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| Fish River Canyon - Horse Riding Safari (12 days) |
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This trail certainly meets the aspirations of the Central Namib Desert as well as the Damaraland-Skeleton Coast 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, 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 – Orange River Trail crosses over three private parks: Fish River Canyon Park, Gondwana Park and Aussenkehr Park, altogether covering an area of about 220 000 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 seventeen horses that were relocated during the 1992 drought from the original wild horse population at Garub in the Namib Desert.
Details: Windhoek-Windhoek: 12 days, 11 nights, 81/2 days riding, a visit to the main view point at the famous Fish River Canyon, a drive along the Orange River and an afternoon/ sunset drive to the famous Wild Horses of the Namib Desert.
Conditions: Since this trail is similar to the Namib Desert Horse Trail, you should be physically fit as well as riding-fit, have a good sense of humour and sufficient riding experience. It entails six to eight hours riding per day; all paces (see General Information).
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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 a 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 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.
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! |
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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. |
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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 cosy spot next to the Gamkab River.
Day 9
From Gamkab Camp to Boulders camp. Riding over a patch of isolated sand dunes onto Aussenkehr plains 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 |
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Day 10
The last ride. Stunning contrast again; ride from the wide open plains into the very narrow Kings Throne canyon, onto a view point 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 Spergebiet (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.
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 12 when passing through Rosh Pinah) or 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.
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2010 Rate
Euro 3550.00/person
2010 Departure Dates
16-29 September
Price Includes: All transfers from Windhoek airport to River Crossing and onto Mule Station; full board and lodging at homesteads and lodges and good ReitSafari fare while camping on the trail; scenic drive to the main lookout point at the Fish River Canyon; transfer from Norotshama Lodge via Klein Aus Vista Lodge with an excursion to the Wild Horses and transfer back to Windhoek airport
Price Excludes: All drinks at lodges and homesteads; souvenirs; tips for local guides and crew; flights, and transfers if applicable, from Rosh Pinah or Lüderitz. Extra nights at Luderitz
Please note that if you would like assistance in booking accommodation pre or post your horse ride, along with airport transfers, please contact us.
Meeting Point
Pick-up on arrival day at 8h00 (will be confirmed before the trail) in Windhoek at the Tourist Info kiosk opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel (take airport bus to Windhoek or taxi to Info kiosk). Kindly inform us about your flight details and hotel or guesthouse in Windhoek, should you arrive earlier. |
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General Information
Horses and Saddles
“One of each breed", i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, 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.
Terrain and Distance
Rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains – at times the going is tough and difficult. On average we cover 20-40 km a day, spending six to eight hours in the saddle. The pace depends on the terrain and temperatures as well as on the fitness and weight of the riders. Gaits: walk, trot, canter; gallop on demand. 6 to 12 riders plus up to 2 riding guides per group.
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 by truck; the riders take short-cuts through the bush or desert and meet the back-up vehicles at the camp site. Camp is pitched at sunset; meals are prepared at the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian and often a surprise.
Equipment
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 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. We strongly recommend riding caps or cycle helmets (riding without protective headgear is at your own risk).
Conditions
Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential. You do not need to be an accomplished dressage rider or show jumper, but you must feel totally at ease on the back of a cantering horse; in addition you should be mentally strong and have a sense of humour.
We apply a bodyweight limit of 85 kg - anyone heavier than that pays a 30% surcharge for an extra horse.
We also offer to handle or help with other travel arrangements around Namibia. |
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