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Damara Elephant Trail to Skeleton Coast
Namibia
Namibia
Damaraland is a very spectacular part of the country, almost inaccessible, with amazing colours and vast open spaces that will blow your mind, ancient craters and remnants from prehistoric times, not to mention the forbidding Skeleton Coast. We may encounter elephant, rhino, cheetah and plains game or be caught by rivers in flood, all of which combines into a tremendous adventure. This is the quintessential ride for those who can identify with escaping day-to-day city life and becoming one with a horse in the wilderness. The ride begins in northern Damaraland - wild, desolate, sparsely inhabited and breathtakingly beautiful, challenging horses and riders across vast, ancient flood plains and through deep, silent canyons, across a great desert to a hostile coast. In a waterless land, you’ll come to understand the challenges of the terrain and the environment. Riding between 20 and 55 km per day at all paces, the ride covers approximately 320 km to the Atlantic Ocean’s Skeleton Coast over 11 days.
For the intrepid adventurer who seeks out the last of earth’s true wildernesses, this is truly an exceptional riding experience.
On this journey, you'll encounter ancient Namibia - Petroglyphs and rock art, thousands of years old, that depict great hunts, animals and the locations of sub-terrestrial water. Desert elephant, increasingly threatened desert rhino, the shy oryx and the elusive leopard are but a few of the encounters you may have as your journey criss-crosses the vast landscapes of Damaraland.
Once the pathways of mighty glaciers, boulder strew flood plains give way to soft grass covered valleys trimmed by gentle sand dunes, watched over by range upon range of purple hued mountains - a true wilderness. The seasonal rivers that serve as lifeblood to land and its inhabitants, course their way deep below the dramatic folds of rock, protected by deep, silent canyons.
...and then, to the sea and the endless beach where the flotsum and jetsum tell a story of a wild sea on a wild coast! The cold Benguela current brings cool, plankton and fish-rich waters all the way from Antarctica and moderates the temperatures in the region - but this is a Namibian story for another time...!
Unique attractions:
• Twyfelfontein rock engravings & cultural village
• Desert adapted elephant and rhino
• Dramatic landscapes
• Real wilderness area
• Save the Rhino project
• Cape Cross seal colony
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Camping Ride with vehicle support
Progressive Ride (no camping)
Safari Ride
Ride with Western Tack
Meeting:
Windhoek
Airport:
Windhoek
Transfer:
Windhoek airport
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
All accommodations (8 nights camping and 2 nights lodge) and meals, drinks in camp, 7.5 riding days, half day sightseeing
| A | 2013 | 11 day trip, AP | 11d / 10n | £3500 | $5600 |
Minimum Deposit:
~$50.00
per person
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from/to Windhoek Airport included
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Rates do not include:
Bottled and canned drinks; souvenirs; tips for local guides and crew; accommodation options (Mowani
Mountain Camp or Twyfelfontein Lodge in Damaraland; De Duine, Cape Cross Lodge in Hentiesbay)
Day 1: You will be met on arrival from Windhoek International airport ( Hosea Kutako airport) and transferred to a specified B&B in Windhoek on this day. Here you will meet the rest of your riding group for dinner and a representative to brief you about the ride.
Day 2: After an early breakfast the journey starts with a 7 hour transfer, lunch en route, to a camp near Twyfelfontein. Here you will meet the horses and crew, and go on a sunset ride if time permits.
Day 3: We will set off on a morning ride to familiarise you with your mount in the Aba-Huab area where sandy plains invite good canters and interesting rock formations can be visited, the afternoon will include visiting a cultural village, the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and Sundowners at a local view point.
Day 4: We start riding west across endless plains with a good chance of seeing desert adapted game such as springbok and oryx, occasionally we follow Mopani treed dry river beds where kudu and ostrich lurk. We stop for a light lunch along a riverbed and after lunch continue over some rocky and some sandy hills to our camp at De Riet.
Day 5: We continue along the Huab River shaded with huge Ana trees, which provides a favourite food for the Desert Elephants, before we ride across another plain towards Mikberg to have lunch at the ‘cheetah tree’, followed by a long afternoon ride across the watershed with phenomenal vistas. Our camp is pitched at View Point where we enjoy the views and dramatic co lours of Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain.
Day 6: From View Point we ride southwest towards the Ugab River. After lunch at Lion Head we set off for a nice long canter. Later we move through a very narrow gorge, pass Soutfontein (Salt Fountain) and arrive at the Save the Rhino Camp near Brandberg West. This is a community run campsite to collect funds for the Save the Rhino project; it is really worth visiting their interesting information center.
