Cycle Namibia

Cycle Namibia

12 Days Starting and ending in Windhoek

Visiting: Namibia

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

MZN

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Moderate & Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $3898 $3675 Operator discount: -$223

NB: Prices correct on 28-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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 where elephants, giraffes and lions roam. 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.

Highlights

  • Cycle through the Namibian wilderness with a like-minded group

  • Safari in Etosha National Park, searching for lions, elephants and more

  • Hop on a fat bike to explore the Swakopmund dunes

  • Witness sunrise from the summit of a towering dune in Sossusvlei

  • Camp under the starry Namibian sky, visiting floodlit waterholes where wildlife gathers

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Windhoek

Depending on your arrival time at the hotel, there is time today to go into Windhoek and explore the city at your own pace or you can relax at the lodge.



Accommodation: Arebbusch Lodge (or similar)

Day 2 : Transfer To Kupferberg Pass; Introductory Cycle Past Private Farms And Local Wildlife

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.



Accommodation: Stofpad Lodge & Camping (or similar)

Day 3 : Cycle Along Gravel Trails Towards Sesriem

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 will stop at Solitaire again on day 4.



Accommodation: Sesriem Camp (or similar)

Day 4 : Climb Dune 45 And Cycle Back To Sesriem Past Giant Dunes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 and have a quick walk to Hiddenvlei or optional 4x4 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).



Accommodation: Solitaire Camp (or similar)

Day 5 : Morning Cycle Through Namib Naukluft Desert; Transfer To Walvis Bay Then On To Swakopmund

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. 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 right and the dunes on the left.



Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 : Fat Biking On Dunes And Free Afternoon For Optional Activities

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we are introduced to our modified fat bikes and cycle 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 takes approximately 2hr 30min to 3hr 30min and includes a coastline section if the tide is in our favour. On our return to Swakopmund, we have a free afternoon to enjoy one of the many optional activities available nearby, such as sandboarding or quad biking. If you feel like relaxing, this Germanic town is renowned for its cake and coffee shops.



Accommodation: Prost Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 : Spitzkoppe Ride

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Swakopmund this morning , passing the nearby Moon Valley landscape, for Spitzkoppe where we have an early lunch. This impressive granite peak rising from the gravel plains 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 bike ride or short hike in the area.



Accommodation: Spitzkoppe Camp (or similar)

Day 8 : Transfer To Etosha National Park For Safari

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a relaxing start to the morning, we transfer to Etosha National Park, one of the best game-viewing parks in southern Africa. We go on a late afternoon game drive in search of various wildlife,  including elephants, rhinos and lions. In camp, we can sit by the watering hole, which is floodlit at night, and enjoy the living theatre that unfolds as animals come to drink the water.



Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp (or similar)

Day 9 : Safari In Etosha National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.



Accommodation: Okaukuejo Camp (or similar)

Day 10 : Transfer From Park; Otjiwa Ride

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Etosha National Park and transfer approximately 75mi (120km) to Otjiwa, the oldest safari lodge in Namibia. After lunch, we go on an afternoon 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.



Accommodation: Otjiwa Safari Camp (or similar)

Day 11 : Cycle In Otjiwa And Transfer To Waterberg Plateau For An Optional Walk

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we cycle from camp along the jeep tracks of Otjiwa Lodge for about three hours while looking for wildlife. We 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.



Accommodation: Waterberg Lodge (or similar)

Day 12 : Transfer To Windhoek Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, two lunches, five dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Local bike hire

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

All breakfasts, two lunches, five dinners are included.



When staying at campsites, our guides cook for you. These will be hearty meals cooked over an open fire; expect braai (barbecue), potjie (stew) and stir fries for dinner. Breakfasts are continental and usually consist of cereals, coffee, yoghurt, muesli, fresh fruit or the occasional fried breakfast. For lunch, expect a good selection of sandwich ingredients such as cheese and cold meats plus pasta and salads. Our support vehicle carries a good selection of snacks and drinks, which are available to access every 9mi (15km) or so when the group stops.



Vegetarians can be catered for but please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.

Accommodation

On this cycling adventure in Namibia, we spend seven nights camping and four nights in hotels – bring your swimwear, most of the places we stay have pools. Below is a rundown of the hotels we typically use and some advice on camping.

Hotels

Windhoek: Arebbusch Lodge (night 1)







Our guesthouse is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre yet is spacious with two swimming pools and one of the best pizzerias in the capital. It also has a beautiful garden with indigenous trees.



Swakopmund: Prost Hotel (nights 5-6)







After a few camping nights, we hop back into a clean, comfy room with a stay at the Prost Hotel. When we’re not out riding dunes on fat bikes, this 28-room hotel is well-placed for visiting Swakopmund and its pubs, restaurants, and cake and coffee shops.



