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Damaraland to Skeleton Coast Trail
Namibia
Namibia
Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia, prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and distant mountains create the landscape. Game species include desert elephant, black rhino, ostrich and springbok.
This is a truly exceptional horseback riding holiday: where else can you expect to see elephant, giraffe and rhino in a desert habitat! And you will be surprised at how they have adapted.
Damaraland is a almost inaccessible, with amazing colors and vast open spaces, ancient craters and remnants from prehistoric times, not to mention the forbidden Skeleton Coast. In the caves and ravines of the
area many prehistoric rock paintings have been found and none more
famous than the ˜White Lady' of the Brandberg. We then reach the Skeleton Coast. Ghostly shipwrecks on remote and inaccessible shores have given the Skeleton Coast it's well-deserved name. This 2 million-hectare (20,000²km) park is one of the most inhospitable and least visited places on earth and is divided into northern and southern sections. You certainly will appreciate its untouched and mysterious barren beauty, swept
by cold sea breezes and often enveloped in a
dense fog.
We may encounter elephant, rhino or lion, or be caught by rivers in flood, all of which combines into a tremendous adventure. Each and every Damaraland Trail so far has been an experience of a lifetime!
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Meeting:
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Aba Huab
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Airport:
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Windhoek
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Transfer:
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Windhoek town center
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Transfer from Windhoek to Aba Huab, visit to Twyfelfontein rock engravings, full-board camping at Aba Huab, on the trail and at the Skeleton Coast in ReitSafari fashion; scenic drive to Messum River. 7 riding days with 2 to 3 guides.
| A | 2010 | 9 day trip, AP | 9d / 8n | €2935 | $4495 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Windhoek center included at approx 8 AM
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From Windhoek International take the airport bus or a taxi into town. We meet you at ~8 AM at the Tourist Information kiosk opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel in the city centre in Windhoek.
Rates do not include:
Bottled and canned drinks; souvenirs; tips for local guides and crew; accommodation options (Mowani
Mountain Camp or Twyfelfontein Lodge in Damaraland; De Duine, Cape Cross Lodge in Hentiesbay); transfer from Mile 108 (to be arranged by us, but paid by you), unscheduled transfer.
Day 1: 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?
Day 2: 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.
Day 3: 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?
Day 4: 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.
Day 5: 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.
Day 6: 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!
Day 7: 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.
Day 8: 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.
Day 9: 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!
Take note: Routes can be changed due to unpredictable weather and other unforeseen conditions!
Meeting:
Aba Huab
Airport:
Windhoek
Transfer:
Windhoek town center
Distance:
110 miles
From Windhoek International take the airport bus or a taxi into town. We meet you at ~8 AM at the Tourist Information kiosk opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel in the city centre in Windhoek.
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Tack:
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Comfortable equitation and Western-style
saddles
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Horses:
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Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, even cross-breeds of the famous
wild horses of the Namib Desert, etc
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Pace:
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15 to 25 miles
a day, 6-8 hours in the saddle. You should be a fit and experienced rider. The pace depends upon the terrain and temperatures but there are many long fast trots, canters and gallops.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate+
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
12 riders
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The going is easier than on the
Namibian Desert Trail and there is more time for relaxation, 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!
Horses and Saddles:
“One of each breed”, i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, 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.
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 humor. 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).
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from Namibia required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above fo. more
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 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. We strongly recommend riding caps or cycle helmets (riding without protective headgear is at your own risk).
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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 by truck; the riders take short-cuts through the bush or desert and meet the back-up vehicles at the camp site. Camp is pitched at sunset; meals are prepared at the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian and often a surprise.
The going is easier than on the
Namibian Desert Trail and there is more time for relaxation, 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!
Horses and Saddles:
“One of each breed”, i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, 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.
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 humor. 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).
|
Tack:
|
|
Comfortable equitation and Western-style
saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, even cross-breeds of the famous
wild horses of the Namib Desert, etc
|
|
Pace:
|
|
15 to 25 miles
a day, 6-8 hours in the saddle. You should be a fit and experienced rider. The pace depends upon the terrain and temperatures but there are many long fast trots, canters and gallops.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate+
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
The going is easier than on the
Namibian Desert Trail and there is more time for relaxation, 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!
Horses and Saddles:
“One of each breed”, i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, 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.
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 humor. 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).
Passports
Passport valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from Namibia required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who do require a visa.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the consulate or high commission for visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business and Transit: US$50.
Validity
Valid up to three months from date of issue for stays of up to three months from date of entry. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Three to four.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Damaraland to Skeleton Coast Trail
Tour Code: PG-NADT
9 days /
8 nights
~$4,495.00
Difficulty :
Lodging: 
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Comfortable equitation and Western-sty...
Horses:
Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner...
Pace:
15 to 25 miles
a day, 6-8 hours in th...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport:
Windhoek
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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