Skeleton Coast 4x4 Expedition
Swakopmund to Palmwag, by the Kunene River Mouth
Fortune seekers and thrillseekers alike are irresistibly drawn to the Skeleton Coast - a place where legends of shipwrecks, hidden treasures, and daring adventures come to life. This guided self-drive offers it all: exhilarating driving, haunting wrecks, rare desert wildlife, and the unforgettable moment where the desert meets the sea at the Kunene River Mouth.
A raw, off-the-grid guided 4x4 self-drive adventure into Namibia's wild north west. The Skeleton Coast Expedition begins in Swakopmund and concludes in Palmwag. Includes pre and post accommodation with breakfast at The Delight Swakopmund and Palmwag Lodge & Camp.
Day by day as published by Gondwana Collection. The itinerary may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Day 0
Swakopmund
Pick up your car in Windhoek or Walvis Bay. At 18:00, the tour briefing at The Delight Swakopmund.
- Day 1
Swakopmund - Skeleton Coast Park - Möwe Bay
We leave Swakopmund early and head north into the Skeleton Coast Park, pausing at the Uniab River Mouth for birdwatching. We continue through the Hoanib River to Terrace Bay, our last fuel stop for several days. By late afternoon, we reach the area north of Möwe Bay and settle into camp.
- Day 2
Hoarusib - Khumib Valley
After breakfast we travel north with stops, including the remains of the Ventura Bomber that crashed after a failed rescue attempt in 1942. Entering the Hoarusib River, we may see oryx, springbok and desert-adapted wildlife. We then continue toward the Khumib Valley, where we camp for the night.
- Day 3
Sarusas Spring - Agate Mountain
We leave the Khumib Valley and drive through colourful, fragile landscapes. A visit to the old Sarusas Mine reveals scattered quartz and amethyst, with Sarusas Spring offering excellent wildlife viewing. By the afternoon we stop at Agate Mountain and set up camp shortly afterwards.
- Day 4
Angra Fria - Dunedin Star - Kunene River Mouth
Today's route follows the beach past Angra Fria and the historic Dunedin Star wreck site. Around midday, we arrive at the Kunene River mouth area, rich in birdlife and aquatic species. After exploring the delta, we continue to our dune camp.
- Day 5
Kunene River Mouth
A relaxed day with no packing required. You may explore the Kunene area on foot, by camera or along the dunes, or simply enjoy the camp. Early mornings and late afternoons offer a fair chance of spotting Brown Hyena, making these ideal times for quiet observation.
- Day 6
Skeleton Coast Dunes - Hartmann Valley
We leave the coast and travel east through striking dune belts, stopping often to take in shifting desert scenery and to explore which route is the safest to navigate. Oryx are frequently seen in this area. We camp near the Hartmann Valley and enjoy a quiet night in the open desert.
- Day 7
Hoarusib Canyon - Puros
Heading south on remote tracks, we re-enter the Hoarusib River region, known for desert adapted elephants and other desert adapted predators. Passing through Hoarusib Canyon, we reach the small settlement of Puros and overnight at the community campsite.
- Day 8
Sesfontein - Palmwag Lodge & Camp
We continue to Sesfontein to refuel and pick up basic supplies before driving onward to Palmwag Lodge & Camp. Here we spend our final night and prepare to say farewell the next morning.
- Day 9
Palmwag
Drop off your car in Windhoek or Walvis Bay, or ask us about an alternative itinerary to continue your journey.
Included
- Accommodation at The Delight Swakopmund and at Palmwag Lodge & Camp (bed and breakfast)
- 4x4 camping-equipped Namibia2Go Expedition Hilux (for 2 persons)
- Professional guides
- All camping, concession, park and community fees
- Camp equipment including shower and toilet facilities
- Meals: breakfast (with coffee or tea) and dinner
- Fishing rods, angling permits and bait
- 2 water tanks (80 and 65 litres) for communal kitchen use and showers
- 2 jerry cans for fuel (2 x 20 litres)
- 2 bags of firewood
- Strong refuse bags
- Recovery gear and satellite phone for emergencies
- 2-way radios
Excluded
- Fuel (take cash for fuel; approximately N$5,000)
- Snacks and beverages other than breakfast and dinner
- Drinking water (at least 2 litres per person per day)
- Items of a personal nature
- Medical and emergency travel insurance (compulsory)
- Power bank
Join the Skeleton Coast expedition.
Pick a departure and tell us who is coming. We hold your place with Gondwana.
No payment is taken here. Package prices on this site are the suppliers' published rates; we confirm the exact figure against live availability when we quote.