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: | Meet in Windhoek and drive about 1 ½ hours to the farm, about 100 kms southwest of Windhoek. Overnight at the farm. |
| Day 2: | Stay at the farm for a day, getting to know your horse, the route and fellow riders. Overnight at the farm.
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| 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 a tough 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. |
| 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, across the Kuiseb Pass 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.
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| Day 8: | Ride across the desert through a concealed donga (dry ravine) to Ganab and Hotsas near Bloedkoppie.
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| Day 9: | From Hotsas ride across the desert to Poacher's Turn and Marmorpforte; a place of desert mirage, endless space and solitude.
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| 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.
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| 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 night in bungalows, while the horses enjoy their well-earned cozy stable.
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| Day 12: | Ride bareback to the dunes and along the seashore. Enjoy a last canter on the beach, or go for a swim in the waves. Perhaps you will be able to convince your horse to join you. Overnight again in the bungalows.
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| Day 13: | 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 | 13 days, 12 nights and 9 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-5 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 |
| 2008 Dates | March 30-Apr 11, Aug 3-15, Aug 13-25, Aug 24-Sept 5, Sept 14-26 |
| 2008 Price | $3115 |
| Single Supplement | $235 (not required if willing to share) |
| Additional Information | The same outfitter offers the Damaraland Ride, which is only appropriate for capable, adventurous riders who have already done The Ride to the Sea.
2008 Date: June 25-July 4
Price: $3,425
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