The Wild Horses Ride in Namibia

THE WILD HORSES RIDE IN NAMIBIA

10 Nights: GBP £5350

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Traverse land previously unexplored and pioneer trails across spectacularly contrasting desert landscapes

This true adventure takes you through some of the most unique and breathtaking desert landscapes on earth. Not for the faint hearted, this is a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled ride covering vast open spaces.

Over 20 years of experience guiding horse riding safaris across the hauntingly beautiful Namib Desert, has led to the creation of the ultimate ride in Namibia for those who love all things wild and free. This true adventure takes 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.

This is an adventure like no other; from the iconic dune sea of the Namib Desert to the edge of the stunning Sperrgebiet National Park, this ride traverses land previously unexplored and you will pioneer trails across spectacularly contrasting desert landscapes. You will cross some of the best riding terrain in the world, covering vast grassy plains, passing the inselbergs (island mountains) and encountering herds of desert-adapted game. The journey ends at Klein Aus Vista close to the home of the Wild Horses of the Namib – an unforgettable end to what will have no doubt been an unforgettable ride in Namibia.

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 tented camp can be constructed however most prefer to embrace the unforgettable opportunity of sleeping out under the stunning stars of the big African sky.

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

	Namibia
	Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
	April / May
	10 nights
	Group Size: Max. 12
	Minimum of 2 guests
	Intermediate Plus and Advanced

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the Wild Horses of the Namib and Kolmanskop the old mining “Ghost Town” in Luderitz Bay
Pathless adventure into hugely contrasting desert terrain
Unrestricted riding across endless desert plains and the inescapable sense of adventure
The chance to experience one of the world’s last true wildernesses from the back of a horse
Sleeping out every night under the vast African sky and stars like you won’t see anywhere else

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. As the sun sets the Namib skies reveal an equally impressive spectacle of the Milky Way stretching far out; with less light pollution than virtually anywhere else in the world the stars are virtually unparalleled.

DATES & RATES

Please enquire for availability – limited spots available.

2023 DATES & RATES

07 May – 17 May 2023
GBP £5350 per person sharing

Extra Horse £800pp for those over 85kg
Single Supplement £180 for those who do not want to share

2024DATES & RATES

01 – 11 May 2027
GBP £5800 per person sharing

Extra Horse £850pp for those over 85kg
Single Supplement £200 for those who do not want to share

INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Rate Includes

Accommodation throughout the trip – first/last night at guesthouse, camping for the rest
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.

Rate Excludes

International Flights
Visas
Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
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 below 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 5 to 8 hours, covering 20-50km and over varying terrain.

Day 1

After being met at Windhoek International Airport you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation and meet the rest of your riding group for dinner. Over dinner you will be briefed about what to expect on your upcoming adventure.

Day 2

Following breakfast you will have a 4-hour drive to your first lunch spot in the quaint town of Maltahoe before descending down the Zaris Pass to the Wolwedans Private Reserve – this will take approximately 2.5 hours. After settling in, going for a little explore, meeting your crew and horses, you will enjoy your first spectacular sundowners as the sky turns from red and orange to reveal stunning views of the Milky Way overhead.

Day 3 - 8 Desert Wonderland

After breakfast, you will set out across the wide open country calling out for some faster paced riding and the chance to release your inner cowboy! Riding across vast plains of truly unspoiled countryside with exceptional panoramic views where sentinel inselbergs (island mountains) dot the desertscape. You will have spontaneous lunch spots, enjoyed under a shady tree or somewhere particularly picturesque. Desert adapted wildlife such as oryx, zebra, giraffe and antelope can be spotted in the rich grasslands.

Reaching your overnight camps before the sun sets will give you a chance to grab that all important sundowner beverage and watch the trademark pastel light of the Namib paint the landscape, before tucking into your camp bed for yet another night spent sleeping under the stars. The Namib Desert, with such little light pollution, offers unparalleled views of the southern constellation.
Being desert pioneers, this section of the route may vary depending on weather conditions or other circumstances but there is no doubt each day will be an adventure and one to remember.

Day 9 & 10: Luderitz and the Wild Horses

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. On our last day we visit the coastal town of Luderitz, visiting the extraordinary ‘ghost town’ of Kolmanskop – the town the desert is ‘reclaiming’.

Day 11

After bidding a sad farewell to your horses, and the staff, you will be transferred to Windhoek International Airport (journey time approx. 7 hours). Flights should depart Windhoek after 18:00.

THE ACCOMMODATION

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 roll 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 amiable lodges. The accommodation is chosen for their comfort, where possible with twin-bedded rooms and en-suite facilities. 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.