15-Day Horse Riding Safari in Africa's Best Kept Secret

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Windhoek to Bagatelle Kalahari Farmhouse

Welcome to Namibia!

We will meet you at the airport upon your arrival and whether you are driving yourself, travelling with our chauffeur or being piloted in one of our aircraft, you are our guest. You are now part of the About Africa Co. tribe, and we are happy to have you. Feel at home. The Namibian vibing bug will bite soon enough.

The first destination is one of our two deserts, the Kalahari. Red dunes might create the desert feel, but this is still an all-in-one grassland as well. Considered a highlight, Namibia has one of the biggest Cheetah populations in the world, thanks to stringent conservation, which you will notice is an absolute fundamental priority throughout all areas of the country. The wellbeing of our animals, nature and wildlife, is not just a rule, it forms part of our soul. But we'll leave that to Goran or the rest of the team.

Main Destination:

Kalahari Region

Accommodation:

Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch

• Luxury lodge located near Kalahari Region

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Explore the Kalahari Desert

Waking up early allows you a glimpse of Africa rising. Sunrises are something to behold, outside with a fresh cuppa'. There is really something eerily magical, unknown, wonderful and exciting that embraces you. It's the start of the Namibian bug. Just take it in.

Did you know? The earliest known inhabitants of Namibia are the San (Bushmen), who belong to the Khoisan peoples. Take a walk with these indigenous people of the Kalahari. Walk with the Bushmen (San) to their village and learn about the ancient traditions and secrets of their ancestors. Get to know their survival skills and keep the past alive with them.

After breakfast, you will be able to get into the saddle (afternoon ride also possible). We have a variety of horses, which are suitable for children, beginners, but also advanced skiers. Experience the silence of the Kalahari on our well-trained quarter horses (cowboy horses) accompanied by an experienced tour guide.

Main Destination:

Kalahari Region

Accommodation:

Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch

• Luxury lodge located near Kalahari Region

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Bagatelle to Namib Rand Nature Reserve

After your early breakfast, you will be introduced to the coalition's breakfast. A Cheetah feeding gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the fastest land animal on Earth. Shoot unforgettable photos of these gorgeous, graceful predatory cats. The guides are happy to provide information about the rearing and history of these cheetahs. The Bagatelle Lodge, in collaboration with the CCF (Cheetah Conservation Fund), is a recognized site for the conservation of this species.

Back at the lodge, you will pack, sit back and enjoy the change of scenery into the next contrast of this diverse land. You are headed towards the Namib Rand Nature Reserve, Namib Rand, in a better sense of the word, being "on the edge". You will meet the sand and winds of the oldest desert in the world, paired with the strongest current of the ocean, the Benguela in the Atlantic, at times fierce, but gentle at the same time.

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Main Destination:

Namibrand Nature Reserve

Accommodation:

Zannier Hotels Sonop

• Luxury tented camp located outside Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Explore the Namib Rand Nature Reserve

It is an early morning pre-dawn rise, as you embark on this half day adventure into the Namib Naukluft National Park. Featured will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Namib Sand Sea, taking you down an open valley between towering red dunes. You can experience this by road, or even better, in a hot air balloon.

Take in and photograph the striking scenic beautify of the area as you drive in, best seen when the light is still throwing shadows off the ridges of the dunes.

There will be a chance to see Deadvlei, where some 70 camel thorn tree trunks, 900 years dead, remain standing on a bleached clay pan. Perhaps climb a sand dune if there by road, and for the fit and adventurous, conquer the towering ‘Big Daddy’.

In the afternoon, arriving in the heat of the day back at the lodge, the swimming pool is the place to be. Perhaps an afternoon treatment at the spa? Want more adventure? Well, that is no problem.

Main Destination:

Namibrand Nature Reserve

Accommodation:

Zannier Hotels Sonop

• Luxury tented camp located outside Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Equestrian Affair in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve

As you embark on this unique riding experience, you soon realize that you are at one with the desert, interwoven intricately within the network of living and non-living elements that make up this vast landscape.

Your horse, carefully chosen for its even temperament and suitability to the terrain, expertly led by your horse guide, take you from our state-of-the-art stables on one of our bespoke trails. Ascend the ridge of a red sand dune and walk its ridge, feeling the cool breeze in your face whilst you become one within the grand desert vista. Pause in wonder as the light and sun changes the patterns and color's of the plain below. Disembark your horse as your guide prepares and hands you a steaming cup of freshly-"filtered single-origin aromatic African coffee, which helps you "and your Centre within this place, the most ancient desert in the World.

