Overview
From the formidable Skeleton Coast into remote western Damaraland and back onto the wild Atlantic Coast, this adventurous riding safari covers some extraordinary dream-like landscapes. Some will be hard to forget.
About This Safari
• From Windhoek back to Windhoek 10 days/9nights. 6,5 riding days, 2 nights accommodated (first and last), 7 nights camping.
• Arrive in Windhoek on the first day of your safari preferably in time for pre-dinner group briefing and arrive back at Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) in time for fights leaving after 15:00
• Note that this is a challenging ride - both the terrain and distances we ride are challenging - our advice is that you come riding fit.
• The well-being of our horses are our first priority - please be accurate about your weight and riding ability and fitness.
• Because of the remoteness of our riding safaris, all guests require comprehensive medical insurance including repatriation. Consult our Riding Policy before booking - by signing the required Indemnity it is assumed you have understood the terms and conditions contained therein. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Being on Safari
• Camp life has a leisurely pace - days begin at sunrise with the aroma of freshly brewed 100% Arabica coffee wafting through camp. After an ample breakfast we start riding around 8 am for 4 - 5 hours. Lunch breaks are 1 - 2 hours, followed by another 2 - 3 hours riding in the afternoon.
• We ride 20 - 50 km per day at all paces over rough desert terrain. This ride has a long day 2 transfer, stopping off in the coastal town of Swakopmund for lunch.
• While camping hot bucket showers are available in the evenings a chemical toilet at all campsites.
• You sleep in a warm, comfortable bedroll on a stretcher, tents are available if required although then you miss out on the spectacular stars overhead - few places on earth have zero light pollution…..most of our rides enjoy this luxury.
• We try to cater for dietary exclusions, however, the remote nature of these safaris makes some difficult to cater for.
Itinerary
Summary of Itinerary
Days 1 - 3 Windhoek to the Skeleton Coast
Welcome to Namibia!
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 camp. We 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.
Our first riding day begins with a saddling briefing and getting acquainted with your horse. 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. Here, 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!
Days 4 - 9
Canyons, Plains and back to the Coast Negotiating a landscape which look like they belong on another planet - have your camera ready - we cross undulating terrain, dry river washes and interesting geological formations. Damaraland has a violent geological history, leaving a legacy of unusual landshapes.
Finally reaching the huge Ugab ephemeral river - these rivers only flow seasonally and sometimes not for years – but when they do flow, its best not to be in them as flash flooding is common here!
We see the well-known folded rock structures - called the Ugab Folds along the way before coming out of the river valley onto the wide plains above.
Day 9 The Great Plains
Our last ride takes us across huge desert plains to the ocean at last - the Skeleton Coast, apparently so called for the wrecked hulks of stranded ships that dot this coastline.
We overnight in the small coastal town of Henties Bay in a wonderful private house with the most spectacular view over the Atlantic Ocean. What a trip THAT was!
Departure Day 10
Early breakfast and transfer to Windhoek (just over 5-hour commute) arriving around 13:00 - in time for departure flights from Windhoek International Airport after 15:00
Rate Includes
• All riding, accommodation and meals and drinks while on the ride - excluded are drinks at lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en-route.
• Ground transfers from Windhoek International Airport to starting point of ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or Windhoek International airport on day of departure.
• A visit to the Cape Fur Seal Colony at Cape Cross - 100 000 seals all saying “arf” - incredible sight and smell!
Rate Excludes
• Extra horse charge for riders 85kg and over in riding gear. For our horses’ sake, please be accurate regarding weight and level of fitness. Please consult our Riding Policy
• Single supplement will be waived if prepared to share guesthouse accommodation
• Personal drinks and refreshments at all lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en-route.
• Accommodation and transfers not listed on the itinerary. Any extra transfers (for any reason including flight delays) other than those included in the itinerary – will be for guest’s personal account.
• Additional activities and packages. We are happy to assist with recommendations.
• Safari staff gratuities.
