Horseback Riding Vacations in Namibia

Namibia: “The Land of the Brave”

Located in southwest Africa, Namibia is home to the Namib Desert along its coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.

Namibia comes from the word “Nama”, an African language, means “vast place”.

An exact description of its scenery and geography. Namibia has the world’s oldest desert, which was shaped over millions of years.

Its capital is Windhoek. It is the second least densely populated country in the world (after Mongolia) but it has a great ethnic diversity.

The country is divided into 4 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.

The Namib Desert and the Kalahari Desert are largely barren of vegetation. Although there is a savannah forest on the central plateau, the true forests are found only in the northeast. The only permanent rivers are the Orange, the Cunene and the Okavango Zambezi.

Wildlife is abundant and includes elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffes and zebras.

Equestrian tourism in Namibia

The Namib Desert has endemic flora and fauna, which evolved with an exceptional adaptability. Its red dunes, are the highest in the world and to go horse riding on them will be one of those experiences you’ll never forget.

With the different horseback riding tours available in this country, you can go riding not only in the arid desert but also in the mineral lands of Damaraland. Or visit one of their private reserves.

It is important to mention that these equestrian routes are for physically fit and adventuresome riders, willing to give up comfort in search of unforgettable experiences.

Namibia has amazing programs for non-riders, especially for nature and photography lovers.

What destinations do we recommend?

Ampascachi Horse Riding Holidays has selected some suppliers of Equestrian Tourism that should be taken into consideration to know the best of Namibia on horseback.

Namibia Horse Safari Company

Specialists in desert routes, this highly prepared team offers the kind of luxury you would not expect from a safari, especially in such a remote area like this.

They take care of their horses in first place, and then, come their guests. This will make you feel you made the right decision. Guided and hosted by experts, you will enjoy the incredible meals prepared by their chefs and can even take a shower with hot water in the middle of the desert.

The welfare of your horses

They take their horses’ well-being seriously: Weight limit per horse is strictly under 85 kg dressed in riding gear. You must be fit to face the challenge.

From 85 kg, a supplement is levied for a second and even a third horse to help with the work. But remember that their absolute maximum weight limit is 93 kg in riding gear.

For the horses’ sake, they ask you to be accurate about your riding ability, your weight and your fitness level. Riding in the desert is not easy, and they know it. You have to be able to mount your horse, from the ground, unaided.

These safaris are semi-participatory – you must not only saddle up but also prepare and look after your horse.

Its routes

Their long rides sometimes cover over 300 km.

All their horseback safaris comprise 10 nights in campsites. The service is excellent but remember that you are a part of the team and must collaborate in more than one chore during the expedition you choose.

The rewards for coming prepared for these adventures far outweigh the effort involved in the preparation.

Read more about them on their web site:www.namibiahorsesafari.com.

African Horse Safaris

Located in the mineral areas of the region known as high Damaraland.

With more than 20 years of experience in guided horseback safaris through the haunting Namibian scenery, they have developed the best horseback safaris you can find in this country.

Practically inaccessible, the Damaraland region in Namibia is a fascinating and spectacular setting for an unforgettable horseback safari. Ancient craters and prehistoric remains are a part of these age-old landscapes.

Its routes

In their tours, you will discover the true desert.

They offer horseback riding vacations that will take you from Twyfelfontein to Cape Cross, in the impressive Skeleton Coast, with its collection of shipwrecks on its incredible beaches, where you can gallop in freedom. A trip you will never forget!

This safari is not suitable for unexperienced riders, not only for the place itself but also for the many animals, such as elephants, you can come across on the way.

You will start this challenge with very fit horses, receptive and incredibly safe and determined when it comes to setting out on your trip around these wild settings.

You have over 80 horses at your disposal, of different breeds such as Arab, Trakehner / crossbreds, Hanoverian and Boerperd horses.

During their tours, a strong bond is created between the horse and the rider as they share the same adventure. You are responsible for preparing and taking care of your own horse during the trip. Don’t forget it!

The logistics team is in charge of carrying your luggage in trucks and setting up the campsite. You can sleep in tents, but most people prefer to sleep under the stunning African sky.

You can find more details about these incredible adventures in the desert on their web site: africanhorsesafaris.com.

Okapuka Horse Safaris

Located in Windhoek, is a private game reserve of more than 10,000 hectares.

Besides, they have riding rights throughout the neighbouring farms, which makes the total area 20,000 hectares for horseback riding.

The wildlife at Okapuka is outstanding for its variety and quantity. Great effort is put into maintaining Okapuka as one of the best-stocked private game reserves in Namibia.

During your stay you are likely to see white rhino, giraffe, eland, gemsbok, kudu, black and blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, waterbuck, steenbok, duiker, ostrich, impala, springbok, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, mountain and plains zebra and the rare sable antelope.

The thatched Park Rooms overlook the river bed of the Otjihavera or have a view over the savannah.

Their horses

Their horses are purebred Arabian horses and 4 Arabian crosses.

They have chosen Arabian blood for their even temperament and to ensure a safe yet exciting ride. At the stables, the horses live in large sandy paddocks.

All effort is made to ensure the right combination between horse and rider.

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

They use lightweight endurance saddles covered with sheepskin bumnahs, comfortable for both horse and rider and designed for long hours in the saddle. The stirrups are wide and give you plenty of support.

Their riding style is English.

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.

Its routes

In the safaris, you´ll have an experienced guide and ride beautiful Arab horses through a varied scenery, always in search of incredible natural settings that will leave you speechless.

During a week’s stay, you will ride an average of 4 hours per day.

The terrain is a combination of savannah and rocky mountains up to 2,000 m. All their trails are for experienced riders only.

You will find more information about this destination on their web site: www.okapuka.com.

Discover Namibia's immense natural beauty on horseback, where the lines of the arid desert and the wild ocean meet. The red sand dunes and the endless horizons dominate the landscape where wild animals find their home.

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