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Namibian Mountain Bike Safari
Summary of Itinerary
Days 1 & 2
Drive to Save the Rhino Camp, Ugab
Days 3
Cycle to Damaraland Camp, Damaraland
Days 4
Cycle to Palmwag Campsite, Damaraland
Days 5
Cycle to Palmwag Rhino Camp, Damaraland
Days 6
Transfer by road back to Windhoek
Namibian Safaris
Namibian Mountain Bike Safari
5 night / 6 day Safari
Tour direction - Zambia to Xigera Mokoro Trails
(also operates in the reverse direction)Combination of Safaris Vintage camps and serviced dome tent camping in remote private concession areas and campsites in Namibia.
Adventurer Explorations provide serviced spacious tents, designed to provide comfort in remote wilderness areas.
Adventurer camping brings the guest closer to nature, by means of lively campfires, hurricane lanterns, diverse activities and a warm atmosphere permeating the camp (and its simple comforts). Adventurer camps are specifically outfitted to create that wilderness camping feel with a clear emphasis on essential camp comforts and maximum wilderness experience.
Exclusive experience
This specialised safari has been tailor-made to introduce the reasonably fit guest to some of the most spectacular areas in Namibia viewed from a mountain bike. Off the main tourist routes, the journey highlights spectacular geology, desert game and scenery in the open air. Relish that sense of achievement that is a part of pedalling one's way through the vast, changing landscapes and relax at the day's end with evening drinks under a multitude of stars. All campsites are private and for the use of Adventurer Exploration guests only.
Guides
The entire safari is guided and hosted by professional and passionate trained guides who share their in-depth knowledge to present a seamless, well-rounded experience.
RouteA unique way for reasonably fit guests to experience the wilds of Namibia: a combination mountain bike and vehicle safari. A support vehicle is in accompaniment in case cycling becomes too strenuous for some.
Transfers
Innovative combination of cross-country drives and cycling, providing the opportunity to view the changing scenery and landscapes of the region.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Rates Include:
Game drives and activities as per itinerary
Non-alcoholic drinks
Breakfast, lunch & dinner throughout the tour.
Game or Park entrance fees and permits
Radio communication where communication lines are not available
Accommodation specified as per itinerary
Qualified professional guide
Single/double dome safari tents and safari ablution facilities.
Transport provided by tour company
Rates Exclude:
Visas and visa fees required
laundry
Anti-malarial and vaccinations
Any items bought prior and during the tour for personal use
Insurance for the full duration of the tour
Airport Tax, Departure Tax and / or Government Tax
Flight costs for specific routing
Gratuities/tips & porterage for tour guide and staff
Optional additional excursions to be paid whilst on tour - Surcharge of 10%
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Save the Rhino Camp, Ugab [ L, D]
After arrival in Windhoek, we are met by our guides and drive to the stunning monolith of Brandberg, on the banks of the Ugab River. We enjoy a warm-up ride of 40 kilometres to the Save the Rhino campsite, our Adventurer campsite that is pre-erected under the shade of immense Acacia trees.
On Day 2 we cycle to the old zinc mine, enjoying steep climbs, thrilling downhills and exhilarating challenges on the route. Our afternoon is spent relaxing at the camp and exploring the wildlife-rich Ugab riverbed.
Day 3: Damaraland Camp, Damaraland [B, L, D]
Day 3 embarks on the longest stage - a route of 90km through changing habitats to Damaraland Camp. This also creates a wonderful opportunity to find elephant and rhino en route, as well as to view gemsbok, springbok and giraffe.
Situated on the northern face of the Huab River valley and looking south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland Camp offers its guests endless vistas. Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river sand canyon, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. This comfortable and friendly camp offers walks and drives in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia. Although wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland Camp is situated where the rare desert-adapted elephant roams, alongside gemsbok (Oryx), springbok, ostrich and other hardy desert animals. Rare succulent plants somehow manage to eke out an existence in this harsh environment. Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in 10 comfortable tented rooms, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water. Due to the dry desert environment, it is unfortunately not possible to offer a laundry service.
Day 4: Palmwag Campsite, Damaraland [B, L, D]
Damaraland has a desolate, volcanic landscape with small rock-strewn plains where long-ago glaciers once moved. Our 80km ride traverses this incredible panorama and is the heart of black rhino country, creating a highly rewarding ride that has the possibility of seeing this endangered animal.
Day 5: Palmwag Rhino Camp, Damaraland [B, L, D]
After a short exciting ride of 40 kilometres through black rhino country, we then enjoy an afternoon tracking rhino on foot with the specialist Save the Rhino trackers. We end with sunset drinks, taking in the isolated beauty of Damaraland.
Palmwag Rhino Camp is situated in the 450 000-hectare private Palmwag Reserve in north-west Namibia, between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast - few places on the planet can offer this level of privacy and wilderness experience. This desert reserve has a number of freshwater springs that support healthy populations of animals including desert-adapted black rhino and elephants as well as large populations of the Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok and kudu. The predator population is the largest outside of the Etosha National Park with over a large lion population, cheetah, leopard, and brown and spotted hyaena. Bird life is prolific and diverse, with most of Namibia's endemics present.
Palmwag Rhino Camp has eight large East African-styled "Meru" tents each with an en-suite bathroom comprising hand basin, flush toilet and a classic bucket shower that is filled with hot water whenever needed. The tented dining room offers uninterrupted views of the desert and mountains. Welwitschia (ancient desert-adapted plants) dot the plain in front of the camp. Guests can also enjoy full day outings, with a picnic lunch, on the reserve. Palmwag Rhino Camp is a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the "Save the Rhino Trust" - a non-profit conservation organisation that has been working in this area for 20 years. The Trust has been singly responsible for helping to ensure that these rare, desert-adapted black rhino survived the slaughter that went on throughout other parts of Africa in the late 20th century. Today this population of black rhino is growing in numbers and the area boasts the largest concentration of rhino anywhere on the planet outside of a national park. Community game scouts who were employed by the Trust to help with the patrolling and monitoring all these years are now seconded to the camp and are the trackers and guides.
Day 6: Transfer to Windhoek [B, L]
After breakfast we transfer by road to Windhoek and bid farewell to the adventure.
Extra information
Limitations
Luggage allowance - 12 kg per person
Maximum group size - 8 persons
Minimum age - 12 years
Maximum age - 70 years
International and local air connection onto the safari
If arrival is planned for the day of the safari's departure, please ensure that this arrival is with the earliest possible flight from Johannesburg. Arrival on a later flight may necessitate additional road or air transfers (as departure for the first camp/lodge will already have taken place), subject to extra cost.
International air connections leaving the safari
Please ensure that your departure flight is booked for after 12h30 from Livingstone. For earlier international departure flights, an additional transfer will be required to arrive for this connection. Extra transfers and flights are subject to extra cost.
Flashlights/ torches
Please ensure that a minimum 2-D cell flashlight is brought on safari, with spare batteries. Head lamps are also useful. Flashlights are not supplied.
Camera battery charging facilities
Please note that a 12V cigarette lighter adaptor will be required (that is compatible with camera make) on this safari for charging batteries while on game drive or transfer drives. 110/ 240V outlets are available at the permanent lodges; however Linyanti Discoverer and Ketumetse Trails Camp only have 12V electricity.
Dietary requirements and special occasions: Due to remote locality of Discoverer camps, please ensure that full dietary requirements and special occasions are advised at the time of your booking confirmation.
