Skeleton Coast & Damaraland Ride

9 nights: From GBP £5350 pp sharing

EMBARK ON AN EPIC HORSE EXPEDITION FROM COAST TO DESERT & BACK

From the formidable Skeleton Coast into the remote western Damaraland and back, this adventurous riding safari is for those seeking an escape from the ordinary.

Namibia has always held a certain fascination for intrepid travellers. Here you can embark on a horse riding adventure far off the beaten path. A land of contrasts, where the cold Atlantic ocean meets the world’s oldest desert, creating a wild and treacherous coastline. The golden beaches here are littered with bleached whale bones and the skeletal remains of shipwrecks, earning it the name, Skeleton Coast. This is where your adventure begins, saddling up for a 10-day trail ride that takes you from an endless coastline into the remote wilderness of Damaraland. From the misty shores of the Atlantic, cross the lichen-covered gravel plains and follow the ephemeral rivers inland. Ride past otherworldly rock formations, where strata-striped rocks and granite outcrops create the backdrop for through the ears photography.

Gallop over vast open plains and watch the landscape transform from windswept gravel plains to soft dry riverbeds and back again. If you’re lucky, you might see the desert-adapted elephants or giraffes appear out of the heat haze. Other wildlife that call this remote wilderness home are oryx, kudu, zebra, springbok, jackals and hyenas. Your guides will tell you about the various survival techniques the animals have learned to adapt to survive in this harsh environment while you sit around the campfire at night. Then from the wonders of Damaraland, head back to the cooler coastal plains. Each day is different, waking up with the dawn chorus with your horse tethered nearby, then saddling up and heading out to cover new and challenging landscapes. Your adventure ends with one last epic gallop in the cold surf of the Atlantic Ocean before a very sad farewell to your trusty stead.

Strong bonds are built with your fellow riders and horse as you tackle the adventure together and you are responsible for grooming and tacking up your own steed. The luggage is transported via a truck which then sets up camp ahead of your arrival. Camps are set up in beautiful remote areas with names such as Camp Nowhere and Camp Somewhere. Here you’ll some of the best food cooked on the campfire, waking up to the smell of coffee brewed on the coals, and falling asleep with the last lingering taste of fresh bread. Beds are set out in the desert under a canopy of stars and with absolutely no light pollution, you’ll see more stars than you ever imagined! A tent can be set up however most prefer to embrace the unforgettable opportunity of sleeping out under the big African sky.

The day will usually begin at sunrise with an early departure to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Riders will usually be in the saddle for around 4-5 hours before a lunch break. Lunch will generally be under the shade of a tree, or next to the truck and you can enjoy a siesta beside your horse before saddling up again. Afternoon rides are generally shorter, 2-3 hours, arriving in camp to be met with warm water and a cold drink. You will average 20-60km per day over all types of terrain, some of the riding is tough and you will require a good sense of humour on the odd testing moments necessary in any adventure.

DATES AND RATES

Please enquire about availability – limited spots available.

2024 RATES

14 - 23 March 2024

GBP £5350 per person sharing

16 – 25 October 2024

06 – 15 November 2024

GBP £5800 per person sharing

2025 RATES

20 - 29 March 2025

23 October - 01 November 2025

13 - 22 November 2025

GBP £6200 per person sharing

EXTRAS – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

2024: £190 for lodge accommodation

2025: £200 for lodge accommodation

EXTRA HORSE

2024: £800 for riders over 85kg

2025: £850 for riders over 85kg

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INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Includes

  • Accommodation throughout the trip (guesthouse and camping)
  • Delicious meals three times a day and drinks while on the ride
  • Personal and expert guide throughout the trip
  • A well trained, fit four-legged friend to escort you on your adventure
  • R0ad transfers from Windhoek International Airport to starting point of the ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or Windhoek International airport on the day of departure

Excludes

  • International Flights
  • Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
  • Visas
  • Extra horse charge for riders 85kg and over in riding gear – For our horses’ sake, please be accurate regarding weight and level of fitness
  • Personal drinks and refreshments at all lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en route
  • Accommodation and transfers not listed on the itinerary
  • Safari staff gratuities
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QUICK FACTS

Location: Skeleton Coast & Damaraland, Namibia
Airport: Hosea Kutako (Windhoek) International Airport or Walvis Bay International Airport
Month: October & November
Duration: 9 Nights
Group Size: Max 14
Skill Level: Intermediate Plus / Advanced
Weight Limit: 90kg / 200lbs (Extra cost over 85kg)
Accommodation: Sleepout / Guesthouse
Solo Traveller Friendly: Yes. No single supplement if happy to share
VIEW GALLERY
9 nights: From GBP £5350 pp sharing

SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS

  • Beginner
  • Novice
  • Intermediate
  • Intermediate Plus
  • Advanced
WHAT RIDING LEVEL AM I?

