The C34 north of Swakopmund runs along the Namibian Atlantic coast, passing through the most accessible section of the Skeleton Coast national park and reaching the fishing camps of Torra Bay and Terrace Bay before the northern wilderness begins. This is the self-drive access route for the southern Skeleton Coast; no permit is needed for the section between Swakopmund and Terrace Bay.
The Route North
Swakopmund → C34 north → Cape Cross (150km) → Torra Bay (240km) → Terrace Bay (280km)
The road is tar throughout from Swakopmund to the Ugab River Skeleton Coast Park gate; gravel from the gate to Terrace Bay. 2WD accessible throughout.
What You Pass Through
Henties Bay (70km): Small fishing town; fuel; last reliable services before Cape Cross.
Cape Cross Seal Reserve (150km): See the Cape Cross guide. The seal reserve is a natural stop; most day trips from Swakopmund turn around here.
Ugab River Gate: The northern boundary of the accessible Skeleton Coast National Park. NWR entry fee payable here for continuation to Torra Bay and Terrace Bay.
Torra Bay (240km): A seasonal NWR fishing camp (open December to January only); campsite when open. In other months, the camp is closed.
Terrace Bay (280km): An NWR fishing resort open year-round; basic accommodation; the northernmost point accessible to self-drive visitors. Beyond Terrace Bay, the northern wilderness begins; no self-drive access without special permits.
Connecting to the Skeleton Coast Silo
The full Skeleton Coast content, covering both the self-drive southern section and the fly-in northern wilderness, is in the Skeleton Coast guide.
Contact Mat-Travel for Skeleton Coast trip planning from Swakopmund.