Experience...

... a wonderful and multifarious country on very different but throughout challenging rides. Emerged from a spontaneous idea, the team of our partner nowadays is an expert in logistics organizing trail rides through some of the most remote and beautiful regions of Namibia.
The original ride and one of the toughest rides in the world is the Namib Desert Trail. Experience your limits with tough horses and discover the Namibian desert as close as possible.
Challenging as well, but not as tough as the Desert Trail are the Fish River Canyon Trail and the Damaraland Trail.
Experience breathtaking views on a ride through the second biggest canyon of the world (after the Grand Canyon) and see Namibian wild horses, come on our Fish River Canyon Trail!
Trail ride number 3 passes the Damaraland and finishes at the Skeleton Coast. We hope for encounters with desert elephants, rhinos and many more wild animals.

Experience the big riding adventure in Namibia!

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*according to weather conditions and unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

1. Namib Desert Trail

For good and fit riders this is the big challenge. Crossing the oldest desert in the world on horseback is an experience of central Namibia’s spectacularly fascinating contrasts: from Khomas Hochland Mountains and escarpment to the Kuiseb Canyon, Tinkas, Tumas and Welwitschia plains, Moon Valley, seasonal Swakop River, coastal dunes and Atlantic Ocean. An experience of a lifetime!

Sample itinerary*:

Day 1:
Pick-up at Windhoek airport, transfer to the accomodation in a private nature reserve. Enjoy your time at the swimming pool, go on a sundowner ride in the afternoon or visit Windhoek (activities excluded in the price), dinner with fellow-riders.

Day 2:
We take you on a 1-2 hours drive southwest to a guest farm, where you spend the next night. You are introduced to your riding guides, do a trial ride, acquaint yourself with the awesome terrain and have supper and a good night’s sleep.

Day 3:
We start off on our 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. Unbelievable where horses can go – riding not for the faint-hearted! An easy descent takes us to the campsite where our back-up vehicles are waiting. After a good meal, cooked on the campfire, some jokes and chatting about the day's events you retire to your tent or sleep under the stars.

Day 4:
A long and exerting, but particularly memorable day awaits us! We 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! Our camp is at Natas, another remote and rugged Namibian cattle farm.

Day 5:
First we venture into the shaft of a long-forgotten gold mine not far from our 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 we arrive at our campsite, beautifully situated at the foot of Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia. Just before sunset we might hike to a natural shelter on the mountain nearby to see Bushman paintings.

Day 6:
We 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 7:
We enter the largest nature conservation area in Africa (an area as large as the British Isles). The Skeleton Coast Park, Namib Naukluft Park and Sperrgebiet extend along Namibia’s entire coastline (2000km) up to a width of some 100 km. We 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 8:
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 our lunch break we stop at Ganab, a borehole which provides much-needed water for the game in the desert. Then we are off again, to Hotsas (Tinkas and Tumas plains). After the considerable distance that we have covered that day, our camp with the prospect of chilled drinks and a relaxed dinner is a particularly welcome sight.

Day 9:
We canter happily 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 10:
Continue through unspoilt, true desert landscape where you will see unique Welwitschia plants. Close to the coast we enter the spectacular Moon Valley. It is our last night on the trail and we camp out under the stars, around the campfire in the dry riverbed of the Swakop near Goanikontes.

Day 11:
Joyfully ride along the Swakop valley until you reach the dunes and then at last the ocean shore at Swakopmund. Our first glimpse of a town in ten days! We spend the night in comfortable holiday chalets or in a guest house and our horses enjoy their well-deserved rest in cosy stables. Farewell dinner.

Day 12:
This morning we have breakfast together and say goodbye to friends.
Air Namibia flies from Walvis Bay to Windhoek, Johannesburg and Cape Town. You can also catch one of four busses to Windhoek. Included in the price is the trip on a scheduled bus to Windhoek and taxi transfer to Windhoek airport (certainly as well one or more days later).

