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Martin Cígler CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Cape Cross

Cape

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.

Cape Cross WindhoekSossusvleiSwakopmundEtosha National ParkCape Cross
In this guide

Cape Cross essentials

Address: Cape Cross Seal Reserve, Cape Cross, Erongo Region, Namibia
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About Cape Cross

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.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cape Cross

Seal activity peaks in late spring and early summer (Southern Hemisphere November-December); cooler months offer comfortable viewing.

Seal pupping season
November-December · 18-30°C
Large numbers of pups; the colony is extremely noisy and active.
Winter-spring
June-September · 12-22°C
Cooler weather and large adult populations; good visibility for birdlife.

Weather & Climate near Cape Cross

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 42 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 18° - 26° 22° 5 mm overcast 89% 4.2 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.1h
February Excellent 18° - 26° 22° 4 mm overcast 89% 4.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.7h
March Excellent 17° - 25° 21° 7 mm partly cloudy 89% 4.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
April Ideal 16° - 25° 20° 5 mm partly cloudy 87% 3.9 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
May Ideal 14° - 24° 19° 2 mm some cloud 82% 4.0 m/s 1.3 high 11.0h
June Ideal 12° - 23° 18° 2 mm some cloud 78% 3.8 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h
July Ideal 12° - 23° 17° 1 mm some cloud 75% 3.4 m/s 1.1 high 10.8h
August Ideal 11° - 22° 17° 1 mm partly cloudy 83% 4.0 m/s 1.3 high 11.3h
September Excellent 13° - 22° 17° 1 mm partly cloudy 88% 5.0 m/s 1.6 very high 11.9h
October Excellent 14° - 23° 18° 1 mm overcast 90% 4.6 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.5h
November Excellent 15° - 24° 20° 1 mm partly cloudy 89% 4.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.0h
December Excellent 16° - 25° 20° 2 mm partly cloudy 89% 4.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.3h
Getting There & Around

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.