Boardwalk
Over the colony.
Giles Laurent — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Hans Hillewaert — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Giles Laurent — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Giles Laurent — CC BY-SA 4.0
A rocky headland on the Atlantic coast north of Swakopmund, reached by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century, now home to one of the world's largest colonies of fur seals, tens of thousands crowding the rocks and sand, many more in the breeding season. Visitors walk a raised wooden boardwalk right above the colony and see the seals very close: adults basking, calling and squabbling, pups playing on the rocks and calling to their mothers, and waves breaking as they carry swimming seals ashore. Pups are born in November and December, so the scene peaks late in the year. Around the reserve stretches the desolate Skeleton Coast, with foggy beaches and old shipwrecks, named for the many ships wrecked along it. The smell is very strong and the noise loud, so be ready for both. The entry fee differs between sources. Namibia's gravel roads cause many accidents, so drive slowly, never travel at night and carry plenty of water and fuel.
Over the colony.
Playing on rocks.
Shipwrecks.
Skeleton Coast, about 120 km north of Swakopmund
They are born in November and December, so the scene peaks at the turn of the year.