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A Horse Ride in Namibia is an African Adventure to Treasure Forever

A horse ride in Namibia is an African adventure you will remember and treasure for the rest of your life. Namibia, with its stark and striking landscapes, will take your breath away.

Out there, in the middle of nowhere, you will find a form of peace and tranquility so rarely found in the world today. Immerse yourself in Namibia’s hauntingly beautiful scenery while learning about the unique flora and fauna which inhabit the landscapes. Traversing these sparse, wide and varying terrains will give you a sense of adventure very difficult to rival.

Horse riding in Namibia is not merely an adventure; it’s an immersive journey through a land of captivating landscapes and extraordinary experiences! These are some of our most challenging rides, but they are also our most addictive. You’ll have some incredibly fast riding in Namibia; galloping across the endless deserts is the ultimate thrill! Experienced guides lead riders through this land of contrasts, ensuring both safety and the chance to fully appreciate the solitude and grandeur of Namibia’s most remote regions.

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EXPLORE HORSE SAFARIS IN NAMIBIA

Girl and appaloosa horse doing Natural Horsemanship in Namibia

2 weeks: From USD $GBP £EUR €1580ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing

Natural Horsemanship in Namibia

  • 2 - 12 Weeks
  • Namibia
  • Working Holiday
Immerse yourself in Namibia's beauty while learning natural horsemanship on an unforgettable working holiday
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Horse Riding

7 nights: From USD $GBP £EUR €1880ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Kambaku Wildlife Reserve in Namibia

  • 3 - 7 Nights
  • Namibia
  • Wildlife & Scenery Focused Safari
Enjoy wonderful wildlife rides, scenic game drives, tranquil siestas, and dining under the stars at Kambaku
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Horse riding Swakopmund

9 nights: From USD $GBP £5350EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

Skeleton Coast & Damaraland Ride

  • 9 Nights
  • Namibia
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
Embark on a challenging and awe-inspiring horseback adventure to discover two of the most remote areas on the planet.
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10 nights: From USD $GBP £5800EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

The Namib Desert Ride

  • 10 Nights
  • Namibia
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
These true adventures take you through some of the most unique and breathtaking desert landscapes on earth.
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10 nights: From USD $GBP £5800EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

The Wild Horses Ride in Namibia

  • 10 Nights
  • Namibia
  • Scenery Focused Horse Safari
This is an adventure like no other: ride across the iconic dune sea of the Namib Desert in search of the desert horses.
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OVERVIEW OF HORSE SAFARIS IN NAMIBIA

Prepare for a thrilling and challenging riding safari across otherwise inaccessible deserts, open plains, through ancient volcanic craters to the famed Skeleton Coast. Immerse yourself in Namibia’s hauntingly beautiful scenery, flora and fauna with a rare combination of peace, tranquillity and exhilaration rivalled by very few places in the world. Despite the country’s vastness, Namibia is the least heavily populated country in Africa. Cross the country with only the company of your fellow horse riders, crossing paths with no one else for the entirety of your trip. Eat and sleep under the stars with the stunning canopy of the southern hemisphere as your ceiling for a completely wild horse safari experience.

From horseback, see elephant, rhino, oryx, the beautifully elusive gerenuk and some of the last remaining prides of desert lion, all uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions of the desert. Due to the wild nature of the Namibian landscape, the pace and distance of the ride and the wildlife often encountered, the level of horse riding required is intermediate plus and above. Riding in the Namib Desert is a truly epic adventure for the intrepid equestrian.

Ride locations

Namibia Desert

Crossing the Namib Desert is an adventure of contrasts and wonders. Enjoy long days rides and free gallops across this magnificent desert during the day and spend evenings cosy around the campfire under the awe-inspiring blanket of stars. Start with the famous sand dunes of Sossusvlei, a world away from where you end on the dramatic coastline of the Atlantic. The contrasting scenery is bound to blow you away. Travelling at an impressive pace over such a distance, this riding safari is not for the faint-hearted

Horse riding in the Namib Desert
Endless horizons in the world's oldest desert

Damaraland

Virtually inaccessible, Damaraland is a fascinating and spectacular setting for your horse-riding safari. This incredibly diverse area is home to ancient and beautiful rock engravings on the extinct volcanic craters of Tweyflfontein. In a place where rainfall is scarce, the wildlife of Damaraland has cleverly adapted. Embrace the adventure of horse riding across one of the last true wildernesses we have left. Explore Islenbergs (island mountains) that make dramatic exceptions to the openness of the desert and then finish at the craggy and dramatic skeleton coast, where the shells of many ill-fated ships litter the shore

Horse riding in Damaraland Namibia with elephants
Ride alongside Namibia's incredible desert elephants

