OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
GETTING THERE
PACKING LIST
FAQs
OVERVIEW
Namibia is the ultimate gravel cycling and adventure destination. Combining endless gravel roads, close encounters with wildlife, vast and breathtaking landscapes and nights under the stars, Namibia offers the trip of a lifetime.
Off:Roader Namibia takes you on a journey through some of the major highlights of the country. We’ll visit the sand dunes at Sossusvlei, ride through the Namib, the oldest desert in the world, and finish with a game drive in Etosha National Park, one of the most unique wildlife sanctuaries in the world.
Gravel here is plentiful. You can expect over 85% of our route to be on gravel roads or back country trails, with very little traffic to contend with. There will also be side trip opportunities for technical desert riding or scenic sunset loops.
Off:Roader Namibia is aimed at intermediate cyclists who have a good to high level of fitness and health. Although the route has limited elevation, the corrugation of the gravel roads, the number of days riding and the dry and hot climate make this trip challenging. At minimum, you should be comfortable with cycling up to 100km a day and multiple days back-to-back.
We ride in small groups led by a guide based on rider speed so the quicker, more experienced riders will be in the front group and the back group will go at a more relaxed pace. All groups are no-drop and the aim is to soak up the scenery and take in the vast landscapes. It’s not about speed but the journey!
Included in Ride Package
Accommodation
10 nights in 3* & 4* boutique guesthouses and lodges and 2 nights desert camping. Choose private single, shared twin or shared double rooms.
Airport Transfers
Fly into Windhoek (WDH), our team will be on hand to collect you & drop you back off on departure day.
9 Epic Stages
Full ride support with guides leading small groups, van support & regular feed stops. Including two rest days.
Meals
Bring some money for drinks but our package includes 12 dinners, 10 lunches & 12 breakfasts.
Regular Stops
Each group will be flanked by a truck which will provide food and water en route. We'll stop every hour to refill bottles and gave snacks.
Luggage
We move your overnight bags from hotel to hotel each day and provide a day bag to collect at lunch.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Flights, Insurance (mandatory), Drinks with evening meals
REAL RIDER REVIEWS
The landscape is stunning. The group gelled well. The local support team were superb. Varied and interesting accommodation. Very quiet roads.
Ceri 
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrival in Windhoek, transfers at 10am and 2pm (transfer takes approx 1 hour)
DAY 2
Stage One: Windhoek to Fritzposten, 74km, 1148m elevation, 84% off road
DAY 3
Stage Two: Fritzposten to Rooisand, 140km, 1255m elevation, 98% off road
DAY 4
Stage Three: Rooisand to Rostock, 64km, 547m elevation, 98% off road
DAY 5
Stage Four: Rostock to Sesriem, 134km, 627m elevation, 100% off road
DAY 6
Rest day in the sand dunes at Sossusvlei and then transfer to the coast.
DAY 7
Stage Five: Swakopmund to Swakopmund, 53km, 774m elevation, 90% off road
DAY 8
Stage Six: Henties Bay to Spitzkoppe (ride), 109km, 1152m elevation, 100% off road
DAY 9
Stage Seven: Spitzkoppe to Uis, 93km, 557m elevation, 96% off road
DAY 10
Stage Eight: Uis to Khorixas Uis, 118km, 552m elevation, 85% of road
DAY 11
Stage Nine: Khorixas to Etosha (ride and drive), 110km, 570m, 80% off road
DAY 12
Etosha game drive (rest day)
DAY 13
Departure day, transfer back to Windhoek from Etosha
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS
NON STOP GRAVEL
Namibia is a gravel riding paradise, with mile after mile of gravel roads as far as the eye can see. Most days will be over 90% gravel!
iNCREDIBLE NATURE
Prepare to be humbled by some of the most breathtaking and vast landscapes on earth. The photos never quite do it justice, it has to be experienced to be believed.
WILDLIFE EVERYWHERE
Incredible wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the trip both on and off the bike, including rhinos, giraffes, elephants, springbok, oryx, dozens of different bird varieties, ostrich, meerkats, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, kudu and zebra to name but a few!
BUCKET LIST REST DAYS
We have two main sections to the ride - 4 sections from Windhoek and then an amazing day off in famous sand dunes at Sossusvlei and then another few days riding from the coast up north to the amazing Etosha National Park for a well earned rest day spent on safari.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Accommodation
We’ll stay in a range of cosy 3* and 4* guest houses and lodges as well as spending a couple of nights under the stars in peaceful, remote campsites with great facilities and incredible views.
