NAMIB DESERT TRAIL - NAMIBIA
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The Namib Desert trail is the flagship ride of Namibia. On this tough and challenging 12 day ride you cover 400 km across the desert. You have the opportunity to see all of Namibia's landscapes, from the highlands and semi-desert sheep farms, down the magnificent escarpment, through stoney and mountainous desert, red sand dunes and finally the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Not for the faint hearted, this is a long distance adventure. Sooner or later all serious riders end up here!
SAMPLE ITINERARY - NAMIB DESERT TRAIL
Day 1
You will be met in Windhoek and will be taken to Weissenfels Guest farm. Here you are free to relax and recover from your flight in this 5700Ha game reserve. Perhaps treat yourself to a massage or health treatment before dining with your fellow riders and hosts; a leisurely start to your horse riding holiday.
Day 2
After breakfast there is a 8km drive to farm Hohenheim. You will be assigned to a horse and take part in a trial ride over most spectacular scenery to Weissenfels. Lunch at Weissenfels and then free afternoon. Supper at Weissenfels.
Day 3
When we leave the farm early in the morning, the group will consist of your fellow travellers and 2 guides. From about 5300 ft above sea level we ride through the seemingly endless, gentle undulating hills into the central highland (6100 ft). We then reach the edge of the escarpment with its breathtaking precipitous mountain faces glowing in the light of the setting sun. Another one to two hours ride down hairpin bends and serpentines brings us to our camp site, where we meet our trucks which carry the baggage and all the other necessary accessories. You will sleep in a tent or beneath the stars after a good meal from the camp fire and some joking and reviews of the day's happenings.
Day 4
This is a tough day as we ride into and over the Hakos Mountain range (6100 ft above sea level). We follow a canyon and climb out and onto the top - the last 30 minutes of this climb is leading your horse. Then a descent and some fast canters towards your night stop. Mountain zebra, oryx and other game as well as leopard caves and tracks, slopes precipices and interesting geological sights make this an unforgettable experience. And at the end of the day you will certainly appreciate your hot shower and hearty meal!
Day 5
Today we visit an old gold mine not far from the camp site in the morning. Afterwards a relatively short ride (13 miles) to and along the endless red sand dunes of Rooisand. Picture book Namibia today and a good fast gallop.
Day 6
This day takes us over the last of the semi-desert farms to a camp site near the border of the Namib-Naukluft Park where we camp for the night.
Day 7
We ride in the Namib-Naukluft Park, across the Kuiseb Pass with its characteristic rock formations and to Arrulvei in the Namib Desert. By now you will have realised that Namibia is not all waving sand, but a changing terrain and landscape time and time again.
Day 8
A very long ride right across the desert as the crow flies, through a concealed donga to Ganab and Hotsas near Bloedkoppie (Tinkas Plane). You will be amazed at the various appearances of the desert and the fantastic sunsets not to mention the stamina and pace of your horse.
Day 9
From Hostas right across the desert to Poacher's Turn and the Marble Mountains. Unlimited space, mirages and tremendous solitude characterise today's journey. Riders spread wide and take their own line - there is no need to ride behind the guide in this vast space.
Day 10
Across Welwitschia-Plane to Moonvalley and into the Swakop River bed. Long fast riding along the riverbed brings us to our campsite underneath the palm trees and prosopis of the Goanikontes oasis.
Day 11
A joyous ride along the Swakop River valley to the dunes of the Namibia 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 have not even missed it! No more camp site and tents next to resting horses - we stay in bungalows near the beach, while the horses enjoy their well deserved rest in stables.
Day 12
Bareback to the dunes and along the sea shore: enjoy a last canter along the beach or go for a swim in the waves. Perhaps you can convince your horse that the waves are not as dangerous as they appear to be.
Day 13
Breakfast and then bid your friends and your horse goodbye. Almost certainly plans have been made for another trip together to Damaraland/Skeleton Coast or somewhere else in Namibia by then!
NOTES - NAMIB DESERT TRAIL
GETTING TO Windhoek Airport
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book you flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 13 st/187 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Transfers from Windhoek; 1 ½ days accommodation and meals at Weissenfels Guest Farm, 9 days accommodation (tents) and meals, 2 days bed and breakfast at Swakopmund, all horse riding and transport of baggage by car.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Return journey from Swakopmund and bottled or canned drinks, any treatments or extras at Weissenfels Guest Farm.
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