We advise to extend the stay in Swakopmund, because there is quite a lot to do. Go on desert drives on a quad bike, do sandboarding, go on a scenic flight over the desert or on a Seal and Dolphin cruise!

Certainly you can as well extent your stay in other places of Namibia before and after the ride.
You can prepare for the ride staying at our guest lodge near Karibib, offering fantastic rides into the surroundings, or enjoy a relaxing safari in the Etosha National Park after your ride! We are happy to prepare your individual offer.

For more impressions visit our "Gallery Namibia" !

Included:

•  transfer from Windhoek airport to River Crossing lodge (day 1)
•  transfer from Windhoek to the guest farm / starting point of the trail and from Swakopmund back to Windhoek
•  accomodation (11 nights) in guest farms, pensions or bush camps (how described above)
•  full board including drinks (except drinks in lodges / guest farms)
•  riding program described above
•  baggage transport
•  English speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person in a double room and tent: € 3.200,--

Additional costs:

•  costs for the journey to Windhoek
•  activities on the arrival day
•  costs for drinks in lodges / guest farms
•  tips for local guides and crew

Dates 2010:

05.04.-16.04.2010
27.07.-07.08.2010 (fully booked)
12.08.-23.08.2010
31.08.-11.09.2010
04.10.-15.10.2010

 

General information and requirements (link to the bottom)

    

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2. Fish River Canyon Trail

With a combination of dramatic canyon landscapes, spacious Desert plains and the mighty Orange River, this trail offers the opportunity to experience both inaccessible countryside and real wilderness areas as well as riding without limitations.
The Fish River Canyon area is internationally recognised as one of Africa’s most magnificent sites; it is also the second largest canyon in the world. Riding will commence in and along the upper Fish River canyons where you will experience part of the canyon not seen by many. After the endless Nama Karoo, the plains invite you for everlasting canters, only to be stopped by the Orange/Gariep River, which forms the southern border of Namibia. Distances covered daily will vary between 20 and 55 kilometres.

Africa’s Greatest Canyon Trail crosses over three private parks: Fish River Canyon Park, Gondwana Park and Aussenkehr Park, altogether covering an area of about 320 000 ha. These Parks fall within the Nama Karoo Desert biome and are on the fringe of the transitional area between Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo, the Orange River basin at Aussenkehr being the most arid part of the Nama Karoo biome. Aussenkehr Park is also home to a small Namib Feral Horse population, descended from the original wild horse population at Garub in the Namib Desert.

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*according to weather conditions and unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

Sample itinerary*:

Day 1:
You will be met by the River Crossing Lodge at Windhoek international airport and taken to the lodge located in a game reserve high overlooking Windhoek for lunch depending on your arrival time. In the afternoon we will commence on our journey south and after approx 3 hour drive arrive at the Kalahari Anib lodge where we overnight. In the evening- dinner with the group.

Day 2:
After breakfast the group heads towards the Fish-River-Canyon area. Transfer of about 5 hours including a picnic along the way. Arrive early afternoon at Fish-River Mule Station meet your guides and local crew. Time for the first afternoon ride.  Unpack your luggage into a smaller bag for the following 2 days to come. The terrain is inaccessible for larger trucks and we therefore take small bags only.

Day 3:
After relaxing breakfast riding over variable terrain, reaching the amazing plateau, and continue along the edge until we reach HorseShoeCamp. During lunch break we admire the stunning, breathtaking view! In the afternoon we ride along serpentines until we reach Koelkrans (the cooling rocks) with a huge waterhole surrounded by a very steep and narrow canyon. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the usually very dry area. We climb up to Horse shoe Camp for overnight.

Day 4:
From Horse Shoe Camp to Augurabis. The ride might follow a section of the Fish River where few people have set foot before. Who knows what is waiting for us! Whether we ride in the canyon or on zebra tracks around the top will depend on the water level in the river. The ride in the riverbed is difficult and demanding but then we make our way up on a steep tract to the Plato before we cross some plains to find the unexpected forest at Augurabis in the Gaap River. Augurabis is situated on Gondwana Park, a private park of about 120 000 ha dedicated to conservation and tourism. Stunning views, unbelievable space and awesome scenery! Tonight we stay at Canyon outpost camp.