Bike & Tyre Choice
The route is suitable for both gravel and MTBs. The most important choice for the trip is tyre selection. Choose a gravel tread and go as wide as you can (minimum 45mm, but ideally go bigger). Running a tubeless set up is also preferable.
Food
Namibia is a largely meat-eating country, with all kinds of meat and game on the menu, and great fish by the sea. We’ll eat in a mix of local restaurants, in our accommodation and expect at least one braai (BBQ). We can cater for vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies on request.
weather
Expect it to be warm and mostly dry with occasional, short downpours in February/March. Inland temperatures can reach highs of 40°C during the hottest parts of the day. Hydration tablets are a must pack and we will have lots of early starts to try to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Temperatures on the coast in Swakopmund are generally cooler (around 18-22°C) and it can get cold at night.
Terrain
Namibia is blessed with mile after mile of wide gravel roads with little traffic. Road conditions can be everything from smooth gravel and sand, to bumpy, hard-packed gravel with corrugation. Graders are regularly seen on the main gravel roads, smoothing the gravel for a more comfortable ride. Some sections of road may not have been graded in a long time so expect it to get bumpy. You’ll need your fat tyres and an eye for picking the smoothest line on these sections!
The Route
Although there are few climbs to speak of on the route, the terrain can be tough going in the heat. We will be fully supported at all times, so there will be opportunities to jump in a van to skip forwards, as well as enjoy some air con!
7 UNMISSABLE HIGHLIGHTS IN NAMIBIA
NUMBER One
Spitzkoppe - glorious rock formations in the desert
This beautiful rock formation 100km from the coast in Namibia looks a little like Uluru & it's surrounding area in Australia.
As with everything in Namibia, you can see these rocks in the distance from miles away and its a real focal point of our ride from Henties Bay. We spend the evening here so there is plenty of time to explore the area, climb the rocks and get an amazing view of the surrounding countryside.
NUMBER TWO
Wildlife. Everywhere
While there are world class game reserves and national parks in Namibia, one of the real joys is how naturally the wildlife interact with human life.
On a normal stage, we may see any number of elephants, giraffes, zebras & more. Often, we are all looking for the same shade (see pic!). With some long, straight roads on the route we have plenty of time to spot animals along the way.
number three
Frontier Life
Namibia is proper frontier country, it's one of the least populated countries in the world and the environment is harsh for farmers and anyone looking to setup life here.
Apart from on the coast in Swakopmund, we mostly stay in ranches, small villages & desert camps in glorious locations. Some of the best bits of the trip are chatting, going for a short hike or sharing a beer by the pool after a long ride.
Number Four
Sand dunes at Sossusvlei
Alongside the famous game reserves, the sand dunes at Sossusvlei are probably the most famous attraction in the country.
We visit here after four epic stages and have a well earned rest day exploring these amazing dunes. We arrive just after sunrise when the gates first open and enjoy seeing the sand at it's most colourful. We have hours to explore the dunes, take some great photos and enjoy being in this unique and special place.
Number five
Swakopmund & The Skeloton Coast
After almost a week in tiny villages, desert camps and remote ranches, we arrive in Swakopmund, one of the largest cities in the country with a population of 75,000.
The coastline here is famed Skeleton Coast, long feared by sailors and home to many a shipwreck. There is often a thick sea mist here as well as big waves & very cold water! The town has some great restaurants and German bakeries and we enjoy some epic riding just inland.
Number six
Riding Past the Tropic of Capricorn
There aren't many times in your life you get to ride past one of the major lines on the planet. We pass this on stage three and have a quick stop for a drink & photo.
Number seven
Etosha National Park
The ride finishes in a suitably epic place after such a massive journey - Etosha National Park. This is one of the largest National Parks in Africa and teeming with wildlife.
Just one day before heading back home, we get a full day in the park with our knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the waterholes and the animals that frequent them.
Take this opportunity to be introduced to African wildlife from the comfortable seat of a game vehicle. Here you can catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife including lion, giraffe, elephant, white and black rhino, ostrich, and a multitude of plains game.
STAGE DETAILS
Route Summary:
Our ride starts at the geographical centre of Namibia, at an elevation of 1700 metres and heads up over 2,000m. We roll out of our guesthouse in Windhoek, heading to the south of the city then onto the gravel, to the south went of the capital. This warm up ride will give you plenty of time to acclimatise and get a good feel for the wide open gravel roads in Namibia.
Our route takes you directly to our peaceful camp, situated on Farm Vaalgras, in the beautiful Khomas Hochland, where wildlife such as Eland, Zebra, Gemsbok and Springbok roam freely. We’ll sit around the fire, enjoy a traditional braai and relax under the stars in the wilderness.
Ride Distance: 74km Ride Elevation: 1148m % Off Road: 84% Difficulty: 3.5/5
Route Summary:
We are straight onto the gravel today, and all wide open gravel roads with barely a vehicle in sight. Wonder at the array of colourful birds and game that play close to the route. Today will also be a good introduction to corrugation or washboard gravel – think Tuscany on steroids! Stay relaxed and find your line and you will soon get used to it! We have a lot of rolling terrain today as well as a fun gravel descent in the Gamsberg area.
Cycling will be through a mix of desert landscapes and rocky outcroppings, with a reward waiting for us at the end of the ride – a glorious dip in the pool at Rooisand Desert Ranch and a cold beer at the bar.
Ride Distance: 140km Ride Elevation: 1255m % Off Road: 98% Difficulty: 3.5/5
Route Summary:
A shorter day today, you’ll be straight back onto the wide gravel roads again. You’ll notice the landscapes become more desert-like and the wildlife become more sparse as we ride into the Namib Desert. Pause to take a photo at the Tropic of Capricorn sign en route, just below the actual Tropic!
Then the fast rolling gravel will take us quickly onwards to Rostock, where there is a choice of a dip in the pool, a scenic hike up to a stunning viewpoint or an off-road vehicle exploration with sunset viewing. Our accommodation is the very unique Rostock Ritz Desert lodge, tucked into the Namib desert. Watching the light change while soaking in the lodges pool is a highlight of many of the guests here. Ancient rock paintings, some over 1000 years old, are a testament to the rich history of ancient people living in this area.
Ride Distance: 64km Ride Elevation: 547m % Off Road: 98% Difficulty: 2.5/5
Route Summary:
We are straight back onto the gravel roads today and heading for Sesriem, just outside the Namib Naukluft Park. Passing through Solitaire on our way, a small settlement with one of Namibia’s many airstrips, we head deeper into the Namib Desert.
Our route finishes at Sossusvlei Lodge, where we will stay for the night. Situated at the Entrance Gate to the National Park, Sossusvlei Lodge offers direct access to the towering red sand dunes, the famous pan of Sossusvlei, the scorched black trees of Dead Vlei and the remarkable depths of the Sesriem Canyon.
Ride Distance: 134km Ride Elevation: 627m % Off Road: 100% Difficulty: 4/5
Route Summary:
We have a leisurely start to the day today and options to accommodate everyone. You could take today as a rest day and explore town, or you could choose one of several loops from town. For those that want something a bit different, you can test your tekkerz on the sand dunes outside Swakopmund.
Within just a few kilometres of town, you’re back on the gravel, but with a difference. The local mountain bikers have created some fun single track out in the sand dunes behind the town, featuring some fun “whoops” for a bit of a challenge. For those that want to stick to gravel, we have a few routes of varying lengths that will take you into the dunes near town to explore the local area at a more relaxed pace.
Ride Distance: 53km Ride Elevation: 774m % Off Road: 90% Difficulty: 4/5
Route Summary:
After a short drive north of Swakopmund we begin today’s ride just outside Henties Bay. Expect cool temperatures to start, but it will heat up pretty quickly. Our route rolls gently uphill all day, without any big climbs to speak of, and we head back inland. The scenery changes again as we ride through the Dorob National Park, a hyper arid desert in the Erongo region.
You’ll see Klein Spitzkoppe early in the day, which masks the larger Gross Spitzkoppe, or the majestic “Namibian Matterhorn”, behind it. Mirages will play tricks on you, but don’t worry, our vans will always be close by to keep your bidons topped up and quench your thirst!
We have our second night under the stars tonight as we glamp at Spitzkoppe Tented Camp. It’s a beautiful sunset location, close to the red rock of the Spitzkoppe, a group of bald granite peaks forming one of Namibia’s most recognizable and dramatic landmarks.
Ride Distance: 109km Ride Elevation: 1,152m % Off Road: 100% Difficulty: 3.5/5
Route Summary:
After a peaceful night at camp, it’s time to hit the gravel roads again as we head to the small town of Uis, an old mining settlement. Our route today is all gravel until you hit the tarmac just outside town. You’ll notice more vegetation and wildlife again today as we head north and cross the Omaruru river and into Damaraland. The sandy riverbed is home to the elusive desert-adapted elephants.
To the north west of town, you can see the Brandberg (‘Fire Mountain’) Massif and Namibia’s highest peak, Königstein (‘King’s Stone’), standing at a mighty 2573m above sea level. Named for the vivid shade of orange it sometimes turns at sunset, the Brandberg has been sacred to the San people (one of the oldest surviving cultures of southern Africa) for centuries. The Tsisab Ravine at its base has over 45 000 ancient San rock paintings, including the famous ‘White Lady’.
Ride Distance: 93km Ride Elevation: 557m % Off Road: 96% Difficulty: 3.5/5
Route Summary:
Rolling out of town on tarmac that quickly turns to gravel, our route takes us through beautiful Damaraland. The huge, untamed and ruggedly beautiful Damaraland is an exceptionally scenic landscape of open plains and spectacular rock formations. It’s easy to see why it’s a favourite area of our team.
You’ll see many more signs of life today as we pass some traditional villages and ride through a few townships. Expect to see shepherds with cattle and goats as well as more birds, game and greenery. ‘Where there is water there is life’, and we’ll be crossing multiple rivers today, albeit mostly dry riverbeds.
Our last 12km today is on smooth tarmac as we head into Khorixas. Our home for the night is iGowati Lodge with its thatched roofs and Namib desert colours. The Damara people that work at iGowati are believed to be one of the first ancient groups to settle in Namibia and are of Bantu origin. Damarland and Khorixas have a slow African rhythm with friendly people and a welcoming environment to all guests.
Ride Distance: 118km Ride Elevation: 852m % Off Road: 85% Difficulty: 3.5/5
Route Summary:
We begin our ride today on the same smooth tarmac as yesterday but it quickly turns to gravel road with some sandy sections. We’ll ride part way to Etosha and drive the rest so that we can make it to our final destination, Etosha Safari Lodge, a stylish lodge overlooking a vast expanse of mopane woodland. Choose from one of three pools for your well-earned swim or simply sit on the spacious deck area, cold drink in hand, and take in the lavish views and the mystery and magic of Etosha, ‘Place of Legends’.
Located just south of the boundary of Etosha National Park in north-western Namibia, Etosha South makes up the southern region of this wild paradise. The national park can be accessed via the southern entrance at Andersson’s Gate. Relax today as we are saving that delight for tomorrow!
Ride Distance: 110km Ride Elevation: 570m % Off Road: 88% Difficulty: 3.5/5
ACCOMMODATION
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PACKING LIST
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GETTING THERE
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Flights
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Transfers
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Outbound
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Your Guides
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Rental Bikes
getting to NAMIBIA
Fly Into: Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)
Flights From: There are regular indirect flights to Namibia from major airports across the UK, our recommendation is either to fly with Lufthansa/Discovery via Frankfurt or with Ethiopian Airways via Addis Ababa.
Transfer Times:
Arrival: There will be two transfers on 25th February, with one in the morning at 10am and one in the afternoon at 2pm. Transfers from the airport will take approximately an hour
Departure: We will leave our accommodation in Etosha on the morning of 9th March for the 4.5 hour transfer back to Windhoek. On arrival you will have time to pack up your bike before heading to the airport to arrive at 5.30pm for flights departing after 7.30pm.
Note: transfer times are subject to change should flight times change. Final times will be confirmed and sent to you a month before your trip.
Accommodation & Meals
The hotels in Slovenia are a good standard. We stay in a mix of superior 3* and 4* hotels. Choose between a single, shared twin or double room. You can add your preferred room mate in the booking notes.
In Kranjska Gora & Bohinj the hotels overlook the mountains & lake. Our hotel in Lipica is world famous for it’s white horses and we finish overlooking the Adriatic. Luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel & bike boxes are transferred from Bled to Portoroz on the first afternoon.
Evening meals are buffets with pasta, salads, meat & vegetables. Lunches at feed stops are local restaurants as we try some of the local delicacies. Vegan, gluten free and other dietary options are available.
packing list
Cycling Kit
Bibs/shorts | Jerseys/tops (consider LS t-shirts for cooler temperatures)
Gilet | Waterproof jacket | Arm warmers
Cycling shoes | Socks | Mitts
Helmet | Sunglasses
2 bottles | Chamois cream | Sun cream
GPS device with handle bar mount
Bike spares
2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre
Spare tyre | Tyre levers
1 x puncture repair kit (if running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant)
Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain
Spare rear mech hanger for your bike
Small pump | Rear light
Spare batteries/charging cables for lights
Personal Medical kit
1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
Small set of scissors | Tweezers | Pain Killers (paracetamol)
Steri-Strips | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes)
Assorted plasters | Rubber gloves | Prescribed medication
Hotels & Meals
Accommodation: We’ll stay in a range of cosy 3* and 4* guest houses and lodges (10 nights) as well as spending a couple of nights under the stars (2 nights) in peaceful, remote campsites sites with great facilities and incredible views.
