+ Day 1

Our departure from the coastal town of Swakopmund is scheduled for 10 am. The approximately four-hour drive to the trek’s starting point includes a leisurely lunch stop en route. Anticipate arriving at our campsite in the late afternoon, which will be close to the famous Brandberg mountain which is the dried core of an ancient extinct volcano.

Geology enthusiasts will find this area particularly captivating, with its association with the famous desert plant Welwitschia mirabilis. The landscape bears witness to ancient Bushman habitation, and our guides will weave tales of the area’s rich history as we explore.

+ Day 2 - total distance of 18km

An early start is on the agenda, with the aim of hitting the hiking trail as soon as possible to take advantage of the morning’s cooler temperatures. Although September daytime temperatures are generally mild, warming up as the day progresses, we expect not to exceed 30°C at the peak of the day’s heat.

Our route gracefully winds through the foothills of the Brandberg as we circumnavigate the mountain. This region is renowned for desert black rhinos, prompting our vigilant guides to keep an eye out for any fresh tracks. Despite the seemingly dormant nature of this desert area, your guides will reveal the intricate web of life sustained by many species of desert-adapted plants, insects, birds, and mammals.

After covering 9 kilometers, we’ll pause for a well-deserved lunch break in the Numas River, where the backup team will be ready to assist. Along the way, designated water stops are planned, and each participant should carry a supply of 3 liters (a detailed kit list will be provided).

The afternoon leg of our journey involves another 9 kilometers, leading us to our evening campsite nestled in the sandy embrace of the Numas Gorge.

As the day winds down and depending on the lunar phase, an engaging talk about the night skies may be on the agenda after dinner—a perfect opportunity to marvel at the celestial wonders above.

+ Day 3 - total distance of 21km

Yet another early start beckons as we set out to conquer a 13-kilometer stretch before the lunchtime bell rings! Our journey guides us over undulating terrain, firm underfoot, until we reach the Naib River, where a well-deserved lunch awaits.

During the midday break, Chris will teach about map reading and orientation. In the afternoon, our trajectory points us towards the Ugab, and we remain vigilant in the black rhino territory, carefully scanning for any signs of fresh tracks. The ensuing 8km afternoon walk takes us along a drainage line emerging from a valley in the Brandberg, eventually connecting with the mighty Ugab River.

To round off the day’s adventures, Rachel will entertain us with a captivating talk, delving into the early days of EHRA!

+ Day 4 - total distance 18km

Today we will follow a valley carved through shallow rolling hills and meet the team on a plain where lunch and shade will be set up for our 2-hour rest. As we enter the primary homerange of the Ugab West desert elephant herds in the winter months, the team will have already assessed any elephant movements. With a total population of just 21, this group has reached an ‘unviable’ status. During our lunch break, the EHRA team will provide insights into the current status and challenges faced by this elephant population.

After lunch, our journey takes us back up to the foothills of the mountains, an enchanting 8km walk with the river valley unfolding below. Our camp, nestled between rocky outcrops, offers a view that will be etched in your memory.

Tonight, EHRA team members will share insights into the conservation projects they champion, covering initiatives such as the new SEED Project, the PEACE Project, and our new Elephant Corridor initiative.

+ Day 5 - total distance 25km

Today marks the grand event – a formidable distance to conquer!

The terrain ahead is relatively flat, but will also include some sand underfoot at some points. Our path closely follows the course of the Ugab River, and we will be on the keen lookout for the elephants.

The morning leg of our journey covers the majority of the day’s total, a robust 16 kilometers, followed by a 9km trek in the afternoon. Our midday break will again be will be a serene affair, nestled under the shade of trees along the river.

As the day unfolds, we’ll traverse captivating scenery, drawing near the village of Anixab, renowned for its striking outcrops resembling carefully stacked round rocks.

Tonight’s camp finds its spot in an ancient Bushman camp hunting ground, offering a captivating view of a wetland in the Ugab River. Here, remnants of the past are often discovered, where Rachel even found an ancient ostrich shell bead. In the evening a visitor will talk to us about the fascinating history of the area and the indigenous people.

+ Day 6 - total distance 18km

It’s our final day – a bittersweet occasion! Starting from our camp, we’ll delicately descend into the river. Along today’s hike, we’ll have the privilege of meeting community members whom EHRA has supported over the years. Our first stop is A. Gariseb Primary School, EHRA’s primary partner school, where our contributions have ranged from facility renovations to providing learning resources, mattresses, blankets, washing machines, playgrounds, and more! EHRA volunteers also sponsor the village children to enjoy three meals a day at the school hostel. With 450 children attending, all residing on farms prone to elephant visits, this project holds special significance, as the elephants often roam through the school grounds.

Lunch will once more be in the soothing shade of trees. In the afternoon, we’ll explore some of EHRA’s accomplished projects, from protection walls to solar pump installations. Engaging with farmers, we’ll hear firsthand about their experiences living alongside elephants.

Our goal is to reach the EHRA base camp by sunset, with the final stretch leading us through a beautiful natural spring, offering an opportunity to put our tracking knowledge to the test.

Upon arrival, the entire EHRA team will extend a warm welcome. A celebratory sundown awaits us atop the cliffs at camp, where we’ll witness the sunset over the Brandberg Mountain, marking the spot where our journey commenced.

Tonight we will celebrate with a great meal and some fun entertainment!

+ Day 7 - Departure

Following a relaxed morning wake-up and breakfast, our journey concludes as we make our way back to the coastal town of Swakopmund.

For those seeking more adventure, an enticing option awaits – extend your stay at the camp and join the EHRA patrol for an additional 4 days of camping and elephant tracking, this time from the comfort of a vehicle. Alternatively, if time is of the essence or if you’re eager to explore more of Namibia, we’re here to help tailor a shorter trip or assist in arranging further travel.

You are most welcome to contact a member of the EHRA team if you have any questions.