Plizio Visual Lab

Cape Cross Seal Reserve

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The Cape Cross Seal Reserve on Namibia's Skeleton Coast is home to one of the world's largest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals. During the peak season, up to 250,000 animals gather on the rocks and in the water, creating an impressive, albeit pungent, natural spectacle. Historically, the site is of immense significance as the Portuguese navigator Diogo Cão was the first European to set foot on Namibian soil here in 1486, erecting a stone cross (padrão) to mark his claim. The cross visible today is a replica, while the original was taken to Berlin at the end of the 19th century. The reserve is located in an extremely desolate coastal desert where the cold Benguela Current provides a rich fish fauna that sustains the massive seal population. Visitors can observe the seals from a secure walkway at close range, with the pupping season in November and December being particularly spectacular. The area is strictly protected to maintain the ecological balance between the commercial fishing industry and the burgeoning seal colony.

Location: Namibia
Nearby: Henties Bay (44 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	23	23	23	22	19	19	18	19	20	20	21
Rain mm	25	36	26	17	1	0	0	0	1	3	8	10

📋 Practical info

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Best season

Open year-round, but the best time is November to December when the seal pups are born. During this period the colony behaviour is especially active and fascinating to watch.

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Best time of day

The seals are active all day long, but especially in the early morning and late afternoon. At midday many animals rest on the beach, so cooler hours are more pleasant for a visit.

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Etiquette

Keep a mandatory distance of at least 30 metres from the seals and do not walk among the animals. Touching or feeding the seals is strictly forbidden as it can cause them stress.

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What to bring

Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to photograph the seals from a safe distance. A windbreaker and sunscreen are recommended due to the strong coastal winds.

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Getting there

Cape Cross Reserve lies about 120 km north of Swakopmund along the main C34 road. The car park is directly at the entrance, from where a short wooden walkway leads to the colony.

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What to expect

The colony is huge and animals are often crowded together - a little patience pays off for the well-suited shot. Wait quietly on the viewing platform to observe special behaviours.