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Categorization
Level of fitness   Grading of accommodation

Dates and rates
Booking code: RHN
06.06.12 - 22.06.12	USD 3620
11.07.12 - 27.07.12	USD 3620
08.08.12 - 24.08.12	USD 3620

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Namibia

Cycling tour to the highlights of Namibia

Cycling tour through the second least populated country on the planet. Discover Namiba with us, from a cyclists perspective. Magnificant landscapes, the open African sky, unique desert adapted animals, the friendly locals... – Individual and group travel

Namibia is known for its national parks and wildlife reserves, for its diversity as well as its unique landscape and vegetation. On this holiday we will cycle along the edge of the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. We will hike in the oldest desert in the world and cycle through the desolate Naukluft Mountains. We experience the time when the Germans colonised this area in Swakopmund and cycle to the landmark of Namibia, the Spitzkoppe, with its massive granite peaks, wonder at the thousands of years old artistry from the bushmen of the time in Twyfelfontein, and go on safari in Etosha National Park. This 17 day tour offers the unique opportunity to experience the wonders of Namibian landscape up close by cycling on specially selected bike trails and actively experiencing these wonders from somewhere other than the usual 4×4.

Tour schedule:

mi = miles

Day 1: Arrival in Namibia

You will be welcomed at Windhoek airport by your tour guide. We will then drive through the Khomas Highland to our beautifully located lodge on the Oanob Lake. How would you like to relax by swimming or going for a canoe trip?

Day 2: Bike tour to the second biggest canyon in the world

Transfer to Keetmanshoop. Cycle to the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground. Quiver trees are a species of Aloe and flower in June and July. From Holoog we cycle in the Gondwana Canyon Park. Along the way you can see mountain zebra, ostrich, oryx antelope and springbok. We will stay for two nights in a beautifully located lodge at Fish River Canyon. (25 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 3: Bike tour between the million years old rocks

We cycle through the fascinating desert landscapes down into the Fish River Canyon and pass an indigenous Gneiss and basalt and quartz rock formations. Relax your muscles in the hot springs of the Ai-Ai‘s. From the Hobas viewpoint, we can wonder at the phenomenal dimensions of the canyon from above. (45 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 4: Colonial history, faith and wildlife

Visit the mission village of Bethanien. The museum exhibits the difficult living conditions under which the Europeans settled in 1830. Along the Swartrand Mountains we then cycle to Helmeringhausen. Here you can experience the atmosphere of the African Wild West. We will go on a bike safari on a farm and, with luck, see kudus, ostrich and bat-eared fox. (34 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 5: Bike tour along the Great Escarpment

Transfer to Zarishoogte Passes. The beginning of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert. We will pass farms with ostrich and Karakul sheep before reaching our guest farm. The afternoon is perfect for relaxing by the pool or taking a walk around the farm. (31-37 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 6: Bike tour in the oldest desert in the world

Bike tour in the Namib Naukluft Park to the red dunes of Sossusvlei (12 mi) There is a unique display of colour in the morning sun. We will undertake an interesting desert hike,and visit the Sesriem Canyon. Transfer to Solitaire. Two nights accommodation in a beautiful lodge, (B)

Day 7: Bike tour through the rocky Naukluft Mountains

Bike tour through the impressive Buellsport Gorge with 1500 to 2100 ft high walls. The afternoon can be spent relaxing by the pool. We will take a walk in the sunset and take our Sundowner cocktail with us. On our way we take a look at a huge weaverbirds nest. (33 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 8: Bike tour to the river oasis of the Kuiseb Canyon

We will cycle to the geologically interesting Gaub and Kuiseb Canyon. Ostrich and gembok will cross our paths. Transfer to Swakopmund on the cool Atlantic with it‘s many buildings from the former German colonial time. We will spend two nights in a lovely guesthouse. (28 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 9: Bike tour to the moon landscape and large Welwitschia

In Namib Naukluft Park we will see living stones (Lithops), the moon landscape and the largest Welwitschia Mirabilis plant yet discovered. The afternoon can be spent as you wish. (12-25 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 10: Bike tour to ‘Spitzkoppe’

Transfer to Usakos. Bike tour to the landmark of Namibia, the prominent peaks of the Spitzkoppe in the otherwise flat plains. Visit some rock paintings. Short transfer to the mining town of Uis. We will stay in chalets of a lodge. (19-51 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 11: Bike tour through the Damaraland

We will cycle past the imposing Brandberg Mountain in the Damaraland. On the edge of track the Herero women sell handmade articles and semi-precious stones. If we are lucky, we will see the rare desert elephant. Transfer to Khorixas where we will stay in thatched chalets. (45 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 12: Bike tour to the desert elephants

Today we will cycle downhill in the stone desert of the Damaraland. We will spend the night in the uniquely located Twyfelfontein Lodge. (40 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 13: World heritage site Twyfelfontein and the unique Vingerklip Lodge

In the morning we will visit the famous rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, which gained UNESCO World Heritage Status not long ago. Transfer to the Petrified Forest. We cycle through a Mopane forest and past many table-like mountains to the peaceful Vingerklip Lodge. The 75 ft high freestanding stack on the lodges ground is a famous natural monument. (31 mi; Tracks) (B)

Day 14: Safari in Etosha National Park

Transfer to the famous Etosha National Park. Here, with the exception of the buffalo, we can see the ‘Big 4’. You can see cheetah, jackals, giraffe and large herds of common zebra and springbok. We will stay in bungalows in the safari camp. (B)

Day 15: More wildlife watching in Etosha National Park

Whole day on safari in our vehicle. We will stay in bungalows in the safari camp. (B)

Day 16: Back to Windhoek

After another safari we will drive to Windhoek. Along the way we will visit the handcraft market in Okahandja before arriving at our guesthouse in Windhoek. (B)

Day 17: Windhoek city tour and return journey

Depending on flight times, there is the possibility to take a tour of the city. Our bike tour ends with your transfer to Windhoek Airport. (B)

If you have more time, we can recommend an extension to Cape Town, which for many, is the most beautifully located city in the world. Or you can take a short one-hour flight to one of the wonders of the world, Victoria Falls. From there you can spend two-days in Chobe National Park or in the Okavango Delta.

This way to our picture gallery

July 2010: Cycling tour to the highlights of Namibia

August 2009: Cycling tour to the highlights of Namibia

July 2007: Cycling tour to the highlights of Namibia

August 2006: Cycling tour to the highlights of Namibia

August 2003: Cycling tour to the highlights of Namibia

July 2003: Cycling tour to the highlights of Namibia

Services

Included in price:

• English speaking tour guide
• 16 nights in hotels, guesthouses and chalets with private bathroom
• 16 x breakfast
• Constant vehicle backup as well as transport for bikes
• All entrance fees for sightseeing program

Not included:

• Flights to and from Namibia
• Tips
• Meals not mentioned above
• MTB hire bike

Hints

Travel Information:
All bike trails are over gravelled tracks. Although the trails are generally good to cycle and carefully selected, depending on the weather they can also be uneven. We are, however, flexible due to the constant, close accompaniment of our vehicles. A reasonable amount of fitness is enough to be able to cycle the trails. During the given dates it is the dry season in Namibia, during the day the temperature is a comfortable 82 °F, at night in the desert it can drop into the thirties.

This tour is also available as a private tour, with minimum two participants.