As the cold Atlantic Ocean crashes into dry African desert, much ecological intrigue is born from the Skeleton Coast. There are hundreds of plants and insects that flourish in the sand, surviving from the moisture of the cold fog that drifts inland from the ocean.

The Benguela current brings cold waters all the way from Antarctica and helps to moderate temperatures. The cool air off the ocean meets the hotter desert air and nearly every morning a cool mist envelopes the coastline bringing life sustaining moisture to the desert; not to mention a palpable early morning atmosphere. The cold current is also highly oxygenated,and nutrient rich resulting in a plankton and krill bonanza. This forms the basis of the food chain for the teeming marine life along the coast. The most iconic species are the Cape fur seals that line the rocky shoreline in massive colonies.

Lots of fascinating vegetation, like the ancient welwitschia, have also adapted to the harsh conditions here. The Skeleton Coast is truly fascinating for biologists, ecologists and nature enthusiasts alike.