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Desert Riding
To explore the desert in Namibia on horseback on a 12 night expedition is to experience one of the toughest, fastest riding 'holidays' in the world. Immense satisfaction is also what you will get upon completion (as well as feeling fairly exhausted!).
| Area: |
The Namib Desert |
| Length: |
11 nights |
| Level: |
Experienced riders only (85 kgs or less) |
| Price: |
From £2,345 (excl'g flights) |
| Highlights: |
A true adventure in a unique environment on a very fit horse. |
Although challenging, these trail rides are not beyond the capability of most riders as long as you put in the hard work and preparation in beforehand.
The classic ride is the 11 night, 'Across the Namib' ride which is lead by Waldi Fritzche, a most impressive horsewomen and organiser.
This rather epic ride starts from a base near to Windhoek and leads you westwards over all sorts of terrain from hills to escarpments to desert and finally to sandy beaches at the coast at Swakopmund. A basic camp is set up at night and while tents are provided, you may decide as many have before to sleep out under the starry nights and marvel at your good fortune to be able to take part in such a fine ride.
The other impressive trail ride is called, 'The Fish River Canyon Trail'. This is also an 11 night trail taking you from the rim of the canyon down to the Orange River, hopefully seeing the wild horses of the southern Namib desert along the way. Accommodation on this ride is a mix of lodge stays and camping.
Your luggage on both rides is transported by truck.
For both rides you need to be an experienced rider and weighing no more than 85 kgs (in your riding gear).This is a fast ride and there are lots of fast periods of trot, canter and even gallop. You must also be fit and up for a challenge.
ACROSS THE NAMIB
Day 1
You will be met in Windhoek mid-morning (usually 11am, but to be confirmed prior to arrival) and take you 1-2 hours drive southwest to a guest farm, where you spend the first night. You are introduced to your riding guides and fellow-riders, have a short intro ride, acquaint yourself with the terrain and have supper and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2
Set off on the riding adventure: cross-country on game and cattle tracks through the bush savannah of the central highlands (1500-2000 m above sea level) towards the escarpment, where the highlands drop into the plains with stunning views of endless hills and steep rock faces in constantly changing colours. The riding not for the faint-hearted and you will be amazed at what your horses can do. An easy descent takes you to the campsite where the back-up vehicles are waiting. After a good camp-fire cooked meal retire to your tent or sleep under the stars.
Day 3
A long and exerting, but particularly memorable day awaits you. Ride over the Hakos Mountains (2000 m), along dry riverbeds and on the tracks of mountain zebra, oryx and baboons, past leopard caves and thorn bushes. This is pristine countryside with stunning panoramic views... and you are sure to appreciate a hot shower and a good meal at the end of this day. The camp is at Natas, another remote and rugged Namibian cattle farm.
Day 4
Venture into the shaft of a long-forgotten gold mine not far from camp; then do a short ride (20 km) along dirt roads to the red sand dunes of Rooisand on the fringe of the Namib Desert. In the early afternoon arrive at our campsite, beautifully situated at the foot of Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia. Just before sunset you might like to hike to a natural shelter on the mountain nearby to see Bushman paintings.
Day 5
Ride through the semi-desert between the Gaub and Kuiseb valleys; past remote, abandoned farms towards the Namib-Naukluft Park's (500 000 ha) main entrance.
Day 6
Today enter the largest nature conservation area in Africa (an area as large as the British Isles). The Skeleton Coast Park, Namib Naukluft Park and the Sperrgebiet extend along Namibia’s entire coastline (2000km) up to a width of some 100 km. Ride through the bizarre Kuiseb Canyon and alongside its banks and camp at Aruvlei, an interesting oasis in the Namib. Marvel at the incredibly beautiful African sunset and myriads of stars.
Day 7
A long, tough riding day and non-stop sunshine! See mountain zebra, oryx, ostrich, springbok and if your lucky some of the desert warthogs while crossing the desert’s gravel plains as the crow flies. For lunch break you stop at Ganab, a borehole which provides much-needed water for the game in the desert. Then off again, to Hotsas (Tinkas and Tumas plains). After the considerable distances that has been have covered that day, our camp with the prospect of chilled drinks and a relaxed dinner is a particularly welcome sight.
Day 8
Heading towards Poacher's Turn and Marble Mountains, encountering strange shapes and mirages, fascinating survival devices of desert adapted creatures, infinite space and tremendous solitude.
Day 9
Continue through unspoilt, true desert landscape where you will see unique Welwitschia plants which spread across the desert floor. Close to the coast you enter the spectacular Moon Valley. This is your last night on the trail and you will camp out under the stars, around the campfire in the dry riverbed of the Swakop near Goanikontes.
Day 10
Joyfully ride along the Swakop valley until you reach the dunes and finally the ocean at Swakopmund - your first glimpse of a town in ten days. For the next two nights stay in comfortable holiday chalets/guest house and our horses enjoy their well-deserved rest in cosy stables.
Day 11
This is a day for you to rest and relax or take part in one of a few exciting activities in and around Swakopmund such as a lagoon cruise – with oysters and champagne as well as seals on board, sand boarding, skydiving, etc. which can be arranged (payable locally).
Day 12
Final morning for breakfast together as you say goodbye to your fellow riders. Air Namibia flies from Walvis Bay to Windhoek, Johannesburg and Cape Town. You can also catch one of four busses to Windhoek.
Note: Routes can be changed due to unpredictable weather (sandstorms!) and other unforeseen conditions.
Booking information: to talk to an expert about riding safaris and holidays in Namibia please email us or phone us on 020 7622 5114.
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Intermediate
