A beach named the “Gates of Hell” is covered with thousands of shipwrecks and skeletons.
Skeleton Coast in Namibia is beautiful, with long stretches of uninterrupted dunes, dry weather and plenty of wildlife.
However, with the rough seas and remote setting, it is far from paradise and has earned nicknames including “The Gates of Hell”, the “End of the Earth” and even “The Land God Made In Anger”.
It is avoided by locals and visitors alike for its apocalyptic feeling. Come low tide, you’ll find countless whale skeletons and plenty of shipwrecks washed up on the shores.
The beach is generally closed to the public in a bid to protect the wildlife and eco-system. However, it’s impossible to visit. There are some “fly-in safaris”, as well as guided tours that offer a glimpse of this unusual coast.
Despite the harsh desert conditions, there’s an abundance of wildlife that calls the region home, from elephants who dig in the sand to find water from underground rivers, to giraffes, lions, hyenas and even baboons.
It’s technically a desert as it doesn’t have seasonal rains, so the coast boasts warm and dry weather – but that doesn’t stop the stormy seas from being treacherous.
It’s estimated that there are over 1,000 shipwrecks along the Skeleton Coast, such as the Winston, a trawler which ran aground in 1970 and can still be seen. Another famous wreck is the Eduard Bohlen, which dates back to the early 1900s and remains partially buried.
With dramatic dunes and sweeping landscapes, it’s no surprise that the Skeleton Coast was ranked as having some of the world’s best golden beaches by Beach Atlas.
The travel site explained: “Skeleton Coast, known as ‘The Gates of Hell,’ is a desolate stretch in Namibia where the Atlantic’s Benguela Current meets the desert. Its eerie name derives from the whale skeletons and numerous shipwrecks scattered along its shores.
“The Ovahimba people, utilising whale bones for their huts, contribute to the region’s unique cultural landscape. This inhospitable yet fascinating area showcases the stark beauty and relentless challenge of nature.”
