Shipwreck Lodge - Skeleton Coast, Namibia - Member of Journeys Namibia Management Company (Pty) Ltd

Shipwreck Lodge Namibia

Located in the famous Skeleton Coast concession between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in the Skeleton Coast National Park, Shipwreck Lodge is only 45 km from Möwe Bay. The shipwreck-shaped chalets are nestled between the dunes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean where the cold Benguela current provides guests with a refreshing breeze.

Our exclusive clients can look forward to appreciating the harshness of the desert and the beauty of these solitary landscapes filled with geological history. Learn about the fauna and flora adapted to survive in these harsh conditions – all from the comfort of the restaurant deck. There are 8 twin/double chalets and 2 family chalets.

Shipwreck Facts Virtual Tours

Our Luxury Cabins

Our 10, ’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. Emphasizing a light footprint in the area by operating eco-friendly and using solar-power. All 10, ensuite cabins are complemented with the necessary guest amenities like a writing desk, bedside lamp, safe and a wood-burning stove. The 8 twin/double cabins and 2 family cabins all have their own deck to view to enjoy the peaceful landscape. Hairdryers can be requested at the reception.

Our Restaurant

The restaurant and dining area is the heart of the lodge. Enjoy morning coffee or an evening sundowner on the outdoor deck, or retreat inside and enjoy the views of the starkly beautiful landscape.

History of Skeleton Coast

In days gone by, the entire coast of Namibia was known as the Skeleton Coast. Today only the park located on the northern coast, stretching from the Kunene River to Ugab River, is called by this name. The area covering 16,845 km2 was declared a nature reserve in 1971, and serves to protect nearly a third of Namibia’s coastline.

It is notorious for its treacherous weather, rough surf and shifting shores.

Live in this seemingly stark desert, life flourishes. Elephants, lions, brown hyenas, birds and other desert-adapted wildlife, call this unforgiving land their home.

Famed for its shipwrecks estimated to number in the thousands, daring rescues and stories of brave survivors, the Skeleton Coast exudes a sense of danger. Thick fog, forceful winds and the powerful Benguella current make this part of the sea a difficult one to safely navigate and to this day the Skeleton Coast claims its victims.

Among the most well-known ships to have found their end on this coast, is the Eduard Bohlen, Dunedin Star, Cawdor Castle, Suiderkus, Sir Charles Elliot and Kaio Maru.

Activities at Shipwreck

Full day Möwe Bay excursion

Day excursions by vehicle to the seal colony in Möwe Bay. On the way to Flamingo Pools guests can explore remnants of the Suiderkus and the Karimona shipwrecks, as well as the abandoned Westies diamond mine and the remains of a Ventura Bomber.

4x4 Hoarusib River

Full-day 4x4 Hoarusib River excursions – guests will explore the Clay Castles, a natural geological formation where brown hyenas are often encountered. Guests might also spot desert-adapted elephants and lions.

Beach Lunch

A wonderful lunch whets 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. This activity is weather permitting.

Catch of the Day

The Namibian Coast is a Fishers’ Paradise. Clients of Shipwreck Lodge can enjoy the exclusive use of the area to fish for their own use. After a successful day of fishing (subject to MIT permits) our chefs can prepare the fresh catch of the day for Dinner. This activity is weather permitting.

Sundowner Drive

A sundowner drive to Oasis water point will take guests to the Roaring Dunes.

Quad Bike

Join one of our 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.

The Conservancy

The partner conservancies of Shipwreck Lodge are the Puros Conservancy established in May 2000 and the Sesfontein Conservancy established in July 2003. Between the two conservancies they cover over 6,000 km2 and are predominantly made up of Ovahimba and Herero people.

By partnering with the conservancies Shipwreck Lodge has the opportunity to recruit lodge staff from these conservancies thus assisting with sustaining of multiple households. The business has also purchased hardy 4x4 vehicles to assist the conservancy with wildlife and environmental management.

In their capacity as landlords, the Conservancies are paid monthly fees based on 8% of turnover of the lodge business. Conservancies therefore also have a vested interest in the overall success of the lodge and the support they provide to the tourism business.

Communal conservancies are self-governing, democratic entities, run by their members, with fixed boundaries that are agreed with adjacent conservancies, communities or land owners.

