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Namib Desert Ride

13 days -Windhoek to Swakopmund

The Namib Desert Ride is one of the most challenging rides in the world. There is probably nowhere else on earth you can ride so fast for so long. You will be travelling on horseback across the oldest desert in the world; 400 kilometres from the central highlands to the Atlantic Ocean.

You will ride through some of the most remote parts of Namibia and enjoy the spectacular and fascinating contrasts the country has to offer. The ride takes you through gentle undulating hills, up and down steep escarpments and across some of the most inhospitable landscape in the world to the Atlantic coast.

The riding is demanding due to the extreme temperatures and terrain. The terrain comprises of gravel and sand plains, sometimes very hard and difficult. There are steep climbs and descents and you may have to dismount and lead your horse. The days are long and arduous and water supplies may be limited. Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and dealing with horses is essential.

Namibia on horseback is an adventure - that once ridden, is never forgotten!
Day 1 (D)
Arrive Windhoek where you will be met and transferred to the tour departure point. Here you will be collected and transferred on to Weissenfels Guest Farm where the next 2 nights will be spent. On arrival meet your fellow riders and relax for the rest of the day.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
After a leisurely breakfast take a 'trial ride' - meet your horse and get used to tack and terrain. This ride is to match horses and riders and smooth out any problems, be it with tack or something else. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
After breakfast the luggage and riders are transferred to the neighbouring farm - Hohenheim, a 10 minute drive away. This is where you start off on your riding adventure: cross-country on game and cattle tracks through the bush savannah of the central highlands (1500 to 2000 metres above sea level) towards the escarpment, where the highlands drop into the plains with stunning views of endless hills and steep rockfaces in constantly changing colours. An easy descent takes you to the campsite where your back-up vehicles are waiting. After a good meal, cooked on the campfire, and some jokes and chatting about the day's events you retire to your tent or sleep under the stars.
Day 4 (B,L,D)
A long, challenging, but particularly memorable day! Ride over the Hakos Mountains (2000 metres), 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... and you are sure to appreciate a hot shower and a good meal at the end of this day! Your camp is at Natas, another remote and rugged Namibian cattle farm.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
Venture into the shaft of a long forgotten gold mine not far from camp; then take a relatively short ride to the red sand dune and Bushman paintings of Rooisand at the outskirts of the Namib Desert.
Day 6 (B,L,D)
Travel through the semi-desert area between Gaub and Kuiseb valleys; past abandoned remote farms towards the edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park.
Day 7 (B,L,D)
Enter the largest nature conservation area in Africa. The Skeleton Coast Park, Namib Naukluft Park and Sperrgebiet extend along Namibia's entire coastline 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.
Day 8 (B,L,D)
Another long, tough day! Travel across the desert as the crow flies, over gravel plains. A day of endless space and unlimited sunshine. A day that will tax you to the limits. There is a chance to see mountain zebra, oryx, ostrich and springbok, which inhabit the park. Break for lunch at a water hole before continuing on to your overnight camp. Namibia
Day 9 (B,L,D)
A day of long canters, heading towards Poacher's Turn and Marble Mountains.
Day 10 (B,L,D)
Unspoilt true desert landscape, ancient Welwitschia plants, endless plains and then finally as the day draws to a close into the spectacular Moonvalley. Camp out under the stars around the campfire for the last time in a dry Swakop riverbed near Goanikontes.
Day 11 (B)
Ride along the Swakop valley until you reach the dunes and then at last the ocean shore at Swakopmund. After ten days this is your first sight of a town! For the next two days you will stay in comfortable bungalows and the horses can enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Day 12 (B)
For the adventurous it is a chance to ride bareback to the dunes, gallop along the beach, and horse willing, swim in the sea.
Day 13 (B)
Depart after breakfast.
Namibia
  • Cost per person:
  • Ride Only: £1,905
  • Includes: Transfers from the meeting point to Weissenfels Guest Farm, accommodation and meals as indicated (meals in Swakopmund are payable locally), horse riding and guiding. Transfers in Swakopmund and transfers from Swakopmund back to Windhoek are not included.
  • All Inclusive: Prices depend on the airline and routing chosen and whether additional accommodation is required. The flight from Swakopmund to Windhoek is by light aircraft and therefore the price is subject to the number of people travelling. Alternatively one can take the Mainliner bus from Swakopmund to Windhoek or Air Namibia flies from Walvis Bay to Windhoek, Johannesburg or Cape Town.Namiba
  • Single Supplement: None as you must be prepared to share.
  • Departure Dates: 30 Mar, 03 Aug, 24 Aug, 14 Sep. Departures from the UK must be at least one day earlier.
  • The Accommodation: Shared rooms for the first and last 2 nights of the safari (could be 3 beds at Weissenfels) with shared facilities. All other nights will be spent under canvas, camping in big 'igloo' tents or (if preferred) under the stars, with camp beds, swags with lambskin, duvet or continental quilt and pillow.
  • Food & Drink: Most meals are prepared around the campfire and are typically Namibian. Fruit, home made juices and coffee and tea in camp are included. Bottled and canned drinks are for client's own account.
  • Laundry: Not available.
  • Children: Children are accepted providing they are competent riders and accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
  • Non-Riders: Not suitable.