THE NAMIB DESERT RIDE

10 nights: From USD $GBP £5800EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

TAKE ON A CHALLENGING HORSE RIDING ADVENTURE ACROSS THE NAMIB DESERT

Not for the feint-hearted, this adrenaline-filled ride takes you through some of Earth’s most unique and breathtaking desert landscapes.    

You will tackle this challenge aboard super fit, responsive and impressively sure-footed horses. There are approximately 80 horses of varying types available; ranging from Arab, Trakehner/Cross, Hanoverian, Boerperd and ranch horses. These rides are suitable for experienced riders only and you need to be riding fit.

The vast landscape of the Namib Desert lends itself perfectly to long trots and canters, a well-known highlight of this famous ride. An adventure on all accounts, horse riding in Namibia is not for the faint-hearted, but it is without doubt the ride of a lifetime. The 350km adventure across 10 days, leads you through stunning scenery and the chance to see a wide variety of desert wildlife. From the famous sand dunes of Sossusvlei, through the vastly contrasting desert terrains and all the way to the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic, before finishing at Swakopmund.

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. The luggage is transported via a truck which then sets up camp (see ‘Accommodation and Logistics’ for more detail). A tent can be constructed however most prefer to embrace the unforgettable opportunity of sleeping out under the stunning stars of the big African sky.

The day will usually begin at sunrise with departure generally by 8am. Riders will be in the saddle for around 4-5 hours before lunch, lunch break between 1-3 hours and then another 2-3 hours riding in the afternoon. You will average 20-60km per day over all types of terrain, some of the riding is tough and will require a good sense of humour on the odd testing moments, necessary in any adventure.

CURRENCY CONVERTER

At the current exchange rate. Please note final quote might vary slightly

USDGBPEURZARAUD

DATES AND RATES

Please enquire for availability – limited spots available.

2024 RATES

25 September - 05 October 2024

USD $GBP £5800EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing

2025 RATES

11 - 21 April 2025

18 - 28 June 2025

20 - 30 August 2025

01 - 11 October 2025

USD $GBP £6200EUR €ZAR RAUD $ per person sharing

EXTRAS – SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

2024: USD $GBP £190EUR €ZAR RAUD $ for lodge accommodation

2025: USD $GBP £200EUR €ZAR RAUD $ for lodge accommodation


EXTRA HORSE

2024: USD $GBP £800EUR €ZAR RAUD $ for riders over 85kg

2025: USD $GBP £850EUR €ZAR RAUD $ for riders over 85kg

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Includes

  • Accommodation throughout the trip (guesthouse and camping)
  • Delicious meals three times a day and drinks while on the ride
  • Personal and expert guide throughout the trip
  • A well trained, fit four-legged friend to escort you on your adventure
  • Ground transfers from Windhoek International Airport to starting point of the ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or Windhoek International airport on the day of departure

Excludes

  • International Flights
  • Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
  • Visas
  • Extra horse charge for riders 85kg and over in riding gear – For our horses’ sake, please be accurate regarding weight and level of fitness
  • Personal drinks and refreshments at all lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en route
  • Accommodation and transfers not listed on the itinerary
  • Safari staff gratuities
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QUICK FACTS

Location: The Namib Desert, Namibia
Airport: Hosea Kutako (Windhoek) International Airport
Month: April – September
Duration: 10 Nights
Group Size: Max 14
Skill Level: Intermediate & Above
Weight Limit: 90kg / 200lbs (Extra cost for riders over 85kg)
Accommodation: Sleepout / Guesthouse
Solo Traveller Friendly: Yes. No single supplement if happy to share
VIEW GALLERY

SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS

  • Beginner
  • Novice
  • Intermediate
  • Intermediate Plus
  • Advanced
WHAT RIDING LEVEL AM I?
10 nights: From USD $GBP £5800EUR €ZAR RAUD $ pp sharing

CURRENCY CONVERTER

At the current exchange rate. Please note final quote might vary slightly

USDGBPEURZARAUD

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Getting to marvel at the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei, a World Heritage Site
  • The chance to experience one of the world’s last true wildernesses from the back of a horse
  • Unrestricted riding across endless desert plains and the inescapable sense of adventure
  • Crossing greatly contrasting landscapes and seeing fascinating desert adapted wildlife
  • Sleeping out every night under the vast African sky with stars like you won’t see anywhere else

TOUR 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
READ MORE REVIEWS

SAMPLE ITINERARY

** Provided is a sample itinerary however guests must be aware that due to the adventurous nature of the ride timings and routes can vary. All variations and changes to the itinerary will always be in your best interests. The expected saddle time each day ranges between 4 to 8 hours, covering 20-60km and over varying terrain.

Note that this is our most challenging ride in Namibia and not for inexperienced riders, but fit intermediate + and advanced riders will find it comfortable. It is
however undeniably one of our most thrilling safaris!

DAY 1 - 4: WINDHOEK TO THE NAMIB

Welcome to Namibia!

Arrive at Hosea Kutako International Airport. A shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) to your first overnight in Windhoek at River Crossing Lodge. Meet your fellow riders and host/riding guide Andrew Gillies for sundowners and dinner. Andrew will give you a briefing about your adventure and what to expect in the days ahead.

DAY 2: SOSSUSVLEI

After breakfast you will be transferred to Sossusvlei (approx 4.5 hours), an exciting journey via Spreetshoogte Pass which will provide the first sightings of the vast Namib Desert below. Meet and greet will happen with the horses and crew at the first camp site before a delicious lunch is served. In the afternoon it is possible to explore the terminal pan of Sossusvlei and clamber up the soaring sand dunes for a panoramic view before heading back to camp as the sun sets. Dinner is cooked over an open fire in true Namibian style.

