Home to one of the world’s largest seal colonies, the Cape Cross Seal Reserve is a protected area along the west coast of Namibia. Its name is derived from the stone cross on the shore, erected in 1486 by Diogo Cão, a notable Portuguese explorer and navigator.
Situated on a small headland on the Skeleton Coast, just 120 kilometres from Swakopmund and 60 kilometres from Henties Bay, makes the reserve is easily accessible. Most visitors head to this sector of the coast for a day trip or a quick visit. The cold Benguela current brings in schools of fish, ensuring the seals have a constant supply of prey. The seals in this protectorate are well-fed and blubbery.
At any given time, it is quite possible to an excess of 100,000 seals litter the shores of the coast. Raised wooden walkways meander their way over the beach, allowing for unique vantage points of the colonies. Visitors can also spot cormorants and other seabirds fluttering about, contributing to the wildlife spectacle onshore.