Namibia Safari
Namibian Mountain Biking - Namibia Safari

A unique way for reasonably fit guests to experience the wilds of north-western Namibia: a combination mountain bike and vehicle safari, taking in wildlife and spectacular desert scenery along the way.  The famous desert-adapted elephant and black rhino can be seen, while the spectacular wonders of Damaraland captivate cyclist and hiker alike.  Relish that sense of achievement that is a part of peddling one's way through the vast, changing landscapes and relax at the day's end to evening drinks under a multitude of stars in the soft desert air.  A support vehicle is in accompaniment in case cycling becomes too strenuous for some.

This safari is an original active adventure combining biking, tracking wildlife on foot, hiking and wildlife viewing.  Guests have the opportunity to view spectacular desert life such as elephant, black rhino and zebra.  Unique features include riding the Brandberg monolith and up-close observation of the Save the Rhino Trust activities.

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.

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.

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.

Routes: A 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.

SAFARI COST: We no longer operate this safari on a scheduled basis; however, this safari can be quoted on a tailor-made basis.  Call us for pricing.

If a guest is willing to share and we can match with another guest of the same gender, the single supplement will not be charged. However, if there is no suitable match, the single supplement surcharge will apply.

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.

Today we embark 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.

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.

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.

Desert 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. 

Desert 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. Desert 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.