Upon arrival at Windhoek International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Windhoek. Your first foray onto Namibian soil from the airport will take you approximately 42km to the capital of Windhoek. This bustling metropolis has a distinctive German flavor and will be home for one night only.
You dedicated Swartberg Biking guide will meet with you at your hotel in Windhoek. Late afternoon we conduct a tour briefing and proceed with the rental motorcycle check-outs.
Windhoek is a clean, safe, and well-organized city. Its colonial legacy is reflected in the numerous German eateries and shops as well as 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 (Old Fort), the 1896 Christuskirche (Christ Church), and the more contemporary Supreme Court.
Pulsating with life, opportunity and a sparkle of adventure, Windhoek is a multicultural city characterized by the tranquil co-existence of all its citizens, which number 350,000. Visitors can enjoy the best of two worlds having the European inspired architecture and lifestyle vs the vivid beat of African culture and surroundings. The first recorded settlements were established because of the water springs discovered in the area.
You may wish to explore the city at leisure this afternoon and consider enjoying a sun-downer (a local Namibian institution) at the Hotel Heinitzburg, one of three castles perched on a hill overlooking Windhoek. For dinner we may consider the infamous Joe’s Beer-house where the beer flows and chicken is considered a vegetarian dish. Alternatively we visit the Wine Cellar or Tasting room restaurants next to the lodge.
This morning, after a peaceful night and breakfast, we join the A1 motorway in a northern direction towards Otjiwarongo. Our first stop is at Okahandja, known for it’s Herero people where the ladies dress in their colorful and distinctive long dresses with matching headgear. The head gear is said to mimic the horns of cattle. These dresses were inspired by the beautiful dresses of the German colonial fashion of the time. Opposite our first coffee stop is the well-known wood carvers’ market where craftsmen proudly display their craft and art. Our journey then follows the B1 in the direction of Etosha. About 30km before Otjiwarongo we reach Otjiwa Lodge, located on one of Namibia’s oldest game farms. On arrival, you have time to relax and enjoy lunch as well as the lodge facilities.
In the afternoon participants join a sun-downer drive to discover the habitat and variety of game found at Otjiwa. The resident game varies from the smaller springbok to the much bigger, yet endangered white rhino. The sun-downer drives lasts about 2 hours during which you visit a few of the water holes, each offering its own unique beauty and visitors. To end our sun-downer game drive, we visit one of the hills on the reserve to enjoy our first African sunset and a drink along with a picnic basket and refreshments.
Otjiwa Safari Lodge is one of the oldest private game farms in Namibia and is home to roughly 25 different species of game. These include giraffes, zebra, springbok, kudu and also the endangered white Rhino. If you are lucky enough, you might also spot a roaming leopard enjoying the wide open spaces at Otjiwa where it can freely roam the hills of this 12 000 hectare property.
Sundowner drive
After breakfast we enjoy a relaxed check out and say goodbye to Otjiwa before continuing north to Etosha National Park. Etosha is renowned for its diverse wildlife and the vast salt pan central to it. It is also one of Africa's iconic national parks.
On arrival at your lodge, one cannot but not notice the peace and quiet around. Its time to enjoy the tranquility of Africa, time to enjoy a relaxing afternoon next to the pool or spot some wildlife from the lodge’s terrace. The terrace is perched on a hill and overlooks a great expanse of African savanna where giraffe like to roam. It is also the ideal spot from where to enjoy sun-downers and witness another African sunset.
Optional - En route one can visit a traditional Himba village just outside of Etosha National Park and meet these proud and statuesque people. The Himba still adhere to their traditional values and cultures and are one of the last truly nomadic tribes on Earth. The owner of Vierling Farm, Mr Jakkie Robberts accommodates the Ovahimba tribe because of the severe drought in Namibia in the last years on farm Cauas-Okawa where Otjikandero Village is situated. All funds are to support the orphans in the tribe. Enjoy this guided tour with our friendly informative guides and experience the everyday lifestyle of the Ovahimba Tribe. The tribe will share their historical back grounds and many more. This is a memorable adventurous and informative cultural experience. Costs for the Tour: TBC
On the second day of our stay you enjoy a full day Etosha safari experience which starts at 06:30. Chances are good that you will encounter new animal species. The park is home to numerous species, including zebra, elephant, rhino, lions, giraffe and numerous antelope species, not too mention bird life. Along side the new species is the excitement of enjoying new encounters at waterholes visited and enjoying the vast landscape.
