Namibia Cycling Adventure- 10 Day Tour
Windhoek – Gamsberg – Sossusvlei – Swakopmund – Spitzkoppe – Brandberg 10 Days / 9 Nights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Windhoek
Welcome to Namibia! Arriving in Windhoek, it’s time to relax after your flight and get familiar with your bike. If we have time we can take a short cycle route to the nearby farm. Evening dinner can be enjoyed at Joe’s Beerhouse, the best-known restaurant in Namibia with Namibian cuisine with a German twist, best steal in town & coldest beer.
Situated in Central Namibia, the cosmopolitan city of Windhoek serves as the capital of the country. It is home to an international airport and a plethora of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and accommodation options. The city is clean, safe and well-organized, with a colonial legacy that is reflected in its many German eateries and shops, and the widespread use of the German language. Windhoek has an interesting mix of historical architecture and modern buildings, many of which are worth a look, including the Alte Feste an old fort, the 1896 Christuskirche Christ Church, and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Overnight: Arebbusch Travel Lodge
Arebbusch Travel Lodge offers high quality accommodation at affordable rates in a natural setting in Windhoek – a gateway to the many wonders of Namibia’s beautiful wide open spaces, it’s fascinating variety of cultures, nature, wildlife and majestic sunsets. Situated on the banks of the dry Arebbusch River, Arebbusch Travel Lodge nestles in the natural surroundings of the “veld”. Far from the hustle and bustle of central city life, yet minutes away from the capital’s shopping centers and attractions.
Arebbusch Travel Lodge provides a wide variety of accommodation in a safe, clean and family friendly environment. Accommodation types include luxury accommodation, standard rooms, 2 –6 bed self-catering accommodation units and caravan/camping sites. All accommodation may either be taken on a B&B basis or on a self-catering basis.
Day 2: Rooisand Desert Ranch, Gamsberg
Leaving Windhoek, it is a short transfer to the Khomas Hochland at the top of the Kupferberg pass for the start of today’s cycling for 40km. We transfer to the top of Gamsberg pass, rolling by the 3rd highest mountain in Namibia with views stretching for 100’s of km’s over the horizon, giving us a first glimpse of the desert scenery that will be our companion for the next 10 days. We cycle past Hartman’s Mountain Zebra and eventually stop at the oasis of Rooisand for our first night under the Namib stars.
Lying east of the Namib-Naukluft Desert, in Central Namibia, the Gamsberg area is home to the majestic Gamberg Mountain, dubbed Namibia’s ‘table mountain’. This area is a mecca for 4×4 enthusiasts, who tackle the steep Gamsberg Pass, a gravel road cutting through the rugged terrain. It is Namibia’s highest, longest and most scenic pass overlooking the beautiful Kuiseb River in the valley below. Visitors can enjoy superb stargazing opportunities as there is no light pollution, hike along the trails traversing the Gamsberg Mountain, which stands at an impressive elevation of 2347 metres above sea level; and explore the Gamsberg Nature Reserve, home to indigenous plant life and a variety of wildlife.
Overnight: Rooisand Desert Ranch
Rooisand Desert Ranch, in Namibia’s Central Region on the fringe of the Namib Desert, is surrounded by the magnificent scenery of red sand dunes – shaped hundreds or thousands of years ago by winds from the Kalahari Desert – vast grassy plains and rugged mountains.
The farm has a size of some 12.000 ha, a huge area – by European standards. Rooisand Desert Ranch affords its guests a relaxing sojourn with every convenience.
Guest accommodation, the main building with the kitchen and farm management quarters, the technical buildings, the pool, fitness center and the tennis courts are all located in the central farm area.
Day 3:
Today’s cycle from Rooisand takes us close to Guab pass and on to a famous lunch stop at Solitaire before continuing to Sesriem area and the iconic Sossusvlei. Tonight, we have dinner under the stars near, lights out early in preparation for tomorrow’s sunrise ride.
