This adventurous ride includes some of the Namib’s most breath-taking desert landscapes. From the great dune sea of the central Namib to the edge of the infamous Sperrgebiet (German for restricted area) this ride covers very diverse desert terrain - from the rugged Tiras Mountain Reserve, across the immense grassy plains dotted with inselbergs (island mountains), to the dunes of the Namib Sand Sea.
This safari starts in the Tiras Biosphere Reserve and ends at Klein Aus Vista, near the home of the Namib’s, Namibia’s wild horses.
About This Safari
• From Windhoek back to Windhoek 11 days/10 nights. 7 riding days, 1 night accommodated (first), 9 nights camping, four of which are formal campsites.
• Arrive in Windhoek on the first day of your safari preferably in time for pre-dinner group briefing and arrive back at Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) in time for fights leaving after 17:00
• We visit the wild horses (by vehicle) on the last day of the safari as well as the historic town of Luderitzbucht and the ‘ghost-town’ of Kolmanskop with its interesting German-colonial architecture.
• The well-being of our horses are our first priority - please be accurate about your weight, fitness and riding ability when filling in the booking form.
• Note that this is a fairly challenging ride and not for inexperienced riders, but both intermediate plus and advanced riders will find it comfortable. It is however undeniably our most scenic safari with the added thrill of seeing the wild horses at the end of the ride.
• Because of the remoteness of our riding safaris, all guests require comprehensive medical insurance including repatriation. Consult our Riding Policy before booking - by signing the required Indemnity it is assumed you have understood the terms and conditions contained therein. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Link to Video on this Safari
Being on Safari
• Camp life has a leisurely pace - days begin at sunrise with the aroma of freshly brewed 100% Arabica coffee wafting through camp. After an ample breakfast we start riding around 8 am for 4 - 5 hours. Lunch breaks are 1 - 2 hours, followed by another 2 - 3 hours riding in the afternoon.
• We ride 20 - 50 km per day at all paces over rough desert terrain. This ride has a challenging 27 km crossing of the Namib Dune Sea - of course this is very much part of this safari’s appeal, as is the inspiring landscape.
• While camping hot bucket showers are available in the evenings and either chemical or long drop toilets at all campsites.
• You sleep in a warm, comfortable bedroll on a stretcher, tents are available if required although then you miss out on the spectacular stars overhead – few places on earth have zero light pollution…..this is one of those few.
• We try to cater for dietary exclusions, however, the remote nature of these safaris makes some difficult to cater for.
Itinerary
Days 1 + 2 Arrival and Transfer
Welcome to Namibia!
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.
After breakfast on day two, there is a 5-hour commute to our lunch spot in the quaint hamlet of Maltahöhe, followed by a decent down the picturesque Zaris Pass to our camp in the Tiras Biosphere Reserve. Settle in and explore your surroundings - here you will meet your crew, your horse and be instructed in how to be ‘desert savvy’.
As the soft evening light descends we’ll enjoy sundowners as the spectacular Milky Way appears overhead. Our first camping night is on a game-rich reserve - so expect some good sightings on the first two days.
Days 3 - 8 Tiras Mountains to the Desert Plains
We set off up the rugged Tiras Mountains via one of the meandering dry washes coming down from the plateau above.
This unspoiled landscape has forced landowners to find sensitive ways to utilise this fragile area which is generally left to be natural. Boasting exceptional panoramic views from above - sentinel inselbergs (island mountains) dot the desertscape below with the distant dune sea towards which we are heading.
Desert adapted game are encountered during the day and open country with good going allows for some fast-paced riding. Lunch is enjoyed under a convenient tree or interesting spot with a good view. Overnight camps are chosen for their spectacular views - sleeping under the magnificent starry sky is a must - it has its own kind of magic. Few places on earth afford so little light pollution - llowing for an incomparable view of the magnificent southern constellation.
Our route may vary depending on weather conditions, or other circumstances but be assured every day will be memorable.
Crossing the dune sea is an experience in itself and you will come to appreciate why we chose this route - the remarkable desert-scapes on the far side are as true “Namib” as one can get.
Days 9 + 10 Luderitz and the Wild Horses
From our last night camp in Geistershlucht (Ghost valley) we visit the waterhole of the Namib’s – the wild horses of the Namib - for a sundowner.
On our last day we visit the coastal town of Luderitz, visiting the historic ‘ghost town’ of Kolmanskop – the colonial mining town the desert is ‘reclaiming’.
Day 11 Departure
Early breakfast and transfer to Windhoek from Klein Aus gets us to Windhoek International Airport in time for flights leaving after 18:00
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 coastal town of Luderitz, and Kolmanskop as well as Garub, home of the Wild Horses
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.
