin, inspired by the shipwrecks that dot the coast. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee on your private deck, taking in the serene and eerie beauty of the dunes and ocean. After a light breakfast, set off on a guided 4x4 drive along the Hoarusib River. As the sun rises, the desert comes alive with the possibility of spotting desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, or even the elusive brown hyena. Your guide will share insights into the fascinating adaptations of these animals and the unique ecosystem of the Skeleton Coast.

Midday:
As the day warms up, return to the lodge for a hearty brunch served in the innovatively designed main area, with its wraparound deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding dunes. The afternoon is a time for relaxation—perhaps enjoy a quiet moment in the lounge with a good book, or simply soak in the breathtaking views. For those seeking more adventure, a short walk around the lodge reveals the fascinating desert flora, including succulents and lichens that thrive in this harsh environment.

Afternoon:
In the late afternoon, embark on a thrilling quad bike adventure across the roaring dunes. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate the steep, shifting sands, or simply take in the stunning, otherworldly landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. As you explore, keep an eye out for the unique wildlife that inhabits this rugged terrain, such as the tok-tokkie beetle and the plants that survive on the moisture from the cold Atlantic fog.

Evening:
As the sun begins its slow descent, return to the lodge for a sundowner on the dunes. Watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, the fog rolling in from the ocean to shroud the coast in a mysterious veil. Dinner is a cozy affair, with a menu that combines local flavors with international cuisine, served in the atmospheric dining area. Afterward, gather around the fire, sharing stories with fellow travelers or simply enjoying the quietude of the desert night.

Night:
End your day with a nightcap, reflecting on the day's adventures under a starlit sky. The remote location of Shipwreck Lodge means there's little light pollution, making the stars shine brightly overhead. Finally, retire to your warm and inviting cabin, where the sounds of the distant ocean and the cool desert breeze lull you to sleep, ready for another day of discovery on the Skeleton Coast.

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 Accommodation in a suite
Food
  • Included Copy 20 All meals & beverages
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Wi-Fi, guest laundry, daily activities, airstrip transfers, expert guiding, park entry fees
  • Included Copy 31 Any flights and/or transfers to the lodge
  • Included Copy 7 Premium brand drinks, gratuities, visas and insurance

Activities

  • Included Visit a thriving colony of Cape fur seals and experience the fascinating marine life along the coast
  • Included Navigate the dramatic landscapes of the Skeleton Coast on desert drives
  • Included Take a thrilling Quad Bike ride across the towering dunes and rugged terrain
  • Included Glide down the dunes on a sandboard, an exhilarating way to experience the desert.
  • Included Search for whale bones and debris from centuries-old shipwrecks along the misty coastline.
  • Included Spot rare and migratory bird species like Rüppell’s korhaans in this unique environment.
  • Included Explore the remains of this historic diamond mine, a relic of Namibia's mining past.
  • Included Discover the desert’s unique flora that thrive in the foggy, arid conditions
  • Included Delve into the stories behind the dramatic shipwrecks that dot the coast
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

3 days

Price from

$1,912 USD

Per person, sharing

based on green season

daily, on request