Cape Cross

Cape Cross, located along Namibia’s desolate Skeleton Coast, holds a unique blend of history and wildlife. It is famed for being the site where Portuguese navigator Diego Cão first set foot on Namibian soil in 1486, commemorated by a stone cross erected in his honour. However, today Cape Cross is best known for its colossal seal colony, one of the largest in the world. Thousands of Cape fur seals congregate on the rocky shores, creating a bustling, noisy scene against the backdrop of crashing Atlantic waves.

Visitors to Cape Cross can explore the historical monument and the adjacent nature reserve, where wooden walkways offer close-up views of the seals, who come ashore to breed and rest. While the sheer number of seals is captivating, the raw, remote beauty of the surrounding coastline is equally striking, offering an untouched wilderness that stretches as far as the eye can see. The reserve is also home to other wildlife, including jackals and seabirds, adding to the region’s rugged charm.

Cape Cross is a stop on many self-drive routes along Namibia’s coast and offers a glimpse into both the country’s maritime history and its rich natural environment. It’s an ideal day trip from Swakopmund or Henties Bay, combining both wildlife encounters and a connection to Namibia’s early explorers.