Wild Horses

Your Itinerary

Day 1 -

A shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) to your first overnight in Windhoek. Meet your fellow riders and host/riding guide Andrew Gillies for sundowners, a briefing about your adventure and dinner.

Day 2 -

After breakfast on day two, there is a 5-hour commute to our lunch spot in the quaint hamlet of Maltahöhe, followed by a decent down the picturesque Zaris Pass to our camp in the Tiras Biosphere Reserve. Settle in and explore your surroundings – here you will meet your crew, your horse and be instructed in how to be ‘desert savvy’.

As the soft evening light descends we’ll enjoy sundowners as the spectacular Milky Way appears overhead. Our first camping night is on a game-rich reserve – so expect some good sightings.

Day 3-8 -

You set off up the rugged Tiras Mountains. Boasting exceptional panoramic views from above – sentinel inselbergs (island mountains) dot the desert-scape below with the distant dune sea towards which we are heading.

Desert adapted game are encountered during the day and open country with good going allows for some fast-paced riding. Lunch is enjoyed under a convenient tree or interesting spot with a good view. Overnight camps are chosen for their spectacular views – sleeping under the magnificent starry sky is a must – it has its own kind of magic. Few places on earth afford so little light pollution – allowing for an incomparable view of the magnificent southern constellation.

The route may vary depending on weather conditions, or other circumstances but be assured every day will be memorable.

Crossing the dune sea is an experience in itself and you will come to appreciate why we chose this route – the remarkable desert-scape on the far side are as true “Namib” as one can get.

Day 9 -

From our last night camp in Geistershlucht (Ghost valley) we visit the waterhole of the Namib’s – the wild horses of the Namib – for a sundowner.

Day 10 -

On your last day you visit the coastal town of Luderitz, visiting the historic ‘ghost town’ of Kolmanskop – the colonial mining town the desert is ‘reclaiming’.

Day 11 -

Early breakfast and transfer to Windhoek from Klein Aus gets you to Windhoek International Airport in time for flights leaving after 18:00

What's included?

Included:

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 (Hosea Kutako) to starting point of ride and return transfer to Windhoek International airport on day of departure.
A visit to the coastal town of Luderitz, and Kolmanskop as well as Garub, home of the Wild Horses

Excluded:

Extra horse charge for riders 85kg and over in riding gear.
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.

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Arguably the most scenic part of the Namib, here terrain varies from big plains dotted with inslebergs wide plains and a massive dune sea – and then there is a visit to the Horses of the Namib.

Being on Safari

From Windhoek back to Windhoek 11 days/10 nights. 7 riding days, 1 night accommodated (first), 9 nights camping, four of which are formal campsites.

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 18:00

You visit the wild horses (by vehicle) on the last day of the safari as well as the historic town of Luderitz and the ‘ghost-town’ of Kolmanskop with its interesting German-colonial architecture.

Camp life has a leisurely pace – days begin at sunrise with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through camp. After a hearty breakfast we start riding around 8am for 4 – 5 hours. Lunch breaks are 1 – 2 hours, followed by another 2 – 3 hours riding in the afternoon.

You ride 20 – 60 km per day at all places and over rough terrain – some very long canters

Please consult our Riding Policy before booking – by signing the required Indemnity it is assumed you have understood the terms and conditions contained therein.

Because of the remoteness of our riding safaris, all guests require comprehensive medical insurance including repatriation.

Note: this is a fairly challenging ride and not for inexperienced riders, but both intermediate plus and advanced riders will find it comfortable. It is however undeniably the most scenic safari with the added thrill of seeing the wild horses at the end of the ride.