Skip to main content

Namib Desert Ride

10 nights from €8000

An 11 day riding adventure through the The Namib Desert is one of the most challenging rides in the world. It’s not everyday that you can ride so fast for so long. Luckily, with some adequate preparation, it is within the capabilities of most riders.

  • Namibia, Namib Desert

  • Set arrivals

  • 10 nights

  • 20 – 60 km of riding per day

  • Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako)

  • Experienced riders only

Join us while we explore the unrivaled open spaces and spectacular landscapes of the Namib Desert. Traveling through the oldest desert in the world, whilst on horseback is an epic, unforgettable adventure, so expect long hours in the saddle and extended amounts of fast riding. This trip is for fit, experienced riders who are looking to take on a challenge. This ride is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Throughout the duration of this ten-night expedition, you’ll spend eight days in the saddle riding nearly 300km through some of the most unexplored and remote parts of Namibia. This adventurous ride starts near the small settlement of Solitaire and ends at Swakopmund on the Atlantic coast.

After a visit to Sossusvlei, the ride continues through the Naukluft mountains. Thereafter, you will cross two river canyons; the Guab and the  Kuiseb (which is much larger). In order to cross these great canyons, you will climb out on foot. Some sitings you would expect to encounter include mountain zebras, so keep an eye out for them.

If you thought the ride and impeccable scenery ended there, you then head out to explore the vast plains of the Namib, where lengthy lines of acacia trees mark the arid watercourses. African wildlife such as; Giraffe, springbok and oryx could be spotted here whilst they doze off in the cool shade. You may even spot the prehistoric-looking Welwitschia plant, which spreads its long tentacles across the sterile desert floor.

As the adventure comes to an end, ride into the Swakop river basin to witness its moon-like landscape and distinctive ridges of dolerite. Cross the dunes and then celebrate your arrival in Swakopmund with a final gallop along the beach.

Itinerary Summary

This is a sample itinerary – subject to change at any time. 

Days 1 - 4: Windhoek to the Namib

Welcome to Namibia! Windhoek Airport Shuttle service will collect you from Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) for your first night’s stay in Windhoek. Here, you will meet fellow riders and your host and guide, Andrew Gillies for a pre-ride briefing and dinner.

The next day will start with an early breakfast and then the exciting journey into the desert (approximately 4,5 hours) with a dramatic drop off the escarpment. Followed by lunch in the camp and an afternoon visit to the Sossusvlei area, returning to camp at sunset.

Our first riding day starts amid the encircling Naukluft (narrow gorge) mountains, which is a short ride to lunch to get acquainted with your horse, the terrain, and the delightful companionship between riders and horse & rider.

Day 5 & 6: The Canyons

While Namibia’s westward- flowing rivers rarely flow, they all run through deep valleys etched at a time when Namibia was wetter and sea levels were lower. We cross two river canyons on our way to the Namib plains; the Gaub and the much larger Kuiseb,  which forms a dramatic end to the 400-km long Namib Sand Sea. Following the tracks of Mountain Zebra, which crisscross the steep sides of the canyon, a technical descent requires some walking/scrambling in and out of the Canyon. The high, narrow walls of the canyon preserve an almost year-round supply of precious water for the game in this area.

Day 7 – 10: Namib Plains to the Swakop River

Good terrain allows for some fast-paced riding over the spacious grassy plains on the Namib. Dry watercourses, distinguishable by the long lines of acacia trees marking them are a much favoured resting place for Giraffe, Springbok and Oryx. As the plains become more arid, strange shapes form and disappear like mirages. Dinosaur-like plants such as the gnarled Welwitschia Mirabilis tell of a land full of great antiquity and tremendous solitude.

The Swakop river basin has eroded into a truly ancient geology  (600 million years old) as it exposes a peculiar moon-like shaped landscape. Curious black ridges of dolerite intrusions form whalebacks on the hills surrounding the river basin. And finally, we make our way to the sea with the last canter along the beach, which marks the end of a truly epic adventure.

Day 11: Departure

Starting with an early breakfast and transfer to Windhoek (just over 5-hour commute) allows you to arrive in time for the departure flights from Windhoek International Airport after 15:00.

About the Safari

 From Windhoek back to Windhoek: 11 days/10 nights. 7 riding days, 2 nights accommodation (first and last), 8 nights camping.
Arrive in Windhoek on the first day of your safari (preferably in time for pre-dinner & group briefing), then arrive back at Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako) in time for flights leaving after 15:00.

Please note that this is a challenging ride and is not suitable for inexperienced riders, nor the faint-hearted! It is, however, undeniably the ride of a lifetime.

AND the reason why so many of our guests come back for more year after year…

Being on a Safari

Camp life has a leisurely pace. Days begin at sunrise, with the aroma of freshly brewed 100% Arabica coffee wafting through camp. After a hearty breakfast, we start riding around 8am for 4 – 5 hours. Lunch breaks are 1 – 2 hours, followed by another 2 – 3 hours of riding in the afternoon.

We ride 20 – 60 km per day at all places and over rough terrain. This includes some very long canters.

Due to the remoteness of the riding safaris, all guests require comprehensive medical insurance, including repatriation.

DATES

This ride sells out fast! 2026 and 2027 sold out; waitlist for 2028 available.

15 – 25/07/2026; 26/08 – 05/09/2026
14 – 24/04/2027; 16 – 26/06/2027; 08 – 18/09/2027
12 – 22/04/2028; 11 – 21/10/2028

PRICES

INCLUDED

All riding, accommodation, meals, and drinks while on the ride. Drinks at lodges, restaurants, and petrol stations are not included.

En- route: Ground transfers from Windhoek International Airport to the starting point of the ride and  the return transfer to Windhoek International airport on

Day of departureA visit to the World Heritage site of the Namib Sand Sea at Sossusvlei – if you are fit enough, you can climb to the top of a dune for a spectacular view!

NOT INCLUDED

Extra horse charge for riders who are 85kg and over in riding gear. For our horses’ sake, please be accurate with regard to weight and level of fitness.

Single supplements 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. Any extra transfers (for any reason including flight delays) other than those mentioned.

The guests’ personal accounts will be included in the itinerary. We are happy to assist with additional activities and package recommendations:  Safari staff gratuities.

NEAREST AIRPORT

Windhoek International Airport (Hosea Kutako).

The accommodation

Two nights in lodges, 8 nights camping wild with some unexpected luxuries like ice in your sundowners, hot bucket-showers, delicious food around companionable campfires and the magnificent southern stars arching over your comfortable bed at night.

You sleep in a warm, comfortable bedroll on a stretcher, tents are available if required although then you miss out on the spectacular stars overhead – few places on earth have zero light pollution…..this is one of those few.

Gallery