Overview
Welcome to the oldest, and arguably one of the most scenic deserts on the planet, the Namib. With its iconic ochre dunes, huge plains and unique desert adaptations, this seemingly inhospitable place leaves us enriched by its extraordinary majesty
About This Safari
• From Windhoek back to Windhoek 11 days/10 nights. 7,5 riding days, 2 night accommodated (first and last), 8 nights camping.
• Arrive in Windhoek on the first day of your safari preferably in time for pre-dinner group briefing and arrive back at Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) in time for fights leaving after 15:00
• We visit the World Heritage site of Sossusvlei on the afternoon of day two - come fit so you can climb to the top for a spectacular view.
• The well-being of our horses are our first priority - please be accurate about your weight, fitness and riding ability when filling in the booking form.
• Note that this is our most challenging ride and not for inexperienced riders, but fit intermediate+ and advanced riders will find it comfortable. It is however undeniably our most thrilling safaris
• Because of the remoteness of our riding safaris, all guests require comprehensive medical insurance including repatriation. Consult our Riding Policy before booking - by signing the required Indemnity it is assumed you have understood the terms and conditions contained therein. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Being on Safari
• Camp life has a leisurely pace - days begin at sunrise with the aroma of freshly brewed 100% Arabica coffee wafting through camp. After an ample breakfast we start riding around 8 am for 4 - 5 hours. Lunch breaks are 1 - 2 hours, followed by another 2 - 3 hours riding in the afternoon.
• We ride 20 - 50 km per day at all paces over rough desert terrain. This ride has a challenging 27 km crossing of the Namib Dune Sea - of course this is very much part of this safari’s appeal, as is the inspiring landscape.
• While camping hot bucket showers are available in the evenings and either chemical or long drop toilets at all campsites.
• You sleep in a warm, comfortable bedroll on a stretcher, tents are available if required although then you miss out on the spectacular stars overhead – few places on earth have zero light pollution…..this is one of those few.
• We try to cater for dietary exclusions, however, the remote nature of these safaris makes some difficult to cater for.
Itinerary
Days 1 + 2 Windhoek to the Namib
Welcome to Namibia!
A shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) to your first overnight in Windhoek (your name will be on a welcome board). Meet your fellow riders and host/riding guide Andrew Gillies for sundowners and dinner. Andrew will give you a briefing about your adventure.
Early breakfast and then the exciting journey into the desert (approximately 4,5 hours) with a dramatic drop off the escarpment. Lunch in camp followed by an afternoon visit to Sossusvlei area returning to camp at sunset.
Days 3 + 4 Pro Namib
Our first riding day starts amid the encircling Naukluft (narrow gorge) mountains - a short ride to lunch to get acquainted with your horse, the terrain and the delightful companionship.
The landscape changes all the time and the pace quickens as the terrain allows - landscapes are undulating as we traverse through and around the foothills of the Naukluft Mountains
As the soft evening light descends we enjoy sundowners as the spectacular Milky Way appears overhead.
Day 5 and 6 The Canyons to The Plains
While Namibia’s westward-flowing rivers rarely flow, they all run through deep valleys etched at a time when Namibia was wetter and sea levels were lower. We cross two river canyons on our way to the Namib plains; the Gaub and the much larger Kuiseb which forms a dramatic end to the 400-km long Namib Sand Sea.
Following the tracks of Mountain Zebra which crisscross the steep sides of the canyon, a technical descent requires some walking/scrambling into and out of the Canyon. The high, narrow walls of the canyon preserve an almost year-round supply of precious water for the game in this area. Finally we reach to great plains of the central Namib and the pace picks up somewhat.
Day 7 – 10 Namib Plains to the Swakop River
Good going affords some fast-paced riding on the wide grassy plains on the Namib. Dry watercourses, distinguishable by the long lines of acacia trees marking their courses, are much favoured resting place of Giraffe, Springbok and Oryx. As the plains become more arid strange shapes form and disappear in mirages and dinosaur-like plants, the gnarled Welwitschia Mirabilis, tell of a land of great antiquity and of tremendous solitude.
The Swakop river basin has eroded a truly ancient geology (600 million years old) exposing a bizarre moon-like landscape.
Curious black ridges of dolerite intrusions form whalebacks on the hills surrounding the river basin. And finally to the sea with the last canter along the beach - the end of a truly epic adventure.
Departure Day 11
Early breakfast and transfer to Windhoek (just over 5-hour commute) arriving around 13:00 - in time for departure flights from Windhoek International Airport after 15:00
Rate Includes
• All riding, accommodation and meals and drinks while on the ride - excluded are drinks at lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en-route.
• Ground transfers from Windhoek International Airport to starting point of ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or Windhoek International airport on day of departure.
• A visit to the Namib Dune Sea at Sossusvlei - if you come fit, you can climb to the top for a spectacular view!
Rate Excludes
• Extra horse charge for riders 85kg and over in riding gear. For our horses’ sake, please be accurate regarding weight and level of fitness. Please consult our Riding Policy
• Single supplement will be waived if prepared to share guesthouse accommodation
• Personal drinks and refreshments at all lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en-route.
• Accommodation and transfers not listed on the itinerary. Any extra transfers (for any reason including flight delays) other than those included in the itinerary – will be for guest’s personal account.
• Additional activities and packages. We are happy to assist with recommendations.
• Safari staff gratuities.
