Tour Overview
At first glance, Namibia might seem one of Earth's most desolate places. With its ancient deserts, parched salt pans and a windblown shoreline littered with the weathered hulls of foundered ships, there would seem little potential for life and color - and little to interest the average traveler. .Namibia is not usually listed among the top destinations in Africa, but it has a lot to offer those looking for an unusual destination off the beaten track. An innovative combination of cross-country drives and cycling, provides the opportunity to view the changing scenery and landscape of the region. Camping in remote private concession areas and campsites brings you closer to nature, by means of lively campfires, hurricane lanterns, diverse activities and a warm atmosphere permeating the camp (and its simple comforts). The camps are specifically outfitted to create a wilderness camping feel with a clear emphasis on essential camp comforts and maximum wilderness experience. Your safari is guided and hosted by professional and passionate trained guides who share their in-depth knowledge to present a seamless, well-rounded experience. This specialized safari has been tailor-made to introduce the reasonably fit guest to some of the most spectacular areas in Namibia viewed from a mountain bike. Off the main tourist routes, the journey highlights spectacular geology, desert game and scenery in the open air. 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 with evening drinks under a multitude of stars.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Windhoek, NamibiaArrive Windhoek International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Olive Grove Guesthouse is an up-market establishment situated close to the Windhoek city center in a quiet, peaceful area. Each room caters for the needs of the most discerning traveller with an emphasis on simplicity and elegance. There is a large veranda in front of every room, with tables and chairs for al fresco dining. The open-air lounge, spa bath, plunge pool and tranquil garden all invite the visitor to unwind and relax under Namibia’s open skies.
Olive Grove Guesthouse Day 02– Ugab -Save the Rhino Camp
After breakfast, meet your guides and drive to the stunning monolith of Brandberg, situated on the banks of the Ugab River. Next enjoy a warm-up ride of 40km to the Save the Rhino campsite, which is pre-erected under the shade of the immense Acacia trees.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Save the Rhino Camp Day 03: Ugab - Save the Rhino Camp
Today cycle to the old zinc mine, experiencing steep climbs, thrilling downhills and exhilarating challenges on the route. This afternoon is spent relaxing at the camp and exploring the wildlife-rich Ugab riverbed.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Save the Rhino Camp Day 04: Damaraland
Embark on the longest stage – a route of 90km through changing habitats to Damaraland Camp. This journey 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 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 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. The dining room and pub are combined under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. A feature of the camp is the unique rock pool.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Damaraland Camp Day 05: Damaraland - Palmwag Camp
Damarland has a desolate, volcanic landscape with small rock-strewn plains where long-ago glaciers once moved. Our 80km 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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Palmwag Campsite Day 06: Damaraland - Desert Rhino Camp
After a short exciting ride of 40km through black rhino country, you will spend the afternoon tracking rhino on foot with the Save the Rhino trackers. The day ends with sunset drinks, taking in the isolated beauty of Damaraland. Desert Rhino Camp is situated in the 450 000-hectare private Palmwag Reserve in northwest 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 hyena. 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. Desert Rhino Camp is a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the "Save the Rhino Trust" - a non-profit conservation organisation that 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.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Desert Rhino Camp Day 07: Damaraland - Windhoek - Depart
After breakfast transfer by road to Windhoek International Airport and you bid farewell to adventure. Onward departing flights should be booked for 1500hr or later, otherwise special transfer arrangements will need to be made (at extra cost).
Breakfast