Day 7: We wind our way through reeds and kori bush thickets along the Ugab to Brakwasser, another place of brackish water. We then leave the Ugab River and ride up a deserted gorge with fascinating folded rockwalls. Camp is very enjoyable: shady, sheltered and special!
Day 8: We leave the Ugab tributary and enter another vast open plain with spectacular views of Brandberg. We enjoy some marvellous cantering and have lunch at the Quarry. The afternoon is a long ride across the stony plains towards the coast.
Day 9: We are on our way towards the Messum River and Messum Crater. Again there are open plains and happy canters - and spectacular panoramas.
Day 10: The last ride to arrive on the beach around lunchtime!! This unpredictable shore is called the Skeleton Coast and the infamous easterly wind can either cause the temperatures warm enough for a swim or maybe whip up a sandstorm! We then drive to Cape Cross to view the seals and continue to our overnight accommodation at a lovely beach house in Henties Bay.
Day 11: Depart for Windhoek and Windhoek International Airport (a 5-6 hour transfer). Earliest possible flight departure time is 3 PM
Options:
Please enquire for the option to fly-in to the start point of the ride (Twyfelfontein).
To Avoid the road travelling time to Windhoek at the end of the ride – it is also possible to have special road transfer to Walvis Bay International Airport and fly direct to Johannesburg.
Additional attractions: (we can book this for you)
• Stay a few days extra in Swakopmund where activities available include: dolphin cruises, scenic flights over the area which we rode, sand boarding, sky diving, desert tours, quad biking etc.
• Visit Etosha National Park before or after the ride for excellent African game viewing opportunities.
• Visit Sossosvlei sand dunes after the ride
Take note: Routes can be changed due to unpredictable weather and other unforeseen conditions!
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Meeting:
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Windhoek
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Airport:
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Windhoek
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Transfer:
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Windhoek airport
First night is in a local guesthouse in Windhoek. Riders can meet the group there or we will provide a transfer from the airport for you. At the end of the trip - departure flights should not be before 3 PM
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Level:
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 Moderate
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15 to 25 miles
a day, 6-8 hours in the saddle. You should be a fit and experienced rider. The pace depends upon the terrain and temperatures but there are many long fast trots, canters and gallops.
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Participants:
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Min
4
participants
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Max
15
participants
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Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.
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You have to be
physically fit as well as fit to ride; you should have a good sense of
humour and extensive riding experience.
You will spend six to eight
hours in the saddle many days; all paces.
HTML clipboard
Horses
Your horse will be chosen from a mixed herd of many breeds i.e. Arab,
Haflinger, Trakehner, ranch horses, they are small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16
hands) sure-footed horses raised on rough terrain, some of them with experience
in endurance riding, and every one of them a kind, reliable companion that
deserves the very best treatment and care.
Tack
We use comfortable
skirted saddles (endurance type) to properly fit the horse as well as the rider.
Each saddle is fitted with 2 specially made water bottle holders with water
bottles supplied. You may bring your own western shaped sheepskin bumnah if you
normally ride with one.
You will be responsible for grooming checking over and
tacking up your own horse.
Riding experience
Fitness, good
health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential in order to
be able to enjoy these rides. You need not be an accomplished dressage rider or
show jumper, but you must feel totally at ease on the back of a cantering horse;
and be prepared for the riding adventure of your life!
The shorter rides are
less strenuous and are suitable for intermediate riders.
Terrain
We
travel through rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains, open sandy plains and
undulating sand dunes – sometimes the going is tough and difficult and can be
quite challenging. Occasionally you may need to dismount and walk with your
horse for some sections. Often there are wide-open spaces suitable for
lovely long canters, and several areas of rolling sand dunes. The longer
rides are more challenging so requires riders with strong personalities, and a
sense of humor that will see you through the tough moments!
Distance
On average we cover 20-50 km a day, spending up to eight hours in the
saddle on some days. Other days may be less. Pace depends on the
terrain
and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders with walk,
trot,
canter and gallop. Because Namibia has such wide-open spaces it is
possible to accommodate up to 15 riders on most trails plus 2 - 3 riding
guides.
Weight Limit
We have a strict weight limit of 85 kg dressed in
your
riding gear – fit riders heavier than this will need to hire a 2nd
horse.
Fit riders over 85kg (190 lbs) -- please enquire about
surcharges for additional horse/ s
Children
Experienced children riders who are accompanied by their parents are welcome – but please remember that these rides can be quite strenuous – so parents must use their judgement as to whether their children are suitable. Anyone unable to keep up with the group may have to travel in the support vehicle at some times. Non-riding companions are also welcome to join the trip and travel with the trucks.