Central to the park is the Etosha Pan. It dominates the park. This dry salt pan is nearly completely enclosed by the park and lined by numerous watering holes. It covers an expanse of roughly 130 km long and 50 km wide in places. During Etosha’s notorious dry season, the pan is not a friendly place to be as it lies parched and cracked under the molten African sun. Animals stay clear of it and remains on the outskirts of the pan. Yet the drought makes it possible to enjoy great game viewing opportunities when most animals find shelter against the heat near water. In contrast, the rainy season also brings about challenges, but the park remains a wildlife haven whether dry or wet. After a day filled with excitement its time to head back to the lodge to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Today we head to the Erongo Mountains via Outjo. Outjo is said to have the best meat pies in Namibia. Even if you are not a pie lover, it would be worth your while to visit the best bakery in town. Outjo (Otjiherero for "little hill") is the district seat and constituency of the same name in the Kunene Region in Namibia.
The town is considered the cradle of the carnival in Namibia which is based on the typical carnivals held across Germany; and hence the “Karnaval” being an important institution for especially the German community in the country. Outjo offers some sights, but above all it is an important tourist transit and supply point.
Onward to Omaruru for a last stop before we reach the Erongo mountains. A characteristic of the Erongo region is its rocky outcrops. These huge granite dome resembles rocky islands in a sea of sand. It is also here where we encounter our first gravel roads of the tour. Firstly we enjoy some gravel shortcuts to reach Omaruru followed by the gravel D2315 taking us to the lodge. At the turn-off to the lodge we find the Omandumba San village living museum. The San people, also known as the Bushman, is one of Namibia's oldest indigenous people. They have a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years and faced many challenges over the millennia. Most of the remaining tribes lives in the remote areas and maintain a semi nomadic lifestyle. The community at Omandumba is perfectly located to visit for a short introduction to their fascinating world.
A lesser know fact about the region is that there is a small boutique winery located in the region. Erongo Mountain Winery is situated along the Omaruru river at 1200m above sea level and surrounded by the beautiful, rugged mountains of the Erongo region (Namibia). This trailblazing and innovative boutique winery is pioneering the Namibian wine industry, carving out its legacy in the arid dry granite rock.
At Ai-Aiba Lodge the sunsets are spectacular, but only when night falls, are you reminded what the word ‘awesome’ truly means. Most participants reside in cities and the light pollution we are used to spoils our views of the night sky. At Ai-Aiba, on a clear night, you will view the night sky like never before. The magnitude and vastness of our galaxy and viewing the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon is a sight never to be forgotten. Sublime!
Omandumba San Village Museum
With the sun in our backs we depart from Ai-Aiba and exit the Erongo Wilderness area via the western entrance. From here we zigzag our way to another of Namibia's iconic landmarks - Spitzkoppe. Whether viewing social media or paging through a magazines or coffee table books, images of the Spitzkoppe will always be present.
The Gross Spitzkoppe is known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. The Western face was first climbed in 1946 and has since then drawn rave reviews from climbers. Bouldering opportunities are also abundant in the area. The Spitzkoppe is known to contain at least 37 rock art sites and test excavations at one of these revealed a well-preserved archaeological sequence spanning the last 4000 years. Evidence from the excavation include a wide range of stone artifacts used in hunting weaponry and in the preparation of animal hides, as well as the remains of hunted game and plant foods. From this evidence it appears that the Spitzkoppe served as a dry season base with reliable food and water resources. The rock painting sites at Spitzkoppe contain several motives that are closely associated with rain making rituals. In Namibia, the archaeological evidence of rain making relates to entire landscapes, such as the Spitzkoppe, rather than to individual painted rock shelters.