Sossusvlei is where you will find the iconic red sand dunes of the Namib. The clear blue skies contrast with the giant red sand dunes to make this one of the natural wonders of Africa and a photographer’s heaven. Aside from the attractions at Sossusvlei – Dune 45, Hiddenvlei, Big Daddy and Deadvlei – other attractions in the area include the Sesriem Canyon and Namib-Naukluft National Park, where the mountains of the Namib meet its plains.
Overnight: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia
Set below striking fossilized dunes, the comfortable lodge provides a spectacular experience of ancient desert. 65 rooms, two swimming pools and a waterhole are surrounded by sandy splendor. Breathe in the grandeur on a sunset drive and feel the earth underfoot. Relax in the arms of the Namib.
Day 4: Namib Desert Lodge Gondwana Collection Namibia, Sossusvlei
We are up before the sun this morning, transferring to the gates of Sesriem, where we start our cycling journey towards the magnificent sand dunes of the Namib Desert. This cycling experience this morning between the highest sand dunes in the world will leave your jaw-dropped of this natural wonder, which you will never forget. We stop at Dune 40, to climb to the top to view the superb Tsauchab River Canyon while breakfast is being set up at the bottom of the dune. After breakfast we take a two hour walk at Hiddenvlei and Deadvlei before heading back to our guest farm where the luxury of a cool swimming pool and a hot shower awaits.
Day 5: Swakopmund Sands Hotel, Swakopmund
After breakfast we take a short transfer, continuing our journey north, cycling towards the Tropic of Capricorn. If conditions allow, we have the option of cycling over the Kuiseb Pass or a different route towards the coast. With luck we should see ostrich, springbok, gemsbok, and mountain zebras. Once again, we end our ride in the shadow of Guab Pass before transferring to Walvis Bay known for its flamingos. From here we continue to Swakopmund driving along with the ocean on the right and the sand dunes on the left.
Founded in 1892 as the main harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is often described as being more German than Germany. Now a seaside resort, Swakopmund is the capital of the Skeleton Coast tourism area and has plenty to keep visitors happy. The quirky mix of German and Namibian influences, colonial-era buildings and the cool sea breeze make it very popular.
Overnight: Swakopmund Sands Hotel
The Swakopmund Sands is literary minutes’ walk away from the very popular Jetty and TUG restaurants as well as other tourist attractions and yet you have total privacy once on the premises. Each room is equipped with a flat screen TV, safe, heating, fridge, as well as tea and coffee facilities for your convenience. A laundry service is available for same day delivery.
Each bathroom has a hairdryer and shaving facilities and all international power points can be used. In the morning you will be able to enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast in a very relaxing and tranquil dining area.
Day 6: Swakopmund Sands Hotel, Swakopmund
After breakfast we undertake an amazing 3-hour fat bike ride on the dunes and over the gravel plains. You have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy some of the optional activities on offer in the area.
Day 7: Spitzkoppe Tented Camp and Campsites, Spitzkoppe
We depart Swakopmund by vehicle after an early breakfast and drive through the amazing moon landscape. We see up close the largest and oldest plant, Welwitschia Mirabilis, practically a living fossil at 1,500 years old. We continue to the Spitzkoppe (German for “pointed dome”; also referred to as Spitzkop, Groot Spitzkop, or the “Matterhorn of Namibia”) which is part of a group of bald granite peaks located between Usakos and Swakopmund. The granite is more than 700 million years old and the highest outcrop rises about 1,784 meters (5,853 ft) above sea level. We have opportunity to cycle throughout the day and will spend the night under the stars.
Situated in Namibia’s desolate, awe-inspiring Namib Desert, between Usakos and Swakopmund and about two hours’ drive from Swakopmund, the Spitzkoppe are a group of bald granite peaks forming one of Namibia’s most recognizable and dramatic landmarks. These enormous towering domes are a mecca for hikers and mountaineers, from beginners interested in guided historic walks to professional climbers seeking an adrenaline boost. Numerous ancient rock paintings can be visited as part of a guided walking tour. The extreme, barren landscapes and striking rock formations create an excellent setting for photography.