DAY 3 & 4: THE NAMIB DESERT

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. Most days the backup meet us for lunch. We ride 20 – 60 km per day at all paces over rough terrain. This ride has a technical scramble into and out of the Kuiseb Canyon on foot.

Venturing out on your first ride you will be stunned by the huge grassy valley stretching out ahead of you, with sights of the distant Namib sands. Riding into the lunch spot you will be pleasantly surprised by the desert oasis of Solitaire. The afternoon ride meanders past the rugged Namib Naukluft Mountains before returning for dinner around the camp fire. The camps water trough is often visited by mountain zebra, kudu and oryx who won’t pass up the opportunity of a handy water stop in the night! As the soft evening light descends we enjoy sundowners as the spectacular Milky Way appears overhead.

Morning number four leads you along gentle dunes and through untouched wilderness without a soul in sight. Adrenaline starts to soar in the afternoon as you canter across the dry riverbeds before climbing up to tonight’s campsite, potentially set up on a small hill.

DAY 5 & 6: CANYONS TO 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. You will 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, so it’s importnat that you are generally fit.  The high, narrow walls of the canyon preserve an almost year-round supply of precious water for the wildlife in this area. Finally you reach to great plains of the central Namib and the pace picks up somewhat for some good long canters.

DAY 7-10: NAMIB PLAINS TO THE COAST

Good riding surface often results in an increase in pace as you head to the water point situated at Ganab, a stop-off that often provides some plains game sightings such as zebra, oryx and ostrich. The plains are cut across by various watercourses, dividing the vast space with lines of trees, which if you are lucky, can sometimes be seen giving shelter to desert-adapted 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.

From the desert, you pass through the spectacular Moon Valley on your descent to a wonderfully sheltered campsite in the Swakop River. The Swakop river basin has eroded a truly ancient geology (600 million years old). Curious black ridges of dolerite intrusions form whale backs on the hills surrounding the river basin. On your last day in the saddle, set off for your final ride along the Swakop River to the coast and take in your first view of the Atlantic Ocean and first sign of civilization for ten days! To round off the spectacular adventure you will have one final canter along the brilliant white sands of the beach before collapsing in a gloriously satisfied heap at the comfortable guesthouse. The horses will also be putting their feet up in a paddock nearby overlooking the sea. The last supper is taken after sundowners and you can take a look back over what will have undoubtedly been an adventure of a lifetime.

DAY 11: DEPARTURE

After a bit of a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Windhoek for your departing flight (after 15h00). If you have extra time in Africa, extend your stay to visit the high dunes and desolated valleys of Sossusvlei, the wildlife of Etosha National Park, or travel further to South Africa or Botswana.

THE ACCOMMODATION

MOBILE CAMP

Most guests choose to sleep out under the glorious southern stars – a very special experience. Large dome tents can be provided if required (two people sharing unless paying single supplement). Camp beds are supplied with a warm bedroll consisting of a canvas bag containing an insulating mattress, down duvet and pillow. You are welcome to add a fleece liner to the sleeping role if you feel you might get cold. Desert nights can drop below 0°C so if you feel the cold then it is worth bringing your own sleeping bag and/or fleece liner. Hot bucket showers are available at most camps; toilets are available at all overnight camps.

GUEST HOUSES

On the nights stated in your safari itinerary, you will stay in comfortable lodges, with twin-bedded rooms and en-suite facilities where possible. While most guests are happy to share twin accommodation , on booking it is possible to request single accommodation – subject to availability and a supplementary charge. On your first night in Windhoek, you will stay at the River Crossing Lodge, and on your last night, you’ll be at a beach house in Henties Bay.

THE DESTINATION

THE DESTINATION

Namib Desert

Namibia with its stark and striking landscapes will take your breath away. The Namib Desert is one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world and what better way to explore it than from the back of a horse. The desert is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, all adapted in exceptionally special and interesting ways to survive such harsh environments. Traversing this sparse, wide and varying terrain will give you a sense of adventure very difficult to rival.

Namib Desert

Namibia with its stark and striking landscapes will take your breath away. The Namib Desert is one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world and what better way to explore it than from the back of a horse. The desert is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, all adapted in exceptionally special and interesting ways to survive such harsh environments. Traversing this sparse, wide and varying terrain will give you a sense of adventure very difficult to rival.

Girl brushing white horse

HOW WE CARE FOR OUR HORSES

Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses at Namibia Horse Safaris are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. Our horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:

  • Between safaris the horses live out in thousands of hectares of natural bush in herds of up to 100, forming natural social bonds
  • They do 10-night safari every six weeks between April and late October. All horses spend the remaining four/five summer months out in the bush
  • While on safari, horses are fed and groomed, with a mini vetting at the end of the day. There are several spare horses to give the youngsters a rest
  • We use simple snaffle bridles or bit-less bridles where possible and each horse has its allotted bridle and specially designed saddle for the duration of the safari, which are cleaned daily

Please let us know if you have any more questions about this.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR A HORSE SAFARI

Fill in the form on our website/social media describing your dream African Horse Safari

A Horse Safari Specialists will get in touch to help you plan the perfect escape

Confirm your ride and dates by paying your deposit

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Don't worry if you are not quite sure - This is just an estimate. We are here to help guide you on the best time of year to travel or the best destination for your dates.
African Horse Safaris can organise further travel beyond your horse safari experience. Such as add-on trips to Victoria Falls, Cape Town or vehicle safari.