Namib Desert Ride

Day 1

You will be transferred from Windhoek city (mid-morning) and driven for 1-2 hours southwest to the guest farm, where you will spend your first night. You will be introduced to your riding guides and fellow-riders, do a short trial ride, acquaint yourself with the awesome terrain and have supper and a good night's sleep. (D)

Day 2

The ride starts cross-country on game and cattle tracks through the bush savannah of the central highlands (1500-2000 m above sea level) towards the escarpment, where the highlands drop into the plains with stunning views of endless hills and steep rock faces in constantly changing colours. Unbelievable where horses can go - riding not for the faint-hearted! An easy descent takes you to the campsite where the back-up vehicles will be waiting. After a good meal, cooked on the campfire, some jokes and chatting about the day's events you retire to your tent or sleep under the stars. (B,L,D)

Day 3

A long and exerting, but particularly memorable day awaits! Ride over the Hakos Mountains (2000 m), along dry riverbeds and on the tracks of mountain zebra, oryx and baboons, past leopard caves and thorn bushes. This is pristine countryside with stunning panoramic views. You are sure to appreciate a hot shower and a good meal at the end of today! Camp is at Natas, another remote and rugged Namibian cattle farm. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Venture into the shaft of a long-forgotten gold mine not far from the camp; then have a short ride (20 km) along dirt roads to the red sand dunes of Rooisand on the fringe of the Namib Desert. In the early afternoon, arrive at the campsite, beautifully situated at the foot of Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia. Just before sunset an opportunity to hike to a natural shelter on the mountain nearby to see Bushman paintings. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Ride through the semi-desert between the Gaub and Kuiseb valleys; past remote, abandoned farms towards the Namib-Naukluft Park's (500 000 ha) main entrance. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Enter the largest nature conservation area in Africa (an area as large as the British Isles). The Skeleton Coast Park, Namib Naukluft Park and Sperrgebiet extend along Namibia's entire coastline (2000km) up to a width of some 100 km. Ride through the bizarre Kuiseb Canyon and alongside its banks and camp at Aruvlei, an interesting oasis in the Namib. Marvel at the incredibly beautiful African sunset and myriads of stars. (B,L,D)

Day 7

A long, tough riding day and non-stop sunshine! See mountain zebra, oryx, ostrich, springbok and if your lucky some of the desert warthogs while crossing the desert's gravel plains as the crow flies. For lunch break you will stop at Ganab, a borehole which provides much-needed water for the game in the desert. Then off again, to Hotsas (Tinkas and Tumas plains). After the considerable distance covered today, camp with the prospect of chilled drinks and a relaxed dinner is a particularly welcome sight. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Canter towards Poacher's Turn and Marble Mountains, encountering strange shapes and mirages, fascinating survival devices of desert adapted creatures, infinite space and tremendous solitude. (B,L,D)

Day 9

Continue through unspoilt, true desert landscape where you will see unique Welwitschia plants. Close to the coast enter the spectacular Moon Valley. Today is the last night on the trail and you will camp out under the stars, around the campfire in the dry riverbed of the Swakop near Goanikontes. (B,L,D)

Day 10

Ride along the Swakop valley until you reach the dunes and then at last the ocean shore at Swakopmund. This will be your first glimpse of a town in ten days! For the next two nights you will stay in comfortable holiday chalets/guest house and the horses enjoy their well-deserved rest in cosy stables. (B,L)

Day 11

This is a day for you to rest and relax or take part in one of a few exciting activities in and around Swakopmund such as a lagoon cruise - with oysters and champagne as well as seals on board, sand boarding, skydiving, etc. All of thes can be arranged and paid for locally. (B)

Day 12

A final breakfast together and then say goodbye before starting your homeward or onward journey. (B)