The seal colony of seals at Cape Cross marks a specific historic event in Namibian history. Back in 1486, this was the place where the first European explorer set foot in Namibia. The spot was originally marked by a cross giving it the name Cape Cross. Nowadays the area is home to a massive seal colony consisting of more than 200.000 seals. These stinky seals can be visited where tourists can get a close-up view of the seals from an extensive walkway. It is a sight to behold – and a smell our noses never get used to.
The history of Cape Cross
Back in 1486, the Portuguese explorer Diogo Cão made the first recorded visit to Cape Cross. He was on an expedition south of the equator for the purpose of finding a sea route around Africa to the Spice Islands and India.
On behalf of Portugal, Diogo Cão claimed the land with the construction of a stone cross. This cross is what has given it its name Cape Cross. However, the original cross was removed by the German nay in 1893 and can now be found in Deutsches Historisches Museum in Berlin. Fortunately, two replicas have been made and both stand tall at Cape Cross today.
Everything you need to know for a visit to the smelly seals at Cape Cross
As with every attraction around the world, there are always a few things that are useful to know. The seal colony at Cape Cross in Namibia is no exception. Therefore, we have gathered everything you need to know for a visit to the smelly seals at Cape Cross right here.
Getting to Cape Cross Seal Reserve
Cape Cross Seal Reserve is located on the Skeleton Coast of Namibia – right in the West Coast National Park region. The seals are found about 60 kilometers from Henties Bay and 130 kilometers north of Swakopmund. The reserve is especially popular among tourists traveling north towards Etosha or for those who have already been inland.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of Cape Cross Seal Reserve vary depending on the season. From November 16th to June 30th the opening hours are from 8:00 to 17:00. And from July 1st to November 15th the reserve is open from 10:00 to 17:00.
Entrance fee
For you to enter Cape Cross Seal Reserve you have to pay for a permit. This can be purchased at the reception, which you pass on your drive inside the reserve. The price is 150 NAD for a foreign visitor and 50 NAD for a vehicle that seats 10 or lower.
Time spent at Cape Cross Seal Reserve
The seal reserve is not that big; however, the number of seals is. You are able to walk around the area on a boardwalk. We would recommend you set aside about an hour for your visit to Cape Cross Seal Reserve. That way you are able to watch the seals, take pictures, and learn a bit about the history of the place.
Cape fur seals
The seals that you find at Cape Cross are the Cape fur seals. These curious creatures are the largest of the nine fur seal species. The males can be around 2,2 meters in length, whereas the females are about 1,6 meters. These seals are definitely not small, nor are they lightweight. While the females weigh around 60 to 70 kilos, the males tend to weigh a whopping 200 to 300 kilos. Despite their big posture, they do still have predators. On land, these are jackals and brown hyenas, who often hunt the cups. While killer whales prey on them in the ocean. Even so, they are still wild animals, and you should be very aware of this when visiting the Cape fur seals at Cape Cross.
Best time to visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve in Namibia
The best time to visit the seals at Cape Cross Seal Reserve in Namibia is around November and December. This is when the peak of the breeding season runs, which means the shore is covered in small seal pups throughout these months. But no matter which months you visit the reserve you are able to see the seals as the colony stays at Cape Cross throughout the year.
