Terricolous lichens are the dominant vegetation in expansive areas of the Namib Desert, where fog is the main source of moisture and other vegetation is scarce. They play several important roles in soil crust stabilization and in the primary production of the Namib Desert ecosystem, yet little is known about the diversity and distribution of lichens in the northern unexplored regions of the Namib. To our knowledge, this study is the first survey of terricolous lichens to be carried out in the northern Namib Desert. Seven soil crust habitat types were identified in the study area, and a total of twenty-eight soil crust lichen species was recorded. Key Words: biological soil crust, desert lichens, lichen distribution, Skeleton Coast.