Terrace Bay Skeleton Coast; another planet?

When we finally reached Terrace Bay Restcamp it was like arriving at another planet

Terrace Bay next morning, another planet?
Skeleton Coast Park, Namibia 2019

Leaving Terrace Bay next morning
Skeleton Coast Park, Namibia 2019

Still on Skeleton Coast, after our "unlucky episode" trapped in a salt pan near the Winston Wreck (!) (link), we reach Terrace Bay Restcamp after the longest possible drive north along Skeleton Coast. Indeed, Terrace Bay is the furthest north that visitors can drive along C34 on the coast from the Ugab River Gate, the enterence to Skeleton Coast Park.

Ugab River Gate, the enterence to Skeleton Coast Park
166 kms before Terrace Bay

Driving along Skeleton Coast at night

When we passed Torra Bay, where there were what looked as some abandoned shacks, it had become dark. Normally, you should not drive in Skeleton Coast Park in darkness, as it is an incredibly deserted area with wild animals and no help anywhere nearby, but the friendly staff at the Ugab River Gate, who helped us save the car, allowed us to drive into the National Park in order to reach our destination (and prepaid booking) at Terrace Bay if we promised to drive directly to Terrace Bay with no deviations and stick to the main track. Also, we promised the kind staff at Ugab River Gate to call when we arrived. They wanted to make sure we were safe and had no problems with the car.

We drove very carefully, but determined, all 166 kms. It is not an area where you want the car to breakdown. We saw many jackals, but no lions - they rarely walk all the way to the coast.

We didn't want to visit more shipwrecks down tracks off the main track!!

When we finally reached Terrace Bay Restcamp

When we finally reached Terrace Bay Restcamp it was like arriving at another planet. Everything seemed abandoned. The main reception was closed and we couldn't find any people or staff. At least, thjere were signs of civilization. As we were driving around for a while in this dark and deserted lunar base, we saw light in the distance. We found a way to the light. It turned out to be the restaurant (basic cafeteria), where we were greeted by friendly staff. No one had missed us.

We got our huge Beach Chatlet with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, large living room and kitchen. Completely surreal. Everything was simple but functional and clean. You sense it was originally built for the mine staff until the goverment took over in 1977.

We slept exceptionally well that night

We slept exceptionally well that night. The roaring sea and the wind did not keep us awake. Surprisingly, I did not dream of being dragged into quicksand

Our garden in the desert in the middle of nowhere
Skeleton Coast Park, Namibia 2019

Our house (beach chalet)
Skeleton Coast Park, Namibia 2019

Our sleeping quarters, simple but clean
Skeleton Coast Park, Namibia 2019

Heading for breakfast in the "restaurant"
Skeleton Coast Park, Namibia 2019

Our kitchen in the beach chalet
Skeleton Coast Park, Namibia 2019