Guided by experts in a caravan of 4x4s, this new expedition invites explorers to pull on their desert boots and look under the dusty hood of southern Africa’s true nature.
Western Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is just one of six "ultimate expeditions" announced this year by INEOS Grenadier Expeditions. Enabled by what it called its "ultimate 4x4s", the team has curated a series of luxury drives through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. If you’re looking for an adventure beyond safari –into the regions where it’s said human life erupted – then this will sing your name.
The Skeleton Coast to The Kaokoveld
The indigenous San people (formerly known as Bushmen) of the Namibian interior call this region "The Land God Made in Anger", while Portuguese sailors once referred to it as "The Gates of Hell". There is a constant, heavy surf battering the beaches and in the days before engine-powered boats, it was impossible to launch from the shore. The only way out was going through a marsh hundreds of kilometres long, only accessible via a hot and arid desert.
The Atlantic in this region is rich in fish stocks and supports populations of Cape fur seals and shorebirds that, in turn, serve as prey for the Skeleton Coast's desert-adapted lions. The area is renowned for its frequent fogs, a result of the collision between the cold ocean current and the warm desert air. Whilst this has proven to be a major hazard to ships – more than a thousand wrecks litter the aptly-named Skeleton Coast –the fog is a vital source of moisture for desert life.
Despite the vast expanse of the outer Namib Desert being largely devoid of vegetation, lichens that glow vibrantly after the rains and succulents can be found in coastal areas; whilst grasses, shrubs, and ephemeral plants battle for life near the escarpments.
Following the route of the Jackals, there’s a memorable lunch spot where the Kunene River meets the Atlantic. Whales can be seen leaping whilst crocodiles bask in the sunshine: with the drifting mists the scene looks almost prehistoric.
After driving the coast’s smoother than tarmac salt roads, the expedition turns inland to take on the challenge of driving the ancient sand dunes, with their steep climbs and near vertical slip-face drops. Drivers will be further tested as they tackle dry riverbeds, where desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos can be found.
The guides then lead the caravan further south and across rivers where explorers will discover flora and fauna that manage to survive in the harsh environments.
Travellers will also discover evidence of the early nomadic man through stone circles and relics of ancient settlements. Keep an eye out for giraffe, zebra, ostrich, and the perfectly adapted oryx as you approach the mountains where the skies, once huge, become smaller through your windscreen.
Then, as the terrain changes once more, drivers will find themselves navigating their vehicles across rocks, through geological wonders and extraordinary, otherworldly landscapes.
Evenings will be spent relaxing under the vast, starry skies in great comfort. The fragrant aromas of Namib myrrh, wild rosemary, and desert blooms fill the cooling air, with the chorus of desert sounds stilling the mind and exciting the spirit.
Accommodation on this eight-night expedition is a mix of uniquely built safari lodges that provide all the necessary creature comforts – along with camps, pre-erected for guests' arrival, with endless drinks, fire-side conversations and desert fine dining. A rest day at Serra Cafema Lodge offers visitors a chance to visit the local Himba village and witness how the semi-nomadic peoples of this area live in the remote desert.
These are true, off-the-beaten-track adventures that give access to rarely seen landscapes and unforgettable wildlife; a stunning assault on the senses that reminds participants of the diversity and fragility of life on our planet.
At all times, guests wills be in the capable hands of experts, and all your needs will be taken care of. INEOS Grenadier Expeditions handle everything including supplies, desert-ready vehicles, driving tuition, and access to restricted areas.
When guests return to the airport, they'll be an accomplished off-road driver and a passionate advocate for nature conservation, following in the footsteps of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s own adventures. Spaces on these exclusive drives are limited to just 16 people, divided into two per car, so you might want to consider planning for next year as you read this. For an experience of this magnitude, the wait is worth it.
For day-by-day itineraries on all expeditions offered by INEOS Grenadier Expeditions, along with booking details, please visit: ineosgrenadier.com/en/gb/ineos-expeditions