Conditions:
Your safety and enjoyment are of paramount importance to us while you are our guest. Every precaution is taken to ensure this and we ask you to give the following your earnest consideration, before booking.
• Guests must comply with the physical fitness and riding competency stipulated for the individual rides.
• A weight limit of 95kg, when dressed, applies. Guests weighing in excess of 95kg, but not exceeding 115kg, will be considered at a surcharge to cover the cost of an additional horse.
• Medical insurance (mandatory) should include coverage for emergency air evacuation.
• Hard hats are obligatory, unless medical insurers acknowledge that you will still be insured, should you choose not to wear a hard hat.
• Routes are subject to change without notice, should prevailing weather or terrain conditions demand.
• Please alert us to any personal medical condition, allergies included and ensure you have all essential personal medication before arriving in Windhoek.
• Please advise before booking if you have particular dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from Namibia required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above fo. more
During the months that we operate (March – Oct) - the days are mostly warm to very hot, while the evenings and nights in winter (June/ July / August) can be cold.
Rainfall during this period is unlikely.
If you dislike heat then avoid the early and later rides and choose the ones in the middle of the year.
Your luggage is transported on trucks; the riders ride across bush or desert and meet the back-up vehicles at the evening campsites – so your bags need to be soft type canvas bags with lots of pockets for easy organizing.
Max weight 20 kgs.
Ideal to have 1 x medium size and 1 x smaller overnight bag.
If you have other non-riding luggage – this can be left with our office staff in Windhoek to be collected at the end of the ride.
Please ensure you have one small ‘ day pack” size bag that can carry your overnight things as some days the big truck will not be able to meet us at the end of the day as only the smaller vehicle has access.
We include all tack, including 2 water bottles per guest (the saddle bags have been made specifically to the size of our bottles) - stretcher bed, bed roll and lightweight duvet with pillow.
We recommend bringing a warm (3 or 4 season) sleeping bag as nights can be very cold,.
Basic bags can be hired from us in advance if required at €20 per trip
One set of warm clothes including a jacket or all-weather coat or fleece, especially for winter months
Tracksuit pants
Woolly hat, gloves
Warm sweater
Comfy shoes for around camp
Towel, soap and other toiletries, Personal medications, plasters, rehydrates etc
Sarong and flip-flops for moving to and from the shower
Wide-brimmed hat/ cap for when not riding
Shorts, casual tops
Torch, smaller head torch and spare batteries
Small binoculars
Camera
Sufficient batteries for cameras and spare memory card.
Once you leave Windhoek you should assume there will be no cell phone coverage or electricity available for charging batteries etc so bring enough batteries for the duration of the ride.
For riding
Light weight-riding helmet (riding without protective headgear is at your own risk and only if your insurance still covers you without one).
At least 3 changes of comfortable riding trousers (tried and trusted riding wear rather than brand-new fashion)
Comfortable short riding boots/trainers/ long chaps/mini-chaps according to your preference
Several neutral colored long sleeve shirts, T-shirts, polo shirts etc
Buff (for covering your neck and face from sun and dust)
Lots of socks, underwear
2 neckerchiefs/bandanas
Sun block, lip salve, talcum powder
2 pairs sunglasses on strings,
Gloves.
A bum bag, to wear whilst riding for lip balm, sunscreen and a small camera.
Remember it can get very hot in the desert during the day – so you should be prepared to “ cover up “
Laundry – having left Windhoek, there is very little opportunity to do any washing – other than rinsing out small items and hoping they dry overnight. Please bear this in mind whilst packing. There are launderettes in all the major towns to do laundry at the end of the ride if you are continuing on with your holiday.
We strongly recommend riding caps.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Type of accommodations
All rides stay in Guest farms/ lodges/ guesthouses on the first and last nights of the ride. These accommodations vary but are all comfortable, twin-bedded rooms, mostly with ensuite facilities.
Camping on the ride
We provide large dome-shaped tents (two participants sharing) with camp beds and swags (canvas bedrolls) consisting of lambskin, duvet or quilt and pillow, folding chairs and hot showers. Many guests choose to take their camp bed and swag and sleep out under the canopy of the desert stars - a very special experience.
Camp is normally pitched at sunset with meals prepared on the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian and often a surprise.
Most guests are happy to share accommodations – but you may request on booking, a tent to yourself and single accommodation in the guests houses at the beginning or end of the trail subject to a supplementary charge.
Meals and drinks
All meals are included in the package – Breakfast is typically porridge or cereal, cold meats and cheese. Lunch can be packed sandwiches or on some days we meet up with the truck for a cold salad. Supper is a delight of tasty stews, or fish and vegetables with a surprise dessert made on the open fire. Vegetarian meals are available – please let us know your requirements when booking.