Meals – 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches on the road, 12 dinners (in a mix of our accommodation and local restaurants) are included in the package. Drinks are excluded. We stay at:
Windhoek – Elegant Guesthouse
Fritzposten – Fritzposten Camping
Rooisand – Rooisand Desert Ranch
Rostock – Rostock Ritz
Sesriem – Sossusvlei Lodge
Swakopmund (2 nights) – Swakopmund Guesthouse
Spitzkoppe – Spitzkoppe Tented Camp
Uis – Uis Elephant Guesthouse
Khorixas – iGowati Lodge
Etosha (2 nights) – Etosha Safari Lodge
DATES & PRICES
START
FINISH
SINGLE ROOM
TWIN/
DOUBLE ROOM
DEPOSIT
DATES & PRICES
FAQs
New and seasoned gravel riders, experienced road cyclists and mountain bikers alike will enjoy this trip! Most of the riding is on wide open gravel roads, with one technical singletrack section, which is optional. We ride in small groups led by a guide based on rider speed so the quicker, more experienced riders will be in the front group and the back group will go at a more relaxed pace. All groups are no-drop and the aim is to soak up the scenery and take in the vast landscapes, enjoying the journey.
Off:Roader Namibia is aimed at intermediate cyclists who have a good to high level of fitness and health. Although the route has limited elevation, the corrugation of the gravel roads and the dry and hot climate make this trip challenging. At minimum, you should be comfortable with cycling up to 100km a day and multiple days back-to-back.
Routes may be adapted depending on the weather and local road conditions during the trip. There will also be trucks travelling behind each group, so you can always jump in for a ride to jump forwards on the route whilst enjoying a bit of air con!
Namibia is blessed with mile after mile of wide gravel roads with little traffic. Road conditions can be everything from smooth gravel and sand, to bumpy, hard-packed gravel with corrugation. Graders are out on the roads regularly smoothing out the gravel so conditions can change from day to day. There is very little road in our route, but what there is, is super smooth! For those that want to test their skills, we’ve thrown in an optional single track section of ‘whoop-di-dos’ in the sand dunes outside Swakopmund. Although there are few climbs on the route, some days are gently undulating, which tests the legs.
The route is suitable for both gravel and MTBs. The most important choice for the trip is tyre selection.
A gravel tread is perfect for the dry, hard-packed gravel roads in Namibia, no super grippy treads necessary! Tyre size is crucial – the wider the better if you want a comfy ride on the corrugated gravel. We suggest minimum 45mm, but ideally go bigger.
Running a tubeless set up is also preferable.
Although gravel bikes aren’t available to rent in Namibia, we have a selection of MTBs available.
The local airport is Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport. There are regular indirect flights to Namibia from major airports across the UK, our recommendation is either to fly with Lufthansa/Discovery via Frankfurt or with Ethiopian Airways via Addis Ababa.
Arrival: There will be two transfers on 25th February, with one in the morning at 10am and one in the afternoon at 2pm. Transfers from the airport will take approximately an hour.
Departure: We will leave our accommodation in Etosha on the morning of 9th March for the 4.5 hour transfer back to Windhoek. On arrival you will have time to pack up your bike before heading to the airport to arrive at 5.30pm for flights departing after 7.30pm.
Note: transfer times are subject to change should flight times change. Final times will be confirmed and sent to you a month before your trip.
Namibia is a desert climate, so expect it to be warm and mostly dry in February/March. Inland temperatures can reach highs of 40°C during the hottest parts of the day where there is often very little shade. It is a dry heat, so you’ll need to drink plenty of water and hydration tablets are a must pack.
Temperatures on the coast in Swakopmund are generally cooler (around 18-22°C) and it can get cold at night. Annual rainfall is higher from November to March. If it does rain, it’s generally short downpours, and these can provide a welcome break from the heat!
Details of vaccination recommendations for Namibia can be found on the Travel Health website [https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/157/namibia]. Be sure to check well in advance of travel.
British citizens do not require a visa to enter Namibia.
Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips, and you are required to provide us with your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate cover for cycling abroad, any emergency medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and your bike. We also recommend it includes cancellation insurance, should you be unable to join the trip for specific reasons such as illness.
The majority of meals on the trip are included. You can expect a mixture of dinners in hotels and local restaurants plus at least one braai (BBQ). Namibia is a largely meat-eating country, with all kinds of meat and game on the menu.
We can cater for vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies. We will request this information from you before departure.