Day 5:
Augurabis to Mountain Camp. Ride through endless savannah into an area strewn with granite boulders and charismatic quiver trees, to arrive for lunch at Mountain Camp. The afternoon is free for leisure and relaxation and individual photographic excursions or sundowner walks. Enjoy the luxury of en-suite bathrooms, made-up proper beds and a very special evening at Mountain Camp.

Day 6:
Mountain Camp to Kanebis We follow the road towards the Fish River Valley and then parallel to it to arrive upon wide-open plains. You will most probably spot quite some different game along the way and enjoy the evening stories around the open campfire.

Day 7:
To Fourie se Gat (a hole dug by Mr. Fourie). We meet unlimited, ever changing scenery and camp at a cozy spot…and look forward to an unforgettable sunset over the Fish River Canyon “bad lands” to  the west, the granite kopjes behind you and the sandy plains of the Gamkab basin ahead of you, with Norotshama peak on the southern horizon.

Day 8:
Fourie se Gat to Gamkab Camp. In the morning we follow the road towards the Fish River Valley and then parallel to it to arrive upon wide-open plains. We meet unlimited, ever changing scenery and camp at a cozy spot next to the Gamkab River.

Day 9:
From Gamkab Camp to Boulders camp. Riding over everlasting plains to a patch of isolated sand dunes on Aussenkehr Nature Park, then on again to a camp surrounded by stacked boulders, which could only have been the work of giants. Again, riding is not limited to a specific route, as we can roam freely in a vast environment.

Day 10:
The last ride. Stunning contrasts again; ride from the wide-open plains into the very narrow Kings Throne canyon, onto a viewpoint surprisingly displaying the Orange/Gariep River with its vineyards in an otherwise barren landscape. Another happy canter and some strolling through the vineyards to finally untack at Norotshama River Resort, on the banks of the Orange River. Go for a swim in the pool (or river) and enjoy sundowners on the river and dinner at the lodge.

Day 11:
Maybe go for a short canoe trip down the river and leave late morning for Klein-Aus Vista. Driving along the Orange River to Rosh Pinah and then along the Sperrgebiet (Restricted Diamond area) to Aus. In the afternoon set off on a sundowner excursion to the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert with and experienced guide. Last night at Desert Horse Inn.

Day 12:
Depart for Windhoek after an early breakfast, a seven-hour transfer. Alternatively an option is possible to fly to Windhoek or Cape Town from Rosh Pinah airport (on day 11 when passing through Rosh Pinah) or from Luderitz airport (one hour transfer from Klein-Aus Vista). You may also like the option of staying an extra night at Ludertitz to see the diamond palaces of a by gone era and experience this quaint ghost town and the seafood that it offers. Fly back to Windhoek.

 

For more impressions visit our "Gallery Namibia" !

Included:

•  transfer from Windhoek airport to River Crossing lodge and on to Mule Station (day 1)
•  transfer to the starting point of the trail and via Klein-Aus Vista back to Windhoek airport
•  accomodation (11 nights) on guest farms, lodges or in bush camps (how described above)
•  full board including drinks (except drinks in guest farms / lodges)
•  riding program described above
•  luggage transport and additional transfers
•  English speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person in a double room and tent: € 3.550,--

Additional costs:

•  costs for the journey to Windhoek
•  costs for drinks in the lodges
•  tips for local guides and crew

Dates 2010:

22.04.-03.05.2010
16.09.-27.09.2010

 

General information and requirements (link to the bottom)

    

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3. Damaraland Trail

This is a truly exceptional trail: where else can you expect to see elephant, giraffe and rhino in a desert habitat! And you will be surprised at how they have adapted. Damaraland is a very spectacular part of the country, almost inaccessible, with amazing colours and vast open spaces, ancient craters and remnants from prehistoric times, not to mention the forbidding Skeleton Coast. We may encounter elephant, rhino or lion, or be caught by rivers in flood, all of which combines into a tremendous adventure. Each and every Damaraland Trail so far has been an experience of a lifetime!

