Damaraland - Elephant Skeleton Coast Trail - Namibia

Windhoek to Damaraland - Meet us at 8h00 (to be confirmed prior to trail) at the Tourist Information kiosk in central Windhoek. The kiosk is at the airport bus terminal and taxi rank opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel. As soon as everybody is on board we head north. We pick up a packed lunch in Otjiwarongo and later stop for a picnic at the Petrified Forest, or along the road, before driving on to Aba Huab. Meet the horses and crew and settle in at Aba Huab Camp (highly inventive constructions set up by the local community). In the evening there will be stories and lots of excitement around the campfire: will the elephants pass through at night and how will the horses react?

Be ready for a trial ride after a leisurely breakfast. The afternoon is for sightseeing and a walk among the famous rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. Enjoy the spectacular views of Damaraland and relax until it is time for dinner and another great evening at the campfire.

From Aba Huab we ride across endless plains to Rendezvous and after lunch continue along the Aba Huab River to De Riet. This is where the nerve-tingling starts: we have no idea where the elephants are and whether we might bump into them just around the next bend. Will we make it to the camp before dark?

We continue along the Huab River and across another plain towards Mikberg (where we saw cheetahs last time) to have lunch at the ‘cheetah tree’, followed by a long afternoon ride through fascinating scenery. Our camp is pitched at View Point where we enjoy views of Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, and Doros Crater.

From View Point we turn southwest towards the Ugab River. After lunch at Lion Head we set off for a nice long canter. Later we move through a very narrow gorge, pass Soutfontein (Salt Fountain) and arrive at the Rhino Trackers´ Camp near Brandberg West. Keep your fingers crossed that our truck has managed the long way from Aba Huab via Uis in time! Extraordinary driving skills and extra strong nerves are needed for the challenge of taking trucks and trailers through the gorge in one piece. It is only when you fly over this landscape (preferably after the trail!) that you realize how spectacular it really is. Meet the trackers of the Save the Rhino Fund and perhaps see a slide show on request.

Alternative routes depending on lion encounters, weather conditions and dry riverbed, usually we ride out of the Ugab River onto the wide open plains and into a deserted gorge described as “out of this world”. Or: through reeds and lion bush thickets we make our way along the Ugab to Brakwasser, another place of brackish water, frequented by elephants. We then turn southeast, away from the Ugab River, and move through another narrow gorge. Whichever: camp is very enjoyable: shady, sheltered and special!

We leave the Ugab tributary and enter another vast open plain with spectacular views of Brandberg and Doros Crater. The crater exploded millions of years ago, and the purplish rocks around us are a result of the horrendous blast. We enjoy some marvellous cantering and have lunch at Klippenberg where you can pick up some gemstones. Our camp is at Cross Roads.

We are on our way towards the Messum River. Again there are open plains and happy canters - and spectacular panoramas. Only half the day is spent riding; in the afternoon we go for a scenic drive along the Messum River to see some large Welwitschia plants and places of amazing wind erosion.

We are headed straight for the Atlantic Ocean. Our camp is at Mile 108 on the beach, with no luxury whatsoever, just our trucks and some rudimentary wind shelter. The sound of crashing waves might make you wonder whether they could sweep over your tent at night. Then again, the infamous easterly wind could cause temperatures warm enough for a swim at sunrise...or it could whip up a sandstorm which leaves us with plates flying around. Of course we could also be greeted by dense fog which has everyone shivering and asking for glühwein and a roaring fire! This unpredictable shore is called the Skeleton Coast for good reason!

After breakfast we load the horses and wave them and the crew goodbye. You will be taken to Henties Bay and could be dropped off at the Cape Cross Lodge or transported to Swakopmund, Walvis Bay or Windhoek. The cherry on top is a scenic flight in a small aircraft over the route we took or to Sossusvlei (rates depend on the number of passengers). Usually we coordinate transfers to save costs and make life easier for you! Let us know in time what you would like to do - we are happy to assist with reservations, suggestions and sharing. The going is easier than on the Namib Desert Trail and there is more time for relaxation because we have more days at our disposal, riding is much faster and no mountains have to be crossed. Previously we only allowed riders who have done the Desert Trail or Africa’s Greatest Canyon Trail and those “who would ride for their life”. Now this trail is open to experienced riders after thorough screening. The trail is very tough on crew and back-up, because roads are few and there is little opportunity to replenish water. It is quite a task to keep up with the logistics (half the trail is unsuited for the truck, water cart or trailer). Nevertheless we love to tackle this extra challenge for the stunning scenery – just once a year! Take note: Routes can be changed due to unpredictable weather and other unforeseen conditions!

Our weight limit is 85 kg - anyone heavier has to pay a supplement of 30% for an extra horse.

Rendezvous Point Meet us at 8h00 (to be confirmed prior to trail) at the Tourist Information kiosk in central Windhoek. The kiosk is at the airport bus terminal and taxi rank opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel. Kindly let us have your flight number and contact details in Windhoek, should you arrive earlier. We are happy to assist with your arrangements and ensure that all works out well.

Conditions As with our other trails you have to be physically fit as well as fit to ride; you should have a good sense of humor and extensive riding experience. You will spend six to eight hours in the saddle every day; all paces.

Horses and Saddles “One of each breed", i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Trakehner, ranch horses, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert; they are small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16 hands) sure-footed horses raised on rough terrain, some of them with experience in endurance riding, and every one of them a kind, reliable companion that deserves the very best treatment and care. We use comfortable equitation and Western-style saddles to properly fit the horse as well as the rider. Terrain and Distance Rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains – at times the going is tough and difficult. On average we cover 20-40 km a day, spending six to eight hours in the saddle. Pace depends on terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter; gallop upon demand. 6 to 12 riders (up to 15 riders on Desert Trails) plus up to 2 - 3 riding guides. Camping Large dome-shaped tents (two participants sharing) with camp beds and swags (canvas bedrolls) consisting of lambskin, duvet or quilt and pillow; folding chairs, hot showers. Luggage is transported on trucks; the riders ride across bush or desert as the crow flies and meet the back-up vehicles at camp sites. Camp is pitched at sunset; meals are prepared on the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’

Equipment Bring a warm sleeping bag (nights can be very cold), a set of warm clothes including a jacket or all-weather coat (for the occasional cold front, even snow), a wide-brimmed hat, a woolly hat, a windcheater, a warm sweater, 2 neckerchiefs, long-sleeved shirts, sun lotion, sunglasses, at least 3 changes of comfortable riding clothes (tried and trusted sportswear rather than brand-new fashionable jeans), riding boots/trainers/chaps/mini-chaps according to preference, leisure wear, towel, water bottle, torch, gloves, moon bag, lip balm, a small bag for everything you need for 2 days, sufficient batteries for cameras. We strongly recommend riding caps or cycle helmets (riding without protective headgear is at your own risk). Conditions Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential. You need not be an accomplished dressage rider or show jumper, but you must feel totally at ease on the back of a cantering horse; in addition you should be mentally strong and compatible, and have a sense of humour. We apply a bodyweight limit of 85 kg - anyone heavier pays a 30% surcharge for an extra horse due to regulations set by the World Horse Welfare (ILPH International League for Protection of Horses).