Shipwreck Lodge

Uniquely designed around the enigmatic shipwrecks that line Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, there’s nowhere on the continent quite like Shipwreck Lodge. In fact, there’s nowhere on the continent quite like the Skeleton Coast. It’s 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.

But there’s much more to the area than simple isolation. Stay at Shipwreck Lodge and game drive amongst desert-dwelling elephant and track elusive desert lion; discover the enchanting desert flora (succulents and lichens); sit atop the dunes as the sun sinks below the horizon; spend the day beach-combing for whale bones and debris from centuries of shipwrecks, or marvel at the geologically-remarkable Clay Castles. Really, there’s nowhere like it on earth.

Ten “shipwreck-style” cabins are spread out along the sand dunes. Wake up to spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and fall asleep to the crackling of the wood burning stove. The design was inspired by the famous shipwrecks that can be found along the Skeleton Coast.

Double/Twin Rooms
(8 UNITS / VILLAS)
All rooms are ensuite and solar-powered. Each room has a shower, toilet and washbasin complimented with the necessary guest amenities, including a writing desk, bedside lamp and a wood burning stove. A small coffee and tea station with hot water flask (delivered to your room) are included for your convenience.

Family unit
(2 UNITS / VILLAS)
All rooms are ensuite and solar-powered. Each room has a shower, toilet and washbasin complimented with the necessary guest amenities, including a writing desk, bedside lamp and a wood burning stove. A small coffee and tea station with hot water flask(delivered to your room) are included for your convenience.

Day excursions to Möwe Bay seal Colony
There are day excursions by vehicle to the Möwe Bay seal colony. Guests will be shown the remnants of the Suiderkus Shipwreck, along the beach past the remains of the Karimona shipwreck, abandoned Westies diamond mine, remains of the Ventura Bomber, to the beautiful natural wind shelter created by the reeds at the Flamingo pools.

Sundowner drive to the roaring dunes
This is an afternoon excursion by vehicle to the Oasis water point, which is complimented by the smoothly sculptured roaring dunes of the concession area to conclude the “must do” sundowner.

Full day Huarusib River excursion
A 4x4 trip to the Clay castles, a natural geological formation, where brown hyenas are often encountered. Fortunate clients could possibly see the desert adapted elephants and lions.

Beach Lunch
A wonderful lunch wets the appetite of the nature lover who has the senses rushed by the crisp air of the sea breeze, the ebb and flow of the ocean. Weather permitting.

Fishing
Fishing equipment & permit included. Weather permitting.

Quad bike Tours
Join one of the guides on a scenic drive over the roaring dunes to the valley. The excursion will only be conducted in the morning due to wind and weather conditions and last approx 1 hour.

Dune boarding
For the more adventurous at heart, join us for dune boarding. This is done by lying down on a polished board while you slide down the dune headfirst. Speeds of up to 80km/h can be reached.
 

Accommodation & Amenities
•  10 rooms: 8 twin/double, 2 family (all rooms can be triples on request)
•  Ensuite bathrooms with indoor showers
•  Wifi available: Yes
•  Hairdryers: Available on request
•  Battery charging facilities: In the main area & in room
•  Complimentary laundry service

Child policy: Children of all ages welcome.

Disabled access: Please enquire with reservations

Inclusions:
•  All meals and local drinks
•  Activities (some activities at an extra surcharge)

Exclusions:
•  Flights
•  Premium brand beverages
•  Tips & gratuities
•  Insurance

Camp dates/Seasons:
•  Shipwreck Lodge is open all year round
•  Green season: 11th January to 31st March
•  Shoulder season: April to June; November to January
•  High season: July to October

Several airlines fly directly to Windhoek from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Addis Ababa and Doha. The easiest way to reach Shipwreck Lodge is to fly to Windhoek with an international carrier of your choice, and then switch to a light aircraft and fly to Mowe Bay, the nearest airstrip to the lodge. Flight transfers are also available between Hoanib Valley Camp and Shipwreck Lodge, and Swakopmund and Shipwreck Lodge – please contact us for more details.

Alternatively, you may be guided by one of our expert guides in an air-conditioned 4X4 from Swakopmund (8 hours; recommended overnight stop at Cape Cross), Windhoek (11.5 hours; recommended overnight stop), or from Hoanib Valley Camp. Self-drivers can make their way to Mowe Bay to leave their car, and from there be transferred into camp. Our transfers will leave Mowe Bay for the lodge at around 15h00, and depart from the lodge back to Mowe Bay at around 07h00.

Please note that self-drivers are not allowed to drive through the Skeleton Coast National Park. In order to move between Shipwreck Lodge and Hoanib Valley Camp, you must park at either Mowe Bay (for Shipwreck) or Sesfontein (for Hoanib Valley) and take the Natural Selection road transfer (or flight) back to your original starting point to collect your vehicle.

For more information about Shipwreck Lodge click HERE.