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Great Namibian Desert Trail
Namibia
Namibia
Crossing the oldest desert in the world on horseback is an experience
of central Namibia’s spectacularly fascinating contrasts: from Khomas
Hochland Mountains and escarpment to the Kuiseb Canyon, Tinkas, Tumas
and Welwitschia plains, Moon Valley, seasonal Swakop River, coastal
dunes and Atlantic Ocean. An experience of a lifetime!
Explore
unique and spectacular desert landscapes on super fit and responsive
horses. These are true adventures not for the faint-hearted. This is one of the most challenging rides - crossing the desert from inland near to Windhoek and finishing on the coast at Swakopmund.
You will ride fast for long stretches and yet, with some preparation, it is
within the capabilities of most seasoned riders. Throughout the rides you are
accompanied by an excellent horsewoman and adventurer
whose riding and organizational skills will continually impress you. The horses are strong and
fit as they live on the rough terrain in the bush.
This ride is a 250 mile adventure
which takes you through some of the most remote and spectacular parts
of Namibia. The expedition starts inland at the farm base near to
Windhoek and from here passes through gentle undulating hills and
mountain escarpments out onto the rocky desert and finally to the sandy
beaches of the Atlantic coast. The trail finishes in Swakopmund on the coast. The Naukluft conservation area supports large herds of mountain zebra and in the Namib you may come across the prehistoric looking Welwitschia plant which spreads its tentacles across the desert floor.
Luggage is transported by truck and a
simple camp is set up each evening. Tents are provided, although a
highlight for many people is the opportunity to sleep out under the
spectacular stars of the African sky.
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Meeting:
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Klein Windhoek
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Airport:
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Windhoek
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Transfer:
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Windhoek town center
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
15 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
Transfer from Windhoek to guest farm/starting point of trail; full board and lodging at guest farm/
Bush Camp and good fare on the trail 2-3 riding guides. 9.5 riding days
| A | 2010 | 11 day trip, AP | 11d / 10n | €2500 | $3825 |
| Riders 190 lbs and over - +30% for extra spare horse | €0 | $0 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Windhoek center included at approx 11 Am on Day 1. Trip ends in Swakopmund.
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From Windhoek International take the airport bus or a taxi into town. We meet you at ~10 AM at the Tourist Information kiosk opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel in the city centre in Windhoek.
Rates do not include:
Sleeping bag, Bottled and canned drinks; souvenirs; tips for local guides and crew; activities in Swakopmund, lunch and dinners in Swakopmund e.g. dolphin cruise or desert quad biking; transfer or flights from Swakopmund to Windhoek.
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Day 1: We meet you in
Windhoek mid-morning around 10 am and take you on a 1-2 hours drive southwest to
a guest farm, where you spend the first night. You are introduced to your riding
guides and fellow-riders, do a short trial ride, acquaint yourself with the
awesome terrain and have supper and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: We start off on our riding adventure:
cross-country on game and cattle tracks through the bush savannah of the central
highlands (1500-2000 m above sea level) towards the escarpment, where the
highlands drop into the plains with stunning views of endless hills and steep
rock faces in constantly changing colors. Unbelievable where horses can go –
riding not for the faint-hearted! An easy descent takes us to the campsite where
our back-up vehicles are waiting. After a good meal, cooked on the campfire,
some jokes and chatting about the day's events you retire to your tent or sleep
under the stars.
Day 3: A long and exerting, but
particularly memorable day awaits us! We ride over the Hakos Mountains (2000 m),
along dry riverbeds and on the tracks of mountain zebra, oryx and baboons, past
leopard caves and thorn bushes. This is pristine countryside with stunning
panoramic views... and you are sure to appreciate a hot shower and a good meal
at the end of this day! Our camp is at Natas, another remote and rugged Namibian
cattle farm.
Day 4: First we venture into the shaft of a
long-forgotten gold mine not far from our camp; then do a short ride (20 km)
along dirt roads to the red sand dunes of Rooisand on the fringe of the Namib
Desert. In the early afternoon we arrive at our campsite, beautifully situated
at the foot of Gamsberg, the third highest mountain in Namibia. Just before
sunset we might hike to a natural shelter on the mountain nearby to see Bushman
paintings.
Day 5: We ride through the semi-desert between
the Gaub and Kuiseb valleys; past remote, abandoned farms towards the Namib-Naukluft
Park's (500 000 ha) main entrance.
Day 6: We enter the largest nature conservation
area in Africa (an area as large as the British Isles). The Skeleton Coast Park,
Namib Naukluft Park and Sperrgebiet extend along Namibia’s entire coastline
(2000km) up to a width of some 100 km. We ride through the bizarre Kuiseb Canyon
and alongside its banks and camp at Aruvlei, an interesting oasis in the Namib.
Marvel at the incredibly beautiful African sunset and myriads of stars.
Day 7: A long, tough riding day and non-stop
sunshine! See mountain zebra, oryx, ostrich, springbok and if your lucky some of
the desert warthogs while crossing the desert’s gravel plains as the crow flies.
For our lunch break we stop at Ganab, a borehole which provides much-needed
water for the game in the desert. Then we are off again, to Hotsas (Tinkas and
Tumas plains). After the considerable distance that we have covered that day,
our camp with the prospect of chilled drinks and a relaxed dinner is a
particularly welcome sight.