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*according to weather conditions and unexpected occurences the program can or must be changed; but the journey will always keep its character.

Sample itinerary*:

Day 1:
Pick-up at Windhoek airport, transfer to River Crossing lodge in a private nature reserve. Enjoy your time at the swimming pool, go on a sundowner ride in the afternoon or visit Windhoek (activities excluded in the price), dinner with fellow-riders.

Day 2:
Windhoek to Damaraland - As soon as everybody is on board we head north and stop for a picnic at the Petrified Forest, or close to Burnt mountain, before driving on to Twyfelfontein.  Meet the horses and crew and settle in at Aba Huab Camp, which has highly inventive constructions set up by the local community.  Afternoon sundowner ride to try out your horse.  In the evening there will be stories and lots of excitement around the campfire: will the elephants pass through at night?

Day 3:
After a leisurely breakfast – morning ride in the very scenic famous Twyfelfontein game viewing area. The afternoon is for sightseeing and a walk among the famous rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. Enjoy the spectacular views of Damaraland and relax until it is time for dinner and another great evening at the campfire.

Day 4:
From Aba Huab we ride across endless plains to Rendezvous and after lunch continue along the Aba Huab River to De Riet. This is where the nerve tingling starts: we have no idea where the elephants are and whether we might bump into them just around the next bend. The desert dwelling elephant have adapted their eating and drinking habits so that they can survive in the desert environment and can only be found in this part of Namibia.

Day 5:
We continue along the Huab River and across another plain towards Mikberg (where we saw cheetahs last time) to have lunch at the ‘cheetah tree’, followed by a long afternoon ride through fascinating scenery. Our camp is pitched at View Point where we enjoy the views and dramatic colours of Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, and Doros Crater.

Day 6:
From View Point we turn southwest towards the Ugab River. After lunch at Lion Head we set off for a nice long canter. Later we move through a very narrow gorge, pass Soutfontein (Salt Fountain) and arrive at the Rhino Trackers´ Camp near Brandberg West. Keep your fingers crossed that our truck has managed the long way from Aba Huab via Uis in time! Extraordinary driving skills and extra strong nerves are needed for the challenge of taking trucks and trailers through the gorge in one piece. It is only when you fly over this landscape (preferably after the trail!) that you realize how spectacular it really is. Meet the trackers of the Save the Rhino Fund and perhaps see a slide show on request.

Day 7:
Here we have alternative routes depending game movements and weather conditions. Usually we ride out of the Ugab River onto the wide open plains and into a deserted gorge described as “out of this world”. Or: through reeds and lion bush thickets we make our way along the Ugab to Brakwasser, another place of brackish water, frequented by elephants. We then turn southeast, away from the Ugab River, and move through another narrow gorge. Whichever: camp is very enjoyable: shady, sheltered and special!

Day 8:
We leave the Ugab tributary and enter another vast open plain with spectacular views of Brandberg and Doros Crater. The crater exploded millions of years ago, and the purplish rocks around us are a result of the horrendous blast. We enjoy some marvelous cantering and have lunch at Klippenberg where you can pick up some gemstones. Our camp is at Cross Roads.

Day 9:
We are on our way towards the Messum River. Again there are open plains and happy canters - and spectacular panoramas. In the afternoon we arrive at the Atlantic at Mile 108 where there is the opportunity to ride bare back for the last time – along the beach!! This unpredictable shore is called the Skeleton Coast and the infamous easterly wind can either cause the temperatures warm enough for a swim or maybe whip up a sandstorm!    We then drive to our overnight accommodation at either Swakopmund or Henties bay depending on availability. Last evening meal together.

Day 10:
For those returning back to Windhoek there may be time (depending on your flight departure) to take part in one of the many exciting activities available in Swakopmund such as dolphin cruise, scenic flight over the area which we rode, sand boarding, sky diving, quad biking etc.  Later you catch the schedule bus transfer to Windhoek and then connect with a taxi to take you back to Windhoek airport.

