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| Namib Desert Trail Horse Riding Safari (12 day) |
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Crossing on horseback across the oldest desert in the world you will enjoy the spectacular and fascinating contrasts of central Namibia: the Central Highland (Khomas Hochland), escarpment, Kuiseb Canyon, Tinkas-, Tumos-, and Welwitschia Plains, Moon Valley, the dry Swakop River, coastal dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. This is an experience never to forget!
Details:
Windhoek to Swakopmund: 12 days, 11 nights, Monday – Friday. 1 days ranch, 9 days riding (400km from the central highland to the Atlantic Ocean), 1½ days coast (Swakopmund).
Conditions:
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 sufficient riding experience. 6-8 hours riding per day, all paces (ref. General Information).
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Day 1
We meet you in Windhoek mid morning and drive 120 km south-west to a guest farm, where you will stay the first night. Here you will be introduced to riding guides and fellow-riders as well as have a shorter ride to match horses and riders then it's time for rest and relaxation.
Day 2
We start off on our riding adventure: cross-country on game and cattle tracks through the bush savannah of the central highlands (1500-2000 m above sea level) towards the escarpment, where the highlands drop into the plains with stunning views of endless hills and steep rock faces in constantly changing colours. Unbelievable where horses can go – riding not for the faint-hearted! An easy descent takes us to the campsite where our back-up vehicles are waiting. After a good meal, cooked on the campfire, some jokes and chatting about the day's events you retire to your tent or sleep under the stars.
Day 3
A long and exerting, but particularly memorable day awaits us! We ride over the Hakos Mountains (2000 m), along dry riverbeds and on the tracks of mountain zebra, oryx and baboons, past leopard caves and thorn bushes. This is pristine countryside with stunning panoramic views... and you are sure to appreciate a hot shower and a good meal at the end of this day! Our camp is at Natas, another remote and rugged Namibian cattle farm. |
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Day 4
First we venture into the shaft of a long-forgotten gold mine not far from our camp; then do a short ride (20 km) along dirt roads to the red sand dunes of Rooisand on the fringe of the Namib Desert. In the early afternoon we arrive at our campsite, beautifully situated at the foot of Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia. Just before sunset we might hike to a natural shelter on the mountain nearby to see Bushman paintings.
Day 5
We ride through the semi-desert between the Gaub and Kuiseb valleys; past remote, abandoned farms towards the Namib-Naukluft Park's (500 000 ha) main entrance.
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Day 6
We enter the largest nature conservation area in Africa (an area as large as the British Isles). The Skeleton Coast Park, Namib Naukluft Park and Sperrgebiet extend along Namibia’s entire coastline (2000km) up to a width of some 100 km. We ride through the bizarre Kuiseb Canyon and alongside its banks and camp at Aruvlei, an interesting oasis in the Namib. Marvel at the incredibly beautiful African sunset and myriads of stars
Day 7
A long, tough riding day and non-stop sunshine! See mountain zebra, oryx, ostrich, springbok and if your lucky some of the desert warthogs while crossing the desert’s gravel plains as the crow flies. For our lunch break we stop at Ganab, a borehole which provides much-needed water for the game in the desert. Then we are off again, to Hotsas (Tinkas and Tumas plains). After the considerable distance that we have covered that day, our camp with the prospect of chilled drinks and a relaxed dinner is a particularly welcome sight.
Day 8
We canter happily towards Poacher's Turn and Marble Mountains, encountering strange shapes and mirages, fascinating survival devices of desert adapted creatures, infinite space and tremendous solitude.
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Day 9
Continue through unspoilt, true desert landscape where you will see unique Welwitschia plants. Close to the coast we enter the spectacular Moon Valley. It is our last night on the trail and we camp out under the stars, around the campfire in the dry riverbed of the Swakop near Goanikontes.
Day 10
Joyfully ride along the Swakop valley until you reach the dunes and then at last the ocean shore at Swakopmund. Our first glimpse of a town in ten days! For the next two nights we stay in comfortable holiday chalets/guest house and our horses enjoy their well-deserved rest in cosy stables.
Day 11
On Friday morning we have breakfast together and say goodbye to friends. Air Namibia flies from Walvis Bay to Windhoek, Johannesburg and Cape Town. You can also catch one of four busses to Windhoek. |
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Day 12
This is a day for you to rest and relax or take part in one of a few exciting activities in and around Swakopmund such as a lagoon cruise – with oysters and champagne as well as seals on board, sand boarding, skydiving, etc. which can be arranged at your own cost
Take note: Routes can be changed due to unpredictable weather (sandstorm!) and other unforeseen conditions |
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2010 Rates - Eur2500/person
Departure Dates
6 - 16 April
12 - 28 August
31 August - 11 September
4 - 15 October
Price Includes: Transfer from Windhoek to guest farm, full-board at guest farm, on the trail and in guest house (bed and breakfast) in Swakopmund.
Price Excludes: bottled and canned drinks, souvenirs, tips for local guides and crew, activities in Swakopmund e.g. Dolphin cruise, transfer or flights from Swakopmund to Windhoek.
A trail is booked after payment of 30% of the total price and confirmation will be sent to you.
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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. Non-riding company is welcome to join the trucks.
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