Southern Namibia

Embark on a truly unique adventure, venturing from the iconic dune sea of the Namib Desert to the edges of the breathtaking Sperrgebiet National Park. Your journey will lead you through some of the world’s most exceptional riding terrain, spanning vast grassy plains, meandering past the enigmatic inselbergs, and encountering herds of resilient desert-adapted wildlife. Your unforgettable expedition culminates at Klein Aus Vista, near the renowned home of the Wild Horses of the Namib, marking the perfect conclusion to what is undoubtedly an unforgettable equestrian experience in Namibia

Canter across the gravel plains in Namibia
Ride across the incredible open plains in the South of Namibia

Kambaku Wildlife Reserve

Kambaku Wildlife Reserve, situated in the heart of Namibia, stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecotourism. This reserve covers over 5000 hectares and is home to an array of iconic African species, including giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and antelope. Everyone can experience the magic of a guided horse safaris, no matter what your riding level is. Out of the saddle enjoy game drives, guided walks, cycling and bush camping. Close to Etosha National Park, it is the perfect start or end to a Namibian safari

Horse riding at Kambaku Wildlife Reserve
Explore Kambaku on horseback

Safari Highlights

FAST RIDING
These vast open spaces call for epic gallops! There are few places in the world where you can just let your horse fly across the desert, feeling pure unadulterated freedom! In Namibia, you have to cover around 400km over 10 days, so it’s perfect for speed demons!


CONNECTION WITH YOUR HORSE
Strong bonds are built with your fellow riders and horse as you tackle the adventure together and you are responsible for grooming and tacking up your own steed. Many riders fall in love with their horses and want to take them home


OFF THE GRID
Despite the country’s vastness, Namibia is the least heavily populated country in Africa. Cross the country with only the company of your fellow horse riders crossing paths with no one else for the entirety of your trip


LANDSCAPES
Each day is an adventure and the landscape changes constantly! Explore the iconic red dunes of the Namib Desert on horseback. Experience the surreal beauty of the Moon Landscape near Swakopmund. Riding through this area, characterized by eroded hills and valleys, feels like exploring an alien world.  End your trail galloping along the desolate and hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast


DESERT-ADAPTED WILDLIFE
From horseback, see elephant, rhino, oryx, jackals, hyenas and some of the last remaining prides of desert lion all uniquely adapted to the desert. Riding through nature reserves and conservancies allows for a unique perspective on Namibia’s incredible wildlife and how they’ve adapted to this harsh environment


SIMPLICITY
Eat and sleep under the stars with the stunning canopy of the southern hemisphere as your ceiling for a completely wild horse safari experience

Fast riding in Namibia
Gallop across the Namib Desert!
Connecting with your horse on Safari in Namibia
Strong bonds are formed over the course of the adventure
Two horses in the Namib Desert
Disconnect from "normal"

Activities

SOSSUSVLEI
Located in the heart of the Namib Desert, is famous for its towering red sand dunes and the otherworldly landscape of Deadvlei, making it one of Namibia’s most iconic and visually stunning destinations


TWYFELFONTEIN
On our Damaraland riding safari, discover ancient rock engravings and petroglyphs at Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These rock art sites offer a glimpse into the history of the San people


ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Swakopmund offers various adventure activities, including sandboarding down dunes, quad biking in the desert, and skydiving over the Namib Desert. In Walvis Bay, you can go on boat tours to spot dolphins and seals, and, depending on the season, even humpback whales


ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK
Add on some extra time in Namibia and head to Etosha National Park. This park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, rhinos, oryx, kuku, hyena and numerous other species, offering visitors unparalleled opportunities for game viewing and photography against the striking backdrop of the pan’s arid landscape. Etosha’s numerous waterholes attract a mesmerizing array of animals, and it’s not uncommon to see herds of elephants alongside zebra, giraffe and antelope


PHOTOGRAPHY
Namibia’s stunning landscapes, from deserts to canyons, offer endless opportunities for photography. Capture the unique and surreal beauty of the country from horseback or the top of one of the boulder outcrops


WILDLIFE ACTIVITIES
At Kambaku, you can head out on guided game drives and walking safaris. The reserve is home to herds of zebra, oryx, wildebeest, antelope and giraffe, plus bat eared foxes, jackals and the very elusive hyena. But as there are no big animals in the reserve, you can also head out on your own for a peaceful walk, run or cycle. This is a haven for those who want to spend time in Nature and reconnect

Dead Tree and red sand dunes in Sossusvlei, Namibia
See the otherworldly landscape of Sossusvlei
Herd of elephants in Etosha
Etosha is home to huge herds of elephants
Guided walk at Kambaku in Namibia
Guided walks at Kambaku

Accommodation

In Namibia the usual accommodation guests opt for is… no accommodation! Sleep out under the glorious southern stars on an off-the-floor camp bed, complete with a cosy duck-down duvet and bedroll containing an insulating mattress. Tents are available if you’d prefer to sleep under cover after your day on horseback; however, once you have experienced sleeping under the spectacular copy of stars, you are unlikely to opt for a tent. It may just be one of the highlights of your holiday! Hot bucket showers and portable loos are available at each camp. Spend your nights sitting around the campfire enjoying the incredible cuisine produced over the humble open fire.