The habitat around the Spitzkoppe is made up primarily of scattered acacia scrub with vegetated washes. Other areas have granite boulders and outcrops, the pegmatite within these have been formerly mined for semi-precious minerals such as tourmaline, aquamarine, topaz and smoky quartz.
Our morning will be spent on gravel followed by easy going asphalt as we make our way to Swakopmund. With its palm-lined streets and seaside promenade, Swakopmund rates as Namibia’s most popular seaside destination. The town acts as a base for many and varied activities ranging from quad biking in the Namib, to sand boarding and even desert tours.
The town also features a host of excellent restaurants. However, never far away is typically German fare at Kucki's Pub, good coffee and cake at Cafe Anton as well as sushi and seafood at the Tug or Ocean Cellar. May we add that the best view in town is from the age-old jetty where you can watch the sunset whilst enjoying an ice cold beer, watching the breakers rolling in and the Atlantic ocean below. Our favorite eateries are Ocean Cellar and Brewer & Butcher.
Spitzkuppe
Don’t be surprised waking up in the morning with the desert fog covering the entire town. Past experience has shown that the morning fog often makes way for the Africa sun to showcase the town in all its beauty. With and annual rainfall of only 20mm, the fog plays a crucial role to sustain life and
After breakfast we make our way to Walvis Bay for some sailing fun. We usually set sail between 08h45 and 09h00 from the Walvis Bay Waterfront. Our fun filled marine educational sailing excursion is in search of the Marine Big 5. The Marine Big 5 includes Whales, Dolphins, Mola, Leatherback turtle and seals. While serving hot coffee and tea, our route takes us past oyster farms as we approach Pelican Point with its landmark lighthouse and 60,000 resident Cape Fur Seals. We round the point and head into the open sea. Between July and November larger mammals such as the Southern Right Whale and Humpback Whales are often spotted on our trips. Sometimes we enjoy the presence of other whale species such as the Gray and the Pygmy Right whale.
Bottlenose, Heaviside, and Dusky dolphins are regularly spotted and so are Sunfish and Leather-back Turtles. Other regular visitors onboard our catamarans are numerous bird species such as the Kelp Gull, Hartlaub’s Gull, Pelicans and Cape Cormorant. Adding to the experience we hoist the sails of our four sailing catamarans whenever possible, switch off the engines and let our guests experience true sailing. Guests can even help in putting up the sails and rigging the lines.
Our journey from Pelican Point takes us past some of the more interesting ships and oil rigs in the bay as we serve fresh oysters with sparkling wine, savory snacks and desserts together with light drinks, cold rinks and mineral water. We return to the Waterfront at around 12h30.
Once guests return to Swakopmund after the morning excursion, they can enjoy the afternoon at their leisure and explore Swakopmund and enjoy dinner at one of the numerous restaurants.
After loading our luggage we bid the coast farewell and continue to Solitaire. We are heading south, riding along the edge of the desert and heading closer to Sossusvlei. Once past Walvis Bay we trade the asphalt roads for gravel and enjoy the rest of the day on gravel roads.
Our journey takes us through two well known canyons when we cross the Kuiseb and Gaub rivers. Both canyons offer scenic views all around and stopping to enjoy the scenery and rock formations, will not disappoint. The Tropic of Capricorn road sign is south of the Gaub canyon and a popular photo stop for most - be on the lookout not to miss it!
However, our next overnight stop will be at Solitaire Lodge. This remote settlement is located at the edge of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. It can easily be missed, or even mistaken for a rural cowboy town somewhere in Texas. It has been a welcome stopover for more than 60 years and established itself an iconic stop on the Namibia map. Whether you are a thirsty traveler, or hungry or in need of fuel or tire repairs, when in Solitaire you will find it all. And may we not forget to mention Solitaires world-famous apple pie. The famous and beloved Moose McGregor did magic when he introduced the world to his famous apple pies, right here in Solitaire!
