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Namib Desert Riding Safari

Duration
11 Days
Price from
£5,800 pp.
Location
Namibia, Africa
Namib Desert Ride

Trip Highlights

  • Scenic desert horseback rides
  • Stunning Namib Desert landscapes
  • Unique wildlife sightings

What's Included

  • Guided horseback rides
  • Desert activities
  • 10 nights accommodation

A challenging ride through one of the world’s oldest landscapes

An incredible riding experience, challenging yourself across 300km of the Namib Desert

This is not your average riding holiday. Traversing the dramatic expanse of the Namib - the oldest desert on Earth - this semi-participatory horseback safari is designed for confident, experienced riders ready for a true adventure. Vast ochre dunes, sweeping gravel plains, and ancient canyons set the stage for a journey that is both physically demanding and deeply rewarding.

Alistair our Namibia expert, says:

“This is one of the most exhilarating and rewarding riding safaris out there. You’re covering serious ground across an ancient, ever-changing landscape – and doing it all from the saddle. It’s tough, no question, but the sense of freedom, the scenery, and the bond you build with your horse make it absolutely unforgettable. If you’re an experienced rider looking for something truly epic, this is it.”

The safari begins in Windhoek with a night to meet your guide, Andrew Gillies, and your fellow riders over dinner and sundowners. From there, you’ll transfer to your desert base and saddle up for an introductory ride, including a visit to Sossusvlei to take in the epic view from Dune 45.

Riding begins in earnest on day three, starting gently before picking up pace. You’ll cover 20–50 km a day at all paces, crossing the Gaub and Kuiseb Canyons, navigating dry riverbeds lined with camelthorn trees, and traversing the wild gravel plains of the central Namib. Expect sightings of desert-adapted wildlife along the way - oryx, jackals, ostrich, and perhaps even hyena. One of the route’s highlights is a 27 km crossing of the Namib Dune Sea, before the final push toward the Atlantic Ocean and the surreal, lunar-like terrain that surrounds it.

Camp life is simple, sociable and in rhythm with the desert. You’ll sleep in bedrolls on stretchers under vast, star-filled skies (tents are available if preferred), with hot bucket showers and shared toilets at each site. Mornings start early with coffee and a hearty breakfast before riding out for the day. Lunch breaks are relaxed, with afternoons offering more time in the saddle before dinner around the fire.

Riders are expected to groom and tack their own horses, supported by an expert guiding team. It’s a hands-on journey in every sense - physically intense, visually unforgettable, and a true once-in-a-lifetime experience for those up to the challenge.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Namibia

Andrew Grooming, Namibia, Horses

A shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) to your first overnight in Windhoek (your name will be on a welcome board). Meet your fellow riders and host/riding guide Andrew Gillies for sundowners and dinner. Andrew will give you a briefing about your adventure.

Day 2 To the desert

Visiting Dune 45

Early breakfast and then the exciting journey into the desert (approximately 4,5 hours) with a dramatic drop off the escarpment. You will meet the horses and crew for lunch and will then head on an excursion to Sossusvlei to climb Dune 45 for a spectacular view of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, enjoy dinner around the campfire under the magnificent southern constellation of stars

Day 3 - 4 The foothills

Day 5 - 6 The Canyons

Day 7 - 10 Plains to the Swakop River

Day 11 End of the adventure

Alistair
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Duration

11 Days

Location

Namibia, Africa

Price from

£5,800 pp.

Price Includes

  • All riding, accommodation and meals and drinks while on the ride
  • Transfers from Windhoek International Airport to starting point of ride and return transfer to central Windhoek or Windhoek International Airport on day of departure
  • A visit to the Namib Dune Sea at Sossuvlei

Price Excludes

  • Extra horse charge for riders 85kg and over in riding gear.
  • Single supplement will be waived if prepared to share guesthouse accommodation.
  • Personal drinks and refreshments at all lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations en-route.
  • Accommodation and transfers not listed on the itinerary.
  • Additional activities and packages.
  • Safari staff gratuities.
  • International flights

The price is based on two people sharing on a set departure trip. There are set departure trips each throughout the year, as well as other rides across Namibia. Please enquire for more information.

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When to go to Namibia

Find out the best time to visit Namibia with our month by month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

Bring your umbrella, it's rainy season. January is mid-summer in Namibia with the possibility of torrential downpours mid afternoon, but with temperatures of 30-35 degrees it tends to be hot and humid.

February

Similar to January, it is hot and humid with the chance of a downpour in the afternoon.

March

In March, rainfall starts to decrease and temperatures lower with nights becoming increasingly cool. Although daytime temperatures remain hot reaching up to 30 degrees.

April

April is predominantly dry and hot, although there can be a couple of sporadic rainy days across the month

May

Winter is coming. May has little or no rainfall and the humidity is low, in northern regions around Etosha you'll find fresher, greener landscapes with wildlife gathering around depleting watering holes.

  • If you're looking to tackle the Fish River Canyon Hike this is the best time to visit Namibia.

June

In June the nights are cold and temperatures can drop below 10 degrees, whilst in the Namib desert it can reach below freezing. There is no chance of rain as the dry season is in full flow.

July

Visitors in July will experience one of Namibia's coldest months, be sure to pack warm clothing as game drives can be chilly.

August

Like July, visitors in August will experience one of Namibia's coldest months, be sure to pack warm clothing as game drives can be chilly and night time temperatures can drop below freezing both at the coast and inland.

September

Considered the best month to travel to Namibia, September is temperate with clear dry skies and low humidity levels.

October

In October game viewing is at its best, the vegetation is fading with temperatures rising up to 29 degrees.

November

Heat continues to rise, with humidity levels remaining low, however there is a chance of rain in the afternoons.

December

December brings the first rains of the season, bringing everything to life as animals start to disperse as more water becomes available.

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Have a look at our original experiences and then contact us with your questions, or call 0203 111 1315

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