The noise and especially the smell is out of comments, so you should be a real wildlife admirer to stay there for some time. But if you are, this place is definitely worth to visit. As soon as you come here you will forget about everything, including the 2-3 hours of boring driving by the coastal road.
This colony of the fur seals, the endemic species which can only be found on the coastline of southern Africa, is the biggest colony of seals in the world. The reserve is 60 sq. km, but the 200-meter walkway constructed of recycled plastic is the only place where the visitors are allowed to come. It is more than enough - if you are a good observer and/or a passionate photographer, you can spend hours watching these beautiful creatures and surprising how different are they - there is no doubt that each and every one of them has its own unique personality!
Where to stay near the Cape Seal Cross Seal Reserve:
In my opinion, the best way is to stay in Swakopmund. This town has been built by Germans and remains "very European"; it is quiet, safe and nice to visit and to stay in both.
If you prefer more wild, but still comfortable, accommodation, try to find some lodge (the closest seems to be the Cape Cross Lodge). Usually, it is quite easy to find the proper accommodation in Namibia using the catalog "Where to stay in Namibia" which you can pick up in the airport upon arrival.
How to get to the Cape Seal Cross Seal Reserve:
In Namibia, you should rent a car, which is possible to do in Windhoek airport. It is not necessary to take a 4х4, but I would suggest choosing an SUV, keeping in mind the road covering (or lack thereof).
A comfortable drive is about 150–200 km a day. It is important to have an international driving license.
From Windhoek: follow B1 and B2 to D1918 in Erongothe. If it is your first experience in Namibian driving, you should split this way for at least two days - 415 km there is much more and unpredictable than the same distance in Europe or the USA.
From Swakopmund: take the road C34 from Swakopmund and follow the signs. It is about 130 km driving.
When to go to the Cape Seal Cross Seal Reserve:
The best time to go there is Namibian Summer - from October till January and the best months are November and December: it is a time when the fur seals used to breed and to give birth. The total gestation lasts about 11.5 months, so it is the busiest time in this unusual "town", and the population of it comes to the maximum!
The Cape Seal Cross Seal Reserve Opens daily:
The best time to go there is Namibian Summer - from October till January and the best months are November and December: it is a time when the fur seals used to breed and to give birth. The total gestation lasts about 11.5 months, so it is the busiest time in this unusual "town", and the population of it comes to the maximum!
The Cape Seal Cross Seal Reserve Opens daily:
Weather and climate:
Money matters:
More about the Cape Cross Sear Reserve in Namibia
Being surrounded by the cold Atlantic waters to the west and by Namib Desert on three other sides, this area enjoys a mild desert climate; the average temperature ranges between 15°C to 25°C.
The entrance fee is about 50 N$ (4 EUR) per person.
Travel tips:
- Please bear in mind that the distances in Namibia are quite big, so plan your time carefully.
- Namibia is one of the safest and tourist-friendly countries in Africa; you don't need any special vaccination and the crime level is very low.
- To find the accommodation, it is better to use local resources than the International ones.
- Traveling in Namibia, it is very important to have some petrol in reserve.
What is near the Cape Seal Cross Seal Reserve:
Where to stay in Namibia- Sossusvlei dunes, the highest in the world, are in 535 km of driving to the South-East. Many of these dunes are above 200 meters and the highest being the one nicknamed Big Daddy, about 380 meters high. It is an unforgettable experience.
- Etosha National Park, where one can meet a lot of African animals in the wild, is also about 500 km on the North-East direction.
More about the Cape Cross Sear Reserve in Namibia
