The iconic Namib Desert with its wide plain and hugely varied terrain. However, despite its seeming aridity it offers a surprising amount of plains game. This is our longest safari at 300 km. In other words, you need to be fit for this safari!
Your Itinerary
Day 1 -
Welcome to Namibia! Windhoek Airport Shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) to your first overnight in Windhoek. Meet fellow riders and your host and guide Andrew Gillies for pre-ride briefing and dinner.
Day 2-4 -
Early breakfast and then the exciting journey into the desert (approximately 4,5 hours) with a dramatic drop off the escarpment. Lunch in camp and followed by an afternoon visit to Sossusvlei area returning to camp at sunset.
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…
Day 5-6 -
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.
Day 7-10 -
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.
Day 11 -
Time to say goodbye!
After an early breakfast your transfer will take you to Windhoek (just over 5-hour commute) arriving in time for departure flights from Windhoek International Airport after 15:00
What's included?
Included:
- All riding
- Accommodation and meals and drinks while on the ride
- Ground transfers from Windhoek International Airport to starting point of ride and return transfer Windhoek International airport on day of departure.
- A visit to the World Heritage site of the Namib Sand Sea at Sossusvlei.
Excluded:
- 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.
Departure Dates 2021:
- 02 April – 12 April
- 20 April – 30 Apriil
- 10 July – 20 July
- 30 July – 9 Aug
- 26 September – 06 Oct
