Over the years, approximately 3 000 ships have met their end along the vast African coastline and you may come across some of these during your southern African safari. If you like to wonder ‘what happened?’ you may find fascination in these onshore shipwrecks during your travels.
Beira
A stop off in Beira reveals a side of Africa not often seen by the luxury traveler. This colorful, noisy town epitomizes the nuts and bolts of daily African life and is worth a passing visit during your stay in Mozambique.
Beira is known as the ‘the ship graveyard’, with the most well-known example of an unfortunate maritime tale wedged firmly and ironically in the sands outside the Macuti lighthouse.
Skeleton Coast
Another disaster zone for seafarers, the Skeleton Coast of Nambia is named in reference to the many rusting hulls nestling on its desolate shores.
The Eduard Bolen is found 500m from the ocean close to Swakopmund. In the far north of the Skeleton Coast National Park, the Dunedin Star lies decaying and is only visible from flights over the area, while near Henties Bay you will find several wrecks which are more easily accessible. The ill-fated Suiderkus is one of these.
Take some time out from the extreme adventures on offer in this part of the world to wander wistfully among these relics of times gone by.
Eastern Cape
The Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape is awash with untouched wilderness lashed by a turbulent sea. Many vessels managed to make their way around the tempestuous Cape, only to meet their fate here.
See their remains at the mouth of the Qolora River, Quko River and near Cintsa.
Cape of Good Hope
Once known as The Cape of Storms, this part of South Africa is good for quite a number of shipwreck sightings. The Meishu Maru 38 has been battered off the coast of L'Agulhas since 1982 and today only the prow remains jutting out of the water just off shore of this popular sundowner spot.
The wreck of the Arniston lies lopsided just off the beach at the Waenhuiskranz slipway, close to the town that was named in her honor. Put this on your list of things to see in this town along with a secret cave and quaint whitewashed fishermen’s cottages.
On a visit to Cape Point, keep a look out for the ghost of the Flying Dutchman, a merchant ship which disappeared in the waters off Cape Point and according to legend is still seen out at sea on stormy nights.
Get in touch with us today to add these less explored sights to your Southern African safari itinerary.