Main Destination:

Namibrand Nature Reserve

Accommodation:

Zannier Hotels Sonop

• Luxury tented camp located outside Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Namib Rand Nature Reserve to the coast of Namibia

Today, your journey continues to where the desert meets the Atlantic. The drive is a unique route which rises and falls through the Namib Desert. Some highlights include the Kuiseb Canyon, crossing through the Tropic of Capricorn, apple pies at Solitaire and the moon landscape of the Namib-Naukluft Park.

Perhaps we can add another ride into the itinerary, on the way, or before you depart.

Set along Namibia's spectacularly scenic coast, arrive at the seaside town of Swakopmund. Known for its wide-open avenues, colonial architecture, and its surrounding otherworldly desert terrain. The mix of German and Namibian influences, adventure options, laid-back atmosphere, and fresh sea breeze make it a trendy Namibian destination. You can look forward to several activities, such as quad biking, horse riding, paragliding, fishing, sightseeing, and fascinating desert tours. Perhaps a scenic flights along the skeleton coast?

Main Destination:

Swakopmund (City)

Accommodation:

Strand Hotel Swakopmund

• Luxury hotel located in Swakopmund (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Explore the coastline of Walvis Bay

Experience the best of both worlds on this full day tour, to where the dunes meet the ocean.

Enjoy a catamaran cruise and then drive along towering sand dunes at the iconic Sandwich Harbor. This combo package takes you from the towering dunes of the Namib to the refreshing ocean breeze of the Atlantic.

Arriving back in Swakopmund, you have the option to saddle up and head into the moon landscape for a quick sunset ride. Those not on horseback could perhaps enjoy the sights of Swakopmund on a Segway, or just relax.

Main Destination:

Walvis Bay (City)

Accommodation:

Strand Hotel Swakopmund

• Luxury hotel located in Swakopmund (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Explore Swakopmund

From the beach to the moon.

Meander through the desert on horseback, starting on the beach, ending on the moon, the desert moon landscape that is.

This area, with its stark and striking landscapes, will take your breath away. Out here, in the middle of nowhere, you will find a form of peace and tranquility so rarely found in the world today.

After the day ride, weather permitting, you will be able to enjoy a unique dinner at either a very special restaurant, or maybe a location not yet known. Our chef will think up something seasonal that will highlight the Namibian flare.

Main Destination:

Swakopmund (City)

Accommodation:

Strand Hotel Swakopmund

• Luxury hotel located in Swakopmund (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Swakopmund to Damaraland

Enjoy a relaxed rise, breathing in the Atlantic air whilst listening to the crash of the waves. A scrumptious breakfast awaits, after which you depart north along the coast, and then inland headed towards Namibia's highest mountain, Brandberg. Pass the old mining town of Uis, and enter the Kunene region, the communal area known as Damaraland.

The Damaraland is characterized by its rocky and rugged landscapes of rough, fascinating beauty. This breathtaking mountainous region is home to an assortment of desert-adapted wildlife such as elephant, rhino, zebra and lion, which scrounge together an existence in this arid landscape.

Bushmen engravings, which are considered to be some of the best-preserved etchings on the continent. A visit to the Petrified Forest, dating back millions of years, makes for a haunting landscape of gigantic fossilized trees.

Main Destination:

Twyfelfontein (Rock Art)

Best Time To Visit May to September (Animals are easier to see)

High Season July to November (Some places can get quite busy)

Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day)

Wildlife in Damaraland

ElephantOccasional

GiraffeRare

Black RhinoRare

LionVery Rare

LeopardVery Rare

ZebraRare

Show more

CheetahVery Rare

HyenaVery Rare

White RhinoNone

BuffaloNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Camp Kipwe

• Mid-range lodge located near Twyfelfontein (Rock Art)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Explore Damaraland

Today's experience is searching for the elusive desert-adapted elephants. Ancient Bushman rock art, the burnt mountain and organ pipes are some of the highlights that form part of this adventure. With luck, some rhino might be spotted as wel, and other species will be sure to surprise you on the way as well.

Lounging by the pool or relaxing on your private deck is a wonderful way to enjoy the remainder of your day before a unique sundowner on top of the hill. For the more active traveler, there are self-guided nature walks with some interesting information on the way.