Day 8: We canter happily towards Poacher's Turn
and Marble Mountains, encountering strange shapes and mirages, fascinating
survival devices of desert adapted creatures, infinite space and tremendous
solitude.
Day 9: Continue through unspoilt, true desert
landscape where you will see unique Welwitschia plants. Close to the coast we
enter the spectacular Moon Valley. It is our last night on the trail and we camp
out under the stars, around the campfire in the dry riverbed of the Swakop near
Goanikontes.
Day 10: Joyfully ride along the Swakop valley
until you reach the dunes and then at last the ocean shore at Swakopmund. Our
first glimpse of a town in ten days! For the next two nights we stay in
comfortable holiday chalets/guest house and our horses enjoy their well-deserved
rest in cozy stables.
Day 11: We have breakfast together and say
goodbye to friends. Air Namibia flies from Walvis Bay to Windhoek, Johannesburg
and Cape Town. You can also catch one of four busses to Windhoek.
Take note: Routes can be changed due to unpredictable weather (sandstorm!)
and other unforeseen conditions!
Meeting:
Klein Windhoek
Airport:
Windhoek
Transfer:
Windhoek town center
Distance:
70 miles
From Windhoek International take the airport bus or a taxi into town. We meet you at ~10 AM at the Tourist Information kiosk opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel in the city centre in Windhoek.
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Tack:
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Comfortable equitation and Western-style
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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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate+
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
15 riders
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Horses and Saddles:
“One of each breed”, i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert; 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. We use comfortable equitation and Western-style saddles to properly fit the horse as well as the rider.
Terrain and Distance:
Rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains - at times the going is tough and difficult. On average we cover 20-40 km a day, spending six to eight hours in the saddle. Pace depends on terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter; gallop upon demand. 6 to 12 riders (up to 15 riders on Desert Trails) plus up to 2 - 3 riding guides.
Conditions:
Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential. 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; in addition you should be mentally strong and compatible, and have a sense of humour. We apply a bodyweight limit of 85 kg - anyone heavier pays a 30% surcharge for an extra horse due to regulations set by the World Horse Welfare (ILPH International League for Protection of Horses).
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
BRING a warm sleeping bag (nights can be very cold), a set of warm clothes including a jacket or all-weather coat (for the occasional cold front, even snow), a wide-brimmed hat, a windcheater, a warm sweater, 2 neckerchiefs, long-sleeved shirts, sun lotion, sunglasses, at least 3 changes of comfortable riding clothes (tried and trusted sportswear rather than brand-new fashionable jeans), riding boots/trainers/chaps/mini-chaps according to preference, leisure wear, towel, water bottle, torch, gloves, moon bag, lip balm, a small bag for everything you need for 2 days. We strongly recommend riding caps or cycle helmets (riding without protective headgear is at your own risk).
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1 night at the ranch and 9 nights camping.
Camping:
Large dome-shaped tents (two participants sharing) with camp beds and swags (canvas bedrolls) consisting of lambskin, duvet or quilt and pillow; folding chairs, hot showers. Luggage is transported on trucks; the riders ride across bush or desert as the crow flies and meet the back-up vehicles at camp sites. Camp is pitched at sunset; meals are prepared on the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian and often a surprise.
Horses and Saddles:
“One of each breed”, i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert; 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. We use comfortable equitation and Western-style saddles to properly fit the horse as well as the rider.
Terrain and Distance:
Rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains - at times the going is tough and difficult. On average we cover 20-40 km a day, spending six to eight hours in the saddle. Pace depends on terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter; gallop upon demand. 6 to 12 riders (up to 15 riders on Desert Trails) plus up to 2 - 3 riding guides.
Conditions:
Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential. 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; in addition you should be mentally strong and compatible, and have a sense of humour. We apply a bodyweight limit of 85 kg - anyone heavier pays a 30% surcharge for an extra horse due to regulations set by the World Horse Welfare (ILPH International League for Protection of Horses).
|
Tack:
|
|
Comfortable equitation and Western-style
saddles
|
|
Horses:
|
|
Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, even cross-breeds of the famous
wild horses of the Namib Desert, etc
|
|
Pace:
|
|
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.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate+
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
15 riders
|
|
Horses and Saddles:
“One of each breed”, i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert; 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. We use comfortable equitation and Western-style saddles to properly fit the horse as well as the rider.
Terrain and Distance:
Rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains - at times the going is tough and difficult. On average we cover 20-40 km a day, spending six to eight hours in the saddle. Pace depends on terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter; gallop upon demand. 6 to 12 riders (up to 15 riders on Desert Trails) plus up to 2 - 3 riding guides.
Conditions:
Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential. 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; in addition you should be mentally strong and compatible, and have a sense of humour. We apply a bodyweight limit of 85 kg - anyone heavier pays a 30% surcharge for an extra horse due to regulations set by the World Horse Welfare (ILPH International League for Protection of Horses).
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 |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Great Namibian Desert Trail
Tour Code: PG-NANW
11 days /
10 nights
~$3,825.00
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Comfortable equitation and Western-sty...
Horses:
Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner...
Pace:
15 to 25 miles
a day, 6-8 hours in th...
Walk, Trot, Canter, Gallop,
Airport:
Windhoek
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