Skeleton Coast boat cruises actually tend to take place in the inland northern Kunene region, outside the national park but within an area that is often still classified as the Skeleton Coast. This is largely due to the similar landscapes and experiences on offer, plus its inclusion on Skeleton Coast Safaris itineraries. The luxurious Serra Cafema camp is beautifully situated on the banks of the Kunene River, where boat cruises can be enjoyed to appreciate the scenery and wildlife of the area, provided water levels are high enough,. These are usually combined with a relaxing sundowner as the boat turns its engines off and drifts peacefully on the waters. Alternatively, a morning cruise can be taken at a nearby spot on the same river, with the focus on colourful aquatic birdlife, basking crocodiles and dense riverine vegetation.

Skeleton Coast Safaris programmes also hit this river in the morning, usually on the last day of an itinerary before heading back to Windhoek. With a wide array of more frenzied activities such as quad biking, hikes and light aircraft flights generally dominating itineraries to this area, river cruises are a welcome change of pace!