Horse riding alternatives in Namibia

By: Nestor Imberti Posted: 17/04/2020

Today, we invite you to a horseback adventure in Namibia, a fascinating country with unique natural areas and some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in the world.

Namibia is home to the Namib Desert stretching along its coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Its name comes from the word “nama”, which means “vast place”. An exact description of its scenery and geography.

The country is divided into four regions: the coastal area, the Namib Desert, a central plateau and the Kalahari Desert.

• The northern part of the coast is known as the Skeleton Coast for its strong and roaring winds, which have caused several wrecks.

• In the south, the ocean meets the Namib Desert.

• While inland, the steep mountains and rock formations are the ones that define the landscape.

How to visit Namibia on horseback?

The Namib Desert has endemic flora and fauna. Its red dunes are the highest in the world and to explore them on horseback will be one of those experiences you’ll never forget.

One horseback riding vacation option that should be taken into consideration is Namibia Horse Safari Company.

Another option for your Namibia riding holiday is to visit the mineral lands of Damaraland together with African Horse Safaris.

But if you want to see some of the most beautiful private reserves, in Namibia, the option here is Okapuka Horse Safaris.

Although these equestrian trips are for physically-fit and adventurous riders, there are also alternative programs for non-riders, especially for nature and photography lovers.

Namibia Horse Safari Company

This highly accomplished team of equestrian guides and assistants provides the sort of luxury you would not expect on a remote riding safari, literally, in the middle of nowhere.

They take care of their horses in first place, and then, of their guests. But there’s nothing to worry about. Guests will be treated so well that they’ll feel at home, without noticing that they’re actually in the middle of the world’s oldest desert.

Guided and hosted by Andrew, the incredible meals prepared Chef Rayne, the hot showers efficiently provided by Nelson and Collen, Telane’s attention to the horses and Phoebe’s cheerful hospitality will make you feel like one of the family right away.

They offer 5 safari-style tours of 10 days. They are all challenging and different but enjoyable at the same time.

We have selected one of them randomly so you can have an example of how they work and feel their job.

Riding programs: “Namib Desert Safari”

From Windhoek back to Windhoek, it’s an 11-day/10-night program riding around the best of the Namib Desert.

In this trip, you spend the first and last night lodged, and 8 nights camping under the stars of primitive Africa.

Day 11: Departure for Windhoek Airport.

Important information

• Internet: Consider yourself ‘unplugged’ while on safari, cell-phone reception is minimal at best and internet not at all except in cities and larger towns. There are 12 volt usb chargers in our vehicles for small devices.

• Laundry: Water is a very precious commodity in a desert so while it is possible to rinse a few smalls while on safari, only lodges and hotels have laundry service. See their packing list for their recommendations on what to bring.

• Insurance: Having comprehensive medical insurance is a condition for riding with them. You will be required to sign an indemnity which assumes you have read their riding policy in which you will discover they take the well-being of their horses very seriously. For their sake, and out of respect for other guests participating in the Safari, please be accurate about your weight, riding ability and fitness.

• Rate Includes: Riding, accommodation, meals and drinks on the ride, excluded are drinks at lodges/hotels. Ground transfers from Windhoek Int Airport.

• Rate Excludes: Extra horse charge for riders 85 kg or over (in riding gear), and if you choose not to share accommodation or require a single tent. Personal drinks and refreshments at lodges/restaurants.

• Visa’s: Most foreign nationals do not require a visa to travel to Namibia, however do check - things change without notice.

• Inoculation:No special vaccinations needed, unless you are coming from a country where yellow fever is prevalent. Some doctors suggest tetanus and hepatitis B. Malaria does occur in Namibia’s tropical regions, but not in the arid areas we mostly ride in.

For more information about their equestrian programs, please contact their team on their web site: https://www.namibiahorsesafari.com/

African Horse Safaris

They are located in the mineral areas of the region known as high Damaraland. They offer some of the most exciting horseback Safaris in Africa amidst some of the most incredible landscapes of this stunning African region.

African Horse Safaris Team

Greg loves a challenge and is always looking for new adventures. He knows the African tourism industry inside out. He won the Young Leader Award 2015 by the International Hotel Investment Forum, and is therefore the perfect match for steering African Horse Safaris in the right direction.

Here she spent 2.5 years living in the bush with 30 horses at her disposal and 7 giraffe in the back garden.

Combining her love of horses, travel and Africa, she is heading up the team here at African Horse Safaris, and acting as their horse safari guru.

With over 20 years of experience guiding horse safaris through the captivating Namibian landscapes, she has created the best horse safaris you can find in this country.

Safari Horseback Riding Vacations

They have more than 20 destinations in the whole African continent. In all of them there is a team of local bilingual guides, expert riders that develop the trips and a considerable local staff accompanying each trail they offer their guests.

Safari rides are not suitable for novice riders, not only for the ride itself and the difficulties of the desert, but also for the risk of coming across wild animals on the way.

