Overview
Namibia has many great natural assets, not least of these are its dramatic landforms – remote, inaccessible and rugged.
From Twyfelfontein to the Skeleton Coast, the sheer remoteness of this challenging horse riding safari makes it unsuitable for inexperienced riders since encounters with elephant, rhino and even lion are possible. On the other hand, this could be the most thrilling riding adventure of your life!
About This Safari
• From Windhoek back to Windhoek 11 days/10 nights. 7,5 riding days, 2 night accommodated (first and last), 8 nights camping.
• Arrive in Windhoek on the first day of your safari preferably in time for pre-dinner group briefing and arrive back at Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) in time for fights leaving after 15:00
• We visit the World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein on the afternoon of day two
• Note that this is a challenging ride with the possibility of encountering big game so not for inexperienced riders. It is however undeniably the ride of a lifetime and possibly why many of our guests come back for more year after year
• The well-being of our horses are our first priority - please be accurate about your weight and riding ability and fitness
• Because of the remoteness of our riding safaris, all guests require comprehensive medical insurance including repatriation. Consult our Riding Policy before booking - by signing the required Indemnity it is assumed you have understood the terms and conditions contained therein. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Link to Video on this Safari
Being on Safari
• Camp life has a leisurely pace - days begin at sunrise with the aroma of freshly brewed 100% Arabica coffee wafting through camp. After an ample breakfast we start riding around 8 am for 4 - 5 hours. Lunch breaks are 1 - 2 hours, followed by another 2 - 3 hours riding in the afternoon.
• We ride 20 - 50 km per day at all paces over rough desert terrain. The sheer remoteness of this ride and the presence of big game makes this ride unsuitable for inexperienced riders.
• While camping hot bucket showers are available in the evenings and either chemical or long drop toilets at all campsites.
• You sleep in a warm, comfortable bedroll on a stretcher, tents are available if required although then you miss out on the spectacular stars overhead – few places on earth have zero light pollution…..this is one of those few.
• We try to cater for dietary exclusions, however, the remote nature of these safaris makes some difficult to cater for.
Itinerary
Days 1 + 2 Windhoek to Twyfelfontein
Welcome to Namibia!
A shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) to your first overnight in Windhoek (your name will be on a welcome board). Meet your fellow riders and host/riding guide Andrew Gillies for sundowners and dinner. Andrew will give you a briefing about your adventure.
Day two starts with an early breakfast and then the exciting journey north (approximately 7 hour transit including a stop on the way for lunch) to our camp in the Aba Huab river. In the afternoon we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein with its 5000 year-old petroglyphs.
Elephant sometimes walk through camp at night….light sleepers be warned!
Days 3 - 6 The Rivers
With the rising sun at our back, we begin our westward journey to the distant Atlantic. In these ephemeral river systems, the cycles of rainfall dictate the seasonal movement of game which is not concentrated, but we can encounter elephants, rhino, oryx, springbok, and other desert-adapted game.
Here huge glacial valleys, impressive tableland mountains exhumed by erosion, folds and fractures resulting from cataclysmic eruptions present a well preserved snapshot of a land of great antiquity.
From the Huab we cross the mountains to the Ugab river valley, staying overnight at Save The Rhino’s campsite on the banks of the river.
Day 7 – 10 The Great Plains
Leaving the river valley’s we now cross the vastness of open plains with the striking massive of the Brandberg (burning mountain) forming a dramatic backdrop. Here good going allow for some fast-paced riding as we approach the dramatic Messum Caldera, the eroded remains of a massive collapsed volcano.
Our last ride takes us across huge desert plains to the ocean at last - the spectacularly formidable Skeleton Coast, apparently so called for the wrecked hulks of stranded ships which dot this coastline. The cold upwelling Benquela current results in some diverse weather conditions from hot desert easterlies to cold south Atlantic westerlies and fog - a place of extremes! We overnight in the small coastal town of Henties Bay in a wonderful private house with the most spectacular view over the Atlantic Ocean.
Departure Day 11
Early breakfast and transfer to Windhoek (just over 5-hour commute) arriving around 13:00 - in time for departure flights from Windhoek International Airport after 15:00
Rate Includes
• All riding, accommodation and meals and drinks while on the ride - excluded are drinks at lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en-route.
• Ground transfers from Windhoek International Airport to starting point of ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or Windhoek International airport on day of departure.
• A visit to the World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein petroglyphs (rock engravings)
Rate Excludes
• Extra horse charge for riders 85kg and over in riding gear. For our horses’ sake, please be accurate regarding weight and level of fitness. Please consult our Riding Policy
• Single supplement will be waived if prepared to share guesthouse accommodation
• Personal drinks and refreshments at all lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en-route.
• Accommodation and transfers not listed on the itinerary. Any extra transfers (for any reason including flight delays) other than those included in the itinerary – will be for guest’s personal account.
• Additional activities and packages. We are happy to assist with recommendations.
• Safari staff gratuities.