Overnight: Spitzkoppe Tented Camp and Campsites
With the majestic “Namibian Matterhorn” as a backdrop, the welcoming Spitzkoppe Mountain Tented Camp is strategically located just one kilometer from the Spitzkoppe Mountain Reserve. It serves as the ideal base from which to explore the areas famed over-sized boulders, secret caves, and archaeological sites. The campsite is home comfortable safari tents that are already set upon arrival. Each tent can accommodate two guests and features a private bathroom, with hot water.
Day 8: Brandberg White Lady Lodge, Brandberg
After a relaxing start we cycle past the Spitzkoppe boulders. We approach the imposing Brandberg Mountain in Damaraland on our bicycles – a sight to behold – the highest mountain in Namibia! This is where the rare desert elephant roam and the meerkat rule! Situated in northwestern Namibia, the Brandberg, meaning ‘Fire Mountain’, Massif is Namibia’s highest peak, at its zenith, the Königstein (King’s Stone), standing at a whopping 2573 metres above sea level. Named for the vivid shade of orange it sometimes turns at sunset, this is undoubtedly the main highlight of the region. The Brandberg has been sacred to the San people for centuries. The Tsisab Ravine at its base is permeated with over 45 000 ancient San rock paintings, including the famous ‘White Lady’. Visitors flock here to view this unique bushman painting, said to be over 2000 years old. Other popular draws include its untouched natural beauty and its free-roaming wildlife such as mountain zebra, kudu, springbok, and desert elephant.
Overnight: Brandberg White Lady Lodge
Brandberg White Lady Lodge is named after the San paintings for which the Brandberg became famous. It is a place where you will feel at home and enjoy a true warm-hearted hospitality, “tranquility” is the name of the game. At the Lodge you find a fully licensed restaurant, a well-stocked bar, comfortable lounge and a large pool area. And if you are lucky you might bump into a dessert adapted elephant.
Day 9: Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Windhoek
This morning we will visit one of the local community schools and spend some time visiting some of the projects in the area. Afterwards we make our way to Windhoek where we will spend our last evening in Namibia.
Overnight: Arebbusch Travel Lodge
Arebbusch Travel Lodge offers high quality accommodation at affordable rates in a natural setting in Windhoek – a gateway to the many wonders of Namibia’s beautiful wide open spaces, its fascinating variety of cultures, nature, wildlife and majestic sunsets. Situated on the banks of the dry Arebbusch River, Arebbusch Travel Lodge nestles in the natural surroundings of the “veld”. Far from the hustle and bustle of central city life, yet minutes away from the capital’s shopping centers and attractions.
Day 10: Departure
This morning after breakfast and depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home.
The above tour itinerary is provisional and can be modified if necessary to meet the need of the clients. The rooms’ availability in the proposed lodges will be confirmed at the time of reserving the tour with us. Reserving early is recommended especially for the arrivals in high seasons for the sake of rooms’ availability. Prices may change depending on the entry fees to parks or if any of the accommodations increase their prices, you will be notified in advance if any of these occurrences take place.
Rates
- 1-10 people based on Single Occupancy – $3600/person
- 2-10 people based on Double Occupancy – $3400/person
- 11-20 people based on Double Occupancy – $3200/person
- 21-40+ people based on Double Occupancy – $2900/person
Prices include:
- Bicycle rental
- Service car
- Safari cars
- Guides
- Meals
- Drinking water
- Park Fees
- Cultural entertainment
Not included in price:
- Drinks and beverages
- Meals where not indicated.
- Any items of a personal nature.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Entry Visas.
- International flights.
- Covid-19 testing.
- Any items not mentioned in the itinerary/Inclusions.
