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Great Namibian Canyon Trail
Namibia
Namibia
Imagine
- the second largest Canyon in the world combined with African game,
wild horses and vast desert plains! The Canyon Ride combines
dramatic canyon landscapes, spacious desert plains and the mighty
Orange River. It offers the opportunity to experience both inaccessible
countryside and real wilderness areas, as well as riding without
limitations.
The trail takes you right up to the canyon rim to
experience the stunning views from the top, before descending into the
canyon and exploring alongside the Orange River. The trail then leads
away from the canyon and takes you across open savannah plains and
rocky landscapes to reach Klein Aus Vista. Here you have the chance to
see the wild horses of the Southern Namib Desert.
The Fish River Canyon area is internationally recognised as one of Africa’s most magnificent sites; it is also the second largest canyon in the world. Riding will commence in and along the upper Fish River canyons where you will experience part of the canyon not seen by many. After the endless Nama Karoo, the plains invite you for everlasting canters, only to be stopped by the Orange/Gariep River, which forms the southern border of Namibia. Distances covered daily will vary between 20 and 55 kilometres. The Canyon Trail crosses over three private parks: Fish River Canyon Park, Gondwana Park and Aussenkehr Park, altogether covering an area of about 220 000 ha. These Parks fall within the Nama Karoo Desert biome and are on the fringe of the transitional area between Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo, the Orange River basin at Aussenkehr being the most arid part of the Nama Karoo biome. Aussenkehr Park is also home to a small Namib Feral Horse population, descended from the original wild horse population at Garub in the Namib Desert.
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Meeting:
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Springfontein
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Airport:
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Windhoek
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Transfer:
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Windhoek
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
All transfers from Windhoek airport to RiverCrossing + MuleStation; full board and lodging at homesteads and lodges and good fare while camping on the trail; scenic drive to the main lookout point at the Fish River Canyon; transfer from Norotshama Lodge via Klein Aus Vista Lodge with an excursion to the Wild Horses and transfer back to Windhoek.
| A | 2010 | 12 day trip, AP | 12d / 11n | €3550 | $5045 |
Minimum Deposit:
~$2,350.00
per person
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Windhoek included at approx 8 AM
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From Windhoek International take the airport bus or a taxi into town. We meet you at ~8 AM at the Tourist Information kiosk opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel in the city centre in Windhoek.
Rates do not include:
Drinks at lodges and homesteads; souvenirs; tips for local guides and crew;flights, if applicable, from Rosh Pinah or Lüderitzbucht; airport transfers.
Day 1: You will be met by the
RiverCrossing Lodge at the airport and take to the lodge located in a game
reserve high overlooking Windhoek for lunch depending on your arrival time.
The afternoon can be spent at leisure by the pool or a chance to do a sun
downer ride or visit Windhoek, a charming small city. In the evening you
will have dinner with the group and our representatives.
Day 2: You will leave with the
group heading towards Fish-River-Canyon area. Transfer of about 8 hours
including a picnic along the way and time for photo-shooting, chat to your
fellow-riders. Arrive late afternoon at Fish-River Mule Station meet your
guides and local crew. Unpack your luggage into a smaller bag for the
following 2 days to come. Terrain is inaccessible for larger trucks and we
thus take small bags only.
Day 3: After relaxing
breakfast. Riding over variable terrain, reaching the amazing plateau, and
continue along the edge until we reach HorseShoeCamp. During lunch break we
admire the stunning, breathtaking view! In the afternoon along serpentines
until we reach Koelkrans (the cooling rocks) with a huge waterhole
surrounded by a very steep and narrow canyon. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the
usually very dry area. We climb up to Horse shoe Camp.
Day 4: From Horse Shoe Camp
to Augurabis. The ride might follow a section of the Fish River where few
people have set foot before. Who knows what is waiting for us! Whether we
ride in the canyon or on zebra tracks around the top will depend on the
water level in the river. The ride in the riverbed is difficult and
demanding but then we make our way up on a steep tract to the Plato before
we cross some plains to find the unexpected forest at Augurabis in the Gaap
River. Augurabis is situated on Gondwana Park, a private park of about 120
000 ha dedicated to conservation and tourism. Stunning views, unbelievable
space and awesome scenery!
Day 5: Augurabis to Grenspos.
Serpentine away from the canyons through bizarre weathered rocks to the
southeast where the basalt ridges ends onto a vast plain, to enjoy some fast
cantering and larger numbers of game like Burchell’s zebra, springbuck,
ostrich and herds of oryx. As we ride in a fenceless environment we are
riding wise not limited to a specific route and can go where the game is. We
camp at the Mule Station from where Mule Trails Namibia is operated at the
foot of Holoog Mountain on wide open terrain with a great panorama. All
luggage available and back to ReitSafari's usual camp facilities and
routine.
Day 6: Grenspos to Mountain
Camp. Ride through endless savannah into an area strewn with granite
boulders and charismatic quiver trees, to arrive for lunch at Mountain Camp.
The afternoon is free for leisure and relaxation and individual photographic
excursions or sun downer walks. Enjoy the luxury of en-suite bath rooms,
made-up proper beds and a very special evening at Mountain Camp.
