Horseback Riding in Namibia
RIDE TO THE SEA |
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This is an endurance ride through a region of overwhelming beauty and isolation. It crosses 400 kms of the world's oldest desert from central Namibia to the Atlantic Coast, with practically no contact with civilization of any kind before reaching the sea. Participants must be prepared for 9 consecutive days of riding, which will challenge one's physical strength, stamina and riding ability. In the desert's constantly changing topography, riders gain a deep appreciation for the remarkable horses, and the fascinating flora and fauna which have adapted to this beautiful, austere environment.
The scenery and horses are spectacular. I fell in love with the desert and thought the pace of the ride was challenging, but exhilarating.
- Nancy Hutson
I have nothing but respect and admiration for the horses we rode: tough as nails, impossibly agile and sure-footed, fit and enduring beyond belief, reliable and safe, and with great personalities. As for our guide she proved to be an exceptional woman. Her ferocious love of Namibia, her knowledge of the country's history, culture, flora and fauna, her wonderful sense of humor, her quiet leadership, her politeness and the way she cared for us and her horses made me feel like a friend of the family.
- Florence Bautista
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | You will be met at the airport and taken to the lodge located in a game reserve overlooking Windhoek. The afternoon can be spent at leisure by the pool or doing a sundowner ride or visit Windhoek, a charming small city. In the evening you will have dinner with the group and meet your fellow riders. |
| Day 2: | Drive about 1 ½ hours to the farm for your next night, about 100 kms southwest of Windhoek. You are introduced to your guides and enjoy a short trail ride, aquainting yourself with the awesome terrain. Overnight at the farm. |
| Day 3: | Depart the farm after breakfast. From 1750 m above sea level, ride through seemingly endless gentle undulating hills onto the central highlands at 2000 m. Ride to the edge of the escarpment with breath-taking precipitous mountain faces glowing from the sunlight. Another 1-2 hour’s ride down the double bends and serpentines brings riders to the campsite, where the truck is waiting with baggage and necessary camping equipment.
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| Day 4: | This is a tough but memorable day of riding. Ride onto and over the Hakos Mountain Range (2000m). There will be chances to see mountain zebra, oryx, and other game, as well as leopard caves and tracks. The geologically fascinating landscape is characterized by caves and precipices. Arrive in camp for a well-earned shower and hearty meal. |
| Day 5: | Visit an old gold mine not far from the camp site. Then ride about 25km along the red sand dunes of Rooisand. Our campsite is situated at the foot of Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia. Just before sunset you may hike to a natural shelter on the mountain nearby to see Bushman paintings. |
| Day 6: | Ride over the last semi-desert farms to a camp site not far from the border of the Namib-Naukluft Park.
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| Day 7: | Ride into the Park (the largest nature conservation area in Africa), across the Kuiseb Pass Canyon with its characteristic rock formations and on to Aruvlei in the Namib desert. By now one will realize that the Namib is not all waving sand, but a constantly changing landscape |
| Day 8: | A long tough ride across the desert through a concealed donga (dry ravine) to Ganab and Hotsas near Bloedkoppie. |
| Day 9: | From Hotsas ride across the desert to Poacher's Turn and Marmorpforte; a place of desert mirage, endless space and solitude. |
| Day 10: | Ride across Welwitschia Plain to Moon Valley and into the dry riverbed of the Swakop River. The campsite is located under palm trees and Prosopis of the Goanikontes Oasis. |
| Day 11: | Today's ride will be an exhilarating one, across the Swakop River Valley to the dunes of the Namibian coast, and then at last to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean at Swakopmund. This will be the first sight of a town in 10 days. Spend the next night in bungalows, while the horses enjoy their well-earned cozy stable. |
| Day 12: | Depart after breakfast. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Windhoek |
| Length of Ride | 12 days, 11 nights and 9 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Advanced Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-6 Maximum-15 |
| Riding Per Day | 6-10 hours |
| Pace | moderate / fast |
| Tack | English and Western |
| Horses | Arab Cross, Trakehner, Local Ranch Bred |
| Weight Limit | Over 180 lbs must pay 30% supplement |
| 2010 Dates | April 5-16, August 12-23, August 31- September 11, October 4-15 |
| 2010 Price | $4,960 |
| Single Supplement | To be confirmed |
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