safari

An adventurous Ride through the Namib Desert

"This 10-day horseback safari through the dunes of the Namib Desert might be the toughest, but the most lifechanging journey you will ever take."

Price 7,490 USD

Country

Namibia

Duration

10 Nights

Dates

10 Apr 2024 — 20 Apr 2024
22 May 2024 — 1 Jun 2024
3 Jul 2024 — 13 Jul 2024
14 Aug 2024 — 24 Aug 2024
25 Sep 2024 — 5 Oct 2024
11 Apr 2025 — 21 Apr 2025
18 Jun 2025 — 28 Jun 2025
20 Aug 2025 — 30 Aug 2025
1 Oct 2025 — 11 Oct 2025

Safari Type

Camping, Mobile Safari

Location

Northern Namibia Safaris

Safari Rating

adventure

wilderness

wildlife

comfort

photographic

guiding

This riding safari takes you to one of the oldest and most spectacular regions of Africa. The Namib Desert, with its ochre dunes, has existed for over 80 million years. Its unimaginably majestic dimensions reach from the Atlantic coast through large parts of Namibia and even into Angola.

The desert’s rust to ochre-coloured dunes cover a vast expanse and offer an unreal spectacle. Despite the desert’s barren appearance, the Namib is full of surprises. If you take a closer look, you will find more animals and plant life in this dry environment than you could previously imagine.
From small desert geckos to the larger desert-adapted species such as the desert elephant, giraffes or the graceful oryx antelope, life abounds in this harsh climate.

Even the regions without life are breathtakingly beautiful. When the sun goes down and throws its pink light on the huge dunes, a play of colours of unbelievable beauty is created in front of the increasingly dark sky until it is finally dark apart from the twinkling of countless stars.
Falling asleep with the night sky in view, the horses in the background is an absolute highlight of the safari and indescribable experience.

Apart from the dramatic beauty of the landscape, the Namib offers the perfect conditions for any rider looking for a real adventure and new challenges. The wide plains are made for seemingly never-ending gallops that will give you a feeling of pure freedom.

Far from civilisation with endless horizons and unimaginable expanses around you, here you have the chance to leave your everyday life completely and become one with nature and your horse.

highlights map and overview start dates suitable for detailed itinerary accommodation price additional information

highlights

Undertaking one of the most challenging and adventurous horse safaris in the world.
Crossing 300 km of the spectacular Namib Desert on horseback.
Falling asleep under a spectacular starry sky each night.
Experiencing pure, uncorrupted nature in one of the most remote places in the world.

map and overview

You will arrive at Windhoek International Airport, from there a transfer will take you to Windhoek where you will spend your first night:

1 night in Windhoek.
1 night in a mobile camp at Sossusvlei .
2 nights in a mobile camp in the Namib desert.
2 nights in a mobile camp in the Canyon region.
3 nights in the mobile camp in the Namib Plains.
1 night in a mobile camp at Swakop River.

An early morning transfer will take you back to Windhoek International Airport. You will arrive at 15:00 to catch your onwards connections.

start dates

11 April 2025 - 21 April 2025

18 June 2025 - 28 June 2025

20 August 2025 - 30 August 2025

1 October 2025 - 11 October 2025

suitable for

This safari is only for very experienced riders.
During the 11 days, you will cover about 300 km with your horse, with steep ascents and descents in the canyon region. At times the rough terrain may require you to dismount and lead your horse.
The ability to trot and gallop over long distances is a basic requirement for this ride.
You should have a balanced and light seat and a light hand to protect the horse’s back and mouth over the 300 kilometres.
Every day between 20 – 60 kilometres are covered. A high level of adventure and physical fitness is definitely an advantage in order to enjoy the safari to the fullest.
For the best possible connection with your safari horse, you will groom and saddle him yourself.
Great importance is paid to the well-being of the horses. Therefore the maximum weight for each rider is 80kg. For those who exceed this weight, an extra horse will be provided for an additional fee.
This is probably one of the most challenging safaris to be found in Africa. But if you are ready for this adventure, it can change your life.

detailed itinerary

Day 1-4: From Windhoek to the Namib

You will arrive at Windhoek International Airport where you will be welcomed and brought by a shuttle service to Windhoek for your first night.

