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 can take a short test ride in the Avis Dam area, on quiet roads and gravel roads/trails (optional). We explore the historic and cultural highlights of the Namibian capital on a short city tour. We experience the contrasts between the architecture of colonial times and the informal settlements on the outskirts of town, where most people reside. We enjoy dinner at the well-known Joe’s Beerhouse.

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

Accommodation:         Weltevrede Guestfarm or similar

Biking distance:          50 km, Altitude: 1000 m

Travel distance:          30 km

Travel time:                 about 45min + 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 in 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:          350 km

Travel time:                 about 5 hours + Photo stops

Moon landscape and Spitzkoppe

We are transferred by car to the nearby Moon Landscape and, within minutes, find ourselves on 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, Erongo Rocks.

Accommodation:        Erongo Rocks, Camping

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

Travel distance:          about 200 km

Travel time:                 about 1.5 hours + photo stops

Etosha National Park

We begin our ride from Erongo Rocks, cycling toward the town Omaruru. Along the way, we are immersed in the beauty of the wide-open spaces, with occasional glimpses of local wildlife. After reaching Omaruru, we load our bikes and continue the journey via Outjo, stopping for a relaxing lunch along the way.

From there we head towards our accommodation on the southern side of Etosha National Park. Etosha is one of the most special game parks in Southern Africa and is over 22 200 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:        Toshari Lodge or similar

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

Travel distance:           300 km

Travel time:                 3-3.5 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 walking 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