Skeleton Coast and Damaraland Expedition Ride

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.