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Fast-paced riding on well-trained, fit and responsive horses across through the oldest desert in the world
  • The feeling of being a pioneer, experiencing one of the world’s last true wildernesses from the back of a horse
  • Unrestricted riding across endless desert plains and one of the most remote stretches of beach in the world
  • Crossing greatly contrasting landscapes with the possibility of seeing fascinating desert-adapted wildlife
  • Sleeping out every night under the vast African sky with more stars than you could ever imagine

TOUR REVIEWS

This has been an absolutely incredible experience. It exceeded my expectations in so many ways! Namibia is absolutely stunning and the horses are amazing. There are no words that can begin to describe how incredible and life-changing this experience was. Knowing Karine and Isabel had already done the ride and could give me in-depth answers to all my questions was great. I would recommend AHS to anyone and you'll definitely see me again.

Danita EnslinSkeleton Coast and Damaraland Ride, Namibia
READ MORE REVIEWS

SAMPLE ITINERARY

** Provided is a sample itinerary however guests must be aware that due to the adventurous nature of the ride timings and routes can vary. All variations and changes to the itinerary will always be in your best interests. The expected saddle time each day ranges between 4 to 8 hours, covering 20-60km and over varying terrain. This ride has a long day 2 transfer, stopping off in the coastal town of Swakopmund for lunch and riding starts on Day 2.

Note that this is a challenging ride – both the terrain and distances are challenging – our advice is that you come riding fit

DAY 1-2: WELCOME TO NAMIBIA

Welcome to Namibia!

Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport. A shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) to your first overnight in Windhoek (your name will be on a welcome board). Meet your fellow riders and host/riding guide Andrew Gillies for sundowners and dinner. Andrew will give you a briefing about your adventure.

Early breakfast and then the journey to the rugged Skeleton Coast – approximately 4 hours to our lunch spot in the charming town of Swakopmund, and then a further 3 hours up the coast to our remote camp. You will visit the Cape Cross Fur Seal Colony on the way. The abundance of oxygen will surely knock you out for a good nights sleep tonight while the Atlantic Ocean roars in the background.

Your first riding day begins with a saddling briefing and getting acquainted with your horse.  The ride starts slower as you get to know your trusted mount and find your “hooves”. As you head towards your first camp, you’ll ride through ephemeral river systems and dry washes that characterize this unique area. The landscape changes all the time and the pace quickens as the terrain allows.  As the soft evening light descends we get into camp in time to enjoy sundowners as the spectacular Milky Way appears overhead. In Namibia, where there is no light pollution, the stars are simply magnificent and sitting around a companionable campfire with new acquaintances, sharing the experiences of the day is a joy. The aroma of dinner cooking in large black pots on the fire stirs the imagination of what could possibly smell that good!

DAY 3 -9 EXPEDITION RIDING

There is an easy rhythm to camp life, waking up at dawn with the smell of fresh bread baking on the coals of the fire and a hot cup of coffee to shake off sleep. You will brush and saddle up your horse before heading out. You will need to be riding fit for this ride, as you will be in the saddle for around 4-5 hours before meeting the team for a lunch stop in the shade of a tree or under the sunshade. Enjoy an afternoon siesta next to the horses, then saddle up again for another 2-3 hours of riding before reaching camp. The backup team will set-up camp before you arrive, waiting with warm water and cold drinks. Camps are set up in beautiful remote areas with names such as Camp Nowhere and Camp Somewhere..! You’ll spend memorable evenings around the campfire, making new friends and enjoying delicious meals cooked on the coals. Beds are set out in the desert under a canopy of stars and with absolutely no light pollution, you’ll see more stars than you ever imagined!