During these rides, strong bonds are built between riders and horses as you tackle the adventure together and you are responsible for grooming and tacking up your own steed.

The luggage is transported by the logistic team via a truck which then sets up camp.

African Horse Safaris has something to offer all over Africa, but in this case, we will focus on the territory under discussion, Namibia.

Damaraland Horse Riding Safari

Virtually inaccessible, the Damaraland of Namibia is a fascinating and spectacular setting for an unforgettable horse riding safari. Ancient craters and prehistoric remnants dot the absurdly wide and distant horizons and these ancient landscapes are painted with contrastingly delicate and detailed patterns of colour.

This is true wilderness; out in the middle of these remote primeval lands, stretching out in all directions as far as the eye can see and with only the African wildlife for company. This horse riding holiday will take you from the Twyfelfontein to Cape Cross on the forbidding Skeleton Coast with its musuem of shipwrecks that dot the beaches – a journey you will never forget.

About their horses

You will take on the challenge aboard super fit, responsive and impressively sure-footed horses. There are close to 80 horses of varying types available, ranging from Arab, Trakehner/Cross, Hanoverian and Boerperd.

How they care for their horses

The horses of Africa Horse Safaris are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris.

Between safaris the horses live out in thousands of hectares of natural bush in herds of up to 100, forming natural social bonds.

They do 10-night safari every six weeks between April and late October. All horses spend the remaining four/five summer months out in the bush.

You can find more details about the horseback riding programs provided by this supplier all over Africa, on their web site: https://africanhorsesafaris.com/

Okapuka Horse Safaris

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia and there is where Okapuka is situated, a private game reserve of more than 10,000 hectares.

They offer safari horse tours and they have very experienced local guides who know the region perfectly. Expert riders that have a deep knowledge of horses and rides.

In these tours, you’ll ride beautiful Arab horses through a varied scenery, always in search of more: more landscapes, more experiences on horseback, more adventure, more of Namibia.

Besides their movie-like natural settings for these amazing equestrian programs, they also have riding rights throughout the neighbouring farms which makes the total area 20,000 hectares for you and your riding companions. The possibilities are simply unlimited.

The flora and fauna, actually wildlife in general is exceptional at Okapuka, for its variety, colouring and quantity. Great effort is put into maintaining Okapuka as one of the best stocked private game reserves in Namibia.

You are also likely to see ostrich, impala, springbok, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox and, if you ride in the mountains, zebra and the rare sable antelope. This is what we call “Varied Wildlife”.

The terrain where you ride in these horseback riding holidays is an interesting combination of savannah and rocky mountains that will take you up to 2,000 metres above sea level.

Their riding programs have an average duration of one week, and you will ride an average of 4 hours per day, and some days a couple of extra hours.

Remember that Safaris, specially its particular trails, are for experienced riders only.

Accommodation and main amenities

Accommodation is in the “Park Rooms” of “Okapuka Ranch” where its thatched rooms overlook the river (bed) of the Otjihavera or have a view over the savannah. The rooms are spacious and have an en-suite bathroom.

The restaurant specialises in game dishes based on Namibian and European cuisine.

The horses of Okapuka Horse Safaris

Their 21 horses are mainly pure-bred Arabians and 4 Arabian crosses. They have chosen Arabian blood for their even temperament and to ensure a safe yet exciting ride.

Some of their adorable creatures were bought in Namibia or born from their own stud, whereas others were imported from South Africa, Europe or the United States.

At the stables the horses live in large sandy paddocks. On a regular basis they go on holiday in a 1,500 hectare camp where they can graze, play and be horse again. When it’s time for work they pick them up, school them and make sure that they are ready for you. This keeps their mind and spirit alive; they are a pleasure to ride.

All effort is made to ensure the right combination between horse and rider before setting out on any ride.

For the welfare of their horses and their size, they limit the weight of riders that visit them to 85kg for the safari rides and 80kg for endurances and mountain trails.

Their riding style is English. They use light-weight endurance saddles covered with sheep skin bumnahs. These saddles, made by Leon Liversage, are comfortable for both horse and rider and designed for long hours in the saddle.

All saddles carry a saddle bag that have enough space for cold water (provided) and your personal equipment (camera, suntan lotion, binoculars, etc.). The stirrups are wide and give you plenty of support.

When you return from your ride, you will be asked to assist in showering your horse prior to enjoying that well-earned drink at the bar.

You can find more information about Okapuka Horse Safaris and its rides, on their web site: https://www.okapuka.com/

/ Photos: https://africanhorsesafaris.com, www.namibiahorsesafari.com and www.okapuka.com /

Thinking about a horse riding holiday but don't know where to start?

Download our free eBook "How to plan your next horseback trip" which will help you organize your next horse riding holidays in a simple and clear way. We will give you all the necessary guidelines throughout the whole booking process, and tell you what you should take into account once your holidays have started.

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