The Cape of cross lies in the Western Namibian Erongo region on the Skeleton coast about 50 km north of Henties Bay. There are several seal colonies along this coast, the most important of which is in the immediate vicinity of the Cape Cross. Therefore, the area was named in 1968 Cape Cross Seal Reserve (Seal reserve Kreuzkap) to the nature reserve.
background
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history
The name Cape of cross goes back to the Portuguese Diogo Cãowho, on April 8, 1484, was probably the first European to reach this point on the African coast and he was with a Padrão marked as Portuguese possession.
The text on the cross was translated:
During the colonial days of Namibia, the Portuguese cross was removed in 1893 and placed in a Berlin museum. It was replaced by a cross with a German inscription that claimed the colony. In the meantime, a second true-to-original cross is in place, the square is paved. However, the stones do not reveal how the Portuguese did the year 5200 BC. BC calculated as the year of the creation of the earth.
landscape
Cape Cross is part of the Skeleton Coast and is characterized by its arid desert character. At the cape itself there are some rock formations, in the inland the flat desert landscape dominates.
Flora and fauna
The reserve serves to protect one animal species: the conservation of South African fur seals. Depending on the season and the food supply, up to 100,000 animals can be gathered here. The animals don't bother each other if you keep a safe distance. The bulls in particular should not be underestimated. Despite their body weight of over 300 kg, they can be very fast over short distances and their teeth are razor sharp. The jackals know that too. These predators live in the immediate vicinity of the colony, they feed on the afterbirth of the sea lions, but also on young animals.
climate
Dry coastal desert climate. No significant precipitation. Due to the cold Benguela Current, fog can rise very quickly with extremely limited visibility. In the southern winter it is particularly cool at night.
getting there
From the south over Swakopmund one arrives at the C34 above Henties Bay after around 120 km to the Kreuzkap. Of Omaruru can be reached via the C36 Uis and from there via the C35 to Henties Bay and the C34 north to Cape Cross. From the north the C39 runs to the west from Outjo above Khorixas in the national park and meets south of Torra Bay on the C34 from here it is another 172 kilometers. Of Palmwag From there, the C43 runs towards Khorixas and becomes the C39. At the transition, turn west onto the C39 to get to the Skeleton Coast National Park.
Fees / permits / opening times
The seal reserve entry fee is NAD 90 for adults. Children under 16 have free entry. The reservation is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (November 16 to June 30) or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (July 1 to November 15).
mobility
Your own vehicle, preferably off-road, is essential. A spare wheel, a full tank and sufficient drink are compulsory. Gas stations exist in Henties Bay to the south and in Torra Bay. The latter is not year-round and not reliable.
communication
Cellular coverage is patchy throughout the Skeleton Coast National Park. Cape Cross itself offers good network coverage.
Tourist Attractions
activities
to buy
kitchen
The only restaurant and bar is located at Cape Cross Lodge.
accommodation
There are only two places to stay at Cape Cross. On the one hand the Cape Cross Lodge with campground and the very simple and not all year round campground in the nature reserve (Seal Reserve)
Hotels and hostels
- Cape Cross Lodge. Tel.: 26464461677 (Mon-Fri), 264646940127, Fax: 26464461488 (Mon-Fri), 26488633800, Email: [email protected].
camping
- Cape Cross Lodge. Very good places with wind protection and water connection. No power connection. Showers and toilets in excellent condition and spotlessly clean.
- Cape Cross seal reserve
security
trips
literature
- D. W. Krynauw: The Cape of the Cross. Compiled for the Historical Monuments Commission of South West Africa and published by the Council for National Monuments. No. 4, Windhoek 1970.
