Things to do in Namibia

Shipwreck Lodge: an eco-escape on the Skeleton Coast

Our eco-cabins are designed to look like boats, echoing the shipwrecks on this infamous stretch of coastline…

By Immanuel Mbwale

Head Guide at Shipwreck Lodge

Wildlife in the dunes at Shipwreck Lodge

Shipwreck Lodge feels a million miles away from civilisation. Set on the Skeleton Coast, you wake up surrounded by Namib Desert dunes, with the Atlantic Ocean just three kilometres away. It’s the ultimate escape. Our eco-cabins are designed to look like boats, echoing the shipwrecks that line this infamous stretch of coast. Everything is made from sustainable wood and copper that blends into the desert and won’t rust in the salt air; anchored into the sand with poles to withstand the strong ocean winds and shifting dunes.

Each of our ten chalets is solar-powered with a cosy wood-burning stove and can be easily removed, leaving no trace in the desert – Eco Awards Namibia has awarded us the 5 Flower accolade for our sustainability. When you stay at Shipwreck Lodge, a percentage of your money goes towards protecting the concession area that we’re located in, between the Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers in Skeleton Coast National Park.

Guests love sitting out on their private deck, listening to the waves in the distance. The cabin interiors are luxurious and ship-themed, with wooden furniture, fishing ropes and porthole windows. We also have a lounge and dining area at the heart of the lodge where you can enjoy our chef’s special menu – he serves lots of fresh seafood, including tuna, hake and crab. The sunsets here are amazing and the mornings are often foggy – it’s very atmospheric.

As a trained guide, I love taking guests out on excursions along the Skeleton Coast. We’re perfectly located for trips to the Hoarusib riverbed, where there are some amazing geological features like the clay castles. Sometimes, we’ll also see desert lions, rhinos and elephants. I like taking people to the nearby Mowe Bay seal colony too. Guests enjoy being able to stay right on the Skeleton Coast, close to all these natural wonders.

Alfred & Immanuel Mbwale

Immanuel Mbwale, known to everyone as Imms, was born in northern Namibia’s Ruacana region. As a child, he loved fixing things, so his parents sent him to mechanic school, which led to a job in a hydro station. Imms became interested in tourism while working as a mechanic at a lodge in Sossusvlei and re-trained as a tour guide. Now the Head Guide at Shipwreck Lodge, Imms is passionate about sharing his love for geology and conservation with guests.

Immanuel Mbwale, Head Guide at Shipwreck Lodge

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Contact us and one of our UK team will help shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. Someone like Malcolm who's travelled extensively in Namibia. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the expert guides who can help you spot rare animals or the fat bike enthusiasts who can take you on a cycling adventure through the Namib Desert. Give us a call, set up and appointment or enquire online to start planning your tailor-made Namibia holiday.

Malcolm Holcroft

Africa Travel Expert for Alfred&

Malcolm has spent over 25 years exploring the world. His passion for wildlife meant he always wanted to experience a true safari. And where better to do so than in Africa! Trips to Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa have gained him specialist knowledge of the destinations, as well as the incredible wildlife residing there. A couple of standout memories are the tranquility of Ol Pejeta rhino sanctuary and the drama of witnessing a cheetah kill in the Mara.
Justine Nuxas

Assistant Lodge Manager at Elegant Desert Camp

Justine Nuxas hails from Tsumeb in north-central Namibia. After completing a travel and tourism course through the San Development Programme, Justine took an internship with the prestigious Godwana Collection and has spent 12 years working her way up to the position of Assistant Lodge Manager at Elegant Desert Camp. Justine is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with younger Namibian staff.
Raymond Inichab

Head of Hata Angu Cultural Tours

Born in Damaraland, Raymond Inichab moved to Swakopmund for school and fell in love with the Skeleton Coast. A visiting American couple introduced him to snowboarding and he eventually got to learn the sport in Germany and Austria. Upon returning to Swakopmund, Raymond established Hata Angu, a tour company specialising in sandboarding trips and cultural tours.
Garry Roberts

General Manger of the Onguma Collection

Originally from Cape Town, Garry Roberts has over 35 years of experience in the hotel industry across Southern Africa for brands such as Sun City and Holiday Inns. He joined the Onguma Collection almost ten years ago and is now the General Manager for their five top-end lodges and two deluxe camping areas. Garry has an ardent passion for diverse cultures, food, cooking, wine and travel.
Ivan E. Kasozi

General Manager of The Strand Hotel Swakopmund

Born in Uganda, Ivan Kasozi has been working in the hotel industry since 1995. His career includes managing teams in resorts, city hotels and safari destinations across Africa, from Zimbabwe to Botswana and Namibia. Ivan is now the general manager at the Strand Hotel Swakopmund and is passionate about team building and providing an exceptional guest experience.
Mark de Wet

Owner of Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours

Growing up in Namibia, Mark de Wet developed a passion for nature and the outdoors. After completing his degree, Mark travelled and surfed his way around the world before settling in Ireland for work, where he started mountain biking. Mark eventually moved back to Namibia, where he discovered fat bikes and launched Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours.