Cycling Tour Namibia Highlights 17 Days Starting Point WIndhoek Erongo Namibia Last Review: Tuesday, 26th February 2019 Printed at www.cycle-africa.co.za on Saturday, 09th March 2019 Page 1/8
General Tour overview: The national parks and wildlife reserves with its variety as well as its unique landscape and vegetation makes Namibia a popular country. On this bike tour we will cycle along the edge of the Fish River Canyon, the second largest in the world. We will discover Namibia by hiking in the oldest desert in the world and cycling through the desolate Naukluft Mountains. In Swakopmund we experience the time when the Germans colonized this area and ride to the Spitzkoppe, the impressive landmark of Namibia, with its massive granite peaks. We will have a look at the thousands of years old artistry from the bushmen (san) of the time in Twyfelfontein, and go on safari in Etosha National Park. This 17 day cycling holiday offers the unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Namibian landscape up close by cycling on selected bike routes. You can actively experience these wonders from another perspective as the usual bus or 4 4. Your Itinerary and abbreviations: KM = distance cycled by bike, Hg = height gain in meters, B/L/D = meals included (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner) Day 1. Arrive Windhoek Your tour guide will welcome you at Windhoek airport, we then drive through the Khomas Highland to our beautifully 3* located lodge on the Oanob Lake. During dinner time your guide will welcome the group and brief you about the tour and answer the many questions you may have. Day 2. Cycle to the Fish River Canyon Transfer to Keetmanshoop. Visit to the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground. Quiver trees are a species of Aloe and flower in June and July. From Holoog we cycle in the Gondwana Canyon Park. Along the way you can see mountain zebra, ostrich, oryx antelope and springbok. We will stay for two nights in a beautifully located 3* lodge at the Fish River Canyon. KM: 35, Hg: 130m (gravel road), B Day 3. Cycle between million year old formations We cycle through the fascinating desert landscapes down into the Fish River Canyon and pass indigenous Gneiss, basalt and quartz rock formations. Relax your muscles in the hot springs of the Ai-Ai s. From the Hobas viewpoint, we can wonder at the phenomenal dimensions of the canyon from above. KM: 71 (gravel road), Hg: 330m, B Day 4. Colonial history, faith and wildlife Visit the mission village of Bethanien. The museum exhibits the difficult living conditions under which the Europeans settled in 1830. Along the Swartrand Mountains we then cycle to Helmeringhausen. Here you can experience the atmosphere of the African Wild West. We undertake a safari on a farm and, with luck, see kudu, ostrich and bat-eared fox, but also learn about the local farming practices. KM: 54 (gravel road), Hg: 250m, B Day 5. Cycle along the Great Escarpment Transfer to Zarishoogte Passes, the beginning of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert. We will pass farms with ostrich and Karakul sheep before reaching our 3* lodge. The afternoon is perfect for relaxing by the pool or taking a walk around the farm and see the game roaming freely on the property. KM: 50 (gravel road), Hg: 310m, B Day 6. Cycle the in the oldest desert in the world Our bike tour leads us in the Namib Naukluft Park to the red dunes of Sossusvlei and admire this unique display of color during the morning sunlight. We undertake a hike through the fascinating desert, and explore the Sesriem Canyon. We Printed at www.cycle-africa.co.za on Saturday, 09th March 2019 Page 2/8
drive to Solitaire, where we have two nights accommodation in a beautiful 3* lodge. KM: 23 (tar road), Hg: 10m, B Day 7. Cycle through the Naukluft Mountains Cycle through the impressive Buellsport Gorge with 1500 to 2100 ft. high walls. You can spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool. During sunset we enjoy a walk and take a Sundowner cocktail with us and listen to the barking geckos as the sun sets. KM: 44 (gravel road), Hg: 100m, B Day 8. Cycle to the Kuiseb Canyon Today we cycle to the geologically interesting Gaub and Kuiseb Canyon. On our way Ostrich, zebra and gemsbok may cross our path. After a transfer to Swakopmund on the cool Atlantic we get an impression of of the former German colonial times with many buildings from that period. We stay two nights in a 2* hotel near the ocean. KM: 45 (gravel road), Hg: 150m,B Day 9. The Moon Landscape and Welwitchia In Namib Naukluft Park we will see living stones (Lithops), the moon landscape and the largest Welwitschia Mirabilis plant yet discovered. The afternoon is free to your disposal and your guide can suggest any activities should you be interested. KM: 41 (gravel road), Hg: 160m, B Day 10. Cycle to the Spitzkoppe After a transfer towards Usakos, we start our cycle to the famous peaks of the Spitzkoppe. The landmark of Namibia, in the otherwise flat plains and visit some ancient rock paintings. A short transfer takes us to the mining town of Uis, where we will spend the night in chalets of a 2* lodge. KM: 50 (gravel), Hg: 100m, B Day 11. Cycle through Damaraland Reaching Damaraland, we cycle along the imposing Brandberg Mountain. On the side of the road Herero women sell handmade articles and semi-precious stones. With luck, we will see the rare desert elephant while cycling. Transfer to the uniquely located 3* lodge of Twyfelfontein, here we stay in thatched chalets for two nights. KM: 65 (gravel road), Hg: 450m, B Day 12. World Heritage Site In the morning we explore the popular rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. They recently gained UNESCO World Heritage Status. We undertake a guided walk and visit the Dancing Kudu and the Lion Tail route. Afterwards we ride to the organ pipes and burnt mountain. The afternoon is at own disposal. KM: 20 (gravel road), Hg: 50m, B Day 13. Table Mountains to the unique Vingerkip Transfer to the Petrified Forest to learn about these fossil trees, after which we cycle through a Mopane forest and pass many table-like mountains to the tranquil Vingerklip 3* Lodge. On the grounds of the lodge stands a 75 ft. high freestanding stack which is a famous natural monument. KM: 51 (gravel road), Hg: 110m, B Day 14. Safari in Etosha National Park After a transfer we arrive in Etosha National Park. Except for the buffalo, we can view the Big 4 elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. In addition you have a chance to see cheetah, jackals, giraffe and large herds of common zebra and springbok. We spend two nights in beautiful chalets overlooking the bush of a 3* lodge 3*. B Day 15. More game viewing in Etosha We spend half the day on safari in open game vehicle. A highlight is certainly a walk into the pan itself. The afternoon is at your own leisure. If requested we go on another game drive in late afternoon. B Printed at www.cycle-africa.co.za on Saturday, 09th March 2019 Page 3/8
Day 16. Back to Windhoek After breakfast we leave for Windhoek. During a break we visit the handcraft market in Okahandja. In Windhoek we stay at a nice guesthouse. B Day 1. Arrival in Windhoek 2019 Tour Schedule Your tour guide will welcome you at Windhoek airport. Afterwards we drive through the Khomas Highland to our beautifully located 3* lodge on the Oanob Lake. Day 2. Bike tour to the Quiver Tree Forrest and Giants Playground Transfer to Keetmanshoop. After our lunch, we will cycle on gravel roads to the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground. Quiver trees are a species of Aloe and flower in June and July. We overnight in a lodge close to Keetmanshoop. KM: 40 Hg: +400m (tar/gravel road) B/L Day 3. Bike tour to the second biggest canyon in the world Transfer to Holoog. From there we cycle in the Gondwana Canyon Park. Along the way you might see mountain zebra, ostrich, oryx antelope and springbok. We will stay for two nights in a lodge close to the Fish River Canyon. During the afternoon we cycle from our lodge to the edge of the canyon. The view down into the second largest canyon is breathtaking. KM: 54, Hg: +430m (gravel road) B/L Day 4. Bike tour between the million year old rock formations We cycle through the fascinating desert landscapes down into the Fish River Canyon and pass indigenous Gneiss, basalt and quartz rock formations. Relax your muscles in the hot springs of the Ai-Ais. We will be back at our lodge in the late afternoon. KM: 71 Hg: +330m (gravel road) B/L Day 5. Colonial history, faith and wildlife Visit the mission village of Bethanien. The museum exhibits the difficult living conditions under which the Europeans settled in 1830. Along the Swartrand Mountains we then cycle to Helmeringhausen. Here you can experience the atmosphere of the African Wild West. Stay at a simple Hotel. KM: 54, Hg: +250m, (gravel road) B/L Day 6. Bike tour along the Great Escarpment Transfer to Zarishoogte Pass, the beginning of the oldest desert in the world, the Namib Desert. We will pass farms with ostrich and Karakul sheep before reaching our 3* lodge. The afternoon is perfect for relaxing by the pool or taking a walk around the farm. KM: 50 Hg: +310m (gravel road) B/L Day 7. Bike tour in the oldest desert in the world Our bike tour leads us in the Namib Naukluft Park and the red dunes of Sossusvlei where there is an unique display of colours in the morning sun. We will hike through the fascinating desert and explore the Sesriem Canyon. We will drive to Solitaire, where we stay for 2 nights in a nearby lodge. KM: 23 Hg: +10m (tar/ black top) B/L Day 8. Bike tour through the rocky Naukluft Mountains Bike tour through the impressive Buellsport Gorge with 500 to 700m high walls. You can spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool. During sunset we will take a walk to weaver bird nests and enjoy a Sundowner drink. KM: 44 Hg +100m (gravel road) B/L Day 9. Bike tour to the river oasis of the Kuiseb Canyon We will ride to the geologically interesting Gaub and Kuiseb Canyon. On our way, ostriches and gemsboks will cross our path. After a transfer to Swakopmund on the cool Atlantic we will get an impression of many buildings from the former German colonial Printed at www.cycle-africa.co.za on Saturday, 09th March 2019 Page 4/8
time. We will stay two nights in a hotel 3* near the ocean. KM: 45 Hg: +150m (gravel road) B/L Day 10. Bike tour to the moon landscape and large Welwitschia In the Namib Naukluft Park we will see living stones (Lithops), the moon landscape and the largest Welwitschia Mirabilis plant yet discovered. The afternoon will be at leisure and your guide can give tips and hints for activities. KM: 41 Hg +360m (gravel road) B/L Day 11. Bike tour to the SPitzkoppe After a transfer towards Usakos, we cycle to the famous peak of the Spitzkoppe, the landmark of Namibia, in the otherwise flat plains. We will also visit some ancient rock paintings. A short transfer takes us to the mining town of Uis, where we will spend the night in chalets of a simple lodge 2*. KM: 50 Hg: +100m (gravel road) B/L Day 12. Bike tour through the Damaraland Reaching the Damaraland, we cycle along the imposing Brandberg Mountain. Next to the road Herero women offer handmade articles and semi-precious stones. With luck, we will see the rare desert elephant while cycling. Transfer to our next accommodation where we will stay in thatched chalets of a lodge for two nights. KM: 65 Hg: +450m (gravel road) B/L Day 13. World Heritage Site In the morning, we will explore the popular rock engravings of Twyfelfontein. They recently gained UNESCO World Heritage Status. We will visit the Dancing Kudu route and also the Lion Tail route. Afterwards we ride to the organ pipes and burnt mountain. In the afternoon, we meet a representative of the Twyfelfontein Conservancy organisation. In relation to its size Namibia has set aside the largest surface of private and public nature reserves in the world. A conservancy, in which human and larger wild mammals live together, offers the locals a better share in the burgeoning tourism sector and helps protecting game from poaching, making this concept a success. KM: 20 Hg: 50m (gravel road) B/L Day 14. Bike tour between table mountains to the unique Vingerklip column Transfer to the Petrified Forest. Undertake a bike excursion through a Mopane forest, passing the many table-like mountains en route to the 22m high freestanding stack, the Vingerklip column, which is regarded as a famous natural monument. Stay at a lodge close by. KM: 51 Hg: +110m (gravel road) B/L Day 15. Safari in the Etosha National Park After a transfer we arrive in the Etosha National Park. Except for the buffalo, we can view the Big 4 elephant, lion, leopard and rhino. In addition, you can have a look at cheetah, jackal, giraffe and large herds of common zebra and springbok. We spend two nights in beautiful chalets overlooking the bush of our 3* lodge. B Day 16. More game viewing in the Etosha National Park We spend half the day on safari in an open game vehicle. A highlight is certainly a short walk into the pan itself. The afternoon is at your own leisure. If requested, we can go on another game drive in the late afternoon. B Day 17. Back to WIndhoek After breakfast, we leave for Windhoek. During a break we will visit the handcraft market in Okahandja. In Windhoek we stay at a guest house 2-3* in walking distance to the city centre. B Day 18. Windhoek city tour and return journey You will have the possibility to take a tour of the city, if your flight time allows it. Our cycling holiday ends with your transfer to Windhoek Airport. B Printed at www.cycle-africa.co.za on Saturday, 09th March 2019 Page 5/8
Tour Summary Group Size Minimum 8 and Maximum of 15 guests. Tour Prices (ZAR) Per Person: R 34100.00 Single Supplement: R 2900.00 MTB full suspension (20/30 speed) hire: R 3780.00 emtb Hardtail: R 3045.00 Tour Schedules 1-2019-07-27 - Interest Shown 2-2019-10-12 - New Tour Is this tour for you? If you love the feeling of wide open spaces with few fences, this tour is for you. Love getting lost in thought as you watch the night sky. (Namibia is Big Sky country) Don t mind getting dusty while cycling. Love taking landscape pictures. Hungry for adventure. What can I expect? An experienced bicycle guide who knows the country. Constant vehicle backup. Wide open spaces which leave you mesmerized. Free roaming wildlife may cross your cycle path. Friendly Namibians. To fill your memory sticks and take too many pictures. To come back. Travel Info All cycling is done on graveled roads. Although the roads are generally good to cycle and carefully selected, depending on the time of year they can also be uneven. We are however flexible due to the constant and close accompaniment of our vehicles. A reasonable amount of fitness is enough to be able to cycle the trails. During the given dates it is the dry season in Namibia, during the day the temperature is a comfortable 82 F, at night in the desert it can drop into the thirties. This tour is also available as a private tour, with minimum two participants. Included in price English/ German speaking tour guide 16 nights in hotels, guesthouses and chalets with private bathroom 16 x breakfast Constant vehicle backup as well as transport for bikes Al entrance fees for sightseeing program Printed at www.cycle-africa.co.za on Saturday, 09th March 2019 Page 6/8
Not included Flights to and from Namibia Tips and gratuities Meals not mentioned above Mountain bike hire Printed at www.cycle-africa.co.za on Saturday, 09th March 2019 Page 7/8
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