THE NAMIB DESERT RIDE

10 Nights: GBP £5350

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Horse riding safaris across the hauntingly beautiful Namib Desert, has led to the creation of the best horse riding in Namibia, for those who love all things wild and free.

Over 20 years of experience guiding horse riding safaris across the hauntingly beautiful Namib Desert, has led to the creation of the best horse riding in Namibia, for those who love all things wild and free. These true adventures take you through some of the most unique and breathtaking desert landscapes on earth.

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.

The riding is for those who are confident in the saddle, able to control their mount in open landscapes and ride at a fast pace. A good level of general fitness is needed to take on the desert as days are long and the riding is challenging, yet incredibly rewarding.  Riders will need to brush and tack up their own horses, be willing to walk their horses over difficult terrain and mount from the ground unassisted.

QUICK FACTS
The Namib Desert, Namibia
Hosea Kutako Windhoek Airport 
April – September
10 Nights
Group Size: Max. 14 
Minimum of 2 guests
Intermediate Plus and Above
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.
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THE DESTINATION

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.

DATES & RATES

 Please enquire about availability – limited spots are available

2023 RATES & DATES

01 – 11 April 2023
19 – 29 April 2023
26 May – 05 June 2023
22 July – 01 August 2023
28 August – 07 September 2023
GBP £5350 per person sharing

Single supplement for lodge accommodation: £190
Extra Horse for riders over 85kg: £800

2024 RATES & DATES

10 – 20 April 2024
22 May – 01 June 2024
03 – 13 July 2024
14 – 24 August 2024
25 September – 05 October 2024
GBP £5800per person sharing

Single supplement for lodge accommodation: £200
Extra Horse for riders over 85kg: £850

INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES

Price Includes:

  • Accommodation throughout the trip – 2 nights guesthouse and 8 nights 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/Walvis Bay International Airport to starting point of the ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or Windhoek International airport on the day of departure.

Price Excludes

  • International Flights to Windhoek / Walvis Bay
  • 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
YOUR 11-DAY 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.

Day 1 - 4: Windhoek to the Namib

Welcome to Namibia!
The Windhoek Airport Shuttle will collect you from Windhoek International Airport and transfer you to your first overnight in Windhoek. Here you will meet your guide and fellow riders. Over dinner you will be introduced to the rest of your fellow riders and be briefed about what to expect on your adventure!

Day 2

After breakfast you will be transferred to Sossusvlei, 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

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 the victim of theft from mountain zebra, kudu and oryx who won’t pass up the opportunity of a handy water stop in the night!

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.

Day 4

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, set up on a small hill. This evening you will see a change from the usual alfresco dining as dinner is served in an old converted farm barn which serves for an excellent dining room.

Day 5

This morning brings stunning red sand dunes and descent into the rugged Gaub Canyon where lunch is then taken. In the afternoon you climb back out of the canyon, before venturing onwards across the plains to a cave boasting impressive views of the badlands and the ephemeral Kuiseb River.

Day 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. The river marks the end of the Namib Sand Sea and its sporadic flow stops the dunes from crossing it. Following the tracks of Mountain Zebra which crisscross the steep sides of the canyon, a technical descent requires some challenging 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

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.

Day 8

Day eight is another day where faster riding is often possible and a chance to release your inner cowboy as you travel across the Tinkas and Tumas plains to Hotsas. 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.

Day 9

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. From the desert, you pass through the spectacular Moon Valley on your descent to a wonderfully sheltered campsite in the Swakop River.

Day 10

Awake and 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

You will return to Windhoek after breakfast for your flight home. Flights should depart Windhoek earliest 15:00.

THE ACCOMMODATION
Camp site set out in Namibia
Camp bed overlooking river

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.

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 (or tent if required), on booking it is possible to request single accommodation – subject to availability and a supplementary charge.

QUICK FACTS
The Namib Desert, Namibia
Hosea Kutako Windhoek  Airport 
April – September
10 Nights
Group Size: Max. 14 
Minimum of 2 guests
Intermediate
View Gallery
10 Nights: GBP £5350 pp sharing

See Detailed Rates

SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS
Beginner
Novice
Intermediate
Intermediate Plus
Advanced
WHAT RIDING LEVEL AM I?
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.
DATES & RATES

 Please enquire about availability – limited spots are available

2023 RATES & DATES

01 – 11 April 2023
19 – 29 April 2023
26 May – 05 June 2023
22 July – 01 August 2023
28 August – 07 September 2023
GBP £5350 per person sharing

Single supplement for lodge accommodation: £190
Extra Horse for riders over 85kg: £800

2024 RATES & DATES

10 – 20 April 2024
22 May – 01 June 2024
03 – 13 July 2024
14 – 24 August 2024
25 September – 05 October 2024
GBP £5800per person sharing

Single supplement for lodge accommodation: £200
Extra Horse for riders over 85kg: £850

INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES

Price Includes:

  • Accommodation throughout the trip – 2 nights guesthouse and 8 nights 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/Walvis Bay International Airport to starting point of the ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or Windhoek International airport on the day of departure.

Price Excludes

  • International Flights to Windhoek / Walvis Bay
  • 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
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

The Namib desert safari was the most challenging, exhilarating unforgettable experience of a lifetime. It was tough physically but that is what made it so special. Andrew guided us through some of the most remote, wild and haunting landscapes on the planet. The horses were fantastic and matched every rider to their level and personality. I will be back for more!

Rebecca Moolenburgh-BrodyNamib Desert Ride, Namibia
READ MORE REVIEWS

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 around this.

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