Cape Cross
Cape Rocky promontory hosting a large Cape fur seal colony
Cape Cross hosts one of the largest Cape fur seal colonies on Namibia’s Atlantic shore beside a replica of Diogo Cão’s 15th‑century cross; visitors use boardwalks for wildlife viewing and basic interpretation of early European contact.
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Cape Cross is a headland on the central Namibian Atlantic coast known for a large Cape fur seal colony and a historic Portuguese cross (padrão). The site combines natural history and maritime history and is a frequent stop for visitors exploring the Skeleton Coast region.
The cape hosts a substantial seal colony, often numbering in the tens of thousands during peak seasons, and includes viewing infrastructure to observe the animals at a distance. A replica of the padrão erected by the Portuguese navigator Diogo Cão is displayed at the site; the original was removed during the colonial period.
Cape Cross lies on Namibia’s Atlantic shoreline in the Erongo/Kunene coastal zone and is accessed by road north of the coastal towns such as Swakopmund.
- Seal colony: A large breeding colony of Cape fur seals that can number in the tens of thousands at peak times, with purpose-built viewing platforms for visitors.
- Historic padrão: Site of an original Portuguese padrão erected by the navigator Diogo Cão in 1486; a replica stands at the site while the original was removed during the colonial era.
How to Get to Cape Cross #
Cape Cross is about 120 km north of Swakopmund and 75 km north of Henties Bay along the C34 coastal road. It is accessible by sealed and gravel roads; a sealed access road leads directly to the reserve and a parking area.
Tips for Visiting Cape Cross #
- Bring binoculars for seal-watching; the colony is noisy and best observed from the viewing platforms.
- Visit outside of peak mid-day heat; morning or late afternoon light is better for photos.
- Respect wildlife: stay on paths and avoid getting between mothers and pups.
Best Time to Visit Cape Cross #
Seal activity peaks in late spring and early summer (Southern Hemisphere November-December); cooler months offer comfortable viewing.
Weather & Climate near Cape Cross #
Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 11°C to 26°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
