ReitSafari HorseTrails Namibia

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Bushmanland Trail

Not Namib Desert, but Kalahari in the far north east of Namibia. The Bushmanland Trail is only offered when there is sufficient demand for a ride of at least 6 riders through this interesting and remote part of Eastern Namibia. Terrain and vegetation are typical African savannah and woodland with an abundance of wildlife. Attractions include big game, huge Baobab trees, vast shallow pans filled with water after a good rainy season and the Aha mountain scenery on the border between Namibia and Botswana.

Details

Windhoek - Windhoek: 10 days, 9 nights; 2 days for transfers, 7 days riding.

Itinerary

Day 1: We try to leave Windhoek no later than 10h00 and drive via Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Otavi and Grootfontein to Dornhügel, so that we arrive there early enough to meet our crew and horses, go for a swim and enjoy a sun downer and the beautiful sunset in this typically African landscape...

Day 2: Tack up and go, no trial ride. We set off directly across farms named Sachsenwald en Oopval, through a vast commercial farming area with palm trees, large pans of water and small coal processing plants. Evening camp at Blystroom in ReitSafari fashion!

Day 3: We enter Eden, a private game reserve, which boasts an amazing variety of game and different bird species. We ride towards the Big Pan and from there, as the crow flies, towards the Omuramba Omatako. It is one of the usually dry riverbeds which fizzle out in the Okavango Swamps in the Kalahari. Lunch at Omatako, night camp at Morestêr.

Day 4: We ride a short distance to the nearby loading ramp, load horses and tack and have them transported to Tsumkwe to avoid a rather boring part of Bushmanland. Riders travel from a first world commercial farming area across the Red Line at Rooidaghek into third world communal Bushmanland. We visit a Bushman settlement and join in with day-to-day life. Then we continue to Tsumkwe, visit the souvenir shop and meet the crew and horses near Tsumkwe Lodge. We camp with the horses, but you are welcome to spoil yourself by renting a luxurious chalet at the lodge at your own expense (rates and reservation on request).

Day 5: We meet our pick-up at Nyae-Nyae Pan for lunch and continue to the incredible Baobab Tree where we set up camp for two nights. Usually some Ju/'hoansi Bushmen appear out of nowhere and we make an appointment for the next day for them to take us into the bush for a demonstration of their famous hunting and tracking skills.

Day 6: We spend the day with the Bushmen and follow elephant tracks.

Day 7: We continue to follow the elephants via Maheri to either Baraka or into the vicinity of Grenspos and the Aha Mountains – depending on where the elephants are!

Day 8: We definitely want to find elephants and if they are around, the world-famous Bushmen trackers will find them for us. Where we will camp at night is not certain at this stage, but it will probably be close to the Aha Mountains.

Day 9: We ride to the main road at the border to Botswana, load the horses and travel back to Dornhügel where we enjoy our last dinner together, share endless stories and, who knows, make plans for another ReitSafari trip!

Day 10: After breakfast we drive back to Windhoek.

Take note: Routes can be changed due to unpredictable weather and other unforeseen conditions!

Rendezvous Point

From Windhoek International take the airport bus or a taxi into town. We meet you at 8h00 (to be confirmed prior to arrival) at the Tourist Information kiosk opposite the Kalahari Sands Hotel in the city centre. Kindly let us have your flight number and contact details in Windhoek, should you arrive earlier. If need be we are happy to make other arrangements to ensure that everything works out well.

Conditions

As with our other trails you have to be physically fit as well as fit to ride; you should have a good sense of humour and extensive riding experience. We spend six to eight hours in the saddle on most days; all paces (see General Information).

Departure Dates

Trail Dates for 2009

Only on sufficient demand and minimum of 6 riders

Costs

€ 2,835.00 (includes 15% Value Added Tax)

NB: SADC citizens may ask for a generous rebate. Must be able to provide proof of citizenship!

Included: transfer from Windhoek to Dornhügel; 2 nights half-board at Dornhügel; 7 days riding and camping in ReitSafari fashion; transfers from Rumara to Tsumkwe, from somewhere in Bushmanland back to Dornhügel and back to Windhoek.

Excluded: chalet accommodation at Tsumkwe Lodge offered as a luxury extra at participant’s expense (please let us know in time so that we can make reservations – Bushmanland is not on the map and communication is most difficult); bottled and canned drinks; souvenirs and other private spending; tips for crew and Bushmen, additional Bushman performances and presentations.