Desert & Skeleton Coast

Introduction
Namibia Namibia
Welcome to the oldest, and one of the most scenic deserts on Earth, the Namib. With its iconic ochre dunes, huge plains and unique desert adaptations, this seemingly in-hospitable place leaves us enriched by its majesty.

This riding safari starts from the formidable Skeleton Coast and makes its way into the remote western Damaraland before heading back onto the wild Atlantic Coast.
This adventurous riding safari is not for the faint of heart!

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so you will be staying in a mixture of lodges and camping.

Description
Consider yourself ‘unplugged’ while on safari – cell-phone reception is minimal at best and internet not at all except in cities and larger towns.
Water is a very precious commodity in a desert, so while it is possible to rinse a few smalls things on safari, only lodges and hotels have laundry service.

You will be sleeping in a hotel in Swakopmund for the first night and in a lodge on the coast for the last night. The rest of the nights are spent camping.

Camping
While we do provide tents if needed, generally guests sleep out under the stars on cozy cots with bedding. The cots have bedrolls consisting of an insulating mattress, duck-down double duvet, and pillow - can zip up and has a waterproof cover. Hot bucket showers and chemical loos travel along with us - we endeavor to provide a shower every night but if water is scarce, one night might be shower-less.

Room Occupancy
Single supplement is waived if you are willing to share.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.

Breakfast is typically porridge or cereal, coffee or tea and a hot dish.
On days we are able to meet up with the supply trucks a light lunch is served, where this is not possible, sandwiches are enjoyed under a shady tree.
Dinner is a delight of typically Namibian fare; wild Game, free-range beef or Karoo mutton served as braai (grilled over an open fire) or potjie (pot casserole) with vegetables and a surprise dessert also made on the open fire.

Tea, coffee, and juice are always available in camp with chilled drinks, beer, wine, etc. available in the evenings. All drinks are included in the cost whilst on the ride. Only drinks at the first night lodges, guest farms, restaurants, and petrol stations while en-route are not included in the package rate.

Dietary Restrictions
We can easily cater to vegetarians. We cannot fully cater to vegans, so please supply your own snacks.
 

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Level
Do not underestimate the physical toll living outside take on you- come very fit! You need to be balanced in the saddle and stay off your horse's back without having to hang onto their mouth at all paces. You need to be able to post trot.
If you do not ride regularly (2 - 3 times a week), we strongly recommend that you get into practice before joining one of our challenging safaris. This is a challenging ride suitable for confident intermediate riders. Please not, we reserve the right to prevent anyone from riding if we feel they do not fulfill the minimum competence level as indicated or if weight and fitness level do not fall within that recommended for these challenging safaris.

Pace
You will ride in the morning for 4-5 hours, have a lunch break for 1-2 hours, and then continue riding for another 2-3 hours, totaling around 6-8 hours per day in the saddle for 7 days. You will cover 20-60km per day at all paces and over rough terrain. Other days may be less. 
Pace depends on the terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders with walk, trot, canter and gallop.  Meandering canyons means a slower place making this suitable for both intermediate and advanced riders but it has the most sublime plains for long, long slow canters.
Because Namibia has such wide-open spaces, it is possible to accommodate up to 15 riders on most trails plus 2 - 3 riding guides.

Horses
Your horse will be chosen from a mixed herd of many breeds i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Trakehner, ranch horses, they are small to medium-sized (14.3 to almost 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.
Each rider is responsible for grooming, regularly checking over, and tacking up their own horse (assistance is given when required). It is this experience that cements the bond between you and the horse you must rely on to carry you across the desert.

Tack 
We use skirted endurance type saddles with heavy padding for the comfort of horse and rider. Each saddle is fitted with two specially made water bottle holders (water bottles supplied). If you normally ride with a sheepskin bumnah you may bring your own (western shaped). We use a simple snaffle bridle over the halter

Weight Limit 
We have a strict weight limit of 85 kg dressed in your riding gear – fit riders heavier than this will need to hire a 2nd horse. Our absolute maximum weight limit is 93 kg.

Hard Hats
Hard hats are obligatory, unless medical insurers acknowledge that you will still be insured, should you choose not to wear a hard hat.

Safety
Your safety and enjoyment are of paramount importance to us while you are our guest. Please alert us to any personal medical condition, allergies included and ensure you have all essential personal medication before arriving in Windhoek.

Children & Non-Riders
Experienced children riders who are accompanied by their parents are welcome – but please remember that these rides can be quite strenuous – so parents must use their judgment as to whether their children are suitable. Anyone unable to keep up with the group may have to travel in the support vehicle at some times. Non-riding companions are also welcome to join the trip and travel with the trucks.

Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance is required to ride with us. Ensure repatriation is included in your policy. Travel insurance is recommended.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Days begin at sunrise with the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through camp, followed by breakfast; departure is generally by 8am with 4 – 5 hours riding before lunch. Lunch breaks are an hour to 2 hours followed by another 2 – 3 hours riding in the afternoon.

Day 1: Arrival
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 for sundowners and dinner.

Day 2: To the Coast
Early breakfast and then 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 night's sleep tonight while the Atlantic Ocean roars in the background.

Day 3: First Riding Day
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!

Day 4-8: Canyons, Plains and back to the Coast
Negotiating landscapes 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 land shapes.
Finally reaching the huge Ugab ephemeral river - these rivers only flow seasonally and sometimes not for years!
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: Last Ride
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.

Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Windhoek International Airport (just over a 5-hour commute) for flights leaving after 3:00pm.

Rates and Dates for Desert & Skeleton Coast

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Swakopmund
Airport: Walvis Bay Airport
Transfer: Walvis Bay Airport

Climate:
                                            Swakopmund area