Iona-Skeleton Coast Park

Nestled in the far northwestern corner of Namibia and the southwestern corner of Angola, the Iona-Skeleton Coast Park is a vast and remote wilderness area that stretches along the Atlantic coast for more than 500 km and transcends the Kunene River, which forms the natural border between these two countries.



The park is a mosaic of rugged mountains, gravel plains and dunes, and it is home to a variety of wildlife species that have adapted to the harsh desert conditions. Among them are the iconic desert-adapted lions and elephants, which are the most sought-after attractions for visitors who brave the long and difficult journey to this isolated corner of Africa.



This is off-road-adventure country at its best.



The Iona-Skeleton Coast Park is a joint conservation effort between the Angolan government and the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, covering an area of more than 15000 square kilometres. The park comprises two sections, the Iona National Park in Angola and the Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia, which are separated by the Kunene River.



If you want to cover the complete route coming up from Swakopmund/Henties Bay through the Skeleton Coast National Park, you will find an unlimited number of organisations, who like Omalweendo Safaris, can take you on guided tours up to the Kunene Delta and through Kaokoland towards the border point at Ruacana and onwards into the Iona National Park.



One of the main attractions of the park on the Namibian side is the desert-adapted lions. These lions are sometimes falsely described as a sub-species as they seem smaller and more agile, however, they have simply learnt to survive in the harsh desert environment. They prey on gemsbok, springbok and even seals along the coast.



A similar highlight is the desert-adapted elephant, which is the largest land animal in this area. These elephants have developed several adaptations to survive in the arid environment, such as longer legs to reach water and food sources and larger ears to dissipate heat.



The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife species, including hyenas, jackals, baboons and a variety of antelope species such as kudu, Oryx, and springbok. Birdwatchers will also find plenty of opportunities to spot endemic species such as the Benguela long-billed lark and the Namib dune lark.



Witnessing Iona’s beauty comes with a challenge



While the Namibian side of the park is more accessible and developed for tourism, the Angolan side is still largely unexplored and untamed. The Iona National Park is a vast wilderness area that is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles or by flying in. The park has a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains and valleys to dunes and salt flats, and is home to a variety of wildlife species that are unique to this part of Africa.



Visitors can go on guided hikes, game drives and birdwatching expeditions to explore the park and learn about its natural history. Self-drivers are invariably drawn to the so-called Death Acre (often referred to as “Doodsakker” in Afrikaans) on the West Coast of Angola between Tombua and Foz do Cunene (Kunene Mouth). This route is extremely dangerous because the Southern Atlantic’s waves crash against the dune face, making it almost impossible to drive.



The preferred way through is entering the area roughly an hour before the peak of low tide to traverse this part of the Namib Desert, that at a time out of necessity leads you through the ocean-water as you attempt to pass roughly 60 km of sand in approximately two hours at a steady speed. This is not a trip for the fainthearted!



Despite its remote location and rugged terrain, the Iona-Skeleton Coast Park is a must-see destination for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers who are looking for a unique and authentic African experience. With its diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, this wild corner of Africa is a true gem waiting to be discovered.