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, Moonvalley, the dry Swakop River, coastal dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. This is an experience never to forget!

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. The trail includes riding 6-8 hours per day at all paces.

Day 1: Start of riding safari

On Sunday we meet you in Windhoek and drive 120 km south-west to a guest farm, Weissenfels, where you will stay the first two nights. Here you will be introduced to riding guides and fellow-riders and have some time for rest and relaxation.

Day 2: Orientation

On Monday morning after a relaxed breakfast we will go on a "Trial ride" - meet your horse and get used to tack and terrain. An approximately 2 hour ride to match horses and riders and smooth out any tack or other problems. The afternoon is again free to sort yourself, your stuff or just recover from jet-lag.

Day 3: Riding on central Highlands

After breakfast your luggage and yourself is transferred (10 minutes) to the neighbouring farm Hohenheim from where we start riding. On game and cattle tracks cross-country across bush savannah of the central highland (1500-2000m above sea level) towards the escarpment, where the highland breaks: a stunning view on endless hills and steep rocks and constantly changing colours. An easy descent takes us to the camp site, where we meet our back-up vehicles. Sleep in a tent or beneath the stars after a good meal cooked on the camp fire and some jokes and talks on the day's happenings.

Day 4: Riding

A long tough day never to forget! Across the Hakos Mountains (2000m) along dry river beds and on tracks of mountain zebra, Oryx and baboon; past leopard caves and thorn bushes. Inaccessible country side, stunning panoramic views …. and you will certainly appreciate a hot shower and a good meal at the end of the day! Our camp is at Natas, another remote and rugged Namibian cattle farm.

Day 5: Riding

Thursday morning we venture into the shaft of a long forgotten gold mine not far from our camp; then a short ride along dirt roads (20km) to the red sand dunes of Rooisand at the outskirts of the Namib desert. We arrive early afternoon at our campsite, beautifully situated against the foothills of the Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia. Just before sunset we can also visit a natural shelter in the mountain where a few Bushman paintings are preserved.

Day 6: Riding

Riding through Semi-desert area between the Gaub and Kuiseb valleys; past abandoned remote farms towards the edge of the Namib-Naukluft Park (500 000 ha).

Day 7: Riding

Saturday we enter the largest nature conservation area in Africa (Skeleton Coast Park, Namib Naukluft Park and Spergebiet), a stretch of about 100 km wide all along the west coast of Namibia. We ride through the bizarre Kuiseb Canyon and its banks and camp at Aruvlei, an interesting oasis in the Namib desert. Experience the most beautiful African sunset and unlimited stars.

Day 8: Riding

Another long, tough day! Across the desert as the crow flies over gravel plains under unlimited sunshine. Mountain zebra, Oryx, ostrich and springbuck. Lunch break at Ganab, a borehole providing much needed water to the game in the desert. Then on to Hotsas (Tinkas and Tumas planes). Vast distances covered, camp is a welcome sight with well deserved cold drinks and a relaxing dinner.

Day 9: Riding

Happy cantering towards Poacher's Turn and Marble Mountains, strange shapes and mirages, fascinating survival devices of many desert adapted creatures, infinite space and tremendous solitude.

Day 10 - Riding

Unspoilt true desert landscape, Welwitschia plants, endless plains and then the spectacular Moonvalley. Camping out under the stars around the campfire for the last time in the dry Swakop river bed near Goanikontes.

Day 11: Riding

A joyous ride along the Swakop valley until we reach the dunes and then at last the beach of the Atlantic Ocean at Swakopmund. After ten days the first sight of a town! For the next two days we stay in comfortable bungalows and our horses enjoy their well-deserved rest in cosy stables.

Day 12: Swakopmund

Bare-back to the dunes, gallop along the beach; will your horse go for a swim?

Day 13: Safari ends

Breakfast together in Swakopmund and say good bye to friends and horses. Take Air Namibia's flight to Windhoek, Jo'burg, Cape Town from Walvis Bay or travel on the Mainliner Bus to Windhoek. Be sure that you have already thought about coming on another trip to Damaraland/Skeleton Coast or elsewhere in Namibia!

Includes

Transfer from Windhoek to Weissenfels, full-board at Weissenfels guest farm, on the trail and in Swakopmund

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.

General info

HORSES and SADDLES: "One of every breed", i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Lippizzaner, Trakehner, Ranch Horses, even the famous wild horses of the Namib desert; small to middle-sized, swift horses raised on rough terrain, some of them with experience in endurance rides, each one of them a kind, reliable companion deserving the very best treatment and care. Comfortable equitation and Western saddle, which we prefer.
TERRAIN and DISTANCE: Gravel, sometimes hard and difficult, later sand. On average we cover 35km a day, 6 - 10 hours on horseback. Speed depends on terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders; gait, trot and canter. 6 - 15 riders + 1 - 2 riding guides per group.
TENTED CAMP: big igloo-type tents (two people per tent), camp-beds, swags with lambskin, duvet or continental quilt and pillow; folding chairs, hot shower. Luggage is transported on trucks; the riders take short-cuts through the bush or desert and meet the back-up vehicles at camp sites. Camp is erected every sunset; meals are prepared around the open fire, usually "braai" or "potjiekos", typically Namibian and often a surprise.
BRING your sleeping-bag, wide-brimmed hat, windcheater, warm pullover, 2 neckerchiefs, long-sleeved shirts, sun-tan lotion, sun glasses, comfortable riding clothes (well-fitting beloved sportswear rather than fashionable brand-new jeans) - bring at least 3 changes -, riding boots/tekkies/chaps/mini-chaps according to habit, leisure wear, towel, water bottle (2l!), torch, gloves, moon bag, lip salve. We strongly recommend riding caps (not wearing them is at your own risk).

Experience

Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and dealing with horses is essential. You need not be a professional dressage or show jumping rider, but should really feel very much at ease on the back of a cantering horse, have a tough mind and a sense of humour.

Conditions

Weight limit is 85 kg - anyone heavier has to pay additional 30% for an extra horse.
Canned or bottled drinks are supplied by us to your prior instructions and on your account.
Should we get into a sand storm (June/July from Day 8-11 of the Namib Desert Trail) we shall leave the desert immediately either for Swakopmund or our ranch.
As we are not liable for any loss, damage or injury on your side, your travel insurance should include accident, health cover, emergency rescue. Day rides and shorter trails may be arranged by individual enquiry. We also offer to handle or help with other travel arrangements around our country.
Non-riding company is welcome to join the trucks.

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