Main Destination:

Twyfelfontein (Rock Art)

Accommodation:

Camp Kipwe

• Mid-range lodge located near Twyfelfontein (Rock Art)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Damaraland to Etosha

It's a longer drive today if you are doing by road, but a quick hop, skip and jump by air, onwards towards Etosha. Etosha National Park is unique in Africa. The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings.

Driving, you will pass through Outjo, with the bakery as an excellent stop-over for brunch, and then head towards the park, enjoying one of the most iconic drives available.

Your destination is Onguma, from the same ingenious creators of Camp Kipwe, situated on the eastern border of Etosha National park. It offers great game viewing, romance, tranquility, adventure, and so much more.

Main Destination:

Onguma Private Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Onguma The Fort

• Luxury lodge located inside Onguma GR

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Explore Etosha

With 22 750km² of wildlife sanctuary available to you, there is more than enough Etosha available to you today. The adventure can be done in the private comfort of your own vehicle or safari cruiser, or on the scheduled AM or PM departures.

There are close to 114 species of mammal in Etosha. If wildlife is on your bucket list, this is a great adventure.

You also (booking before tour departure) have the option of escaping into the bush this evening. A sleep out in the Onguma Dream Cruiser. Custom-built onto a Land Cruiser, this adventures offers you the opportunity to spend a night in the wilderness of the reserve. Built on two levels, the Dream Cruiser features a full bathroom downstairs complete with shower, flush toilet and basin. The upper deck features a bedroom with lounge area (a ranger is on call via a two-way radio at all times, so you can make the most of this time to relax in the safety and complete comfort of this unique space).

Main Destination:

Onguma Private Game Reserve

Accommodation:

Onguma The Fort

• Luxury lodge located inside Onguma GR

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Etosha to Windhoek District

True to About Africa Co. style and form, today's journey takes you to our latest quintessential surprise in Africa's best kept secret. This destination will be rounding out your journey in this multifaceted land of adventure with a timeless and elegant representation of wild luxury, encompassing unrivalled comfort, exceptional service, meaningful experiences and unwavering devotion to our people and planet.

With a philosophy founded on sustainable luxury, Gmundner Lodge reimagines the traditional safari to offer guests a distinctive and highly personalized back-to-nature experience in Namibia’s enchanting wilderness.

The farm projects here mindfully harvest from nature’s bounty to offer a truly holistic experience for guests and support our community through upskilling and employment. Dining is purposefully relaxed, allowing our guests to relish in the art of slow living while sharing wholesome meals and award-winning South African and international wine.

Main Destination:

Windhoek (City)

Accommodation:

Gmundner Lodge

• Luxury lodge

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Explore Gmundner Lodge

In this distinct part of Namibia, the breathtaking landscape evolves from highland shrubland to stretching grass savanna, creating a haven for birdlife and attracting a plethora of animals.

To enhance your safari experience, there are adventures to pique the interest of every intrepid guest in a setting unlike any other on earth. You have the freedom to design your day and opt into activities on a whim.

Choose between Safari & Game Drives, Horse Riding, Clay Pigeon shooting, Tennis or even Long bow shooting, to mention a few. With 6,000 hectares of savanna, hills, and mountains to explore, the adventurous at heart is lured to traverse far beyond the ordinary and seek out adventure pursuits that exhilarate and excite.

Living in harmony with the back-to-nature philosophy, the Spa and Wellness Center entices guests to discover the delicate balance between adventure and rejuvenation.

Main Destination:

Windhoek (City)

Accommodation:

Gmundner Lodge

• Luxury lodge

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

End of Tour

Today comes the farewell to Africa - if something like that is possible. Our purpose is to offer our guests a unique luxury experience in the wilds of Namibia that brings people back to nature with minimal disruption to the natural and cultural environment.

We acknowledge that the land we care for holds deep cultural significance for the people of Namibia. As custodians of Namibia’s ancient and fragile ecosystem, we have a profound responsibility to protect and conserve our natural environment.

Richard Mullin wrote: "The only person I really envy is the one who has never been to Africa. He has so much to experience!"

It is our profound hope that with this journey, you have been able to experience our non-traditional values of making happen, what usually does not happen. We are look forward to being able to welcome you again to Africa's best kept secret - on one of our next adventures.

Main Destination:

No major destination visited

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.