Your first and last night will be at cosy local guesthouses, the perfect place to get to know your fellow adventurers and reminisce after a week of epic moments together! Your last night will give you a chance to adapt back to civilisation before heading back to reality!

If you prefer something a little more luxurious, Kambaku Wildlife Reserve is the perfect option.  This small intimate lodge offers beautiful rooms with soft cotton sheets, waterfall showers and hot water bottles in winter. The gardens offer a shady place to relax, do yoga or have a swim in the pool. And the main area has a lounge, dining room, firepit and upstairs boma area for dining under the stars.

Sleep under the stars in Namibia with your horses nearby
Your expedition rides offer a 5 million star bed
Luxury rooms at Kambaku Wildlife Rerserve
Fall asleep in warm cozy beds at Kambaku

Namibian Culture

Namibia’s cultures span across incredible distances for such a sparsely populated country of just 2.1 persons per square kilometre and a population of just over 2 million. On your riding safari, you will get a taste of Namibia’s cultural and historical flavour. The German colonisation left its mark on Namibia which is largely German-speaking even today. With over 11 ethnic groups, you’re likely see Damara, Himba, Toppenaar and Herero people on your journey through the country. The country’s diverse, dramatic and harsh climate contributed to its historical story and you will see glimpses of this during your horseback safari.

Smiling faces in Damaraland
Smiling faces in Damaraland

NAMIBIA SAFARI FAQs

Isn't Namibia too hot for horses?

All horse safaris in Namibia are scheduled in the cooler winter months between May and October when the day temperatures are between 18 to 27 degrees celsius. Rides set off early in the morning and rest during the heat of the day, so both riders and horses can have a well deserved break.

What kind of horses do they use on safari?

Many of the horses used on safari are home-bred on the farm near Windhoek – these are a combination of Warmblood, Arab and Quarter Horse which creates brilliant safari horses. Others are sturdy South African Boerperde, which are known for being tough, versatile and athletic.

How fit do I need to be for a Namibian horse safari?

Our Namibia rides are some of our toughest rides – but the reward for being prepared is phenomenal! We recommend that you are riding fit; riding at least 2-3 times a week, as you will be covering up to 350km on horseback over varied terrain. The riding is thrilling, with fast paced canters, ever changing scenery and desert-adapted wildlife.

Can you cater for vegetarians on safari?

As long as they have the information well in advance, yes. We request your food and drinks preferences when booking as everything is transported to camp in a vehicle – it is incredible what a team of knowledgeable chefs can do with a few pots and a campfire!

How do I get to Namibia?

The most popular route is to fly via Johannesburg or Cape Town to Windhoek where your horse safari begins. There are daily flights and this also gives you the option to explore other Southern African countries before or after your riding holiday. Air Namibia also flies directly from Frankfurt to Windhoek if this is more convenient.

RECENT NAMIBIA REVIEWS

We rode about 330km through the most stunning and ever changing Damaraland landscape. Seeing desert elephants from horseback, galloping through Star Wars scenes in the desert and ending up at the striking Skeleton Coast. Best part of this ride was meeting so many wonderful people, turned friends. And of course, my soulhorse Muchacho. It feels like I only blinked once and then it was over… Guess I’m ready to go back (again and again and again!)

Hannah Van SlootenDamaraland Horse Safari - Namibia

This was my second time in Namibia and I already want to go back! It really is an incredible trip. Everything - from the logistics to the horses and the landscape - is so impressive. The team is amazing, the horses are super fit and really well taken care of. It's the most fun riding I have ever done, with lots of fast canters in open spaces. Sleeping under the stars next to the horses is also one of my favorite things of this trip! I can't recommend it enough, and thank you African Horse Safaris for first recommending Namibia to me in 2019 🙂 Traveling during COVID was a bit daunting but luckily everything went smoothly!

Alessia PignaitiWild Horses Safari - Namibia

This has been an absolutely incredible experience. It exceeded my expectations. Namibia is absolutely stunning and the horses are amazing. There are no words that can begin to describe how incredible and stunning this experience was. I loved that I could ask as many questions and had them all answered! I would recommend AHS to anyone and you'll definitely see me again.

Danita EnslinSkeleton-Coast Horse Safari - Namibia

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