Day 7: Mountain Camp via
Kanebis to Fourie se Gat (a hole dug by Mr. Fourie) We follow the road
towards the Fish River Valley and then parallel to it to arrive upon wide
open plains. You will most probably spot quite some different game along. We
meet unlimited, ever changing scenery and camp at a cosy spot…and look
forward to an unforgettable sunset over the Fish River Canyon “bad lands” to
the west, the granite kopjes behind you and the sandy plains of the Gamkab
basin ahead of you, with Norotshama peak on the southern horizon.
Day 8: Fourie se Gat to Gamkab
Camp. In the morning we follow the road towards the Fish River Valley and
then parallel to it to arrive upon wide open plains. We meet unlimited, ever
changing scenery and camp at a cosy spot next to the Gamkab River.
Day 9 : From Gamkab Camp to
Boulders camp. Riding over everlasting plains to a patch of isolated sand
dunes on Aussenkehr Nature Park, then on again to a camp surrounded by
stacked boulders which could only have been the work of giants. Again,
riding is not limited to a specific route, as we can roam freely in a vast
environment.
Day 10: The last ride.
Stunning contrasts again; ride from the wide open plains into the very
narrow Kings Throne canyon, onto a view point surprisingly displaying the
Orange/Gariep River with its vineyards in an otherwise barren landscape.
Another happy canter and some strolling through the vineyards to finally
un-tack at Norotshama River Resort, on the banks of the Orange River. Go for
a swim in the pool (or river) and enjoy sundowners on the river and dinner
at the lodge.
Day 11: Maybe go for a short
canoe trip down the river and leave late morning for Klein-Aus Vista.
Driving along the Orange river to Rosh Pinah and then along the Sperrgebiet
(Restricted Diamond area) to Aus. In the afternoon set off on a sun downer
excursion to the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert with and experienced guide.
Day 12: Depart for Windhoek
after an early breakfast, a seven hour transfer. Alternatively an option is
possible to fly to Windhoek or Cape Town from Rosh Pinah airport (on day 11
when passing through Rosh Pinah) or Luderitz airport (one hour transfer from
Klein-Aus Vista)
Take note: Routes can be changed due
to unpredictable weather and other unforeseen conditions!
***Routes can be changed due to
unpredictable weather and other unforeseen conditions!
Meeting:
Springfontein
Airport:
Windhoek
Transfer:
Windhoek
Distance:
360 miles
From Windhoek International take the airport bus or a taxi into town. We meet you at ~8 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 35 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 |
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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
12 riders
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Horses and Saddles:
We like to say, “One of each breed”.
The reliable string of horses incorporate an Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, breeds and even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of living in the Namib Desert. They are all small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16 hands) sure-footed horses, raised on rough terrain and so excel on treks. Some of them have had valuable experience in endurance riding. Every one of them is a kind, reliable trekking companion that deserves the very best treatment and care. We use comfortable equitation English saddles and Western-style saddles, checked to properly fit both 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 the daily terrain and temperature, as well as on the fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter; gallop upon demand. 6 to 12 riders (up to 15 riders on Desert Trails) with 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 and in addition you should be mentally strong with and 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).
One Big Happy Family:
No, we do not breed horses – we collect them. And they also find us and just walk into our home. Sixteen years ago we started with six horses. Now we keep between 80 and 100 horses and, to answer your question straightaway, yes, we do know every single one by name and character (like teachers know their pupils and friends recognise each other). On average they are medium-sized and since all of them were raised outdoors, without a stable, on the rough terrain in the bush, they are swift as well as surefooted. Some have participated in show jumping and dressage, others in endurance riding, but the majority are just plain happy trail horses. A lot of work is put into training the horses thoroughly and keeping them healthy. We believe that only a happy horse provides a good ride. Our horses are trained according to the principles of natural horsemanship and can be ridden to continental dressage standards as well as neck reining. We prefer geldings. for our trail horses, mares usually come into heat on long trails and are in general more moody in a group situation. We do not mix mares and geldings to avoid unnecessary pecking and bullying. We aim at a perfect match between horse and rider. Since each horse has its own personality, just like people, we know about personality clashes as well as affectionate relationships. Some of our horses have gained quite a reputation (in a good way)! Riders who have already been on trail with us will remember horses like Brown, Wildfang, Askari, Metallic, Allvier (All Four), Shooting Star, Kudu, Racker, Cabana, Ben and so many others. Recently some of our fan favorite horses were retired and are now kept at the other farm. This means that riders who join us again will find that some horses are no longer with us, while quite a number of new ones have been added.
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
Windhoek has a semi-desert climate, very hot in summertime with mild winters, but temperatures tend to drop each night. Average temps in wintertime (June to August) range from 43F/6C to 70F/21C. Nights are cold but temperatures normally do not dip below 32F/0C. Popular times to travel to Windhoek is between March and October, with April to June being the peak travel months, when the rainfall is the lowest and temperatures are fairly mild. Namibia receives about 300 days sunshine a year on average. Droughts tend to come once a decade to the region.
