On this horse ride we head into the central highlands with panoramic views and then on into the Namib desert. Namibia is named after the oldest desert in the world – the Namib. And our guide will take you on a desert safari on horseback.

Namibia with its sunny climate and scenic beauty has the perfect conditions for horse riding, with terrains varying from mountains, bush and wooded areas to desert plains and dunes. Namibia made its mark on the international horse riding circuit during 1998 when this ride was rated by the American publication Outside Magazine as one of the ten best adventure trips in Africa and one of two horse safaris to be included in the 50 best adventure trips in the world.

Since this is one of the toughest trails in the world you should be physically fit as well as riding-fit, have a good sense of humour and extensive riding experience. 6-8 hours riding per day, all paces.

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 Arrive in Windhoek. You are met in Windhoek and taken to our farm, 65 km south west of Windhoek. Here you stay for another day, getting to know your horse, the route plan and fellow riders.

Day 3 The actual desert trail starts today, when you leave the farm early in the morning. From 1750m above sea level you ride through seemingly endless, gentle undulating hills onto the central highland (2000m). We then reach the edge of the escarpment with its breath-taking precipitous mountain faces glowing in the light of the setting sun. Another 1 - 2 hours' ride down double bends and serpentines brings us to the camp site, where we meet our trucks which carry baggage and all the other necessary accessories. Sleep in a tent or beneath the stars after a good meal cooked on the camp fire and some jokes and talks on the day's happenings.

Day 4 Today is a tough one, as we ride onto and over the Hakos-mountain range (2000m above sea level). Mountain zebra, oryx and other game as well as leopard caves, slopes, precipices and geologically fascinating sights make this an experience never to forget. And you certainly appreciate a hot shower and a good meal at the end of the day!

Day 5 We visit an old gold mine not far from the camp site; after that a short ride (20km) to the red sand dunes of Rooisand.

Day 6 We ride over the last semi-desert farms to a camp near the Namib-Naukluft Park.

Day 7 We ride into the park, down the Kuiseb-pass with its incredible rock formations and to Aruvlei in the Namib desert. By now you will have realized that the Namib is not all waving sand, but a land of ever-changing terrain and landscape.

Day 8 A long ride right across the lonely desert through a concealed donga to Ganab and Hotsas near Bloedkoppie (Tinkas Plane) with a spectacular sunset in the desert.

Day 9 From Hotsas over Tumas-plane right across the desert to Poacher's Turn and the Marble Mountains, unlimited space, mirages and tremendous solitude.

Day 10 Across Welwitschia-Plane to Moonvalley and into the Swakop-river bed. Camp underneath palm trees and prosopis of the Goanikontes oasis.

Day 11 A joyous ride along the Swakop-river valley to the dunes of the Namibian coast and then at last to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean at Swakopmund. Imagine the first sight of a town after 10 days and you haven't even missed it! No more camp with tents next to resting horses - we stay in bungalows near the beach, while the horses enjoy their well-deserved rest in cosy stables.

Day 12 Bare-back to the dunes and along the sea shore; enjoy a last canter on the beach or go for a swim; perhaps you can convince your horse that the waves are not dangerous.

Day 13 Breakfast and then bid your friends good bye - be sure that plans for another trip to Damaraland / Skeleton Coast or somewhere else in Namibia have been made by then!

Scheduled dates - 2006:  DT1: 01-13 Apr, DT2: 11-23 Jun, DT3: 09-21 Jul (Fully Booked), DT4: 06-18 Aug, DT5: 10-22 Sep, DT6: 15-27 Oct, 2006.

Price Indication per person GB£ / US$ / Euro: GB£1600 - GB£1800 / US$2700 - US$3090 / Euro 2500 with 5 to 12 in the group.

                                          Email for current price and dates

You can book as an individual, but we need to take bookings from a minimum of 5 for the trip to proceed at these prices. We are happy to plan a trip for smaller groups. The maximum number on this tour is 12.

Deposit: 30% of the total.    Balance Due: 60 days prior to start date.

What is included
Fully supported camping, which includes all the food you’ll need. Full board and lodging at the Farm for 2 nights and in a coastal bungalow for 2 nights. All transportation throughout and the use of the horses for those that ride. Guides and support crew throughout. Transfer to and from Windhoek.

What is not included
The price allows for joining and finishing in Windhoek. The above price does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Breakfast and lunch on day 1, lunch and dinner on day 13. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Visas
A visa is not currently required for most European or US passport-holders. See the embassy page for contact details. 

Additional Accommodation
If you need accommodation in the cities you travel through, we can help.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.