ReitSafari HorseTrails Namibia - Fish River Northern Canyon Trail

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Fish River Northern Canyon Trail
For riders with lots of enthusiasm but not much time!

The Northern Canyon Trail and the Southern Plains Trail are both components of the Fish River Canyon Trail.

This trail is the first part of the Fish River Canyon to Orange River Trail. It is the perfect opportunity for riders with just one week to spare to nevertheless participate in a Reitsafari adventure. The challenge is by no means less than that of the Central Namib Desert and the Damaraland to Skeleton Coast trails. The Northern Canyon Trail combines dramatic canyon landscapes with vast desert plains. Participants experience real wilderness areas, which are otherwise almost inaccessible, as well as the freedom of riding without restrictions. The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon on earth and internationally recognised as one of Africa’s most magnificent natural features. We start off in and along the upper canyon. Distances covered per day vary between 20 and 55 kilometres.

Details

Windhoek – Windhoek: 7 days, 8 nights. 5 days riding (1 trial ride), 2 days transfers and a visit to the main viewpoint at the Fish River Canyon.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet 8h00 at the Tourist Info kiosk in Windhoek, where airport busses and taxis stop (Windhoek central, opposite Kalahari Sands Hotel). Please inform us in advance of your flight or hotel arrangements, in order for us to find you, in case of delays. Transfer of about 8 hours including a picnic along the way. Arrive late afternoon at Springfontein, a nearly forgotten spring, where rhinos and elephant quenched their thirst about 100 years ago in this barren and stark landscape. Springfontein is located on a private farm along the Sout (salt) River, which is a tributary to the Fish River north of the Main Canyon. Meet fellow-riders, hosts, guides and local crew.

Day 2: Have breakfast and briefings and go on a “trial ride” where you meet and match with the horses and adapt to riding style and the terrain we will explore. The afternoon is free for relaxation, hiking, photographs, etc. At this point your luggage needs to be re-arranged, to take just a small bag for two days, since tracks are non-existent or poor and only tough 4x4’s can transport as little as possible, but as much as needed.

Day 3: Ride from Springfontein to Koelkrans (“cool cliffs”). Riding over variable terrain, to meet the Canyon with a stunning view, stop at the view point and descend into the canyon. Camp at a large natural pool surrounded by steep cliffs. Go for a much appreciated swim in an otherwise extremely dry area. You could see mountain zebra, Oryx, klipspringer and rock dassies, as well as birds of prey and owls, on the way.

Day 4: From Koelkrans to Augurabis. The ride might follow a section of the Fish River where few people have set foot before. Who knows what is waiting for us. Whether we ride in the canyon or on zebra tracks around the top will depend on the water level in the river. The ride in the riverbed is difficult and demanding but then we make our way up on a steep tract to the plato before we cross some plains to find the unexpected forest at Augurabis in the Gaap river. Augurabis is situated on Gondwana Park, a private park of about 120 000 ha dedicated to conservation and tourism.

Day 5: Augurabis to Grenspos. Serpentine away from the canyons through bizarre weathered rocks to the southeast where the basalt ridges ends onto a vast plain, to enjoy some fast cantering and larger numbers of game like Burchell’s zebra, springbuck, ostrich and herds of Oryx. As we ride in a fenceless environment riding is not limited to a specific route. We camp at the Mule Station from where Mule Trails Namibia is operated at the foot of Holoog mountain on wide open terrain with a great panorama. All luggage available and back to ReitSafari's usual camp facilities and routine.

Day 6: Grenspos to Mountain Camp. Ride through endless savannah into an area strewn with granite boulders and charismatic quiver trees, to arrive for lunch at Mountain Camp. The afternoon will include a drive to the main view point of the Fish River Canyon, where the normal tourists go hiking and sight seeing. Enjoy some luxury and a very special evening at Mountain Camp.

Day 7: Depart for Windhoek after an early breakfast, a seven hour transfer.

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. We are happy to assist with your arrangements and ensure that all works out well.

Conditions

This trail is another tough one, similar to the Namib Desert Horse Trail. Therefore you have to be physically fit as well as fit to ride; you should have a good sense of humour and extensive riding experience. You will spend six to eight hours in the saddle every day; all paces (see General Information).

Departure Dates

Trail Dates for 2008

9 - 16 May
25 May - 1 June
5 - 12 October
20 - 27 October

Costs

€ 1,525.00 (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 Springfontein; full board and lodging at homesteads and lodges and good ReitSafari fare while camping on the trail; scenic drive to the main lookout point at the Fish River Canyon; and transfer back to Windhoek.

Excluded: bottled and canned drinks on the trail and at lodges and homesteads; souvenirs; tips for local guides and crew; drinks at lodges; flights, if applicable, from Rosh Pinah or Lüderitzbucht; airport transfers.