You will meet your riding companions and your guide Andrew Gillies. At your first dinner in Namibia, you will also receive your safety briefing for the upcoming adventure.

After a delicious breakfast, the day starts early and your exciting journey into the desert begins. The trip to your first mobile camp will take approximately 4.5 hours. Lunch will be served at camp, followed by an afternoon visit to Sossusvlei. You will be back at camp in time to watch the sunset.

The following day you undertake your first is today and starts in the middle of the Naukluft mountains. This ride is mainly to get to know your horse, the wonderful surroundings and your fellow riders.

Days 5 - 6: The Canyons

Although the rivers of Namibia rarely flow today, the riverbeds dug deep valleys long ago, when the land was wetter and sea levels were lower.

You will cross 2 canyons on your way to the Namib Plains. They are the dramatic foothills of the 400-kilometre long Namib Desert. Your guide will search for fresh tracks and signs of the mountain zebra that zigzag through the canyons. You may have to walk a few stretches with your horse as you descend steeply into the canyons.

The high, narrow walls of the canyons provide an excellent water reservoir that the surrounding wild animals can use almost all year round.

Day 7 - 10: From the Namib Plains to the Swakop River

In this area, dry watercourses, characterised by long rows of acacia trees, provide favoured shade for giraffe, springbok and oryx antelope.

As the route progresses, the plains become drier and more strange. Heatwaves cause shimmering mirages and dinosaur-like plants dot the ground. In front of you lies a land of great antiquity and enormous remoteness.

The Swakop river basin is 600 million years old and has a bizarre moon-like appearance. The land is interspersed with strange dolerite intrusions and forms a dramatic hilly landscape around the river basin.

Finally, the route leads down to the sea. Here a last breathtaking gallop awaits you on the beach of Namibia’s expansive coastline – the end of a fabulous adventure.

Day 11: Departure

After an early breakfast a transfer will take you back to Windhoek International Airport. The transfer will take about 5 hours.

accommodation

While you spend your first and last night in modern, standard accommodation, you will leave civilization completely behind you for the remaining 8 nights.
The mobile camp, which accompanies the riders, is basic but very comfortable.
Spacious dome tents with camp beds and warm sleeping rolls are available at all times. However, most guests prefer to sleep with their camp bed under the glorious starry sky.
Each camp has warm bucket showers and toilets.
Everyday food is freshly cooked by staff over the fire. Dinner is enjoyed with good company around the campfire while you exchange stories of the day’s adventures.
Vegetarian meals can be arranged upon request.

Campsite 2 Kopie

price

Price 2024

GPB 5,800 per person sharing
GBP 200 single supplement per person
GBP 850 extra horse supplement for riders 85 kg and over

Price 2025

GPB 6,200 per person sharing
GBP 200 single supplement per person
GBP 850 extra horse supplement for riders 85 kg and over

Price includes:

Full board accommodation.
Safari horse, spare horse tack.
Locally sourced beverages.
Transfer from and to Windhoek International Airport.

Price excludes:

International flights.
Gratuities for the camp team and guides.
Any personal purchases.
Visas, medical and travel insurance, which must be arranged prior to arrival.

additional information

On this safari a colourful variety of different breeds awaits you. You will find mixtures of Arabian Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, as well as Warmbloods and the local Boerperds. The combinations have resulted in the perfect safari horse for the tough conditions in the Namibian desert.
Since the horses live in the wilderness all year round, they are perfectly adapted to their surroundings. They are sure-footed, reliable and even-tempered and will effortlessly carry you over 300 kilometres through the desert.
Each safari is accompanied by spare horses so that the horses can be given a break and be changed at any time if needed.
The skirted endurance saddles are specially designed and with their heavy padding to offer the best comfort for horse and rider.
All horses are ridden with a simple snaffle bit over a halter.