 

For more impressions visit our "Gallery Namibia" !

Included:

•  transfer from Windhoek airport to River Crossing lodge (day 1)
•  transfer to the starting point of the trail and back to Windhoek airport
•  accomodation (9 nights) on guest farms, lodges or in bush camps (how described above)
•  visiting the famous rock paintings of Twyfelfontein
•  full board including drinks (except drinks in guest farms / lodges)
•  riding program described above
•  luggage transport and additional transfers
•  English speaking guiding
•  a voucher from the insolvency insurance

Price 2010 per person in a double room and tent: € 3.200,--

Additional costs:

•  costs for the journey to Windhoek
•  activities on the arrival day
•  tips for local guides and crew
•  if interested: scenic flight over the complete riding route

Dates 2010:

01.07.-10.07.2010

General information and requirements (link to the bottom)

    

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General information and requirements:

number of participants:
6 to 15 riders (with 2 or 3 guides)

riding ability required:
Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential. You must feel totally at ease on the back of a cantering horse; in addition you should be mentally strong and compatible and have a sense of humour.

riding pensum:
On average we cover 20-40 km a day, spending six to eight hours in the saddle. Pace depends on terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter; gallop upon demand. Rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains - at times the going is tough and difficult.

horses and saddles:
“One of each breed", i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Trakehner, ranch horses, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert; they are small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16 hands) sure-footed horses raised on rough terrain, some of them with experience in endurance riding, and every one of them a kind, reliable companion that deserves the very best treatment and care. We use comfortable equitation and Western-style saddles to properly fit the horse as well as the rider.

camping:
Large dome-shaped tents (two participants sharing) with camp beds and swags (canvas bedrolls) consisting of lambskin, duvet or quilt and pillow; folding chairs, hot showers. Luggage is transported on trucks; the riders ride across bush or desert as the crow flies and meet the back-up vehicles at camp sites. Camp is pitched at sunset; meals are prepared on the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian and often a surprise.

weight:
We apply a bodyweight limit of 85 kg - anyone heavier pays a 30% surcharge for an extra horse due to regulations set by the World Horse Welfare.

Please inform us if you need a special diet.

What to bring:

•  a warm sleeping bag (nights can be very cold)
•  a set of warm clothes including a jacket or all-weather coat (for the occasional cold front, even snow)
•  a wide-brimmed hat
•  a woolly hat
•  a windcheater
•  a warm sweater
•  2 neckerchiefs
•  long-sleeved shirts
•  sun lotion, sunglasses
•  at least 3 changes of comfortable riding clothes (tried and trusted sportswear rather than brand-new
   fashionable jeans)
•  riding boots/trainers/chaps/mini-chaps according to preference
•  leisure wear
•  towel
•  water bottle
•  torch
•  gloves
•  moon bag
•  lip balm
•  a small bag for everything you need for 2 days
•  sufficient batteries for cameras
•  we strongly recommend riding caps or cycle helmets (riding without protective headgear is at your own risk)

Changed payment and rescission conditions:

For our trail rides in Namibia the following changed rescission conditions do apply:

costs for rescission:
•  up to the 41st day before departure: 30% of the price
•  from the 40th up to the 31st day before departure: 40% of the price
•  from the 30th up to the 20th day before departure: 50% of the price
•  from the 19th up to the 15th day before departure: 60% of the price
•  from the 14th day before the tour up to departure day and in case of not showing up: 90% of the price

Regarding the journey:

Destination airport is Windhoek; possible nonstop flights by Air Namibia and your national airline. Additionally you can get to Windhoek with connections (e.g. with South African Airlines via Johannesburg).

We are at your disposal for finding the best possibility for reaching our partner in Namibia. If you wish, we can also make you an offer for flight tickets (except Low-Cost-Carriers), a rental car and travel insurances.
We are looking forward to hear from you!

 

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