The Cape fur seal colony at Cape Cross, known as one of the largest groups of these animals in the world, is located where the first European explorer landed on the Namibian coast in 1486.
Just north of the fishing town of Henties Bay, the site was marked by a cross placed by explorer Diogo Cão in honor of the Portuguese king. Today, the area is home to a growing colony of over 200,000 seals.
Bull seals arrive in large numbers at the end of October, ready to fight for territory and the chance to mate with a group of up to 60 females. The seals gather on the rocky shore all year, drawn by the rich fishing in the nutrient-filled waters of the Benguela Current.
In November and December, the shore becomes crowded with small, crying seal pups being born.
After returning from fishing trips, the mother seals call out to find their pups and feed them. The area is full of life, with cormorants flying overhead and kelp gulls gliding over the sea. At night and early in the morning, black-backed jackals and brown hyenas roam around the edges of the colony.
In the ocean, killer whales and copper sharks wait for young seals that are heading into the water for the first time.
Visitors can enjoy watching the seal colony from a long walkway that is separated from the seals by a low wall. You can also see a modern version of Diogo Cão’s historic cross or walk along the edge of the colony while reading interesting facts about seal life at information points along the path.
Visit this place and enjoy a small part of what nature offers here.
