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| Fish River Canyon (North Section) Horse Riding Safari (8 days) |
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This trail is the first part of the Fish River Canyon to Orange River Trail. It is the perfect opportunity for riders with just one week to spare to nevertheless participate in a safari adventure. The challenge is by no means less than that of the Central Namib Desert and the Damaraland to Skeleton Coast trails. The Northern Canyon Trail combines dramatic canyon landscapes with vast desert plains. Participants experience real wilderness areas, which are otherwise almost inaccessible, as well as the freedom of riding without restrictions. The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon on earth and internationally recognised as one of Africa’s most magnificent natural features. We start off in and along the upper canyon. Distances covered per day vary between 20 and 55 kilometres.
Northern Canyon Trail – 8 days, 7 nights, Sunday-Sunday (Day 1-7 plus transfer back). 6 days riding, 2 days transfers and a visit to the main viewpoint at the Fish River Canyon.
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Day 1
Meet 8h00 at the Tourist Info kiosk in Windhoek, where airport buses and taxis stop (Windhoek central, opposite Kalahari Sands Hotel). Please inform us in advance of your flight or hotel arrangements, in order for us to find you, in case of delays. Transfer of about 8 hours including a picnic along the way. Arrive late afternoon at Springfontein, a nearly forgotten spring, where rhinos and elephant quenched their thirst about 100 years ago in this barren and stark landscape. Springfontein is located on a private farm along the Sout (salt) River, which is a tributary to the Fish River north of the Main Canyon. Meet fellow-riders, hosts, guides and local crew.
Day 2
Have breakfast and briefings and go on a “trial ride” where you meet and match with the horses and adapt to riding style and the terrain we will explore. The afternoon is free for relaxation, hiking, photographs, etc. At this point your luggage needs to be re-arranged, to take just a small bag for two days, since tracks are non-existent or poor and only tough 4x4’s can transport as little as possible, but as much as needed.
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Day 3
Ride from Springfontein to Koelkrans (“cool cliffs”). Riding over variable terrain, to meet the Canyon with a stunning view, stop at the view point and descend into the canyon. Camp at a large natural pool surrounded by steep cliffs. Go for a much appreciated swim in an otherwise extremely dry area. You could see mountain zebra, oryx, klipspringer and rock dassies, as well as birds of prey and owls, on the way.
Day 4
From Koelkrans 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.
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Day 5
Augurabis to Grenspos. Serpentine away from the canyons through bizarre weathered rocks to the southeast where the basalt ridges ends onto a vast plain, to enjoy some fast cantering and larger numbers of game like Burchell’s zebra, springbuck, ostrich and herds of oryx. As we ride in a fenceless environment riding is not limited to a specific route. We camp at the Mule Station from where Mule Trails Namibia is operated at the foot of Holoog mountain on wide open terrain with a great panorama. All luggage available and back to our usual camp facilities and routine.
Day 6
Grenspos 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 will include a drive to the main view point of the Fish River Canyon, where the normal tourists go hiking and sight seeing. Enjoy some luxury and a very special evening at Mountain Camp.
Day 7
Depart for Windhoek after an early breakfast, a seven hour transfer.
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2008 Rate
Euro 2835/person
2008 Departures
5 - 12 October
20 - 27 October
Price Includes: Transfer from Windhoek to Augurabis, full-board accommodation at homesteads and lodges and while camping on the trail, sight-seeing drive to Fish River Canyon Main Viewpoint, transfer from Norotshama Lodge via Klein Aus Vista Lodge as well as the excursion to the Wild Horses and the transfer back to Windhoek.
Price Excludes: Bottled and canned drinks on trail and at lodges / homesteads, souvenirs, tips for local guides and crew, drinks at Lodges, flight costs if flying from Rosh Pinah or Lüderitzbucht airports, transfer to airports.
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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. |
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