Skeleton Coast Safari

Arrive at Windhoek International Airport. A shuttle service will collect you from the airport to River Crossing Lodge where you’ll spend your first night. Meet your fellow riders and guide Andrew Gillies for sundowners and dinner. Andrew will give you a briefing about your adventure.

After an early breakfast, set off on the journey to the Skeleton Coast. The drive takes about four hours to reach the charming coastal town of Swakopmund for lunch, before continuing another three hours along the coast to your remote camp. On the way, visit the impressive Cape Cross Fur Seal Colony, where thousands of seals gather- an unforgettable spectacle!

Once at camp, take time to settle in and explore your surroundings. Meet the support crew and, most importantly, your horse, who will be your companion for the days ahead. Andrew will give a detailed orientation of the camp and share essential tips on how to be ‘desert savvy’ in this harsh, yet mesmerizing environment. The fresh ocean air and the rhythmic roar of the Atlantic promise a deep, restorative sleep under the expansive Namibian sky.

On day 3, your riding adventure starts! Your first riding day begins with a thorough saddling briefing and the chance to get to know your horse, forming the bond that will carry you across the Namib. As you set off, the landscape constantly shifts, from rolling dunes to rugged coastal plains. The pace picks up wherever the terrain allows, offering exhilarating gallops.

As the day winds down, arrive at camp in time for sundowners, watching the soft evening light bathe the desert in golden colours. With no light pollution for miles, the Milky Way stretches in all its glory overhead. Gather around the campfire with your fellow riders, sharing stories, laughter and the thrill of the day; there’s something magical about connecting under a vast, starlit sky.

Today’s ride takes you across terrain that feels almost otherworldly, so keep your camera ready! The desert changes color with every turn: deep reds, pale whites and bright yellows and greens from the tiny desert plants paint the plains. Dry riverbeds, scattered rocks and dramatic rock formations make every moment a feast for the eyes.

Damaraland’s wild past has created sharp ridges and deep valleys, each more amazing than the last. On your sure-footed horse, you’ll feel the thrill of galloping across open terrain, while taking in the vastness of this untamed wilderness. Every stop is a chance to pause, breathe, and admire the desert’s timeless beauty.

These days take you around the huge Messum Caldera, the remains of an ancient collapsed volcano. Riding along its western rim, you’ll see wide, dramatic views that show the scale and history of this incredible landscape. The terrain changes from open plains for easy canters to rocky ridges that need careful, confident riding.

The next day, you climb a smaller ridge for a stunning view of the distant Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain standing like a guardian over the desert.

Your final ride takes you along the untouched beach to Henties Bay, where the Atlantic stretches as far as you can see. Here, you’ll spend your last night in a private house, enjoying comfort, warmth, and amazing sea views: a perfect ending to your adventure.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Windhoek for your departing flight (after 15:00). The drive takes just over five hours, offering one last chance to soak in the Namibian landscapes as they roll past. If your schedule allows, consider extending your stay to explore more of Namibia’s wonders- wander among the dunes of Sossusvlei, encounter the incredible wildlife of Etosha National Park or continue your journey south to South Africa or Botswana for even more adventure.