Namibia is a vast country with wide-open spaces and endless skies. Dunes gradually turn into granite hills, while rocky outcrops give way to vast plains. Travelling through the wilderness by bike is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the varied landscape of this desert nation and there is also the unique experience of cycling over dunes on a modified fat bike. Discover the highlights and hidden secrets of the country on two wheels, watch the sun rise over some of the tallest dunes in the world and experience game drives in one of the best game reserves in southern Africa, Etosha National Park.
Activity Areas
Cycling
E-Bike
Off-Road Cycling
Road Cycling
Region & Country & City
Africa: Etosha National Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia, Sossusvlei
Included in the Price
All accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels/lodges), 7 Simple nights (full-service camping) - All breakfasts, two lunches, six dinners - Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities - Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure - Arrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available - Local bike hire of a fully serviced entry level 29er Mtb Hardtail (Silverback / GT) bike - 8 days cycling with full vehicle support (excluding one fat biking excursion)
Not Included In The Price
Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip, E-bike hire is available for an additional cost.
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure starts in Windhoek
Begin your adventure at Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek. The afternoon can be spent exploring or relaxing, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or watching the many native birds that swoop overhead.
Around 6pm to 7pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the lodge, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner.
Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.
Day 2 Transfer to Kupferberg Pass; introductory cycle past private farms and local wildlife
Leaving Windhoek, we start with a short transfer towards the Khomas Hochland and the top of the Kupferberg Pass. From here, we get our first taste of cycling through the amazing landscapes of Namibia as we descend along winding roads past private farms and local wildlife, getting used to the terrain for about 28mi (45km) while stopping regularly for snacks and pictures. Our campsite tonight is on a family-owned farm surrounded by mountains. There’s a dipping pool if you’d like to cool down and a small shop serving locally sourced and homegrown products.
Total transfer time: 2hr-2hr 30min on gravel
Upgrade from camping to a chalet today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 3 Cycle along gravel trails towards Sesriem
Leaving camp on our bikes, we continue along gravel roads on rolling hills. We cycle down the Remhoogte pass to the west where we will soon find open plains towards the desert. We aim to get to Solitaire for lunch and hopefully have the opportunity to try the local apple crumble, which has been called the best in the Southern Hemisphere. After lunch, we transfer to Sesriem. If we don’t visit Solitaire this day, we stop at Solitaire again on Day 4.
Total transfer time: Two hours on gravel
Day 4 Climb Dune 45 and cycle back to Sesriem past giant dunes
Waking early, we drive 25mi (40km) to some of the highest dunes in the world before climbing Dune 40 or 45 as the first sunrays peak over the horizon and hit the red-ochre sand. After descending, we have breakfast with a view before taking to our bikes for a ride back to Sesriem along a paved road cutting through the towering dunes. Depending on the weather, we may be able to do a 15.5mi (25km) ride to Sossusvlei parking area and have a quick walk to Hiddenvlei or optional 4×4 ride to Deadvlei. We might also return from Dune 40 and cycle 40km back to Sesriem. After lunch at camp, we transfer to Solitaire. In the afternoon, we can visit the Namib Carnivore Conservation Centre to see cheetahs (depending on time, we may go tomorrow morning).
Total transfer time: 2hr 30min to 3hr on gravel and paved road
Upgrade from camping to a room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 5 Morning cycle through Namib Naukluft Desert; transfer to Walvis Bay then on to Swakopmund
After a short transfer, or we cycle from camp, we continue on our journey north, cycling towards the Tropic of Capricorn. If conditions allow, we have the option of cycling over the Kuiseb Pass or a different route towards the coast, depending on weather and road conditions. With luck, we should see ostriches, springbok, gemsbok and mountain zebras. Once again, we end our ride in the shadow of Guab Pass before transferring to Walvis Bay, which is known for its flamingos. From here, we continue to Swakopmund, driving with the ocean on the left and the dunes on the right.
Total transfer time: 4hr to 4hr 30min on gravel
Day 6 Fat biking on dunes and free time for optional activities
Today, we are introduced to our modified fat bikes and cycle (2hr 30min to 3hr) into the vast expanse of dunes surrounding Swakopmund. Fat bikes have very wide tyres that make it possible to cycle over sand and explore areas that regular mountain bikes are unable to reach. Our ride, which takes place either in the morning or afternoon depending on weather conditions, includes a coastline section if the tide is in our favour.
For the rest of the day, we have time to enjoy one of the many optional activities available near Swakopmund, such as sandboarding or quad biking. If you feel like relaxing, this Germanic town is renowned for its cake and coffee shops.
Day 7 Spitzkoppe ride
A short transfer takes us from Swakopmund to the start of our ride. We cycle through the eroded ridges and gullies of Moon Valley before stopping for coffee and cake or an early lunch at Goanikontes Oasis.
Depending on the weather and the group’s energy levels, we either cycle a little further or transfer to Spitzkoppe. Rising abruptly from the gravel plains, this granite peak is known as the Matterhorn of Namibia.
We explore the area on foot in the late afternoon. When there have been good rains, it may be possible to find rock pools where we can take a refreshing dip. Later in the afternoon, we can go on an optional short hike in the area.
Total transfer time: 2hr 30min on gravel
Day 8 To Etosha National Park for safari
Transfer to Etosha National Park, stopping in Outjo for lunch at the Outjo Bakery, where we can sample German-style pastries.
Upon arrival, we take a late afternoon game drive or watch sunset at the camp waterhole, depending on our arrival time.
Home to elephants, rhinos and lions, Etosha delivers big wildlife moments, whether we are scanning the plains or watching animals emerge from the dusk to drink.
Total transfer time: 5hr 30min to 6hr on gravel and paved roads
Upgrade from camping to a room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 9 Safari in Etosha National Park
Today is dedicated to safari. We go on morning and afternoon game drives and have the opportunity to relax in camp during the heat of the day when the wildlife hides from the Namibian sun.
Upgrade from camping to a room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 10 Transfer from park; Otjiwa ride
We leave Etosha National Park and transfer approximately 75mi (120km) to Otjiwa, the oldest safari lodge in Namibia. In the afternoon, we ride along the jeep tracks and hopefully see some of the local wildlife. For our last night of camping, we enjoy a delicious braai (barbecue) under the African night sky.
Total transfer time: Two hours on paved roads
Upgrade from camping to a room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 11 Cycle in Otjiwa and transfer to Waterberg Plateau for an optional walk
This morning, we cycle (2hr to 2hr 30min) from camp along the jeep tracks of Otjiwa Lodge while looking for wildlife. Then transfer to our accommodation at the impressive red table mountain formation of the Waterberg Plateau, where we can cool off in the pool and enjoy our last night of the trip in a comfortable room. This afternoon, we can also go for a walk on the Waterberg Plateau.
Total transfer time: 1hr 30min on gravel and paved roads
Day 12 Adventure ends at Windhoek Airport
A 3hr 30min drive brings us back to Windhoek, where our adventure ends. Bid farewell to new-found friends and begin your return journey home. If you’d like the adventure to continue, speak to our sales representative about extending your stay.
Please note: The group transfer back to Windhoek is scheduled to align with a chosen flight to London, UK; therefore, you should not book flights leaving before then. Please contact your sales representative for the timings of this flight.
