ReitSafari HorseTrails Namibia - General Information

Horses and Saddles

“One of each breed", i.e. Arab, Haflinger, Trakehner, ranch horses, even cross-breeds of the famous wild horses of the Namib Desert; they are small to medium-sized (14.3 to 16 hands) sure-footed horses raised on rough terrain, some of them with experience in endurance riding, and every one of them a kind, reliable companion that deserves the very best treatment and care. We use comfortable equitation and Western-style saddles to properly fit the horse as well as the rider.

Terrain and Distance

Rocky hills and riverbeds, gravel plains – at times the going is tough and difficult. On average we cover 20-40 km a day, spending six to eight hours in the saddle. Pace depends on terrain and temperatures as well as on fitness and weight of riders. Walk, trot, canter and gallop. Because Namibia has such wide-open spaces it is possible to accommodate up to 15 riders on a trail plus 2 - 3 riding guides.

Camping

Large dome-shaped tents (two participants sharing) with camp beds and swags (canvas bedrolls) consisting of lambskin, duvet or quilt and pillow; folding chairs, hot showers. Luggage is transported on trucks; the riders ride across bush or desert as the crow flies and meet the back-up vehicles at campsites. Camp is pitched at sunset; meals are prepared on the open fire, usually a ‘braai’ or ‘potjie’ (casserole) - typically Namibian and often a surprise.

Equipment

Bring a warm sleeping bag as nights can be very cold (can be hired in advance if required), a set of warm clothes including a jacket or all-weather coat (for the occasional cold front,), a wide-brimmed hat, a woolly hat, a windcheater, a warm sweater, 2 neckerchiefs, long-sleeved shirts, sun lotion, 2 pairs sunglasses on strings, at least 3 changes of comfortable riding clothes (tried and trusted sportswear rather than brand-new fashionable jeans), short riding boots/trainers/chaps/mini-chaps according to preference, leisure wear, towel, water bottle, torch, gloves, moon bag, lip balm, talcum powder, a small overnight bag for everything you need for 2 days, sufficient batteries for cameras and spare memory card. We strongly recommend riding caps (riding without protective headgear is at your own risk).

Conditions

Fitness, good health, experience in horse riding and handling horses are essential. You need not be an accomplished dressage rider or show jumper, but you must feel totally at ease on the back of a cantering horse; and be prepared for the riding adventure of your life!
We have a weight limit of 85 kg - anyone heavier will need to pay a 30% surcharge for an extra horse as recommended by the World Horse Welfare (ILPH International League for Protection of Horses).

Damaraland-Skeleton Coast Trail
This is a truly exceptional trail: where else can you expect to see elephant, giraffe and rhino in a desert habitat! And you will be surprised at how they have adapted.
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