Riding across the Namib Desert is not for the faint-hearted, and guests must be fit and enjoy the challenge of an epic endurance ride – think ‘Hidalgo’ the movie. But for those who thrive on a challenge, this is the perfect ride for you.
The Namib Desert Safari covers a total of 400 kilometres over seven days in the saddle. Starting in the central highlands with an altitude of 2,000 metres above sea level, you’ll gradually descend until at last you’re baptised by the waves of the wild Atlantic Ocean. A typical day involves seven hours’ riding, covering between 40 and 70 kilometres in searing hot temperatures. You’ll scoot down mountain faces, gallop across desert plains and sight oryx, springbok, mountain zebra, warthogs and ostriches along the way.
The horses on this safari have diverse bloodlines including Arabian, Haflinger, Trakehner, ranch horses, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert. They are tough, surefooted horses standing 14.3 to 16 hands high, some with experience in endurance riding, and every one of them a kind, reliable companion.
Namibia offers a perfect platform for world class horse riding safaris, and our riding partner in Namibia doesn’t just offer the famous Namib Desert ride; other safaris include the Kalahari Desert Safari, Damara Elephant Safari, Desert Canyons Safari and Wolwedans to Wild Horses. Please contact us for more information about these itineraries.
Fast Facts
- Horse Breed:One of each breed, i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Trakehner, ranch horses, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert; they are surefooted horses raised on rough terrain, standing 14.3 to 16 hands high, some with experience in endurance riding, and every one of them a kind, reliable companion.
- Pace:Medium to fast, with lots of opportunities to canter.
- Weight Limit:A bodyweight limit of 85kg / 187lbs applies - anyone heavier pays a 30% surcharge for an extra horse due to regulations set by World Horse Welfare (IHPH: international league for protection of horses).
- Type of tack:Endurance saddles.
- Seasons:March to September.
- Group size:A minimum of 6 and a maximum of 15 guests.
- Time in Saddle:A typical day involves 7 hours in the saddle, covering 40 to 70 kilometres a day.
- Riding Ability:Suitable for strong intermediate to advanced riders. Fitness, good health, and experience in horse riding and handling 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 have a sense of humour. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
- Accommodation:Large dome-shaped tents (two participants sharing) with camp beds and swags (canvas bedrolls) consisting of lambskin, duvet or quilt and pillow; folding chairs and 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 the campsites. Camp is pitched at sunset; meals are prepared on the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian, and often a surprise.
- Ride Length:11 days, 10 nights (7 riding days).
- Inclusions:
Price includes ground transfers to and from the ride, meals, riding, drinks while camping and accommodation.
- Exclusions:
The price does not include personal drinks at lodges and restaurants, additional activities and meals not listed on itinerary, flights or travel insurance, staff gratuities (recommended £8 to £10 per day per guest).
DEPARTURE DATES & RATES
NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Price includes ground transfers to and from the ride, meals, riding, drinks while camping and accommodation.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include personal drinks at lodges and restaurants, additional activities and meals not listed on itinerary, flights or travel insurance, staff gratuities (recommended £8 to £10 per day per guest).
Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. There is a 2% surcharge on all card payments. Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN GBP?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.
Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Days 5 & 6
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Days 7 to 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Transfer Information
What our valued Globetrotters say about The Namib Desert Safari

Lara Peake
“Join if you are prepared to sleep on the ground with frost on the swag and a howling wind then get up before dawn and ride on – I truly loved it.”

Desiree Charlesworth
“The Namibia Desert Ride was the most ‘AWESOME’ and memorable thing I have ever done in my life.”

Bronwyn Hill
“The Namibia ride was a great experience. The company was great and Andrew, Sara-Jane and Tahlani were just terrific hosts and the horses were very well suited to all the riders.”
STORIES FROM THE SADDLE
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Meet a Globetrotter: Desiree Charlesworth
Culture? Tick. Freedom? Tick. Adventure? Tick. Adrenaline? Tick. It seems ‘the bigger the better’ is the philosophy when ...
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Meet Our Guide: Andrew Gilles
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Horse Breed: Namib Desert Horse
Name of breed: Namib Desert Horse, or Namib Wild Horse Country of origin: Namibia Breed origin: The Namib ...
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Meet a Globetrotter: Lara Peake
For addicted globetrotter Lara Peake, the bigger the adventure and the larger the culture shock the better. Lara ...
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