The misnomer most people think about when you mention the Skeleton coast is that it is a ships grave yard. The name actually comes from the African sun bleached whale and seal bones left from the days when there was wholesale slaughter of said animals. There is however some amazing ship wreck sites to visit along this endless stretch of blinding white sand coast. You can visit the area in your 4x4 camper van rental from Windhoek Airprot, Hosea Kutako Int with an experienced field guide.

The Eduard Bohlen was a ship that ran aground off the coast of Namibia’s Skeleton Coast on September 5, 1909, 2 272 ton passenger/cargo ship, was on a voyage from Swakopmund to Table Bay. The relatively short sea voyage down the coast was fraught with danger, and many an experienced sea-man would run into foul weather, that came broiling out of “the Cape of storms”. Such was the fate of the Eduard Bohlen. This hulking wreck is really interesting and great photo opportunity. The elements have chiselled and rusted the steel into strange iron sculptures half covered in places by the shifting sands. Some of the other wrecks are not as visible and are only exposed as the tide goes out, while others may lie at the bottom of the sea with only a mast or headgear indicating their final resting place.