Waterberg: Waterberg Resort (night 11)







We spend our final night of the trip in the comforts of the Waterberg Resort, where we can sink into a comfy bed. Find further relaxation in the swimming pool and enjoy our last night together in the restaurant and bar.

Camping





Namibia is a fantastic destination for camping. The landscapes are grand and unpopulated, wildlife is widespread plus the campsites are clean and well maintained. All communal camping gear is provided, including spacious two-person dome tents, thick foam mattresses and folding stools, although you need to take your own sleeping bag and pillow.



In Etosha, we stay within the national park itself – a huge plus for any animal lover and a highlight of the trip for many. The resorts we use (nights 8-9) are either Okaukuejo, Halali or Namutoni. Each location has a restaurant, swimming pool and bar but the highlights are the flood-lit waterholes where wildlife regularly stops to drink and bathe.



Worth knowing



Due to the limited amount of accommodation within Etosha National Park, it may be necessary to sleep outside the park on some or all of the nights we are there.

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Visas for Namibia are not required for UK or Commonwealth passport holders. Other nationalities should check before travelling

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Hotels and lodges have en suite facilities

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements.

    Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 years old people can go on this tour.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Amazing Country

Amazing country, fabulous campsites, dramatic scenery and great wildlife.

Cycle Namibia

This is a well organised and diverse trip. Good cycling, great and varied topography and wonderful wildlife. This is just such a good way to see a good cross section of Namibia. The campsites were terrific set in some wonderful locations and to get swimming pools in some of them is a real bonus.

a brilliant trip

a fantastic and unique way to see this fascinating country, its scenery and its wildlife

A fantastic Adventure

Namibia is an amazing country with stunning scenery. We did so many new things .... One of the most brilliant things about the trip was the lack of people - for many of the activities we were the only people there, very few tourists, so for example camping in the desert surrounded only by mountains and climbing Dune 40 at sunrise we were the only people there. The people were warm and friendly, the winter daytime weather warm and cloudless once the sun came up but very cold at night. We felt safe and looked after by the great local team, and everything was well organised. The cycling in itself is not too hard in terms of elevation or distance but the road surfaces are unpaved gravel, often bumpy and uneven with loose sand and gravel so you have to concentrate very hard much of the time which makes it harder going than it might have been. We took a flight over the skeleton coast where desert meets sea, saw seals and flamingoes, had a very lucky and close encounter with 4 lions on our Etosha safari (once again there were no other vehicles around which made it more special). Campsite in Etosha had a floodlit waterhole so you could sit out at night watching groups of elephants, giraffes, rhinos coming to drink. We cycled in a private game reserve and were able to see rhinos and a group or 6 giraffes close up. We had a great smallish group of 8, great company, like minded people.

Bucket List Trip

I loved this trip, and seeing, climbing and then flying over the amazing dunes lived up to my expectations. Big bucket list tick for that. And the wildlife round and about, but especially in Etosha (particularly at the camp waterhole) was brilliant. Watching rhino's preliminary mating dance, elephants bathing and a stand off with a pride of lions, from a safe distance while supping red wine, was one of life's great experiences.

Sand dunes, wildlife, endless sky

A great two week trip in Namibia. Provided a great overview of the country and able to experience the vastness and emptiness of Namibia. A stunning country with lots of wildlife. The camping was fun with great meals and a refreshing pool and bar at every campsite (except one). The cycling isn't hard, just hot and on rough gravel roads. Lots of stunning photo opportunities.

Cycle Namibia

Great scenery and opportunity to see wildlife. Some hard hot slogs on slippery and dusty gravel roads.

Oct 19

The cycling was hard on gravel and sand roads in 35 degree heat with a head wind. If you are not experienced in off road this trip will feel more like a grade 4 . Saying that some of the riding was amazing. Riding on the fat boy cycles over the dunes for nearly 4 hours was amazing and should be on peoples bucket list. The wild life matched expectation , Elephants, lions, white and black Rhino,cheaters. Camp sites were clean but basic, they were lovely sitting in the dessert watching the stars.

CYCLE NAMIBIA

Beautiful desert scenery to cycle through, everyday slightly different. Some hard going on the bikes with a lovely meal at the end . Seeing real wild animals at the water holes just yards from you. Camping under starry sky's and listening to the noises of the night.

Cycling in Namibia

Namibia would not be my number ever travel destination as much of the country is ordinary and the distances between the highlights are too long. That said don't dismiss it. The two things that most fascinated me was the seeming harmony between all the races and tribes, compared with just over the border in South Africa and the maintenance of a significant German influence in both architecture (old and new) and language. And for the latter it is over a 100 years since it was a German colony.

Read all 22 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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