In 1998 the first four communal conservancies were established. These pioneer conservancies established the model for economic survival and growth in harsh rural settings.

For those conservancies with tourism potential, the right to establish tourism enterprises was realised through joint ventures with the private sector, which could bring capital and experience. As wildlife numbers grew and were sustained by conservation measures, lodges found a sure footing in some conservancies, bringing income and creating employment.

At present there are 83 registered conservancies in Namibia. In some conservancies, tourism is becoming the key source of income. Farming is still the main source of livelihoods for most conservancy members. However, with the growing effects of climate change, access to alternative income streams are becoming increasingly important.

Parking & Pick-up

Vehicles of self-drive guests are parked at the pickup point situated at Möwe Bay. Fly-In guests will also be picked up at Möwe Bay. You will then be transferred the 45km north to the Shipwreck Lodge in a closed game drive vehicle.

Möwe Bay GPS co-ordinates: 19°22’23,35” S & 12°42’32,74” E

Lodge emergency contact number: +264 (0)81 260 0830.

pick-up times

The pick-up times from Möwe Bay Airstrip to the Lodge will be at: 11:00 or 15:00

Departure times from Shipwreck Lodge to Möwe Bay Airstrip will be at: 09:00

Self-Drive Clients

Clients will enter the Skeleton Coast National Park and will be driving along a gravel road towards Möwe Bay. This is where the client’s pick-up will take please.

Please note: The roads are gravel roads and are subject to the weather and wind that might affect the road conditions. Therefore, self-drive clients are advised to drive a high clearance and 4x4 vehicle, especially between Terrace Bay and Möwe Bay. The last cellphone signal for communication and petrol station will be in Terrace Bay.

Directions to Möwe Bay

For Self-Drive customers see the directions below.

  1. Drive onto the C34 towards Hentiesbay for approximately 69Km.
  2. At Hentiesbay you continue for a further 120Km along the C34 towards the Ugab Gate.
  3. Once at the gate, it will be important to show your voucher as proof that you are staying at Shipwreck Lodge.
  4. Proceed for another 103 Km along the C34 until you reach Torra Bay.
  5. From Torra Bay you will continue along the D2302 towards Terrace Bay for 58 Km, where you will be able to refuel.
  6. Finally head north towards Möwe Bay for the final 82 Km.
  7. You now have reached the Pick-up point at Möwe Bay.

Click here for Google maps

  1. Drive South along the C43 towards Khorixas.
  2. After approximately 40 Km you will reach the C39.
  3. Turn Right onto the C39 and follow the road for 60 Km until you reach Springbok Water Gate.
  4. Once at the gate it will be important to show your Voucher as proof that you are staying at Shipwreck Lodge.
  5. Continue along the C39 for a further 33 Km until you reach Torra Bay.
  6. From Torra Bay you will continue along the D2302 towards Terrace Bay for 58 Km, where you will be able to refuel.
  7. Finally head north towards Möwe Bay for the final 82 Km.
  8. You now have reached the Pick-up point at Möwe Bay.

Click here for Google maps

  1. Drive along the C39 towards Palmwag for 126 Km.
  2. After 126 Km you will reach the turnoff to Palmwag. Remain on the C39 towards Torra Bay for a further 60 Km until you reach Springbok Water Gate.
  3. Once at the gate it will be important to show your Voucher as proof that you are staying at Shipwreck Lodge.
  4. Continue along the C39 for a further 33 Km until you reach Torra Bay.
  5. From Torra Bay you will continue along the D2302 towards Terrace Bay for 58 Km, where you will be able to refuel.
  6. Finally head north towards Möwe Bay for the final 82 Km.
  7. You now have reached the Pick-up point at Möwe Bay.

Click here for Google maps

Rates 2020

For seasonal rates please find the downloadable rate sheets below.

Single room N$ 13,460.00 convert to USD
Double room per person sharing N$ 11,730.00 convert to USD
Children btw 6-18 years sharing 50% N$ 5,865.00 convert to USD
Guides / Pilot* N$ 1,050.00 convert to USD

* Guides / Pilot: fully inclusive excluding activities
Rates include 15% VAT & 1% Bed Levy

Download 2019 rack rates Download 2020 rack rates Download Journeys Namibia SADC rates

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