Horseback riding in Namibia

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- Damara Elephant Trail to Skeleton Coast
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Equestrian tours in Namibia
Damara Elephant Trail to Skeleton Coast


Other Info

Meeting: Windhoek
Airport:   Windhoek      
Transfer: Windhoek airport    Distance: 110 miles

We provide ground transfers from and to Windhoek through Windhoek Airport Shuttle and Tours. Meet us at the Windhoek airport on Day 1 Please arrive in Windhoek no later than 17:00 (5:00pm).
At the end of the trip - departure flights should not be before 3:00pm.

Tack: Skirted endurance-type saddles
Horses: Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert, etc
Pace: 20- 50km (13 to 30 miles) a day, up to 6 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.
| Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level: Riding Level (Click for legend) (3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate+
Weight: Max 190 lbs / 85 kg
Riders: Min 4 riders Max 15 riders
Riding helmets are mandatory for this ride.


Riding Level
Do not underestimate the physical toll living outside take on you- come very fit! You need to be balanced in the saddle and stay off your horse's back without having to hang onto their mouth at all paces. You need to be able to post trot. This ride is not for the feint-hearted as large free-ranging game occurs and we ride through mountainous areas with meandering rivers and huge plains for fast riding.
If you do not ride regularly (2 - 3 times a week), we strongly recommend that you get into practice before joining one of our challenging safaris. This is a challenging ride suitable for confident intermediate riders. Please not, we reserve the right to prevent anyone from riding if we feel they do not fulfill the minimum competence level as indicated or if weight and fitness level do not fall within that recommended for these challenging safaris.

Pace
You will ride in the morning for 4-5 hours, have a lunch break for 1-2 hours, and then continue riding for another 2-3 hours, totaling around 6-8 hours per day in the saddle for 7 days. You will cover 20-60km per day at all paces and over rough terrain. 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.

Tack 
We use skirted endurance type saddles with heavy padding for the comfort of horse and rider. Each saddle is fitted with two specially made water bottle holders (water bottles supplied). If you normally ride with a sheepskin bumnah you may bring your own (western shaped). We use a simple snaffle bridle over the halter



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 almost 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.
Each rider is responsible for grooming, regularly checking over, and tacking up their own horse (assistance is given when required). It is this experience that cements the bond between you and the horse you must rely on to carry you across the desert.

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. Our absolute maximum weight limit is 93 kg.

Hard Hats
Hard hats are obligatory, unless medical insurers acknowledge that you will still be insured, should you choose not to wear a hard hat.

Safety
Your safety and enjoyment are of paramount importance to us while you are our guest. Please alert us to any personal medical condition, allergies included and ensure you have all essential personal medication before arriving in Windhoek.

Children & Non-Riders
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 judgment 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.

Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance is required to ride with us. Ensure repatriation is included in your policy. Travel insurance is recommended.


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
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Damara Elephant Trail to Skeleton Coast
Tour Code: PG-NADT
11 days / 10 nights
Dates : June to August

Trip Rating :
Difficulty : Riding Level
Riding Level Explained
ABeginner
Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter.
BNovice
Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting trots, and short canters.
CIntermediate
Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
D Strong Intermediate
Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
EAdvanced
All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country.
Lodging: Standard
Lodging Level Explained
   
= Facilities in lodges, estancias, haciendas, resorts, etc.
   
Basic lodging - some with shared bathroom facilities, usually no AC or room service.
Regular standard room - usually with private bath.
 Accommodations with superior comforts.
   
 = Trips with nights in tent camps. Sometimes the first and last night are in hotels.
   
Basic tent camping - everyone helps out with camp chores.
Regular standard with some camp amenities and camp cook.
Camping facilities with superior comforts like camp shower, bathroom facility..
   
 = Trips that combine nights in hotels and camping.
   
Basic accommodation and basic camping facilities can be expected.
Regular standard with some nicer amenities.
Only assigned to hotel and camping facilities with superior comforts.

Online Reservation

Check here for details and availability
Season Tour Dates  Min / MaxReserve
A 2024 07/24 - 08/03 11d / 10n 11 day trip 4 /15 Reserve
A 2024 09/04 - 09/14 11d / 10n 11 day trip 4 /15 Sold Out
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accommodation
Tack: Skirted endurance-type saddles
Horses: Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner...
Pace: 20- 50km (13 to 30 miles) a day, up t...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport: Windhoek
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What To Bring
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