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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The camp will be set up for you each evening. Meals will be prepared over an open fire when possible.
Large dome-shaped tents (two participants sharing each) with camp beds and swags (canvas bedrolls) consisting of lambskin, duvet or quilt and pillow. There will be folding chairs and hot showers. Luggage is transported by truck; the riders take short-cuts through the bush or desert and meet the back-up vehicles at the camp site. Camp is pitched at sunset and meals are prepared on the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian and often a delightful surprise!
Horses and Saddles:
We like to say, “One of each breed”.
The reliable string of horses incorporate an Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, breeds and even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of living in the Namib Desert. They are all small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16 hands) sure-footed horses, raised on rough terrain and so excel on treks. Some of them have had valuable experience in endurance riding. Every one of them is a kind, reliable trekking companion that deserves the very best treatment and care. We use comfortable equitation English saddles and Western-style saddles, checked to properly fit both 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 the daily terrain and temperature, as well as on the fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter; gallop upon demand. 6 to 12 riders (up to 15 riders on Desert Trails) with 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 and in addition you should be mentally strong with and 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).
One Big Happy Family:
No, we do not breed horses – we collect them. And they also find us and just walk into our home. Sixteen years ago we started with six horses. Now we keep between 80 and 100 horses and, to answer your question straightaway, yes, we do know every single one by name and character (like teachers know their pupils and friends recognise each other). On average they are medium-sized and since all of them were raised outdoors, without a stable, on the rough terrain in the bush, they are swift as well as surefooted. Some have participated in show jumping and dressage, others in endurance riding, but the majority are just plain happy trail horses. A lot of work is put into training the horses thoroughly and keeping them healthy. We believe that only a happy horse provides a good ride. Our horses are trained according to the principles of natural horsemanship and can be ridden to continental dressage standards as well as neck reining. We prefer geldings. for our trail horses, mares usually come into heat on long trails and are in general more moody in a group situation. We do not mix mares and geldings to avoid unnecessary pecking and bullying. We aim at a perfect match between horse and rider. Since each horse has its own personality, just like people, we know about personality clashes as well as affectionate relationships. Some of our horses have gained quite a reputation (in a good way)! Riders who have already been on trail with us will remember horses like Brown, Wildfang, Askari, Metallic, Allvier (All Four), Shooting Star, Kudu, Racker, Cabana, Ben and so many others. Recently some of our fan favorite horses were retired and are now kept at the other farm. This means that riders who join us again will find that some horses are no longer with us, while quite a number of new ones have been added.
|
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 35 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 |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate+
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185 lbs
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
6 riders
|
Max
12 riders
|
|
Horses and Saddles:
We like to say, “One of each breed”.
The reliable string of horses incorporate an Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner, ranch horse, breeds and even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of living in the Namib Desert. They are all small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16 hands) sure-footed horses, raised on rough terrain and so excel on treks. Some of them have had valuable experience in endurance riding. Every one of them is a kind, reliable trekking companion that deserves the very best treatment and care. We use comfortable equitation English saddles and Western-style saddles, checked to properly fit both 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 the daily terrain and temperature, as well as on the fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter; gallop upon demand. 6 to 12 riders (up to 15 riders on Desert Trails) with 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 and in addition you should be mentally strong with and 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).
One Big Happy Family:
No, we do not breed horses – we collect them. And they also find us and just walk into our home. Sixteen years ago we started with six horses. Now we keep between 80 and 100 horses and, to answer your question straightaway, yes, we do know every single one by name and character (like teachers know their pupils and friends recognise each other). On average they are medium-sized and since all of them were raised outdoors, without a stable, on the rough terrain in the bush, they are swift as well as surefooted. Some have participated in show jumping and dressage, others in endurance riding, but the majority are just plain happy trail horses. A lot of work is put into training the horses thoroughly and keeping them healthy. We believe that only a happy horse provides a good ride. Our horses are trained according to the principles of natural horsemanship and can be ridden to continental dressage standards as well as neck reining. We prefer geldings. for our trail horses, mares usually come into heat on long trails and are in general more moody in a group situation. We do not mix mares and geldings to avoid unnecessary pecking and bullying. We aim at a perfect match between horse and rider. Since each horse has its own personality, just like people, we know about personality clashes as well as affectionate relationships. Some of our horses have gained quite a reputation (in a good way)! Riders who have already been on trail with us will remember horses like Brown, Wildfang, Askari, Metallic, Allvier (All Four), Shooting Star, Kudu, Racker, Cabana, Ben and so many others. Recently some of our fan favorite horses were retired and are now kept at the other farm. This means that riders who join us again will find that some horses are no longer with us, while quite a number of new ones have been added.
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 Canyon Trail
Tour Code:
PG-NACT
12 days /
11 nights
~$5,045.00
Dates :
April, June
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Comfortable equitation and Western-sty...
Horses:
Arab, Haflinger, Lipizzaner, Trakehner...
Pace:
15 to 35 miles
a day, 6-8 hours in th...
Walk,
Trot,
Canter,
Airport:
Windhoek
Location on Google Map
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Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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