Africa
Namibia Mountain Bike Safari, 6 Days - From: $3,465
Trip Summary
A unique way for reasonably fit guests to experience the wilds of northwestern Namibia: a combination mountain bike safari and vehicle safari, taking in wildlife and spectacular desert scenery on the way. Relish that sense of achievement that is a part of pedalling one's way through the vast, changing landscapes and relax at the day's end, to evening drinks in the cool desert air. A support vehicle is in accompaniment in case cycling becomes too arduous for some!
Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia, a huge, untamed, ruggedly beautiful region. Here there are prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and deep gorges. Towards the west, the geography changes dramatically with endless sandy wastes, that incredibly are able to sustain small, but wide-ranging, populations of desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, giraffe, ostrich and springbok. These animals have adapted their lifestyles to survive the harshness of the sun-blistered, almost waterless desert spaces. Elephant move through euphorbia bush country, and can travel up to 70km in a day in search of food and water and unusually, do not destroy trees in their quest for food.
Please note, this itinerary makes use of Adventurer Camps. Adventurer camping brings the guest closer to nature, by means of lively campfires, hurricane lanterns, diverse activities and a warm atmosphere permeating the camp (and its simple comforts). Adventurer camps are specifically outfitted to create that wilderness camping feel with a clear emphasis on essential camp comforts and maximum wilderness experience.
Highlights
- Cycle through Damaraland's spectacular landscape
- Encounter desert-adapted widlife including elephant and black rhino
- Experience the privacy and rugged wilderness of the Palmwag Reserve
- Diverse and prolific bird life
Trip Details
Price:
| Per Person, double occupancy | From: $3,465 |
| Single supplement | $416 |
Based on low season rates with two guests traveling.
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
Ugab, Namibia
After arrival in Windhoek, Nambiba you will be met by your guides and driven to the stunning monolith of Brandberg, on the banks of the Ugab River. Enjoy a warm-up ride of 40 kilometers to the Save the Rhino campsite, your Adventurer campsite that is pre-erected under the shade of immense Acacia trees.
On Day 2 cycle to the old zinc mine, enjoying steep climbs, thrilling downhills and exhilarating challenges on the route. Your afternoon is spent relaxing at the camp and exploring the wildlife-rich Ugab riverbed.
Lodging: Save the Rhino Camp
Day 3
Damaraland, Namibia
Today embark on the longest stage – a route of 90km (56 miles) through changing habitats to Damaraland Camp. This also creates a wonderful opportunity to find elephant and rhino en route, as well as to view gemsbok, springbok and giraffe.
Situated on the northern face of the Huab River valley and looking south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland Camp offers its guests endless vistas. Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river sand canyon, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. This comfortable and friendly camp offers walks and drives in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia.
Although wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland Camp is situated where the rare desert-adapted elephant roams, alongside gemsbok (Oryx), springbok, ostrich and other hardy desert animals. Rare succulent plants somehow manage to eke out an existence in this harsh environment. Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in 10 comfortable tented rooms, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water. Due to the dry desert environment, it is unfortunately not possible to offer a laundry service.
Lodging: Damaraland Camp
Day 4
Damaraland, Namibia
Damaraland has a desolate, volcanic landscape with small rock-strewn plains where long-ago glaciers once moved. Our 80km (50 mile)ride traverses this incredible panorama and is the heart of black rhino country, creating a highly rewarding ride that has the possibility of seeing this endangered animal.
This afternoon, arrive to your Adventurer tented camp situated on the Palmwag campsite.
Lodging: Palmwag Campsite
Day 5
Damaraland, Namibia
After a short exciting ride of 40 kilometres through black rhino country, enjoy an afternoon tracking rhino on foot with the specialist Save the Rhino trackers. Conclude your evening with sunset drinks, taking in the isolated beauty of Damaraland.
Desert Rhino Camp is situated in the 450 000-hectare private Palmwag Reserve in north-west Namibia, between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast - few places on the planet can offer this level of privacy and wilderness experience. This desert reserve has a number of freshwater springs that support healthy populations of animals including desert-adapted black rhino and elephants as well as large populations of the Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok and kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park with over a large lion population, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyaena. Bird life is prolific and diverse, with most of Namibia's endemics present.
Desert Rhino Camp has eight large East African-styled "Meru" tents each with an en-suite bathroom comprising hand basin, flush toilet and a classic bucket shower that is filled with hot water whenever needed. The tented dining room offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains. Welwitschia (ancient desert-adapted plants) dot the plain in front of the camp. Guests can also enjoy full day outings, with a picnic lunch, on the reserve.
The "Save the Rhino Trust" - a non-profit conservation organization, has been working in this area for 20 years. The Trust has been singly responsible for helping to ensure that these rare, desert-adapted black rhino survived the slaughter that went on throughout other parts of Africa in the late 20th century. Today this population of black rhino is growing in numbers and the area boasts the largest concentration of rhino anywhere on the planet outside of a national park. Community game scouts who were employed by the Trust to help with the patrolling and monitoring all these years are now seconded to the camp and are the trackers and guides.
Lodging: Desert Rhino Camp
Day 6
Windhoek, Namibia
After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to Windhoek where your adventure safari comes to an end. In Windhoek, connect to international flights home.
Destinations
The Details