For most visitors, Solitaire is a leg stretch stop between Swakopmund and Sesriem. For us, its a destination. Its a place where you can sense the stillness of the desert, where you feel insignificant being in the "middle of nowhere". The settlement is located to the south of the Tropic of Capricorn at the center of the 45,000 acre Solitaire Land Trust, dedicated to preserving the grassland ecosystem and the wild animals that reside here.
We catch our first glimpse of the red Namib dunes. Our journey for the day follows a detour to Sesriem via Bullsport. Sesriem is the park entrance and where our lodge is located. Sesriem is also the name of a nearby canyon which is worth while visiting.
Arriving at your lodge near Sesriem, you have the remainder of the day to enjoy at leisure.
The accommodation units at Sossusvlei Lodge feature a patio with views over the desert landscapes, a spacious air-conditioned twin-bedded room and a full en-suite bathroom. Facilities include a sparkling pool, bar, sun-downer deck, beer garden and an al fresco terrace where one can enjoy exquisite food, award-winning wines and magnificent views of the floodlit waterhole.
The region is the largest conservation area in Namibia and covers almost 50,000 sq km and includes a number of wonderful attractions to be enjoyed inside the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The top attraction is also the second most popular attraction in Namibia - Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. The journey to get to the sites is equally impressive being surrounded by a sea of dunes. Both sites are renowned for its majestic, warm red, star-shaped dunes contrasting against the stark white floors of the pans.
Our day starts off with an early rise to make the most of our day. Your inclusive Sossus & Deadvlei excursion departs at sunrise when the park entrance open. When traveling to Sossusvlei, the early morning light continually plays color tricks forever changing the dunes from black to ocher to apricot. The park is known for some of the highest dunes in the world. You will enjoy frequent stops to climb or appreciate some of these dunes. With names such as Dune 45 or Big Daddy who would not like to get up-close and personal with them? The walk to reach Deadvlei is approximately 1,1km, but well worth the effort and time.
Deadvlei is a clay pan characterized by dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor. The trees are estimated to be approximately 900 years old, however they have not decomposed due to the dry climate. Deadvlei is a paradise for photographers as the contrast between the pitch-black trees and bleached-white pans, and the rusty-red dunes and deep blue sky make for incredible images.
From Deadvlei we continue to Sossusvlei. Sossusvlei literally translates to "dead-end marsh". It is here where the dunes come together and prevent the Tsauchab Rive to continue it's flow to the Atlantic Ocean 60km away. Due to the dry desert conditions, the river seldom flows this far and the pan remains bone-dry most of the years. During an exceptional rainy season the Tsauchab fills the pan which draws visitors from all over the world.
Sossusvlei offer visitors other adventure activities ranging from sun-downer trips, to hot air ballooning to scenic flights and much more to explore the area's natural beauty.
Return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon and respite from the heat. Early evening we will be chauffeured away to a remote location to enjoy "sun downers" to celebrate our last night in the desert before heading back to suburbia.
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei morning tour
Today is our last day of riding and also our longest ride to date. Most of our morning miles will be on gravel followed by the last stretch on asphalt. We are finally making our way back to Windhoek. En route we have to traverse one of two recommended Namibian passes. In order to reach the higher ground and Windhoek, we need to ride up the escarpment following one of these routes. Both the Gamsberg & Spreetshoogte passes have established themselves as "to-do-list" rides and our journey will include at least one. on tour we will make the final decision based on the road conditions of the C24 or the C26.
Our final destination of the tour is Windhoek where we head back to the Windhoek Luxury Suites and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Late afternoon we return the motorcycles and relax in preparation for the last dinner as a group and the packing .
Late morning a transfer service will pick you up and transfer you to the airport.
We hope you enjoyed Namibia as much as we have enjoyed this journey with you, and hope to see you again soon with the rest of your families!
Bon Voyage!
