Damaraland Classic
Although most of Namibia could be described as remote and “out there”, one area in particular stands out from the rest. It truly is one of the last wilderness experiences available globally, and promises to burn its abandoned but captivating landscapes deep into your brain. Everything here is tough and hardy, the terrain the people and the animals. Born of necessity, all life forms have adapted to the harsh environment. Those that could not, have died. Its that simple.
Formed millions of years ago by violent tectonic shifts, this otherworldly landscape is testimony to Mother Nature’s power. With the Kunene and Ugab rivers to the North and South, and the Grootberg as its eastern boundary, this must surely be some of the harshest terrain one would ever hope to traverse. This is the home of the desert-adapted elephant and rhino. Its also the home of SRT, a conservation initiative that ensures the survival of the species in Damaraland. As your trip progresses, you will learn about them and the important role they play.
Damaraland offers every form of terrain. Dormant volcanoes, dry river beds, grass plains, twisted and tormented mountains and the ever-present red cobbles are but a few. The Brandberg, a huge rock massif that is Namibia’s highest peak, stands guard and watches over all. It is through this wonderland that you will cycle, pushing your physical and mental limits daily. Although you may feel a little lost and insignificant in this huge landscape, your ever attentive backup team is never far away, providing food, drink and mechanical support before welcoming you into pristine overnight setting with all the amenities you could wish for. No detail is overlooked by your knowledgeable guiding staff in an attempt to make the trip is pleasant and memorable as possible. From ice-cold drinks to 5 star bush cuisine and warm showers, these small pleasures are no small task in this environment.
Every day will expose you to another facet of Damaraland, as you cycle through communities who eke out a meagre living from the land, all the while co-existing with the wild animals they share the land with. Many of the locals are involved in sustainable eco-tourism, while others are employed by organisations that ensure the survival of the endangered species in the area. Modern community-based conservation has given Damaraland a new lease on life, as it has gone from a mostly abandoned wasteland to a shining example of what is possible. Wilderness Safaris have been instrumental in implementing many of these models, thereby enabling the locals to make a sustainable living. During your Damaraland wilderness experience, you access to Wilderness Safari’s world class tented camps and lodges, if this is your preference.
With the vast distances between night stops, early starts are the order of the day. After a hearty breakfast and a quick pep talk by the main guide, your daily adventure starts. The sound of your breathing is deafening in the silence of the morning air, long before any of the wildlife stirs. The backup vehicle always leads the way in the morning hours, this is to ensure your safety from any slumbering rhino or lion. As the day warms up, the vehicle disappears into the background and lets you enjoy constantly changing views. Just as you think its time for a break, the support pop up from nowhere to pamper you with cold drinks, snacks and fresh fruit in the shade of a big tree. On the longer stages, lunch is often served and riders are given a good rest before the final push for the day’s destination. Either way, the days end brings reward in the form of delicious meals and cold drinks, served by camp-fires in spectacular settings. A good night’s rest is ensured as you are accommodated in 2 man tents with bedrolls. For the adventurous, a night spent under the star canopy of the Namib night sky is highly recommended.
A little luxury in these settings is never out of place, and we often spend the midway night stop at one of the Wilderness lodges. A great way to recharge those tired bodies before setting of on the second half of your adventure. The last night of the trip is also spent in the comfort of a Wilderness lodge, where sumptuous dinner and prize-giving is the highlight of the evening. Celebrate your achievement with your riding partners, and look back on all the special moments. While you relax, your guides will be packing the vehicles for your safe transfer to Windhoek or other destinations in the morning.
