Damara Elephant Expedition

From Twyfelfontein to the Skeleton Coast, the sheer remoteness of this challenging horse riding safari makes it suitable for experienced riders only since encounters with elephant, rhino and even lion are possible. On the other hand, this could be the most thrilling riding adventure of your life!

Best period
July - September
Price
From € 7.620
Ideal length
11 days/10 nights
Level
Experienced

Highlights

Visit the World Heritage Site rock engravings of Twyfelfontein.

Ride through a remote and spectacular geological wonderland.

Encounter desert-adapted wildlife such as elephants, rhino and oryx.

Sleep out under the stars every night with memorable Milky Way views.

Quick facts

11 days/10 nights
Experienced
Max. 95KG (Supplement between 85 and 95KG)
Groups up to 12
5 - 7 hours/day in the saddle
Windhoek Hosea Kutako Airport


At a glance

The setting of this expedition is the almost inaccessible Damaraland region, a truly breath-taking part of Namibia with ancient craters, endless open plains and delicate patterns of colour. Being able to travel this spectacular area from horseback is a unique experience.

After the transfer from Windhoek, your first exciting activity is a visit to the world heritage site rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. The next few days you’ll ride 20 – 50 kilometres per day on your westward journey to the Atlantic. From riding along river valleys with impressive Tableland mountains onto the huge coastal plains, that allow for long and fast canters.

The last ride takes you to the ocean at last – the spectacularly formidable Skeleton Coast, apparently so called for the wrecked hulks of stranded ships which dot this coastline. The cold upwelling Benguela current results in some diverse weather conditions from hot desert easterlies to cold south Atlantic westerly’s – a place of extremes! Throughout your expedition you’ll have the chance to spot some desert-adapted wildlife such as elephants, rhino and oryx.

 


More information

Eat, ride, sleep, repeat. That’s the rhythm of this epic expedition through spectacular Damaraland. You’ll camp wild for eight nights with all the essential camp life luxuries: ice in your sundowners, hot bucket showers, delicious food around companionable campfires and incredible Milky Way views. Living with your horse 24/7 in wild, remote areas is a life-changing sensation and is most likely why these Namibian expeditions have such a high return rate. Close bonds are built with your fellow travel companions and four-legged friends as you live this adventure together.

The first night of the trip you’ll stay in a lodge near Windhoek. The last night is spent in the small coastal town of Henties Bay in a private house with the most spectacular view over the Atlantic Ocean. Your luggage is transported in vehicles each day.

 

What do others say?

Laure-Anne from Outside the Corral paid attention to my holiday wishes from the very first moment. She took care of a proper preparation and literally took me on a journey to my holiday destination. During the entire stay in Spain, the horses and guests were well taken care of. We rode in a beautiful area with a diversity of scenery, from flat countryside, valleys to steep cliffs. We spent six to seven hours in the saddle per day and during the breaks we enjoyed delicious tapas and traditional local dishes. Lunches were lavish picnics, each day in a unique spot, in the middle of nature. Living so close to nature feels very exclusive. The experience of a Michelin restaurant can hardly compete with this. ;-) The composition of the group was amazingly good. Our group consisted of ladies, various age groups, and we interacted in a casual way. The holiday exceeded my expectations. It was truly fantastic and can highly recommend it!
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Brigitte Verhoeven
I had been dreaming of going on a horseback safari for so many years. I had already been to Africa before, but experiencing it from the back of a horse was something I longed for deeply. My trip with Outside the Corral to Zambia didn’t just fulfill that dream, it surpassed it in every possible way. From my very first call with Laure-Anne, every doubt disappeared. She immediately understood what I was looking for, and her warmth, passion and professionalism gave me complete confidence. Everything was organized to perfection, down to the smallest detail. This was my first horseback riding holiday, so I was quite excited and a bit nervous, but the moment I arrived, all of that melted away. The combination of the stunning Chundukwa River Lodge and the incredibly kind and professional team of Zambian Horseback Safaris made me feel right at home. The horses were beautifully cared for – something that matters deeply to me – and the whole team radiated love and respect for their animals, the land, and their guests. And then… the riding. Galloping across the endless Simalaha Plains, surrounded by wildlife, golden light, and pure African magic – it was everything I had ever dreamed of. I felt so free, so alive, and honestly so overwhelmingly happy. Every moment was unforgettable. The food was delicious, the stays were beautiful, and every experience felt personal and thoughtfully curated. They truly listen to your wishes and go above and beyond to make your dreams come true. Laure-Anne knows exactly where she sends you, and thanks to her I had the journey of a lifetime.
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Our ride with Outside the Corral was a unique experience. From the beginning to the end, everything was perfectly arranged and the personal contact really made the difference. The estancia was breathtaking – the nature, the horses, the dogs, the cows, the people, the food and the atmosphere were complete. We also felt immediately welcome! The ride was well prepared and thanks to the careful planning we were able to fully enjoy ourselves without any worries. I highly recommend Outside the Corral to anyone who wants to make an unforgettable holiday on horseback. I will definitely book again!
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Eva Broeckx
I’ve just returned from my second amazing riding holiday in Portugal! Both times, everything was perfectly organised by Laure-Anne. She communicates clearly and promptly, is always available to answer questions, and pays great attention to every detail. It was an incredible experience, and when I plan my next trip like this, I will definitely book through Laure-Anne again. Highly recommended!
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