Arrive in Windhoek

Upon arrival at the airport, we are transferred to a guesthouse on the outskirts of Windhoek. The afternoon is spent relaxing, assembling the bicycles and testing equipment. If there is time, we do a short test ride in the Avis Dam area, on quite roads and gravel roads/trails. We explore the historic and cultural highlights of the Namibian capital on a short city tour. We experience the contrasts between the architecture from colonial times and the informal settlements on the outskirts of town, where most of the people live. We enjoy dinner at the well-known Joe’s Beerhouse.

Accommodation:        Ti Melen Guesthouse or similar

Spreetshoogte Pass and the Sossusvlei Dune Sea

After an early breakfast, we bike on the farm trails and then from the farm on a winding road that takes us to the famous Spreetshoogte viewpoint that overlooks the wide-open plains of the Namib Desert below. The ride down the pass is a thrilling, steep downhill experience. After a few kilometres we reach a quiet country road that leads us to the start of the dune sea and to Solitaire, an oasis in the desert, famous for its apple pie and wild west town character.

At Solitaire, we load our bikes and drive the 80 km to our next accommodation in the Sesriem/Sossusvlei area.

In the afternoon, there is time to enjoy the nature area around the lodge. Depending on your wishes, we can go for a walk, another ride or a sundowner drive or simply relax around the pool and take in the views of the area.

Accommodation:         Little Sossus Lodge or similar

Biking distance:          50 km, Altitude: 300 m

Travel distance:          80 km

Travel time:                 about 1 hour + photo stops

Cycling at the foot of the Rantberg Mountains/The Donkerhoek Trails, then to Swakopmund

After an early breakfast, we cycle on a track in the desert savannah east of the Namib Sea of Dunes. This area lies at the foot of the Namib escarpment and the Naukluft Mountains. We travel a short distance by vehicle to reach the start of the trail. It takes us on an exciting and challenging excursion through the desert. At certain times of the year, herds of Oryx and Springbok as well as Hartmann's Mountain Zebra, can be seen along the way. Ostriches and a variety of smaller desert animals and birds are also at home here.

After a picnic lunch, we drive through the Namib into the Namib Naukluft Park, west of the Kuiseb Canyon. We encounter impressive rock formations and interesting flora. Here we find the quiver tree (Aloe dichotoma) and other interesting plants that have adapted perfectly to the extreme desert climate. We can include some biking on the easy-to-ride dirt roads on the Namibia Naukluft Park, depending on the time available.

Accommodation:        Hotel Pension Rapmund close to the main beach or similar

 Biking distance:          30-50 km, Altitude: 200 m

Travel distance:          270 km

Travel time:                 about 4 hours + Photo stops

Moon landscape and Spitzkoppe

We are transferred by car to the nearby Moon Landscape and within minutes find ourselves sandy but firm trails along the Swakop ephemeral riverbed and into the Moon Landscape. This unique area, known as the “Badlands”, borders the linear coastal dunes and the gravel plains found further inland to the east. A labyrinth of bike trails in an area that feels and looks like the moon, we ride a desolate route to reach Goanikontes Oasis with its rustic restaurant and lodge under the large palm trees. The infrastructure dates to colonial times, when the first immigrants from the lake district in England started farming here to provide Swakopmund with fresh produce.

From Goanikontes we drive eastwards to reach the southern part of an area called Damaraland, home to the Damara tribe. The area includes three large granite inselbergs/mountains, namely the Spitzkoppe, the Erongo Mountains and the Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. We can cycle the last 20-30 kilometres to our campsite at the foot of this beautiful, massive granite inselberg, the Spitzkoppe, known as the ‘Matterhorn’ of Namibia.

Accommodation:          Spitzkoppe, Camping

Biking distance:            40-50 km, Altitude: 200 m

Travel distance:            about 120 km

Travel time:                  about 1.5 hours + photo stops

Doros View Camp, Damaraland

The dry Ugab River has carved its way to the Atlantic over millions of years. A linear oasis, the vegetation along its banks provides food and shelter for many wild animals. We cycle through the riverbed of the Ugab and take on the challenge of a rocky gorge. Here, at the confluence of the Ugab and Huab rivers, we may encounter desert elephants that have adapted to the extreme conditions. With luck, we may also see other animals such as giraffe, zebra, springbok and oryx.

From the watershed/on the plateau we have magnificent views of the Brandberg and Karoo sandstone formations. This remote area is little visited; sometimes days go by without seeing another vehicle or people. We have it all to ourselves, a refreshing feeling considering how busy the world has become. We bike on a two-track trail to the Doros Crater area. Apart from the scenic and beautiful Karroo landscape and granite rock formations, we have views of the Brandberg massif to the south and the volcanic Etendeka Plateau to the north.

Accommodation:        Doros View wild camping

 Biking distance:          40-60 km, Altitude: 240 m

Etosha National Park

After many days in the Namib Desert of western Namibia, our journey takes us eastwards via the geologically interesting Ugab Terraces to Vingerklip and the Etosha National Park. We bike this “Marlboro Country” along the banks of the Ugab River with views of the sedimentary rock formations created millions of years ago, one of the most unique ones being the finger-like rock protrusion called the “Finger Rock”.

After lunch at the Vingerklip Lodge, we are transferred by vehicle to a lodge near the gates of Etosha National Park. Etosha is one of the most special game parks in Southern Africa and is over 22000 km² in size. Etosha means “great white place” and refers to the huge 5000 km² salt pan that gives its name to the park. The park is teeming with different animal species, including lions, rhinos, and elephants. We explore the park with our guide and tour vehicle.

Accommodation:        Taleni Etosha Village or similar

Biking distance:          30-40 km, Altitude: 300 m

Travel distance:           200 km

Travel time:                 2-2.5 hours + photo stops + game drive in Etosha National Park

Windhoek Departure Day

Unfortunately, our Namibia adventure is slowly coming to an end today. Depending on the time of our departure flight, we may still have time for a final bike ride or a morning walk in the Ongeama nature area. Before our departure to Windhoek, we can stop at the woodcarvers' market in Okahandja to look at the handmade carvings and buy some souvenirs. Alternatively, or better still, we can spend a little time in Windhoek before departing for the airport, the Craft Centre a special place and a final walk through the city centre may also be worth the while.

Driving distance:         120 km

Travel time:                 2-2.5 hours