Namibia 2026: Damara- & Kaokoland - Cape Cross Seal Reserve

In this episode we visit the Cape Cross Seal Reserve, which is about 130 km north of Swakopmund and close to Messum Crater. The reserve has one of the largest colonies of Cape fur seals in the world. It's a fantastic place to visit. Just beware that it can be a bit smelly. To the extent that it might be a good idea to bring a change of clothes with you.

We have been there several times and this was the first time that we had sunny weather. Normally that is a good thing, but to our own surprise, we were in two minds about it. Somehow grey weather and seals area very good combination. So whatever the weather, the place is worth a visit.

For photographers, it's good to have some reach. Take a telephoto lens with you. Shorter ones for portraits and longer for close to water action shots. We used a 200-500 mm, which worked fine. You can get really close to the seals, but as you tend to be in an elevated position, the perspective looking from above is not very good. Another thing to keep in mind is the surf and the breaking waves. They are a perfect background, if you get your timing right.

After the visit, you can have a nice lunch at the lodge that is very close to the reserve entrance gate. There is a nice outside seating area that overlooks the beach.