Guided Naukluft Hike
Includes: Naukluft - Namibia
The Naukluft Hike is a 6 day is a camping/shelter tour that allows your guide to show you the beauty of the Naukluft mountains, on the edge of the Namib Desert in central Namibia. This trip includes transport to and from Windhoek.
The name Naukluft, is derived from German and means 'narrow ravine', and is part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The Naukluft Mountains are well known as a hiker's destination, including day hikes such as the Waterkloof and Olive Trails, but also 4 and 8 day trails for the more advanced and fit hikers. The trails are open from the 1st March to the 3rd Friday in October on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays of each week. The accommodation at the overnight stops on the trail consists of stone built shelters and a hut. No showers are provided.
- A decent level of fitness is essential as the Naukluft Hike entaisl 7-8 hours walking per day.
- You have to carry your luggage every day, including food and water (all together approximately 12–15 kg per person).
- Hiking permits are provided
- Day 1: Windhoek - Naukluft
-
Hikers will be collected from their Windhoek accommodation at around 10h00. The drive heads southwards towards the Naukluft Mountains, with arrival scheduled for some time in the afternoon. Overnight in bunk beds at 'Hikers Haven,' the old farmhouse at Naukluft.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hikers Heaven - Day 2: Naukluft Hiking Trail
-
The trail starts at the hut and except for two fairly steep ascents, the first days hike covers easy terrain. Much of the trail follows a zebra path with an easy gradient, and you are rewarded with spectacular views of the wide valley some 300m below. The overnight stop, 'Putte Shelter,' takes its name from the nearby 'working' well, which is equipped with a hand pump. Those with any energy left are welcome to take a short walk to watch the spectacular sunset.Hiking time: Around 6hrs.
Hiking time: Around 6hrs.
Distance: 14km.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Putte Shelter - Day 3:
-
The second day's hike mainly traverses the undulating plateau, and after about 3 hrs, 'Bergpos' is reached, from where there is a descent down the spectacular 'Ubusis Kloof.' This descent is very difficult and several chains have been anchored at critical points for ease and safety. 'Ubusis Hut' used to be a holiday cottage before the land was acquired for the park, and will be a pleasant surprise.
Hiking time: Around 7 - 9hrs.
Distance: 15km.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Ubusis Hut - Day 4:
-
The day starts back tracking all the way up to 'Bergpos.' This is followed by an easy route across the plateau to the 'Adlerhorst Shelter.' Hartmann's Mountain zebra and kudu are often spotted in the area. There is a possibility to watch the sunset over the desert, and it's approximately a 1hr walk from the shelter. The descent from here is easy, and return to the shelter can be made before darkness falls.
Hiking time: Between 6-7 hr
Distance: 12km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Camping: Adlerhorst Shelter - Day 5:
-
The fourth day of the trail is to Tsams Ost, and initially traverses fairly level terrain, before branching off into a beautiful gorge carved by the Tsams River. After following the 'kloof' for some distance, the trail leaves the river and climbs steeply to bypass a waterfall, before winding down to the river again where we will see an enormous 'Moringa Tree.' A number of beautiful springs are passed shortly after the tree, before reaching the gravel road leading to 'Tsams Ost Shelter.' Transfer is by vehicle to one of the 'guest farms or lodges' in the area. A hot shower and comfortable bed awaits with time to relax and recall the pleasures of the last few days.
Hiking time: Between 7-8 hrs
Distance: 17km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guest Farms or Lodge - Day 6: Naukluft - Windhoek
-
After a hearty breakfast and a good night's sleep, there is a drive back to the capital city, where tired and weary hikers will be dropped off at their accommodation in Windhoek. The Naukluft Hike adventure has come to an end!
Meals: Breakfast
- Included
- One English speaking experienced nature guide / driver per group
Free door-to-door courtesy transport in Windhoek City area only
All transfers from Windhoek to the start of the hike, and then back again
All meals as stated above
All crockery and cutlery
Hiking permits - Excluded
- Tips
Items of a personal nature
Sleeping bags, light iso mattress and back packs (recommended 55 litre plus)
1.5 ltr water bottle
personal insurance (important: medical evacuation)
Alcoholic drinks and beverages