Tea, coffee and juice are always available with other cool drinks, beers, wine etc in the evenings.
All drinks are included in the cost whilst on the ride – please let us know your drink preferences by completing the questionnaire form when booking. Only drinks at the guest farms and restaurants etc are not included in the package rate.
This trip includes
some wine with dinner
and can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Western-style trail saddles
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Horses:
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Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, even cross-breeds of the famous
wild horses of the Namib Desert, etc
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Pace:
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15 to 25 miles
a day, 6-8 hours in the saddle. You should be a fit and experienced rider. The pace depends upon the terrain and temperatures but there are many long fast trots, canters and gallops.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3
to
4
out of 5) Good Intermediate+
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Weight:
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Max
190 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
4
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Max
15
|
You have to be
physically fit as well as fit to ride; you should have a good sense of
humour and extensive riding experience.
You will spend six to eight
hours in the saddle many days; all paces.
HTML clipboard
Horses
Your horse will be chosen from a mixed herd of many breeds i.e. Arab,
Haflinger, Trakehner, ranch horses, they are small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16
hands) sure-footed horses raised on rough terrain, some of them with experience
in endurance riding, and every one of them a kind, reliable companion that
deserves the very best treatment and care.
Tack
We use comfortable
skirted saddles (endurance type) to properly fit the horse as well as the rider.
Each saddle is fitted with 2 specially made water bottle holders with water
bottles supplied. You may bring your own western shaped sheepskin bumnah if you
normally ride with one.
You will be responsible for grooming checking over and
tacking up your own horse.
Riding experience
Fitness, good
health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential in order to
be able to enjoy these rides. You need not be an accomplished dressage rider or
show jumper, but you must feel totally at ease on the back of a cantering horse;
and be prepared for the riding adventure of your life!
The shorter rides are
less strenuous and are suitable for intermediate riders.
Terrain
We
travel through rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains, open sandy plains and
undulating sand dunes – sometimes the going is tough and difficult and can be
quite challenging. Occasionally you may need to dismount and walk with your
horse for some sections. Often there are wide-open spaces suitable for
lovely long canters, and several areas of rolling sand dunes. The longer
rides are more challenging so requires riders with strong personalities, and a
sense of humor that will see you through the tough moments!
Distance
On average we cover 20-50 km a day, spending up to eight hours in the
saddle on some days. Other days may be less. Pace depends on the
terrain
and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders with walk,
trot,
canter and gallop. Because Namibia has such wide-open spaces it is
possible to accommodate up to 15 riders on most trails plus 2 - 3 riding
guides.
Weight Limit
We have a strict weight limit of 85 kg dressed in
your
riding gear – fit riders heavier than this will need to hire a 2nd
horse.
Fit riders over 85kg (190 lbs) -- please enquire about
surcharges for additional horse/ s
Children
Experienced children riders who are accompanied by their parents are welcome – but please remember that these rides can be quite strenuous – so parents must use their judgement as to whether their children are suitable. Anyone unable to keep up with the group may have to travel in the support vehicle at some times. Non-riding companions are also welcome to join the trip and travel with the trucks.
Conditions:
Your safety and enjoyment are of paramount importance to us while you are our guest. Every precaution is taken to ensure this and we ask you to give the following your earnest consideration, before booking.
• Guests must comply with the physical fitness and riding competency stipulated for the individual rides.
• A weight limit of 95kg, when dressed, applies. Guests weighing in excess of 95kg, but not exceeding 115kg, will be considered at a surcharge to cover the cost of an additional horse.
• Medical insurance (mandatory) should include coverage for emergency air evacuation.
• Hard hats are obligatory, unless medical insurers acknowledge that you will still be insured, should you choose not to wear a hard hat.
• Routes are subject to change without notice, should prevailing weather or terrain conditions demand.
• Please alert us to any personal medical condition, allergies included and ensure you have all essential personal medication before arriving in Windhoek.
• Please advise before booking if you have particular dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Passports
Passport valid for a minimum of six months after the date of departure from Namibia required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who do require a visa.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the consulate or high commission for visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business and Transit: US$50.
Validity
Valid up to three months from date of issue for stays of up to three months from date of entry. Extensions for a further three months are available from the Ministry of Home Affairs in Windhoek.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at high commission); see Contact Addresses.
Working Days Required
Three to four.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No/1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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Damara Elephant Trail to Skeleton Coast
Tour Code:
PG-NADT
11 days /
10 nights
~$5,600.00
Dates: June
Trip Rating :
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Windhoek
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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