safaris ·  general info  ·  what to bring 

The Safari Co. brings Namibia and the living desert with all its beauty and space a bit closer to you, as on horse back one can experience some of the deserts wildlife, which will never be seen from a driving car. The desert offers a diversity of terrains, which can vary from dunes to sand and rocky plains to mountains and dry riverbeds.

We offer two different types of trails being either on horseback or on foot to choose from. All trails will start relatively early in the mornings, when it is still cool and most of the deserts wildlife is still active, after a healthy breakfast with some coffee or tee. At noon the desert could develop a scorching heat and where possible we will rest in the shade of trees and rock formations for the hottest part of the day, where we will have a small lunch. In the evenings we will be able to enjoy a good meal, which will be prepared on an open fireplace under the starlit sky. The daily distance covered is approximately 30 to 40 km, depending on the experience of the riders and the weather conditions. The well-being of the horses and our guests will always be at our first interest.

THE SAFARIS

Two days/ one night horse trail: (Tented Camp)
1. We leave at appr. 9h00 from Okakambe base along the Swakopriverbed towards the ringing stones, from where we will ride through the valleys and canyons north of the Swakopriver. With a bit of luck we will be able to see some of the very scarce desert wildlife in the riverbed among the vegetation or hidden in the rocks and canyons of the desert. First overnight camp will be under the starlit sky in our tented camp just north of the oasis Goanikontes. If the weather allows it we would be able to ride up to the plains north of Goanikontes, where we will be able to see a few smaller samples of the Welwitchia.
2. After a hearty breakfast, we will mount the horses again and ride down some canyons with splendid scenery to the oasis Goanikontes, where we can enjoy a cool refreshing swim in the big rock pool during the heat of the day, after which the ride will take us through the Swakopriver with some nice long canters over sandy plains to the burned mountain Nuberoffkop. All should be back at Okakambe base at approximately 16h00 from where everybody can depart again to their respective hotels or safaris.

Cost:
Please contact us for a detailed quote

Four nights horse trail:
1. We leave at 12h00 Wintertime (13h00 Summertime) from Okakambe base along the Swakopriverbed past the big Anna trees and the ringing stones. With a bit of luck we will be able to see some of the very scarce desert wildlife. First overnight camp will be at the ringing stones on the edge of the countless valleys also called the large moon landscape.
2. Early in the morning after a healthy breakfast, we will ride through the moon valleys towards the oasis of Goanikontes, where we will take a rest for lunch at the huge rock water pool. In the afternoon we will ride on into the Khan river, where the night camp will already be prepared by our support team.
3. Today we will be able to ride across into the Namib Naukluft reserve and view the Welwitchia, one of the oldest living plants (Approx. 1 500 years) from Horseback. After a few reconnaissance rides into the hidden canyons and up to some caves we will return back to the same camp site again.
4. After breakfast, the horse ride will take us back to the Oasis Goanikontes, where this time we will have more time for cooling our sores in the cold waters of the rock pool and have a full warm shower in the evening. Camp will be at the Oasis
5. The last day will be a easy ride past the burned mountain, over the moon landscape to the Okakambe base, where we should arrive in time for everybody to be back at the hotels or for a booking at Okakambe for lunch.

Cost:
Please contact us for a detailed quote

Five nights horse trail:
6. We leave at 12h00 Wintertime (13h00 Summertime) from Okakambe base along the Swakopriverbed past the big Anna trees and the ringing stones. With a bit of luck we will be able to see some of the very scarce desert wildlife. First overnight camp will be at the ringing stones on the edge of the countless valleys also called the large moon landscape.
1. Early in the morning after a healthy breakfast, we will ride across to the Rössing Mountain, with plenty of interesting rock formations and the chance to find the odd semi precious stone. Here we will camp for the night with a fantastic view.
2. Today we will have a fairly long ride during the morning to make it back into the shades of the riverbed by lunch, where the Khan river meets the Swakop river. If we are lucky, we will be able to see even bigger wildlife, such as Springbuck, Klipspringer, Ostrich, Baboons, Oryx, Jackal, etc. We will also be able to show you the Welwitschia, being one of the oldest plants of the world, some aging around 1 500 years. Camp will be set up in the Riverbed.
3. After breakfast we will ride during most of the morning into the heat of the day, to make it to Goanikontes, where we can treat our feet and horses in the rock pool. Overnight stay either at Goanikontes or in the riverbed.
4. On this day the horse ride will take us on the south side of the Swakop River past the burned mountain, through the moon landscape up to the edge of the dunes, where we will have our last night’s camp.
5. The mist that comes over the dunes from the sea, can make this a fairly chilli morning, By now the hikers will feel the hike in their legs and some will certainly be happy to see the base at Okakambe again at lunch.

Cost:
Please contact us for a detailed quote

Osombahe Antelope Trails
The Farm Osombahe is situated app. 80km east of the international airport in the middle of Namibia’s richest antelope areas. Osombahe offers large herds of antelopes such as Oryx, Kudu, Hartebeest and Gnu as well as Zebra und Warthog. Here the trails will be conducted from a fixed tented base and therewith offers the not so regular riders to take a time out to just relax.

Cost:
Please contact us for a detailed quote


GENERAL INFORMATION
Camps will be set up with canvas dome tents and paraffin storm lanterns. Dinner will be prepared on an open fireplace and served at tables set with tablecloths and glassware.
We do not ride with full gear, as many do underestimate the desert sun. Camp material as well as your bag with your overnight clothing will be transported from camp to camp by the mobile unit. Trail riders should at most have no more than a light webbing, large enough to carry your camera, binoculars and a water bottle. Riders should be fit and have some riding experience and should wear proper footwear and clothing. Horse Trails will be joined at own risk and we will not be held responsible or liable for any damage to material or any injuries sustained during the rides. We do not recommend to wear contact lenses in the sandy and dry desert, but rather to wear your glasses instead. Whilst on the trail we do not have charging facilities for cameras. Bath facilities at the overnight bases will consist of a drop toilet, a basic shower and a hand basin.

Prices include the services of a guide, a horse for the trails, the back-up crew, VAT, all meals, tea, coffee, juice and water.

Beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks will be charged to your account.

If guests have any special dietary requirements, guests should please inform us in advance for the necessary planning! We will always be in radio contact, in case of the very unlikely event of an emergency, either on the trail or at home.

Itinerary is an indication only and can be changed without notice if the fitness of the riders is not as recommended or due to weather conditions necessary for the daily routes.

WHAT TO BRING
• Fitness and a good spirit of fellowship
• Binoculars
• Photo equipment
• Comfortable, worn-in riding shoes
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hat
• Light jacket, as the early mornings might be chilly
• Comfortable clothing and shoes for the overnight camps

Other activities at Okakambe do include: overnight hiking trails into the desert, mountain bike trails.


Please Contact Us for more details