Day1 & 2: Windhoek to the Namib
A shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International
Airport (Hosea Kutako) to your first overnight in
Windhoek (your name will be on a welcome board). Meet
your fellow riders and host/riding guide Andrew Gillies for
sundowners and dinner. Andrew will give you a briefing
about your adventure.
Early breakfast and then the exciting journey into the desert
(approximately 4,5 hours) with a dramatic drop off the
escarpment. Lunch in camp followed by an afternoon visit
to Sossusvlei area returning to camp at sunset.
Days 3 + 4 Pro Namib
Our first riding day starts amid the encircling Naukluft
(narrow gorge) mountains – a short ride to lunch to get
acquainted with your horse, the terrain and the delightful
companionship.
The landscape changes all the time and the pace quickens
as the terrain allows – landscapes are undulating as we
traverse through and around the foothills of the Naukluft
Mountains
As the soft evening light descends we enjoy sundowners
as the spectacular Milky Way appears overhead.
Day 5 and 6 The Canyons to The 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. 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.
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. The high,
narrow walls of the canyon preserve an almost year-round
supply of precious water for the game in this area. Finally we
reach to great plains of the central Namib and the pace picks
up somewhat.
Day 7 – 10 Namib Plains to the Swakop River:
Good going affords some fast-paced riding on the wide
grassy plains on the Namib. Dry watercourses, distinguishable
by the long lines of acacia trees marking their courses,
are much favored resting place of 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.
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. And finally to
the sea with the last canter along the beach – the end of a
truly epic adventure.
Departure Day 11:
Early breakfast and transfer to Windhoek (just over 5-hour
commute) arriving around 13:00 – in time for departure flights
from Windhoek International Airport after 15:00
Dates:
ND 1: 01 – 11 April
ND 2: 19 – 29 April
ND 3: 26 May – 5 Jun
ND 4: 22 Jul – 1 Aug
ND 5: 28 Aug – 7 Sept
Rate Includes:
• All riding, accommodation and meals and drinks while on
the ride – excluded are drinks at lodges, restaurants, and petrol
stations en-route.
• Ground transfers from Windhoek International Airport to
starting point of ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or
Windhoek International airport on day of departure.
• A visit to the Namib Dune Sea at Sossusvlei – if you come fit,
you can climb to the top for a spectacular view!
Rate Excludes
• Extra horse charge for riders 85kg and over in riding gear. For
our horses’ sake, please be accurate regarding weight and level
of fitness. Please consult our Riding Policy
• Single supplement will be waived if prepared to share guesthouse
accommodation
• Personal drinks and refreshments at all lodges, restaurants,
and petrol stations en-route.
• Accommodation and transfers not listed on the itinerary. Any
extra transfers (for any reason including flight delays) other than
those included in the itinerary – will be for guest’s personal
account.
• Additional activities and packages. We are happy to assist
with recommendations.
• Safari staff gratuities.