Skeleton Coast stretches for hundreds of miles along the southwest coast of Africa. The cold Benguela current is born in Antarctica and comes to end here, bringing rich nutrients to the Namibia coast. Thus, contrary to what might appear, colonies of seals and sea lions are abundant along the shore.
For centuries, the thick fog, the terrible winds and treacherous currents have shipwrecked sailors on this coast. This place is a huge graveyard of ships. Thus, beach is dotted with the remains of many dreams. This place is called the Skeleton Coast because the bones of the boats and the human bones found here and further inland. Sailors who escaped from the sea only to have a more cruel death in the vast desert beyond.
It is also one of the few places on earth where a huge arid desert reaches the sea, with a protected area of 480 miles long, but only 40 miles wide.
The ruthless wind moves and changes constantly this mysterious landscape. Until the sand itself seems to be alive. Thus, in a singular place, the weight of a lizard in its path can trigger a whole barrage of strange sounds. No one has ever fully explain the so-called “roaring dunes”, which emit rumble where sand slides over them. Sometimes, they can be heard for miles.
When we were flying, after crossing a mountain of sand dunes, saw a herd of elephants slowly down a dune to reach a large pond in the desert. Once safe, two elephants downhill slide forward like children playing.
The Skeleton Coast elephants have learned to live as nomads, travelling distances of 60 to 80 miles to reach the desert oasis. Are perhaps the world’s tallest elephants, with a huge claws and long legs, perfect for long distances through the desert.
Abundant groups of antelope and giraffes crossed the dunes trying to search the water. We also enjoyed with funny and lively games of the meerkats in the sand.
Although rarely occurring, rainfall may form rivers leading over several miles into the arid desert. A sea of chocolate decorated with waves of white sugar.
After approaching to another pond, a group of ostriches drank quietly. These animals, are safe from predators in open spaces due to its speed of 65 km/h. At that time, hundreds of sand grouse came to drink and took flight.
From the air, it was easy to follow the footsteps of elephants in the barren plains. Suddenly, we saw a herd of fifteen elephants and two cubs crossing the desert. The elephants moved faster, almost running, eager to reach the pond.
Was impressive look like elephants reached the massif of dunes and climbed up on the front side to run down the back. Sometimes, they were divided into two groups, but then returned to group and continued. As it was already dusk, their shadows were projected on to the dunes, resulting in an image to remember. It was an amazing experience.
