ReitSafari HorseTrails Namibia - Fish River Southern Plains Trail

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Fish River Southern Plains Trail
ReitSafari's new challenge for enthusiastic riders without much time!

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

The Southern Plains Trail is the second half of the Fish River Canyon to Orange River Trail. The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon on earth and internationally recognised as one of Africa’s most magnificent natural features. We ride parallel to the Fish River Canyon across endless plains, only to be stopped by the Orange/Gariep River which forms Namibia’s southern border. Distances covered per day vary between 20 and 55 kilometres.

The area is part of the Nama Karoo Desert biome, situated on the fringe of the transitional zone between Nama Karoo and Succulent Karoo. The Orange River valley at Aussenkehr is the most arid part of the Nama Karoo biome. Aussenkehr Park is also home to a small population of feral Namib horses. They are descended from a group of seventeen horses which were relocated during the 1992 drought from the original wild horse population at Garub in the Namib Desert.

Details

Windhoek-Windhoek: 8 days, 7 nights. 5 days riding, 3 days transfers and a visit to the famous Wild Horses of the Namib Desert.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet 7h30 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 light lunch pack. Arrive at Canyon Lodge early afternoon for a drink or coffee; meet your fellow-riders on a drive to the main view point of the Fish River Canyon where tourists usually go hiking and sight seeing. You will be amazed to know where we have been with our horses and listen to the exciting stories of those who have ridden the canyons. Go back to Mountain Camp and be welcomed by hosts, guides, local crew and the horses. Welcome (for you who have just arrived) and goodbye dinner (for those who have done Namibia's Northern Canyons Trail) - happy chats around the campfire under the African sky.

Day 2: Parallel to the course of the Fish River Canyon from Mountain Camp to Fourie se Gat (‘a hole dug by Mr. Fourie’). Over wide open savannah with game and hills in the east and the awesome sight of the Canyon area, to the west. Usually you can enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Fish River Canyon ‘bad lands’ to the west, the Granite kopjes behind you and the sandy plains of the Gamkab basin ahead of you, with Norotshama peak on the southern horizon.

Day 3: Fourie se Gat to Ais-Ais Hot water springs. In the morning we follow the road for some way winding through granite kopjes to the famous hot water springs at Ais-Ais Resort. There we camp and spent the afternoon in the hot or cold swimming pools relaxing possible sore muscles.

Day 4: From Ais-Ais to Gamkab Camp. In the morning we follow the road out of the Fish River Valley again to arrive upon wide open plains. We meet unlimited, ever changing scenery and camp at a cosy spot next to the Gamkab River.

Day 5: From Gamkab Camp to Boulders camp. Riding over a patch of isolated sand dunes onto Aussenkehr plains to a camp surrounded by stacked boulders which could only have been the work of giants. Again, riding is not limited to a specific route, as we can roam freely in a vast environment.

Day 6: The last ride. Stunning contrast again; ride from the wide open plains into the very narrow Kings Throne canyon, onto a view point surprisingly displaying the Orange/Gariep River with its vineyards in an otherwise barren landscape. Another happy canter and some strolling through the vineyards to finally untack at Norotshama River Resort, on the banks of the Orange River. Go for a swim in the pool (or river) and enjoy sundowners on the river and dinner at the lodge.

Day 7: Maybe go for a short canoe trip down the river and leave late morning for Klein-Aus Vista. Driving along the Orange river to Rosh Pinah and then along the Spergebiet (Restricted Diamond area) to Aus. In the afternoon set off on a Sundowner excursion to the Wild Horses of the Namib Desert with and experienced guide.

Day 8: Depart for Windhoek after an early breakfast, a seven hour transfer. Alternatively an option is possible to fly to Windhoek or Cape Town from Rosh Pinah airport (on day 7 when passing through Rosh Pinah) or Lüderitz airport (one hour transfer from Klein-Aus Vista).

Rendezvous Point

From Windhoek International take the airport bus or a taxi into town. We meet you at 7h30 (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

Since this trail is similar to the Namib Desert Horse Trail, 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

15 - 21 May
31 May - 6 June
11 - 17 October
26 October - 1 November

Costs

€ 1,745.00 (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 Mountain Camp; 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; transfer from Norotshama Lodge via Klein Aus Vista Lodge with an excursion to the Wild Horses 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.