This is a little bit of Heaven on Earth. Riding in a landscape which look like they belong on an other planet means you need to have your camera ready! The undulating terrain changes colour depending on the desert substrate – from brick red to startling white, the yellows and greens of this unique fog-deserts’ lichen fields, to dry river washes and interesting geological formations. Damaraland has a violent geological history, leaving a legacy of unusual landshapes and topographical features which quite astound.

From the Ugab River to Leeuwkop (lions head) this ever-changing landscape is filled with fascinating geology and the chance to see desert-adapted animals such as zebra, oryx, ostrich and even the desert-adapted elephants (if you’re lucky enough to spot them). With vast open spaces and long distances to cover, expect lots of fast riding! As you descend into the lower reaches of the Ugab river, you will feel the air begin to cool again. Enjoy one last thrilling canter across the lichen-covered coastal plains of the Skeleton Coast before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. A sad goodbye to your trusted steed before checking in to a beach house in Hentie Bay for your last night. Enjoy sundowner drinks overlooking the ocean while reminiscing about your adventure.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE

After a bit of a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Windhoek for your departing flight (after 15h00). If you have extra time in Africa, extend your stay to visit the high dunes and desolated valleys of Sossusvlei, the wildlife of Etosha National Park, or travel further to South Africa or Botswana.

THE ACCOMMODATION

SLEEPOUT

Most guests choose to sleep out under the glorious southern stars – a very special experience. Large dome tents can be provided if required (two people sharing unless paying single supplement). Camp beds are supplied with a warm bedroll consisting of a canvas bag containing an insulating mattress, down duvet and pillow. You are welcome to add a fleece liner to the sleeping role if you feel you might get cold. Desert nights can drop below 0°C so if you feel the cold then it is worth bringing your own sleeping bag and/or fleece liner. Hot bucket showers are available at most camps; toilets are available at all overnight camps.

GUESTHOUSES

On the nights stated in your safari itinerary, you will stay in comfortable lodges, with twin-bedded rooms and en-suite facilities where possible. While most guests are happy to share twin accommodation, on booking it is possible to request single accommodation – subject to availability and a supplementary charge. In Windhoek you’ll be staying at River Crossing Lodge and in Henties Bay, it will be a beach house near the Atlantic Ocean.

THE DESTINATION

The Skeleton Coast

The Skeleton Coast is notorious for rough seas, treacherous fog and shifting sandbanks. These have seen the demise of many ships over the centuries. Here you’ll see more shipwrecks than people as you travel past soaring sand dunes, over gravel plains covered in lichen, and along the dry riverbeds that carry water and life from inland.

Travelling inland to the wilderness of Damaraland, guests are introduced to dramatic desert scenery and diverse flora and fauna. Picture centuries-old welwitschia plans, endangered black rhino and desert-adapted elephant. An underrated wildlife area, the desert is home to herds of zebra, oryx, giraffe and a few elusive desert lions. Damaraland is one of Namibia’s most dramatic collections of landscapes and a photographers dream. Hidden in the rocky clefts is Twyfelfontein, Damaraland contains some of Southern Africa’s finest prehistoric rock art and engravings.

HOW WE CARE FOR OUR HORSES

Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses in Namibia are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. Our horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:

  • Between safaris the horses live out in thousands of hectares of natural bush in herds of up to 100, forming natural social bonds
  • They do one 10-night safari every six weeks between April and late October.
  • All horses spend the remaining four/five summer months out in the bush, running free as a herd.
  • While on safari, horses are fed and groomed four times a day, with a mini vetting at the start and end of the day. The team is well trained with vetinary and fairer skills to ensure the horses are well-cared for throughout their journey.
  • There are several spare horses to give the youngsters a rest.
  • We use simple snaffle bridles or bit-less bridles where possible and each horse has its allotted bridle and specially designed saddle for the duration of the safari, which are cleaned daily

Please let us know if you have any more questions around this.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A HORSE SAFARI

Fill in the form on our website/social media describing your dream African Horse Safari

A Horse Safari Specialists will get in touch to help you plan the perfect escape

Confirm your ride and dates by paying your deposit

We’ll send you a reminder for your balance payment + travel advice

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